Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1.

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. Matthew 11:29.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Ephesians 4:22.
John says, “The light”—Christ—“shineth in darkness,” that is, in the world, “and the darkness comprehended it not…. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:5-13). The reason why the unbelieving world is not saved is that they do not choose to be enlightened. The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies.
Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices, they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again….
Let none feel that their way needs no changing. Those who decide thus are not fitted to engage in the work of God, for they will not feel the necessity of pressing constantly toward a higher standard, making continual improvement. None can walk safely unless they are distrustful of self, and are constantly looking to the work of God, studying it with willing heart to see their own errors, and to learn the will of Christ, and praying that it may be done in and by and through them. They show that their confidence is not in themselves, but in Christ. They hold the truth as a sacred treasure, able to sanctify and refine, and they are constantly seeking to bring their words and ways into harmony with its principles. They fear and tremble lest something savoring of self shall be idolized, and thus their defects be reproduced in others who confide in them. They are always seeking to subdue self, to put away everything that savors of it, and to supply the place with the meekness and lowliness of Christ. They are looking unto Jesus, growing up into Him, gathering from Him light and grace, that they may diffuse the same to others.—The Review and Herald, April 12, 1892.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 53
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for God’s leading and protection for E and children. R
—-I’m here to ask you to join hands with me in prayer for my Brother Andrew he is not doing well please lift him up into God’s Radiance. My sister is taking care of him but it’s a lot of trouble she is suffering with back pain and my brother can’t do anything for himself please take the case to Jesus. Therese
—-I have a job offer in another state, please pray that my husband’s job can be become remote for a smoother transition, thanks! Desirae
—-My mom had to go to ER the other day due to diverticulitis and she’s feeling unwell again today. Please pray for her healing and well being. She’s 75, getting frail and hasn’t fully accepted the gospel. David
—-Please pray for Sandi whose daughter died in her sleep a few days ago. Please pray that God will bring her comfort and hope. Rose
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Dear Friends,
Many years ago, my grandmother was doing her housework when, suddenly, she felt a very strange sensation inside her nose. She felt like something was crawling around inside of it. With horror, she realized that she must have breathed in a bug that had been flying by. She started sneezing and sneezing, but instead of being sneezed out, that bug was drawn up into her sinuses. My grandmother, who had felt fine just moments before, now felt like she had a terrible cold as her body tried to rid itself of the creature. That bug must have held on tightly, because he stayed inside no matter what my grandmother did.
After a few days of trying various remedies, my grandmother went to the doctor. After trying to flush that bug out with water, he finally had to remove it surgically. At last my grandmother was rid of that offending creature. Then she could heal from
the infection it had caused.
How foolish my grandmother would have been if she had refused to go to her physician for the help that only he could give. It would have had a far different outcome in those days before penicillin. We are all infected with the bug of sin, yet how few will go to the Great Physician Who is is waiting to help us. Indeed, He longs to save us from our sins. He greatly desires to cleanse us from the sin bug within us before it is too late. He pleads, “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 “Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. Joel 2:12,13
How many attempt to rid themselves from the sin-bug by cleaning up the outside. This does no good as the problem is deep within. Our Loving Saviour 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.” “I will put my laws into [your] heart, and in [your] mind will I write them and [your] sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Eze 36:26, 27; Heb 10:16, 17
May we, this day, receive the cleansing and healing from Him Who “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Gal 1:4
Rose

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. Ezekiel 36:26, 27.
he heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace of Christ that passeth understanding may rest in your soul, and the transforming power of His grace may work in your life, and fit you for the courts of glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed in the service of self, you are not making God and heaven the first consideration of your life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of Christ into your character while you are putting all your energies on the side of the world.
You may be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth, for the glory of self; but “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may take part in the outward forms of worship; but your service will be an abomination to the God of heaven. You cannot serve God and mammon. You will either yield your heart and put your will on the side of God, or you will give your energies to the service of the world. God will accept no half-hearted service.
“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light” (Luke 11:34). If the eye is single, if it is directed heavenward, the light of heaven will fill the soul, and earthly things will appear insignificant and uninviting. The purpose of the heart will be changed, and the admonition of Jesus will be heeded. You will lay up your treasure in heaven. Your thoughts will be fixed upon the great rewards of eternity. All your plans will be made in reference to the future, immortal life. You will be drawn toward your treasure. You will not study your worldly interest; but in all your pursuits the silent inquiry will be “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).—The Review and Herald, January 24, 1888.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 48
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for wisdom and guidance for E. R
—-Please pray for Cindi’s brother who is in the hospital w infection in his lung. Shannon
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Dear Friends,
When Eileen was in first and second grade, she went to a one-room school. As I drove her the fifteen miles to our home, she often talked about one the older boys in the class and what he had done to disrupt the day. He was the “class clown” and always seemed to be in trouble. He was not a bad boy, he just liked to be the center of attention. No matter how the teacher punished him, he seemed to think that making the other children laugh was his reason for being there.
He learned a valuable lesson one day, however, that caused him to change some of his ways. One bad habit he had was tipping back on his chair. No matter how many times the teacher told him to keep all four chair legs on the floor, he would always tip back on just two. She told him that someday he would fall backwards, but he did not take her seriously. He thought he had perfect control of that old, wooden chair. He thought she was a very mean teacher, but she was really concerned for his welfare. Her warnings were to protect him from injury. As he disobeyed day after day, his influence was beginning to show in the way the other children obeyed their teacher as well. She was at a loss as to what to do.
One day, the matter took care of itself. Somehow that “class clown” tipped back just a little too far in his chair and down he went just as the teacher had warned. He hit the back of his head very hard. The chair must have come up and hit his chin because it split open as well. Hurt and humiliated, he was a little more subdued after that. The teacher noticed that after that incident the other children were more obedient. They learned the lesson of cause and effect that day.
Often we are like that boy. We read many warnings in God’s Word, but chafe under the restriction. God gave Israel a choice so many years ago. “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God.” Deut 11:26 We have that same choice today. God’s greatest desire is to bless us. He gave us His Commandments to protect us, but so often we turn away and do our own “thing”. How much grief that causes His Great Heart of Love. His greatest desire is for us to love Him by obeying Him. He knows the effect of our disobedience and pleads, “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
Jesus tells us, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 John tells us, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:2-4
May we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” that we may someday dwell with Him forevermore. Phil 3:14; Rev 22:14
Rose

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:12, 13.
The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through the long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love.
Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth, who sought to rob them of their Christian experience. They were compelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy Spirit’s working even the weakest, by exercising faith in God, learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become sanctified, refined, and ennobled. As in humility they submitted to the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they received of the fullness of the Godhead and were fashioned in the likeness of the divine.—The Acts of the Apostles, 49, 50.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 46
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Prayer Requests
—-My friend, Brittainy’s dad has covid, and, although he is doing better, he is not out of the woods yet. Please keep him in your prayers. Wanangwa
—-Prayers are needed for a young lady who was shot in the head this week. A gang mistook her for someone else. She was ten weeks pregnant. CC
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Dear Friends,
When I write the devotional, I’m always worried that somehow I will lose it. It has happened to me more than once. Most of the time it is because I have thoughtlessly done something that has caused it to disappear. I remember one time just as I was typing “Rose” at the end of the devotional, I did something I should never have done. For some unknown reason, I clicked the “Back” button at the top of the page. To my horror, it took me to the last time I had saved my work. There was very little of the “Dear Friends” part of the devotional left. Frantically, I looked to see if I could press “Forward” and all would be well. I couldn’t. All that work was gone. It had vanished, disappeared. I had to start over again.
Just as so much of the “Dear Friends” part of the devotional had vanished that morning, so our Great Redeemer promises ” I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” Isa 43:25; 1:18; 44:22 Oh how much we need that blotting out!
Micah exclaims, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18, 19
John assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 We are bidden as Peter bade the people on the day of Pentecost, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
Think of it! The Great King of the Universe loves us so much that He is willing to forgive and forget all of our transgressions, iniquities, and sins, if we will ask Him to do so. He, Who “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” is anxiously awaiting to hear our prayer of repentance. John 3:16 Even more, the great “goodness of God leadeth [us] to repentance.” Rom 2:4
*Marvelous grace of our Loving Lord! Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured—There, where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold, Threaten the soul with infinite loss; Grace that is greater—yea, grace untold—Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive? Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin!
May we accept His Great Grace today while the door of mercy is still open. May we pray as did David, “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD. For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” Ps 25:10,11 And, because of His great love and forgiveness, may we “go and sin no more, that we may be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, “whom God hath given to them that obey him” is my prayer. John 8:11; Acts 5:32
Rose
*Marvelous Grace by Julia Johnston