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He Gives a New Song

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And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3.

When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification.—The Acts of the Apostles, 476.

With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own blood, shall we hold our peace? Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples when Jesus rode into Jerusalem? Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs? Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more.—Early Writings, 110.

By their good works, Christ’s followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. When the light of Christ is shining in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden, and Christ will appear as all in all.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 80.
With God at Dawn p. 265
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Prayer Requests
—-My son needs prayers. He was recently diagnosed with Aspergers. Janis
—-My coworker Cindy’s niece, Kristie, was shot. She is in the hospital. Please pray for her and for her kids. She has been living a dangerous lifestyle but she was raised knowing God. Please pray for both her physical healing and also emotional and spiritual healing that she will come back to Him and bring her kids with her. Wanangwa
—-Please pray for me I have some rashes in my skin, I am not feeling well. Jose
—-I AM BEGGING FOR MORE PRAYERS FOR MY SON WESLEY WHO WANTS TO DIE. CONNIE
—-Please pray for my sister, she lost her job and there has been some sort of mistake with her unemployment so hasn’t received any paychecks and she needs it to be worked out. Please pray that it is worked out and God shows her how He loves her and can supply her needs. Desirae
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Dear Friends,

On the way home from Oklahoma some years ago, Ronnie Jay and I decided to stop by Kaw Lake. Ron had gone on ahead in our old, dilapidated 1977 camper, so we had time to find a place where we could get some good pictures and still get home before he did. We spent at least an hour driving across the dam, walking along the lake, and stopping at the overlook.

There was a metal map at the overlook that showed where the road went. Since it led to Ponca City, we decided to continue on that road and catch Highway 77 north. It seemed like a perfect plan. It wasn’t. We kept on that road through town and never did find highway 77. Soon we found ourselves on a narrow country road that had patches upon patches. It was so bumpy that we could only go about 40 miles per hour. Before long, it became a dirt road between farmers’ fields. Undaunted, we continued on. We couldn’t really tell which direction we were going because the sun was overhead, but we thought we were going north. As we neared a crossroads, a yellow dead end sign loomed ahead. Which way should we turn? Ronnie Jay said, “Turn left.” I did.

This dirt road was even narrower. We drove for miles. Finally we could see traffic on a crossroads up ahead. We were sure it was 77. It wasn’t. It was highway 60 the very road we had been on before we turned off to see the lake! We groaned at our mistake, but at least now we knew where we were. We only hoped that we were going in the right direction.

Because of our wanderings, Ron actually got home first. He was very surprised to find that we were still many miles from home.

We are all traveling on a road that leads toward Heaven or one that leads to destruction. Just as we were sure that we knew which direction we were traveling, so many believe that they are on the right road but are in reality following a path the will leave them lost and confused. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov 16:25

Jesus warns us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 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. 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.” Matt 7:13-23

It is no coincidence that He warns about false teachers right after bidding us to travel the road that leads to life eternal. False teachers are one of the signs of the last days. Paul tells us that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim 4:3, 4

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 2:8 Beware for “there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:17

May we heed the words of Paul, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor 13:5 May we “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Time 4:2 May we test everything by the Holy Scriptures for God’s Word tells us, “to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa 8:20

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/Pzo25IfSmNg/he-gives-a-new-song.html

God Leads

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And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: and gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; that they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 105:43-45.

The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 290.

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.—The Desire of Ages, 224.

The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. How frequently were the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealings with ancient Israel! Lest they should forget the history of the past, He commanded Moses to frame these events into song, that parents might teach them to their children.—Testimonies for the Church 6:364.
With God at Dawn p. 262
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Prayer Requests
—-Am needing urgent serious prayer for one of my sons who has Covid. Connie
—-Please keep my old friend, Michelle’s family in prayer. She lost her battle with cancer last night. Amanda
—-Please pray for Annie and her girls that God will heal and guide. Rose
—-Please pray for my friend’s baby grandson who is in the hospital with Covid. Connie
—-Please pray for a cold that has turned chronic. It’s a cough that doesnt go away. Evelyn
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Dear Friends,

One day, long ago in the 1800’s, Mrs. Russell took the train home from visiting a friend. When the train stopped at a station along the way, a beautiful young lady with a baby boarded the train. She looked around at all the passengers and decided to sit beside Mrs. Russell. As the train pulled out of the station, the two women began to talk. Mrs. Russell was admiring the baby and before long the young lady asked her if she would please hold him while she went to the restroom. The train stopped at a station and more passengers got on. Some got off. Mrs. Russell talked to the baby and waited for his mother to come back. A half an hour passed. No mother. Forty-five minutes went by. She did not return.

Finally Mrs. Russell stopped the conductor as he was walking by. She explained that the baby’s mother had not returned from the restroom and she was worried. The conductor checked. The restroom was empty. Then he remembered that the young lady had left the train at the last stop.

The conductor and the woman took the beautiful blanket off the little baby boy. Pinned to his garment was a note. It said, “Please care for my dear baby. When he is 21, he is to go to this certain bank in Chicago. At that time he will be told who he is and given enough money to go through the university.” When the train arrived in Battle Creek, Mrs. Russell took the baby to the authorities. She got permission (which was much easier in those far-off days) to keep the baby and raise him.

Just as Mrs. Russell adopted that baby so long ago and raised him as her own, so our Heavenly Father has adopted us through the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son. Think of it! We are part of the family of the Great King of the Universe “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:4 Paul speaks of this adoption: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:3-14

May we exclaim as did David, “Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, OLORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” 1 Chr 29:10-13 May we accept His Great Provision of adoption and obey Him with a heart overflowing with love. May we soon see Jesus coming in the clouds of glory to take us to our Heavenly Home is my prayer.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/TYacObgwmJw/god-leads.html

Happiness

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But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11.

All your happiness, peace, joy, and success in this life are dependent upon genuine, trusting faith in God. This faith will prompt true obedience to the commandments of God. Your knowledge and faith in God is the strongest restraint from every evil practice, and the motive to all good.

Believe in Jesus as one who pardons your sins, one who wants you to be happy in the mansions He has gone to prepare for you. He wants you to live in His presence; to have eternal life and a crown of glory.—Messages to Young People, 410.

Whatever is done to the glory of God is to be done with cheerfulness, not with sadness and gloom. There is nothing gloomy in the religion of Jesus. If Christians give the impression by a mournful attitude that they have been disappointed in their Lord, they misrepresent His character, and put arguments into the mouth of His enemies. Though in words they may claim God as their Father, yet in gloom and sorrow they present to the world the aspect of orphans.

Christ desires us to make His service appear attractive, as it really is. Let the self-denials and the secret heart trials be revealed to the compassionate Saviour. Let the burdens be left at the foot of the cross, and go on your way rejoicing in His love who first loved you. Men may never know of the work going on secretly between the soul and God, but the result of the Spirit’s work upon the heart will be manifest to all; for He “that seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 88.
With God at Dawn p. 260
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Prayer Requests
—-Debbie who we were praying for passed away Friday night, she left a husband and two youg children keep her family in prayer. and pray that the Lord gets here quicker . Also one of my best girlfriends for years is dying of pancreatic cancer pray for her grown children who are out of the church. even so come Lord Jesus. M.
—-Here are several prayer requests from our little Monday night meeting: Annie, Ainsley, and Johannah’s health issues, Loretta’s family needs prayer for physical and spiritual healing, Evonia’s brothers need prayer, Sherlyn asks prayer for our children and grandchildren, brenda prays that Andrew can be transferred to first shift, Ann W had a praise for good blood work results, and we all had unspoken prayer requests. Rose
—-Please pray for David and his family. Buck
—-Please pray for Ray that God restores his damage and Helps heal him. He has 4 young kids and fiance needing him…. He had a brain aneurysm Friday. They took him off life support and said there is nothing they can do. I for one know God can do Miracles, I’m living proof of that. Ray is still with us and needs a Miracle. Belinda
—-Please keep praying for Maya (age 4). She has an upcoming trip to the OR where they will remove her cast, stretch her tendons, and fit her for a new cast. She’s very upset she can’t walk on her cast right now, but it’s just part of the process. Pray that when she starts physical therapy it goes smoothly. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,

Some years ago, we went camping in northern Oklahoma at Osage Hills State Park campground for the weekend. It was close to the Tallgrass Prairie Nature Preserve where we had been before looking for bison to photograph. Since we had only seen a herd of bison from a distance that time, Ronnie Jay had wanted to camp nearby so we could get up early and drive through the preserve in hopes of seeing some buffalo close to the road.

Ronnie Jay awakened me before dawn both mornings so we could drive through that treeless landscape of rolling prairie that is the Tallgrass. The first morning, we were the most successful. Within less than a hundred feet, three bull bison crossed the road in front of us. We got out of the car and snapped many pictures of them. The first bison stopped and looked intently at us. He must have thought disgustedly, “Tourists! Will they never leave us alone? Well, let them have their fun.” because he and the others continued on without another look in our direction. I was glad of that reaction rather than an aggressive one.

Seeing those bison whet Ronnie Jay’s appetite to see more. We not only drove through that barren countryside that morning but near sunset that day and sunrise the next day. Although we saw more bison in the distance, we didn’t get another opportunity to see any more as close as we had the first morning. Still Ronnie Jay was delighted. This weekend was the culmination of a month’s worth of planning on his part.

Just as Ronnie Jay’s whole focus was on getting some good bison photographs, so we must be focused on the great commission left to us by Jesus. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matt 28:18-20

Just as Ronnie Jay planned before we went on that trip, so we must prepare to win precious souls for the Kingdom. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 2 Tim 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15

Just as he searched the preserve over and over again to see the animals he had wanted to see, so we must “go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Luke 14:23 And if we do, we have the promise, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps 126:23

May we be diligent in our search for the lost. May we seek for them with as much interest, energy, and desire for their salvation as Ronnie Jay had to see bison close enough to photograph. May we claim the promise “ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/OY6huzJIrhg/happiness.html

Faithfulness unto Death

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Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13.

During Paul’s final trial before Nero, the emperor had been so strongly impressed with the force of the apostle’s words, that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning the accused servant of God. But the emperor’s malice against Paul soon returned…. Not long afterward Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr’s death. Inasmuch as a Roman citizen could not be subjected to torture, he was sentenced to be beheaded. Paul was taken in a private manner to the place of execution. Few spectators were allowed to be present; for his persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity by the scenes of his death….

More than one accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and ere long fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood…. Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth….

The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the place of martyrdom, he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looks up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal…. Paul has the witness in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer.—The Acts of the Apostles, 509-512.
With God at Dawn p. 258
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for a dear family who are very good friends of mine and are all quite ill with Covid. Mary
—-Please pray for Ilene and family as her mother passed last week. Please also pray for Josephine who is having surgery on Thursday. Pray also for my friend Fran, who is very sick with covid symptoms but tested negative. Rose
—-Please pray for my daughter as she has some kind of infection the antibiotics aren’t stopping yet and we are going to have to stay in the hospital until they can confirm it isn’t going to her blood your prayers are appreciated so very very much. Shannon
—-Pray for Charlotte and her unborn child that God will keep them in his protection. Rosemary
—-My sister Laurie is into witchcraft. She is hearing voices, seeing people that aren’t there. She said her name has been taken out of the Book of Life. That she has done horrible things. Please pray for her, her soul and our family. Teresa
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Dear Friends,

I feel uncomfortable in crowds or at parties where there are a lot of people. A few years ago I was at a party where there were a lot of people I didn’t know. As I was listening to others talk and laugh, I happened to notice a large book on their coffee table that had photographs of Colorado that had been taken in the late 1800’s as well as today. Delighted, I sat down and began to look at the photos. The photographer who had put the book together, had snapped his photo from the very same spot as the one had been taken a century before. It was fascinating! As I compared each photograph, I could sometimes see roads and rivers that still followed the same path, an occasional building still in use, etc. In one picture there was a thriving town in 1881 but now it is gone. Only two stone foundations now mark the spot.

It was the mountains and rock formations, however, that truly identified most of the photos as being taken from the same spot. Those rock formations were the most fascinating of all. The wind and rain had changed the ones which were made of sandstone quite a bit. One such photo showed rock “chimneys” a hundred years ago towering the landscape. Today they are much smaller or even missing. The stones and rocks that were made of harder material, however, had stood through storm and heat with little change. Some of the cracks were a little deeper, but for the most part they were identical in both photos.

God’s Holy Word calls our Great Creator the Rock because He is always the same. We can rely on Him for He changes not. (Mal 3:6) “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Heb 1:10-12 “I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Deut 32:3, 4 “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psa 18:1-3

Our Dear Saviour used the symbol of a rock to teach an important lesson, “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49

May we put all of our trust in the One Who never changes. May we feel secure in the One Who loves us with an everlasting love. (Jer 31:3) May we build our life upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, Who is the Great I Am, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, God praised for ever! (Ex 3:14; Rev 22:13)

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/6DDfD5gDhNU/faithfulness-unto-death.html

A Disciple’s Decision

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And he left all, rose up, and followed him. Luke 5:28.

When Christ called His disciples to follow Him, He offered them no flattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honor, nor did they make any stipulation as to what they should receive. To Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom, the Saviour said, “Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.” Matthew did not, before rendering service, wait to demand a certain salary, equal to the amount received in his former occupation. Without question or hesitation he followed Jesus. It was enough for him that he was to be with the Saviour, that he might hear His words and unite with Him in His work.

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, they immediately left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, inquiring, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.”

Today the Saviour calls us, as He called Matthew and John and Peter, to His work. If our hearts are touched by His love, the question of compensation will not be uppermost in our minds.—Gospel Workers, 113, 114.

Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work, and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ…. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow.—The Desire of Ages, 273.
With God at Dawn p.254
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Mr. White who is in ICU. Amy
—-David needs prayer for mental and spiritual healing. Buck
—-Pray for my daughter Cassi as she moves back to ____. Connie
—-Please pray for Kinsey who has an inoperable tumor on her brain stem. J
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Dear Friends,

My grandfather, Edwin Harmon, had a lifelong love for trains. He longed to become a railroad engineer, but his father had other plans. The family trade was bookbinding and a bookbinder he would be no matter what his wishes were. My grandfather tried to protest and explain to his father that he wanted to be a railroad engineer, but it did no good.

As he learned the trade, he found to his surprise that he could do beautiful workmanship and was in great demand wherever he moved. Although outwardly he did his work perfectly throughout the rest of his life, in his heart he wished that he could have been a railroad engineer. During the long hours binding books, he daydreamed about driving a train. As he brought down that huge, iron handle on the machine that pressed the gold leaf into the book’s cover or spine, in his mind’s eye he was controlling the throttle on one of those gigantic, steam-spewing locomotives that thrilled him so.

As he walked the mile and a half home, he often stopped to watch a train that was picking up freight or passengers. As he sat on the bench outside of the station, he chafed against his lot in life and longed to complete his unfulfilled hopes and dreams. Sometimes, when I was a little girl, he would take me down to the rail yards to watch the trains with him. He would often tell me stories of the far-off days when he was free to hop onto a freight train and ride to interesting places.

How often we are like my grandfather. How many times, deep within our heart, we know that all is not well between us and our Maker because we are trying to serve God with a divided heart. Outwardly, we go through the motions of being a Christian, but our heart is not in it. We appear righteous to others, but inwardly “we are as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isa 1:6 Our Loving Redeemer shows us the futility of it, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:13

How few can say, “With my whole heart have I sought thee.” Psa 119:10 John reminds us, “Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God.”1 John 3:18 How much we need a new heart, an undivided heart, a heart overflowing with love for the One Who loves us so.

Praise God! We can have that undivided heart! When Esther was a teen, she wrote a song called A New Heart. *Lord, give me a new heart, A kind and a true heart, Lord, through me please show Others You care. Lord give me a new heart, A loving and pure heart, So others may find You And know that You care.

Our Great Creator 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.” Eze 36:26,27 May we claim this promise each day.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/8nFkKsx87As/a-disciples-decision.html

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