No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life…. They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow-men in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the fig-tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless…. In the sentence pronounced on the fig-tree Christ demonstrates how fateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory.—The Desire of Ages, 584.

“I am debtor,” Paul declares, “both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise.” So also are we. By all that has blessed our life above others, we are placed under obligation to every human being whom we might benefit.

These truths are not for the closet more than for the counting-room. The goods that we handle are not our own, and never can this fact safely be lost sight of. We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both the welfare of our fellow-beings and our own destiny for this life and for the life to come.—Education, 139.
With God at Dawn p. 281
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Prayer Requests
—-My daughter has a raw throat and chest tightness and we’re going to the doctor. Please pray for her, her name’s Ariana. David
—-Requesting Prayer for my cousin Jimmy in the hospital, on oxygen. BL
—-Sharon passed away of covid. Please keep her daughter, Samantha, in prayer as she is grieving the loss of her mom. Amanda
—-Please pray for stomach pain I’ve been having. Evelyn
—-Please pray for my son. They are having difficulty regulating his meds. Lots of anxiety and stress until dosage is correct. Ann
—-Please pray for Wanangwa. She is having a problem in her eye. RJ
—-Please pray for me. I’m having a lot of anxiety. Buck
—-Please pray for Doug. He was transferred to the intensive care unit at another hospital. He has several broken ribs and a punctured lung from our horse kicking him. We would appreciate your prayers. Donna
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Dear Friends,

As I was going through some old emails, I came across something that Esther had written when she was a teenager. I remembered feeling the same way when I was a teenager and first starting to go to church as did the young people who had asked the same question that caused Esther to write an answer to their questioning. I thought I would share it with you today.

Esther writes: “Several people have asked me a question that bothered me: Don’t you think we will get bored in heaven? If there is no pain or trouble in heaven will the happiness be as sweet?
“I was deeply troubled about this because I know we aren’t going to get bored and I know we are going to be happy in heaven. Why? because of what Jesus said.

“Well, I didn’t have specific verses in my mind to share with those that asked, but I read something this morning that encompasses these questions perfectly!

First read the story…it is found in John 2:1-10 ‘And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.’

“It is a great story…one we have all heard many times… The following paragraph pulls everything together into perspective.

“He addressed the bridegroom, saying, ‘Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” In this miracle, Jesus illustrates the truth that while the world presents its best gifts first, to fascinate the senses and please the eye, he gives good gifts, ever fresh and new unto the end. They never pall upon the taste, the heart never sickens and tires of them. The pleasures of the world are unsatisfying, its wine turns to bitterness, its gayety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But Jesus provides a feast of the soul that never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of his Lord. He gives, not with stinted measure, but above what is asked or expected.’ {3Red 8.1}

“I can tell you from experience that what the world offers is sweet in the beginning but bitter in the end! I know because I have been in the world. Friends, Jesus is so kind to us! He calls to us even when we don’t listen! And when the world does go bitter, He welcomes us with open arms!

“Jesus is so much greater than we are, my words cannot even express it! He said that He will give us happiness, why do we ever doubt Him!! Has He ever lied to us? No!!!!!!!!!!

“It is time to stand up for Jesus! And believe what He has said!

“Joh 14:1-3 ‘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. (3) 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.’

“Eph 3:20-21 ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.’

“The best way to represent this difference in happiness and enjoyment can be summed up in the illustration of the surroundings. The world’s happiness is temporary, terminal, the life of the world’s happiness is not eternal. The world is marred with sinful pleasure. The book of John chapter 15 sets the difference. Satan torments us in this world, not allowing total peace.

“NOW look unto the future with faith the time of Heaven. ETERNAL LIFE. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 6:23. Christ is the Lifegiver.

“See the compassion Jesus has in Mark 8:2, 3 ‘I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. If I send them home without feeding them, they will faint as they go, because some of them have come a long way.’

“Jesus is the compassionate, Satan is the oppressor. Jesus is the True Joy (John 17:13) Satan is the cause of boredom for his pleasures leave you empty inside. My advice is read your Bible…see the happiness of the Biblical characters such as rejoicing Paul in Philippians and others. Read the prophesies in Isaiah and Revelation [and elsewhere] about what awaits us in Heaven. May God be with you, grace abounds.”

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/wykb2XXW-Tw/cast-thy-bread-upon-the-waters.html

As we see the necessities of the poor, the ignorant, the afflicted, how often our hearts sink. We question, “What avail our feeble strength and slender resources to supply this terrible necessity? Shall we not wait for some one of greater ability to direct the work, or for some organization to undertake it?” Christ says, “Give ye them to eat.” Use the means, the time, the ability, you have. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus.

Though your resources may not be sufficient to feed thousands, they may suffice to feed one. In the hand of Christ they may feed many. Like the disciples, give what you have. Christ will multiply the gift. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. That which seemed but a meager supply will prove to be a rich feast.—The Ministry of Healing, 49.

Our hearts are to be so filled with the love of Christ that our words of thanksgiving shall warm other hearts. This is service that all can perform, and the Lord accepts it as offered to Himself. He makes it efficacious, imparting to the earnest worker the grace that reconciles man to God.

May the Lord help His people to realize that there is earnest work to be done. May He help them to remember that in the home, in the church, and in the world they are to work the works of Christ. They are not left to labor alone. The angels are their helpers. And Christ is their helper. Then let them labor faithfully and untiringly. In due season they will reap, if they faint not.

The Christian pilgrim does not yield to his desire to rest. He moves steadily forward, saying, “The night is far spent; the day is at hand.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:18.
With God at Dawn p. 279
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Prayer Requests
—-Please be praying for my in home nursing agency. There is so much miss communication and lack of professionalism. It has come to the point of learning how to access my port myself besides every Monday when I have labs. Victoria
—-Please continue to pray for Dr. Tan who is hospitalized with covid. Pray for his wife as well. Rose
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Dear Friends,

Over the years, I have always been warned my children never to put any liquid near or on my piano. Often they thought I was just too fussy. One evening some years ago, a plastic glass of water accidentally that had been left on the piano got tipped over all over Esther’s piano keys. In horror, she saw water beginning to run out of the underside of the keyboard. Almost instantly, the water soaked into the wood causing the keys to swell and stick. Esther was heartsick. I suggested that she try her blow dryer. but there was just too much water. It did no good. She called a repairman who was able to help somewhat, but it never was as good. Suddenly the rule of no water on or near the piano seemed like an important rule. Never again did they think that I was too fussy.

Just as I had a rule in our house about no liquid near my piano to keep my piano from being wrecked, so our Great Creator has given us rules that will keep us from wrecking our life. By obeying His commandments, we find happiness and well-being. Paul tells us, “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Rom 7:12 Indeed, “the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psa 19:7-11

When we break God’s Law, we find ourselves in an even bigger mess than water spilling on a piano. Our lives become just as broken as was Esther’s piano. How much we need the Heavenly Repairman to dry our tears, fix our swollen and broken pieces, and put us all together again. Praise God! We have such a One! Even though some scars remain, if we allow Him too, as we behold Him through His Holy Word, we will be “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/AdKujPXldgA/god-directs-our-service.html

So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message, “Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown.

Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth His highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls.

Through co-operation with Christ, they are made complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.—Gospel Workers, 112.

Many do not discern and appreciate how great is the influence of each one for good or evil. Every student should understand that the principles which he adopts become a living, molding influence upon character. He who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour, will love Jesus, and all for whom Christ has died; for Christ will be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. He will surrender himself without reservation to the rule of Christ.—Messages to Young People, 29.
With God at Dawn p. 274
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Prayer Requests
—-Jenny she prayer for a up coming court hearing. and two other people with her. M
—-Prayer requests from our Monday night study group : Ann’s niece Kaylyn is pregnant and has a misshaped uterus which could cause her and the baby harm—Ann’s friend Darlina is having surgery today. Pray that it goes well. Annie requests prayer for herself and her girls’ health. —Dr. Tan who is in the hospital with covid. Pray for his family also. —Betty’s brother-in-law needs prayer for a heart condition. Pray for Aaron and his family as his mother has died. —Evonia’s brothers need prayer. Also pray for her as she studies with a girl who came up to her and asked if she would like to study with her. —Sherlyn asks prayer for her granddaughter who just got glasses.
—-Please pray for Eileen’s Bible study. Rose
—-Please pray for a friend of mine who has pancreatic cancer. They did a 13 hour surgery and she is in ICU. They took her back to surgery today because the vessel that connects to her liver was not working and that was a 6 hour surgery. Please pray the Lord would heal her and if He intends to use the doctors, nurses and support staff that He would give them wisdom, knowledge and skill. Please pray that the Lord would take away any fear and pain and give her joy and peace and please pray this for her family and that the Lord would use this to move her husband and son to give their hearts to Christ. Teri
—-Please pray for an elderly man I know that has a severe sinus infection that spread to his chest. He is in the hospital. He has COPD. Please pray for this to subside in the doctors to treat him properly and God’s healing hand to move on his body. Debra
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Dear Friends,

When we first moved to this area, we noticed that our drinking water didn’t taste right when summer came. In the summertime, the algae blooms in the lake from which our water comes causing it to taste like drinking water from an algae infested fish tank. It only lasted a few weeks, but it was miserable to deal with. We tried a water purifying pitcher but it did little good. One summer that taste of blooming algae never went back to normal until autumn. We, like most people in our town, bought bottled water. The water department tried various remedies over the years to keep the bad taste out of the water. They must have been successful because I have not tasted it for years.

The bad tasting water helped us to understand the words of the True Witness, Who says, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Rev 3:15,16 Although our water is not lukewarm, it is disgusting. Even as our water back then lost its palatable taste, so our Christian experience can sometimes lose its fervor. When we first accept Christ Jesus as our Saviour, we are on fire for the Lord. As time passes, however, we often settle down to a routine, to a comfortable norm: we become lukewarm and distasteful Christians. We think that we are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and [know not that [we are] wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” vs 17

Our Dear Saviour pleads, ” I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” vs 18 Repentance—what a blessed gift it is! Our Great Redeemer supplies this great gift of repentance to us, because He “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9 Truly, the goodness of God leads us to repentance! (Rom 2:4)

How much we need that “godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” 2 Cor 7:10 How much we need that repentance which brings forth fruits worthy of repentance. (Luke 3:8) True repentance is heartfelt sorrow for sin. True repentance makes a change in our life. The evil which we once loved, we now hate and spiritual things which were once distasteful to us, we now love.

The Great Creator yearns for us to allow Him to recreate us into His image. He pleads, “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit.” “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 18:30,31;36:26,27

May we allow our Great Creator to remove the algae of sin from our life that out of us may flow water pure and clean is my prayer. (John 7:38)

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/Pcrkix9rC5w/consecration-of-paul.html