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By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them

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Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit…. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:17-20.

No matter how high his profession, he whose heart is not imbued with love for God and for his fellow-men, is not a disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith, and even have power to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality, but should he from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if destitute of the gold of love he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.—Testimonies for the Church 5:168,

There is an eloquence far more powerful than the eloquence of words in the quiet, consistent life of a pure, true Christian. What a man is has more influence than what he says…. It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. In order to convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the gospel by which our own souls are saved. Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour is it possible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world. If we would draw sinners out of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God.—The Ministry of Healing, 469, 470.
With God at Dawn p. 183
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for Annie. Pray also for Ronnie Jay as they are wanting him to work on Sabbath this week. Please pray that they will allow him to have God’s holy day off. Rose
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Dear Friends,
Today, I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite passages of Scripture.
“Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isa 52:13-53:12
Yes, in times of great trial and adversity, we can find comfort in our Dear Saviour’s Sacrifice for us. He, Whom all Heaven adores, left the glories of that perfect land, left the worship of all the unfallen beings in His great universe, left the close fellowship of His Father’s side, and came to this dark and sin-laden planet to live a perfect life in the midst of all of the hatred and trials that the evil one through wicked men could heap upon Him. And if that were not enough, Jesus gave Himself as our Sacrifice for sin by dying the cruelest of deaths, even death upon the cross. In anguish He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matt 27:46
Through times when we feel forsaken by God, He is very near. He promises, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 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 66:13; 43:1-3 Indeed, He is “the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Cor 1:3-5
May we, when the evil one attacks us beyond our strength, cling to the One Who loves us with an everlasting love and find our strenth in Him. (Jer 31:3) May we feel His Loving Arms around us bringing us comfort and peace. May we look forward to the time when “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.” Rev 21:4
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/6mWMY8tLue4/by-their-fruits-ye-shall-know-them.html

The Transformed Life Bears Fruit

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Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11.

The plant does not germinate, grow, or bring forth fruit for itself, but to “give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater.” So no man is to live unto himself. The Christian is in the world as a representative of Christ, for the salvation of other souls.

There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ,—the spirit of unselfish love and labor for others,—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 67.

It is His plan, by conforming His servants day by day to the image of Christ, by making them partakers of the divine nature, to cause them to bear fruit abundantly.

He desires His people, through actual experience in the truth of the gospel, to become true, solid, trustworthy, experimental missionaries. He would have them show results far higher, holier, and more definite than in our day have yet been revealed.—Testimonies for the Church 8:186
With God at Dawn p. 181
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray that God will give the doctor wisdom in Annie’s case as she has an appointment with him tomorrow. Also pray for our pastor who has covid. Rose
—-Please pray for Jake. He is 40 years old, in ICU recovering from a heart event followed by organ failure. It was not a heart attack. He is considered a miracle by the doctors because with all that is going on they thought he would not live. He is improving on a daily basis, but prayer is the power connection that will assist him to recover. He is in good health. unknown reason for these problems. He and the family will appreciate prayer. Joyce
—-David and his family need your prayers. Pray that he will be willing to take medication for his mental condition. Buck
—-Please remember me in your daily prayers. I have inflammation from covid. I’ve had it 2 confirmed possibly 3 times. . . . I cannot breathe well and have struggled all day. Please pray Gods heals any damage. I need to work and take care of my grand baby. Lola
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago after we had come home from church, Ronnie Jay, a friend of his, Eileen, and I decided to go walking in a nearby park. I thought we were going to the area of the park that has nice cement walkways, so I wore my church clothes. As we were driving to the park, Eileen asked if we could go to the wilder side. Now that area has tiny dirt trails. I said, “Well, I’m not dressed for it, but I like that area better too, so let’s go there.”
After we had started down the trail, I realized that few people had been there since a flood in that area almost a year before. There were places where the path had been washed away and other areas where it was barely visible because grass and thistles had grown over it. To add to my troubles, it had rained the night before, so most of the way was muddy. Church shoes, nylons, a good drees, and mud just do not go well together! I slipped and slid along the trail and almost fell a few times.
Still, the walk was enjoyable. We saw many kinds of birds, a couple of deer, and the ever-present insects. As we neared the end of the walk, the trail was no longer visible. It was completely covered with grass. That does not sound like a problem, but here in Kansas the wild grass is over six feet tall! That’s about a foot taller than Eileen and I. We felt like we were in a jungle. If the trail had not been going fairly close to the tree line, we would have become completely disoriented. That stand of trees was our guide. (Ronnie Jay and his friend were far ahead of us. They had no trouble since the friend was tall.) Finally the trail was visible again and soon we were back to the car.
As I was sliding along, I began thinking how much like life our little walk was. We each have to choose one of two paths. One path is broad and smooth: the other is narrow and has many difficulties along the way. Jesus says, “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.” Matt 7:13,14
Which path are we traveling? The easy path seems like the best choice, but if we choose that one, we will perish. The difficult trail will take us through sorrows and heartaches and many trials, but these are the very things that help to shape our character. Praise God! We do not have to walk that trail alone! We have a Guide Who has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Heb 13:5; Ps 32:8 Moreover, He gives us His Word to guide us just as the tree line guided Eileen and me. David declared, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “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.” Ps 119:105; 19:7-11
May we choose the steep and rocky path to the Heavenly Kingdom even though it is difficult at times. May we ever look to our loving Savior for the help and guidance that we so much need every step of the way. May we listen to His gentle voice through His Holy Word as He bids us, “This is the way, walk ye in it” when we are in danger of straying off from the path. Isa 30:21
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/0oGBHODMsFY/the-transformed-life-bears-fruit.html

The Transforming Power of Truth

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And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:3.

None but He who has created man can effect a change in the human heart. God alone can give the increase. Every teacher is to realize that he is to be moved by divine agencies. The human judgment and ideas of the most experienced are liable to be imperfect and faulty, and the frail instrument, subject to his own hereditary traits of character, has need to submit to the sanctification of the Holy Spirit every day, else self will gather the reins and want to drive. In the meek and lowly spirit of the learner, all human methods and plans and ideas must be brought to God for His correction and indorsement; otherwise the restless energy of Paul or the skillful logic of Apollos will be powerless to effect the conversion of souls.—Testimonies for the Church 6:167.

Jesus assumed humanity that He might meet humanity. He brings men under the transforming power of truth by meeting them where they are. He gains access to the heart by securing sympathy and confidence, making all feel that His identification with their nature and interest is complete. The truth came from His lips beautiful in its simplicity, yet clothed with dignity and power. What a teacher was our Lord Jesus Christ! How tenderly did He treat every honest inquirer after truth, that He might gain admission to his sympathies, and find a home in the heart.—Testimonies to Ministers, 190.

Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Immanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 419
With God at Dawn p. 178
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for Annie that she may be able sleep. She has been suffering with chronic insomnia. Rose
—-Please pray that the church would get some help in their tape ministry they need some one who knows about copying sermons. so they can get the DVD’s & CD’s out to people .. they desperately need help they are behind in their ministry. M.
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Dear Friends,
From the time Ronnie Jay was able to toddle around on his chubby little legs, he loved to be outside. When he was a baby, we moved to a garage apartment in a city of about 100,000. He should have been used to the confines of the city, but he never did. As he grew older, I took him outside as much as I could, but there were housekeeping and cooking chores that occupied most of my time. That did not deter him from wanting to escape the confines of the apartment, however. Often he would stand at the screen door and gaze at the playground across the street. The look in his eyes was like that of a caged animal, longing to be free.
Just as my son’s focus was on something better than a small, garage apartment, so our focus should be on the glories of Heaven. Jesus assures us, “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. 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.” John 14:1-3 We, like Abraham, are to look “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb 11:10
Isaiah was given a glimpse of that place where “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor 2:9 “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. . . .Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.” “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. . . . 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.” Isa 35:1, 5-7; 65:21-25; 11:6-8
John also saw that glorious land which awaits us. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; . . 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. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. . . . And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: . . .And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. . . . And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. . . . And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. . . . And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. . . . And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. . . .And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. . . . He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Rev 21; 22
May we all be there is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/rux7NgZpO24/the-transforming-power-of-truth.html

We Shall Be Rooted and Built Up in Him

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As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6, 7.

We need to be converted daily. Our prayers should be more fervent; then they will be more effectual. Stronger and stronger should be our confidence that God’s Spirit will be with us, making us pure and holy, as upright and fragrant as the cedar of Lebanon.—Gospel Workers, 272.

Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, … is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it.—Gospel Workers, 275.

Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God’s great family know little of what it means to behold His glory, and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ’s excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour’s love….

The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, moulds those who will be moulded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that the “path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”—Gospel Workers, 274.
With God at Dawn p. 176
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Annie. She has not been able to sleep more than a couple of hours a night for many weeks. Rose
—-My dentist is searching for the truth after belong disillusioned about the faith he was raised in. I’m sharing with him as I’m able. Please pray for God to give me wisdom and to open his heart and guide him into all truth. His name is Dave. Daisy
—-I have an urgent prayer request, but I can’t give many details. A mother brought her children to America from a closed country. One child who recently become an Adventist wanted to go back to see the father. The mother advised against it several times. But the child really missed the father. When the child arrived back in the original country. the govt. made some claims that appear to be false to keep the child in isolation. Since that time the mother has not received any messages from the child and she is very worried and distraught.
Please pray that God does a miracle to protect the child from harm and/or gives special strength to endure…and that God strengthens faith through this trial. Pray also that the mother and other children will have courage and calmness in this very difficult time and that their faith that God always does what is best becomes stronger. anonymous
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago as I was walking from where I park my car to where I worked, I noticed several firetrucks and firemen around the building where the bail bonds are sold. Someone had become angry and had set it on fire. I watched each day as they pulled out half-burned furniture and boards. It made my several-block walk more interesting. As I was walking to work one day, I noticed the business was boarded up tightly, but the lingering smell of burned materials told any passerby that a fire had occurred.
Just as the burned business gave off a distinctive odor, so we give off an influence to all around. All that we do, all that we say, even the expression on our face tells others what we are like inside. If our heart is pure, our influence will be pure and shine forth with God’s love. If we have allowed evil thoughts to dwell within us, that evil will be spread to others.
Solomon says, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly in him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” Ecc 10:1 Just so, all that we see, all that we hear, all that we read leaves a mark upon us. That mark tells for good or for ill. That mark shows what we have allowed within. That mark changes us one way or the other. That mark causes us to give off a pleasant “aroma” or a repulsive “stink”. Paul advises, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
May we heed Paul’s admonition. May we hide God’s Word in our heart that we may be a savor of life unto life. (Ps 119:9; 2 Cor 2:16) May we “let [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven” is my prayer. Matt 5:16
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/0_amUV-UP00/we-shall-be-rooted-and-built-up-in-him.html

We Shall Be Dead to Our Sins

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Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye are healed. 1 Peter 2:24.

The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers, and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we can not remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God, and violated your own conscience? But we may tell the enemy that “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” When we feel that we have sinned, and can not pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be, and deeply humbled; but we must pray, and believe…. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal.

We should not try to lessen our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God’s estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the terrible enormity of sin. If we had to bear our own guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place, though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 115, 116.
With God at Dawn p. 147
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for Johanna. She had a pacemaker put in but her blood pressure is still very low. Rose
—-I have to say Praise the Lord! I went for an oral cancer screening today because I had two spots inside my cheek (including ulcers on the back of my throat)that didn’t look good. . . . No cancer and the ulcers are viral. So grateful for having our prayers answered. Sally
—-Please pray that Oliver can regain the use of his left side after an operation for epilepsy. Kim
—-Please pray for Buddy who had a stroke and is in rehab. Kay
—-Report is in on my shoulder. surgery is recommended. I’m dealing with some other issues too so prayers are appreciated. Connie
—-Please pray for Brian as he travels back home and also for Esther, the children, and me as we may be travelling across country to see Ronnie Jay either this week or next. Rose
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Dear Friends,
Over the years, Ron and I have enjoyed canoeing. Our favorite memories seemed to center around Bad Medicine Campground which is on John Bull Lake. We liked to go there the week of my birthday because other than the campground host, we were the only campers, so all was peace and serenity. (An added bonus was the mosquitoes had not yet hatched.) Once during a canoe ride, we had a beaver swim alongside of us, slapping the water with his tail which drenched us. It seemed like he was enjoying Esther’s screams as she got very wet.
We got to see many interesting animal behaviors whenever we camped there such as osprey youngsters peeking over the edge of the nest high above us while the frantic parents were trying desperately to lead us from the nest. On one canoe ride that Ron and the children went on, an eagle and an osprey were fighting above the lake. The one was upside down with his talons pointing upwards, while the other was right-side-up with his talons bared to finish off his opponent. (Sadly, I didn’t go canoeing that time, so I missed the spectacular sight.)
On another canoe ride Ron and I had taken on that same lake, Ron spotted an animal swimming ahead of us. At first we thought it might have been the beaver again. Quietly, he sculled our craft closer to get a better look. We discovered that it was not a beaver. It was a muskrat. Because of Ron’s skill in paddling a canoe, Mr. muskrat didn’t know that we were there. We followed him as he swam to a protected spot along the shoreline. Overhanging tree branches and a dead tree lying parallel with the shoreline made a secluded cove for the muskrat family’s home. From their burrow under the bank, Mrs. Muskrat, along with four or five little ones, emerged and greeted him happily. We sat motionless and watched the proceedings.
Suddenly, another muskrat face appeared at the entrance of their den. This creature spotted us and gave a warning whistle. Instantly our muskrat family disappeared. As we looked at the spot where they had been a moment before, we spotted one baby looking at us with fear-filled eyes. In his fright, he had forgotten where the entrance to his home was and had run in the opposite direction. Realizing that he was discovered, he flattened himself against the shore under an exposed tree root and hoped for the best. We watched to see what he would do. Moments later, one of this terrorized baby’s parents came to the entrance and whistled softly. That terror-stricken youngster did not need a second invitation. Instantly, he made a dive for the burrow.
Just as that little muskrat became confused and disoriented, so we sometimes find ourselves in a similar situation. We have lost our way. Trouble is all around. We know not which way to turn. We are as a sheep who has wandered away from the flock. Our dear Saviour assures us, ”What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11-15
Praise God! We have a Good Shepherd, Who left the glories of Heaven, endured all of the hatred that the evil one could heap upon Him, and gave His life for His perishing sheep. What love: what wonderful love! Just as that muskrat parent gave his child direction to his home, so our Loving Father promises, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Isa 30:21; Ps 32:8 Precious promises! We do not have to wander any longer! We do not have to stay confused, disoriented, lost! There is a Way of escape! Our Dear Saviour is the Way the Truth and the Life! John 14:6 We can safely follow His leading!
“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 for ever. Amen.” Jude 24,25
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/vPxYrpIWgOE/we-shall-be-dead-to-our-sins.html

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