As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth’s rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps nor barren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasm, was clear and healthful….

After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action…. Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions…. He who set the starry worlds on high, and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when he came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave Him life…. Though formed from the dust, Adam was “the son of God.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 44.
With God at Dawn p. 344
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for E for God’s guidance and protection. R
—-I have eyelid surgery on Wednesday morning and could use the prayers for a successful outcome. David
— my friend Joanne is in the hospital with this second kind of COVID she is 58 years old. She is on a ventilator and is getting weaker… The doctors are saying she might not make it. I am asking for mighty prayers for her. Maryanne
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Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I wrote about the eight baby hamsters that Ronnie Jay had so many years ago. Their lives were full of object lessons. What busy little rodents they were! While one was on his tiptoes getting a drink from the water bottle, others were running in the wheel. Some were wrestling; still others were foraging around looking for something to eat or just exploring their surroundings. It was so much fun watching their antics! One time, after we cleaned out their cage, I laid my hand on the freshly changed pine shavings to get them used to me and to see what they would do. Immediately, four of them came over to investigate. After smelling my fingers all over, one of them tried to take a bite. He didn’t hurt me, he was just tasting me to see if I was edible. I withdrew my hand rather quickly, before he decided he liked the taste!

Think of it. If those little creatures give us so much pleasure, think how much enjoyment we will have when interacting with all of God’s creatures when sin and sinners are no more. Isaiah speaks of that grand and glorious day. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. . . .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. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isa 65:17-24; 11:6-9;

What delights await us when we will experience the time John foresaw, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 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.” Rev 21:1-4

May we all be there is my prayer.

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/there-is-nothing-too-hard-for-thee.html

Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is “the express image” of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God, and in perfect obedience to His will.

As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy tint of health, and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam’s height was much greater than that of men who now inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature; yet her form was noble, and full of beauty. The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued to enshroud them…. God Himself gave Adam a companion…. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 45, 46.

So long as they remained loyal to the divine law, their capacity to know, to enjoy, and to love, would continually increase. They would be constantly gaining new treasures of knowledge, discovering fresh springs of happiness, and obtaining clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the immeasurable, unfailing love of God.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 51.
With God at Dawn p. 342
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Prayer Requests
—Please continue to pray for E and her children as she needs direction from God on some very important decisions she must make. R
—-Ron has lost his hearing aids. Please pray that he can find them quickly. Rose
—-Requesting prayer for my Dad, Randolph. Facing some big health struggles. Ronmel
—-I have a big prayer and miracle to ask you. My BFF has colon cancer and the doctor has given her 2-3 months. She’s in bad shape. Can’t eat anything. Drinking Alkaline water. Very weak and tons of pain. Her name is Judy. I sure would like it if you could do this for her. Sandra
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Dear Friends,

When he was still living at home, Ronnie Jay had a variety of pets. That included hamsters. Well, one evening, all those years ago, when I opened the refrigerator to get something for the cookies I was going to bake, I noticed a half-used green pepper. It had been there for awhile, so I decided to give some to Ronnie Jay’s hamsters. In one of the cages was the mother hamster with her eight babies. These little ones were just beginning to open their eyes. I placed a fairly large piece in the cage. The mother began eating but soon became distracted by her active little ones. As soon as she went over to attend to them, one of the babies rushed over to the green pepper and took a nibble. He must have liked it as he picked it up in his sharp little teeth and began carrying it to the other side of the cage. Soon the other babies smelled the delectable morsel and followed him. Soon four of them were having a tug-of-war all the while squeaking some rather unkind remarks at each other. I thought I would solve the problem by putting a few baby-sized pieces in there. The mother came over reaching up her hands for a bigger piece. She missed it. The babies that were near her grabbed it and a second tug-of-war ensued. The mother was able to grab the other piece I offered since her little ones were all busy squabbling.

It was so much fun watching those babies. I called Ron and Ronnie Jay and the three of us had some good entertainment. Those babies reminded me of a flock of seagulls all screaming “mine,” “mine,” “mine” like we used to see when we lived near the Atlantic. I used to call my children seagulls when they would fight over something. Now I realize I could have just as easily called them baby hamsters.

Selfishness. How it ruins one’s life. How it becomes the overpowering force that soon takes over until a person no longer cares who they hurt as long as they reach their goals. In view of this sin we all share, Paul advises, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 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.” “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Phil 2:3-8; Rom 12:10-21

May we live by the words of Jesus, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” therefore “whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matt 20:26, 27; 7:12 May we look away from self and serve as Jesus did is my prayer.

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/man-made-in-uprightness.html

The sun, the moon, the stars, the solid rocks, the flowing stream, the broad, restless ocean, teach lessons that all would do well to heed.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 190.

Nature is full of lessons of the love of God. Rightly understood, these lessons lead to the Creator. They point from nature to nature’s God, teaching those simple, holy truths that cleanse the mind, and bring it into close touch with God.

The great Teacher calls on nature to reflect the light that floods the threshold of heaven, that men and women may be led to obey His Word. And nature does the bidding of the Creator. To the heart softened by the grace of God, the sun, the moon, the stars, the lofty trees, the flowers of the field, utter their words of counsel and advice. The sowing of the seed carries the mind to spiritual seed-sowing. The tree stands forth declaring that a good tree cannot bear evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bear good fruit…. As Christ tells us the meaning of the things in nature, the science of true religion flashes forth, explaining the relation of the law of God to the natural and the spiritual world.

The swallow and the crane observe the changes of the seasons. They migrate from one country to another to find a climate suitable to their convenience and happiness, as the Lord designed they should. They are obedient to the laws which govern their life. But the beings formed in the image of God fail to honor Him by obeying the laws of nature.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 188, 189.
With God at Dawn p. 339
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Prayer Requests
—-I am Requesting Prayers for a Dear Friend Lenora who is having an issue with Insomnia. Cheryl
—-Please pray for our baby who has RSV and is in the hospital. Shanae
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Dear Friends,

Five-year-old children have a lot of energy and I was no exception. Unfortunately, I used some of my excess energy by swinging my legs sideways at the dinner table. This annoyed my mother very much, as she sat beside me. No matter how many times she would tell me to sit completely still, I would soon be wiggling again even though I tried to obey.

One day she thought of a plan to cure me of my wiggles. After having warned me to sit still, she waited until my attention was on something else. Then she put a dinner fork under her leg with the tines sticking out towards me. I had not seen her do it because I had (and still have) the bad habit of being unaware of anything transpiring around me whenever I am concentrating on something or deep in thought.

Soon I was swinging my legs again. It wasn’t long until I felt a sharp pain. Surprised, I stopped swinging my legs for a while. After a few minutes, I forgot all about what had just happened and I was back to my old habit again. Again, I felt a sharp pain. I looked down and saw the fork. I felt betrayed. Tears welled up in my eyes to think that my mother would do such a thing to me, but the punishment was effective. Never again did I swing my legs at the dinner table. I had learned my lesson.

As I grew older, I learned that there are always consequences resulting from our actions. These choices, or these habits those choices become, can affect the rest of our life. Sadly, we often make choices without really thinking things through, but the consequences are still there. Sometimes the effects of our decisions are minor and we hardly give them a second thought. Sometimes the results cause us distress for the rest of our life.

There is one choice, however, that everyone who has ever lived must make. This choice has eternal consequences. When Joshua was coming to the end of his life, he gathered together the children of Israel and reminded them of God’s great mercy in bringing them out of Egypt. He recounted God’s parental dealings with them and their fathers. Then he brought them to a decision, the consequence of which would decide the whole course of the nation as well as of each individual. He said, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-16

As with one voice the people chose to serve God that day, however, within a very few generations, their descendants forgot God’s mercy and chose to be like the nations around them. Their choice brought great misery upon themselves nationally as well as individually. Finally, many centuries later, when they cried, “We have no king but Caesar” “His blood be on us, and on our children,” they were calling for consequences the likes of which they never dreamed nor would they desire had they thought things through. John 19:15; Matt 27:25 In His Great Mercy, our Loving Redeemer gave them another three-and-one-half years from that point to repent and turn back to Him. Sadly, most refused, and Israel was rejected as a nation although individuals could still be saved. The time of their probation as a nation was fulfilled. (see Dan 9:24-27) From that point (A.D. 34), the gospel spread to the Gentiles. How little did they realize the weight of their words when they called for His Blood to be upon them. History has revealed how terrible the results of their crucifying the King of the Universe were.

We, too, have decisions to make. We, too, make daily choices that affect the whole course of our life. We, too, must choose to serve our Dear Saviour, or to reject Him. With tears in His voice, Jesus pleads, “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?” “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.” “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Eze 33:11; Matt 11:28; Rev 3:20

May we come to the foot of the cross today and accept His Great Sacrifice. May we give our heart, our life, our all to the One Who loves us by allowing Him to mold us according to His will. May we daily choose to make Him our Saviour and Guide for He has promised, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/the-heavens-praise-him.html