Our hope is to be constantly strengthened by the knowledge that Christ is our righteousness. Let our faith rest upon this foundation; for it will stand fast forever. Instead of dwelling upon the darkness of Satan, and fearing his power, we should open our hearts to receive light from Christ, and to let it shine forth to the world, declaring that He is above all the power of Satan; that His sustaining arm will support all who trust in Him.—Testimonies for the Church 5:742.

All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure.—Testimonies to Ministers, 92.

The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow-men. No one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life. In making a profession of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 329.

Those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ will be dwelling upon the themes of the great salvation.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 341.
With God at Dawn p. 241
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Prayer Requests
—-Update for the woman I asked prayer for last week the one with two young children the Dr’s told her she has a few weeks to live her children ar 8 and 5. M
—-update—My brother Russ came through the back surgery well. After he was back in his room, he initially had problems with pain and nausea. After being medicated for both, he is resting well and should be able to come home in 3-4 days. Thank you all for your prayers. ~ Martha–
—-Please pray for the father of a woman named Lindsey. He was just diagnosed with cancer and will be having surgery next week. The news has rocked this family as it was completely unexpected. I told her we would pray for him. Cora
—-update—Maya came through her surgery perfectly. She will be in a cast to support while she works on strengthening her leg. She did well under sedation, which is really good. She’s in good spirits and if her pain level in controlled she may get to come home tonight instead of tomorrow. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
I often get homesick for my grandparents’ house where I lived until I was ten. One day when I had some time on my hands, I decided that I would look on the internet at my old neighborhood on Burdick Street. I knew Lincoln school was still there, so it would be easy to find my grandparents’ house since it was right across the street. It was not as easy as I thought it would be, but eventually I was able to find it. When someone remodeled and expanded the structure, they tore down the barn and cut down the ancient apple tree. There was a pine tree where the dry cleaners had been and the giant tree by the side porch was gone. The Francisco’s house was still standing next to ours, but from our house to the corner in the other direction of that long block there were none.

I was a little sad that things had changed so much but I was not sad about that apple tree. It was a good thing that it was gone as it was a very old and neglected apple tree. The apples were small and not good for eating. I can still remember the pungent smell of those rotting apples as they fell off and lay untouched below the tree. Because of its age, unusually large size, and the neglect it suffered; it was hollow inside. Despite this, it was still alive with green leaves and was still producing small, wormy fruit.

That tree fascinated me. Often I would gaze at that tree and think about the many warnings of my grandparents to stay away from that tree as years before a large part of that apple tree had split and had come crashing down right where my mother had been standing. Even though that ancient apple tree was old and could have split again, my grandparents never cut it down. They just warned me never to play under the tree. Their warnings only made the tree fascinating to me.

How often we have old, rotten “apple trees” in our lives. We fear them but allow them to take root and grow in our heart even though they should have been gotten rid of years ago. They produce rotten, wormy fruit in our lives that lead to death. Often, we do not want it there, but we still allow that old, familiar sin to remain inside our hearts until it grows large and difficult to deal with.

Speaking of this very thing, Jesus said, “those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man.” Matt 15:18-20 Paul warns,” Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal 5:19-21 Jeremiah asks, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” He, then, gives the answer, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jer 17:9,10

How often we try the pleasures of this world to forget that growing “apple tree” within us, but “even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” Prov 14:13 How much we need Someone to cut down that “rotten tree” that is ever growing and producing fruit to our destruction. James advises, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 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.” Isa 57:15; 1:16-18

May we ask our Dear Saviour that He may help us to cut down the old, “rotten apple trees” that we have allowed to grow in our heart for so many years is my prayer.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/kmlcKlFGRRA/the-scepter-of-his-kingdom.html

You have been chosen by Christ. You have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. Plead before God the efficacy of that blood. Say unto Him: “I am Thine by creation;

I am Thine by redemption. I respect human authority, and the advice of my brethren; but I cannot depend wholly upon these. I want Thee, O God, to teach me. I have covenanted with Thee to adopt the divine standard of character, and make Thee my counselor and guide,—a party to every plan of my life; therefore teach me.” Let the glory of the Lord be your first consideration. Repress every desire for worldly distinction, every ambition to secure the first place. Encourage heart purity and holiness, that you may represent the true principles of the gospel. Let every act of your life be sanctified by a holy endeavor to do the Lord’s will, that your influence may not lead others into forbidden paths.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 348.

The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins, and plead the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour’s character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin, and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church.—Testimonies to Ministers, 92.
With God at Dawn p.239
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for the Christians in Afghanistan and around the world who are being persecuted for their belief.
—-Please pray for Pastor Doug Bachelor who is having a hard time recovering from covid.
—-My son is getting out of the ICU today. Thanks for the prayers. He however is having to appear in court on Friday. Please pray for a positive outcome. I’m hoping he’s not going from one institute to another. Not sure how he would handle being in jail with his ill health. Pray also that he doesn’t touch another alcoholic beverage or drug either as his liver is very sick. Judy
—-Please pray for my oldest son. He is having a SEVERE GSLLBLADDER ATTACK AND HE IS IN EXTREME PAIN. Connie
—-Prayer warriors please pray for our family. They took mom to the hospital this morning possibly covid. Sally
—-Praise—Janet has turned a corner & is improving. Oxygen has been lowered her appetite has returned feels much better. God is Good! Connie
—-Please add my 72 year old brother to the prayer list. He took a bad fall on Monday and was admitted to the hospital because it was discovered he broke a bone in his lower back. He had surgery this morning. Please pray it will go well and there won’t be any complications. ~ Martha–
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Dear Friends,

When Eileen was three, we lived in a house trailer on the side of a hill in rural Pennsylvania. From our front window, we could see the tiny community at the bottom of the hill, fields and forests beyond, and a large field with about ten cows in it which was within a few feet of our front door. Eileen enjoyed watching them and talking to them. They must have liked the attention we gave them, because they seemed to spend most of their time near our trailer. Unfortunately, so many swarms of flies were attracted to those animals that we could not enjoy being outside. The moment we opened the door, flies buzzed around our heads and landed on us. Knowing where those flies had been just a moment before made them even more repulsive.

Just as those swarms of flies gave evidence that there were cows nearby, so by our words and actions, we give evidence as to Who has our heart. Think of it! Each one of us has a big impact for good of for ill on all around. One little word or action can cause someone to start down the path that leads to destruction. One little word or action can do the opposite. Solomon’s proverb is as true today as it was when he uttered it. “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor.” Ecc 10:1 Our words and actions tell what is in our heart. Our Dear Saviour says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt 12:34-37

How important that we daily give our heart to Jesus, that we may exert a right influence on those with whom we come in contact. Jesus, when He was upon this earth, had an attraction that drew people to Him. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 When He was near, people felt loved, they felt accepted, they felt convicted of their sins and desired to change for the better, to do those things which please Him. (1 John 3:22) Our Dear Saviour’s loving influence was in direct contrast to that of the religious leaders who bound “heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and laid them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves would not move them with one of their fingers.” Matt 23:4 Those leaders kept aloof from the common people, but Jesus visited people in their homes, bringing them both physical and spiritual healing. He walked their streets, pressed in by crowds of people all wanting to see Him, all wanting to touch Him. Even though most were there only for the excitement, or for the blessings He could bestow, He never turned them away. His influence even caused His enemies to marvel. When spies were sent to catch Him in His words, they declared, ” ‘Master, thou hast well said.’ And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.” Luke 20:39,40 When officers were sent to arrest Him, they returned to the Pharisees empty-handed. When asked the reason, they replied, “Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46 May we so live that the same can be said of us, that our influence may lead others to our Dear Redeemer, drawing them closer to Him, that they may accept His free gift of salvation is my prayer.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/L6R2l1g3ahM/ye-who-were-far-off-are-made-nigh.html

Satan may whisper, “You are too great a sinner for Christ to save.” While you acknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the tempter with the cry, “By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanses me. This moment I hang my helpless soul on Christ.”—Messages to Young People, 112.

Man was under the condemnation of the broken law. He could not save himself, and for this reason Christ came to this world, clothed His divinity with humanity, and gave His life, the just for the unjust. He gave Himself for our sins, and to every soul He freely offers the blood-bought pardon.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 244.

The angels look with awe and amazement upon the mission of Christ to the world. They marvel at the love that moved Him to give Himself a sacrifice for the sins of men. But how lightly human beings regard the purchase of His blood!—Gospel Workers, 497.

As this wonderful, priceless Gift was bestowed, the whole heavenly universe was mightily stirred, in an effort to understand God’s unfathomable love…. Shall we … halt between two opinions? Shall we return to God only a mite of the capabilities and powers lent us by Him? How can we do this while we know that He who was Commander of all heaven laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and, realizing the helplessness of the fallen race, came to this earth in human nature to make it possible for us to unite our humanity to His divinity?—Testimonies for the Church 7:29.

With God at Dawn p. 237
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Prayer Requests
—-Thee pastor who was near the fire needs prayer. His house burned to the ground. M
—-Prayer request for my dearest friend who has had bowl problems for over a week she is almost skin and bones she had all kinds of test done but waiting for the results. also pray for my other friend she has been in bed for over a week with a temperature. M
—-Please pray for my son Eli, who has intestinal bleeding and a really bad liver. Judy
—-Please pray for my brother-in-law Jim who had a heart attack and is in the hospital for further tests. He is stable right now! Mary
—-Please pray for Doreen who is having medical issues. Mike
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Dear Friends,

A few years before I retired, our office received an email from the administration office which they sent out to all employees. In the email, it was warning us to keep everything that we have in our car locked up and out of sight as someone has been breaking into cars and stealing anything valuable.

That Monday after work, I was walking to my car when I saw one of the security guards putting handcuffs on a man and help him sit on the curb. Soon, a city policewoman came over and began questioning the man. As I walked by, she eyed me warily as if she thought that I was there to rescue the man. I moved closer to the building I was passing and away from their side of the sidewalk. Satisfied that I was harmless, the woman went back to her questioning the suspect.

As I rounded the corner and continued to my car, I saw another security guard questioning two women. I didn’t recognize them, but they were either victims or witnesses. I guessed that the man on the ground was the one who had been breaking into cars. A finger of concern went up my back. I hadn’t heeded the warning to keep everything out of sight as I felt that there was nothing in my old car that a thief would consider valuable. Had my car been broken into? I walked hurriedly the rest of the way. To my relief, all was well.

How often we take for granted our Heavenly Father’s watchcare over us as well as over our belongings. Only when we get to Heaven will we see all the many times our Great Creator sent His angels to keep us from suffering harm. Jesus assures us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31 We can safely trust in Him Who watches over each of His children as if there were no other person in the entire world. This does not mean that we can presumptuously place ourselves in harm’s way nor does it mean that we should not heed a warning as I had done. Yet, we know that even the many times when we do, our Gracious Father in Heaven still keeps us safe and secure.

Solomon tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Prov 18:10 David sang, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Ps 4:8 “Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.” Ps 119:116,117

This does not mean we will never have troubles and trials. We have a very real enemy, who desires our destruction just as surely as he desired to destroy Job and his belongings. Indeed, Satan is constantly on our track to do us harm. God, in His great mercy, weighs each trial that He allows to come into our life. We can be assured that He allows these troubles to come to us in order to draw us closer to Himself.

Although we must go through these trials and heartaches, our Loving Redeemer has promised to be with us. He assures us, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 43:2,3 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb 12:11

May we glorify our Loving Saviour by keeping fresh in our mind the many blessings He has bestowed upon us, the many times when He has protected us, the many ways in which He has assured us of His Great Love is my prayer.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/lg7pSObhGe8/christ-washed-us-in-his-own-blood.html