Conformity to the world is causing many of our people to lose their bearings. I feel deeply over this matter, because it is continually kept before me by the Lord….

If ever there was a time when those who have a knowledge of present truth should find their bearings, it is the present time. Although no one is to move independently of his brethren, yet each one must gain a knowledge of his own condition, his exact bearings. The question that each one should ask himself is, “What is my relation to God?”

It is conformity to the world that is causing our people to lose their bearings. The perversion of right principles has not been brought about suddenly. The angel of the Lord presented this matter to me in symbols. It seemed as if a thief were stealthily moving closer and still closer, and gradually but surely stealing away the identity of God’s work by leading our brethren to conform to worldly policies….

The Lord expects us to make most diligent efforts to free ourselves of the worldly spirit that has come in among us…. The Lord calls for a reformation. In every place where believers have adopted worldly principles, He desires a voice of warning to be raised. “Cry aloud,” He says, “spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1)….

From many minds a realization of the times in which we are living is as far away as is heaven from the earth. It seems that their duty to prepare to meet a soon-coming Saviour is entirely forgotten. God wants us to come to our senses. He wants us to act like rational beings, who are living on the borders of the eternal world.

Remember that in preparing yourselves for the heavenly kingdom, you are preparing others. The Scriptures say, “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” …

So long as we work in Christ’s lines, laying hold of the arm of the Mighty One, we are safe; but just as soon as we loosen our grasp of His arm, and begin to depend upon human beings, we are in great danger.

This very day the Lord desires us to reach a higher standard than we have ever reached in the past. Day by day we are to advance upward, ever upward, until it can be said of us as a people, “Ye are complete in him.”—Manuscript 96, July 7, 1902, an early morning talk before the Pacific Union Medical Missionary Council at St. Helena,
The Upward Look p. 202
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Prayer Requests
—-Prayer requests from last night’s prayer meeting: Sherlyn’s shoulder that she will not need surgery—Ann’s dental work today—Joyce’s back pain—Ron’s need of a job—Barb as she goes back to work—Pastor the new church school teacher and Bible study contacts—Brian that he will be able to video chat with his dad and that BG will make good decisions regarding work—Veronica in the loss of her aunt.
—-ome friends of mine his daughter in Washington who has MS. was taken to the ER today they think she had a stroke.. she is 52. also my girlfriend Gayle who has stage 4 cancer is in bad shape in iCU. when the nurse went to move her from one b1ed to another they broke her fema. they did surgery this morning .she came through it but her B/P bottomed out plus the oncologist had to open her up and put some jell in her so she wouldn’t bleed to death during surgery. M
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Dear Friends,

When I was a little girl, my mother used to take me to the carnival. The fair grounds were at that time only about a mile from my grandparents’ house, so it was not far to walk. The carnival was a place of wonderment for me. Rides that I would never think of going on loomed overhead. Little kiddie rides that I enjoyed, “fishing” for a prize, watching my mother shoot a rife and getting to choose the prize, rough looking men hawking their wares, watching a man swallow a sword, and other wonders captivated my attention.
As we were walking along, my mother saw the House of Mirrors. Curious, she paid the entrance fee. When we got inside, there were mirrors of all types. When we stood in front of one, we looked very tall and skinny. Another one made us look very short and fat. Still another, made us look misshapen. I laughed and laughed. We entered a corridor of mirrors and soon we were lost in a maze. It was impossible to find our way out by sight. The mirrors were set up in such a way that we could see many reflections of ourselves, but not the way out. I felt panic-stricken! After a time of attempting to find the exit, my mother began to panic too. That scared me even more. Finally, she got the idea of feeling her way along the maze. That worked! Once on the outside, we determined never to enter a maze of mirrors again.
How often life is like that maze of mirrors. Without the our Great Redeemer’s guidance, we become lost in the tangle of trials and troubles of our own making. Without His special leading, we can get ourselves into circumstances where there seems to be no way out. The more we try to extricate ourselves from the situation, getting deeper we get in the trap.
There is only one way of escape. If we ask Him, Jesus will help us disentangle ourselves from the mess we have gotten ourselves into. All we need to do is ask. Our Dear Saviour promises, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psa 32:8 He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! (John 14:6) No matter what our circumstance, no matter how deeply we are ensnared in our own “house of mirrors, “if we cry unto the Lord in our trouble, He will save us out of all of our distresses, deliver us from self- destruction, teach us His way, and make a plain path for our feet. ( Psa 107:19,20; 27:11)
May we, this very day, while the door of mercy is still open, ask our Loving Saviour to take complete control of our life. May we declare as did David, “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psa 73:24 May we ever “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth” is my prayer. Rev 14:4
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/RPThbEGb_5c/have-you-found-your-bearings.html

Christ taught His disciples that the measure of divine attention bestowed on any of God’s work is proportionate to the rank which that object occupies in the scale of creation. The little brown sparrow, apparently the most inferior of birds, is watched over by Providence. Not one falls to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father. The flowers of the field, the grass which clothes the earth with verdure—all share the notice and care of our heavenly Father.

“Behold the fowls of the air,” Christ said: “for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:26-29). If the lilies of the field are objects upon which the great Master Artist has bestowed care, making them so beautiful that they out-rival the glory of Solomon, the greatest king that ever wielded a scepter; if the grass of the field is made into a beautiful carpet for the earth, can we form any idea of the regard which God bestows upon man, who was formed in His image?

God has given man intellect in order that he may comprehend greater things than these beautiful objects in nature. He carries the human agent into a higher department of truth, leading the mind higher and still higher, and opening to him the divine mind. And in the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, each one is given a page. That page contains every particular of his history. Even the hairs of his head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind.

And though sin existed for ages, seeking to counteract the merciful tide of love flowing from God to the human race, yet the love and care that God bestows upon the beings He has created in His own image has not ceased to increase in richness and abundance. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He crowned His benevolence by the inestimable gift of Jesus. By this sacrifice, a healing flood of life and heavenly grace was poured upon our world. This was God’s gift to man—a gift that defies all computation.—Letter 4, July 1, 1896, “To the Men Who Occupy Responsible Positions in the Work.”
The Upward Look p. 201
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Mark who is in the hospital with a heart attack. Ilene
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Dear Friends,
Graduation is a bitter-sweet time in a student’s life. This year it is more bitter than sweet as the graduating class cannot have the normal celebrations. Graduation marks the end of many years of studying new concepts until late in the night, difficult exams, fun with friends, new relationships, etc. It also marks the beginning of life finding a job,
finding the right college, moving to a new place, finding a new apartment, starting the life one has dreamed about since childhood. How important we remember to make God our Leader for only He can direct our steps aright. Life takes many twists and turns, but through all we have a Captain Who longs to guide and protect us if we will only let Him.
No matter what our circumstances,whether just graduating or having graduated many years ago, as we meditate upon our Dear Saviour’s love and care for us, our heart is filled with love for Him. With that love, comes peace and joy even when forsaken by those nearest and dearest to us. The Captain of the Lord’s Host speaks to our heart words of admonition and encouragement just as He did to Joshua when he was on the brink of the promised land. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Josh 1:8,9
It is a fact of life that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt 12:34 As we study God’s Holy Word, as we make Him the focus of our life, we will “be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psa 1:3 The fruit of the Spirit will radiate from us. “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” will become part of our very life. Gal 5:23 Those around us will notice and glorify the One Who can change us so completely.
As we think of the wondrous love of our Great Creator, Who sent His Only Begotten Son to rescue us from the power of the enemy; we cannot help but speak of that love to others. David declared, “I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.” Ps 108:3-5 The closer we become to our Dear Saviour, the more we thirst for a closer walk with Him, just as the parched ground thirsts for drops of refreshing rain. Jesus promises, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt 5:6 As we are filled, our heart longs to share the joy that we have found with those we love. Our Great Light declares, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat 5:14-16
May we pray as did David, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psa 86:11,12 May we be filled with the joy and peace that passes all understanding. May we by precept and example point others to their Only Saviour is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/8ztfQ7Fr_Ag/the-measure-of-divine-attention.html

Christ has laid down the conditions of acceptable service. “He that loveth his life shall lose it,” He says; “and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (John 12:25, 26).

It is Christ’s method of serving that is of value in God’s sight. The service of those who serve in the world’s way is worthless, for it is all for self. The selfishness of human nature takes control. They do not serve as Christ has given them example.

Let us study the life and death of Christ. Let us do all in our power to work out the plan of God. What tongue can tell, what pen unfold the mighty results of looking to Jesus and living His life? How few of those claiming to be Christians have any real right to that sacred name.

Satan watches eagerly to find Christians off their guard. O that the followers of Christ would remember that eternal vigilance is the price of eternal life. Many have a slumbering faith. Unless they are invigorated, revived, quickened into action, their souls will be lost.

Self must die, and Christ must be enthroned in the heart as all and in all. The thoughts must be stayed on Him. Then the life will be an honor to His name. The soul will receive power from on high to resist Satan’s specious devisings.

Have Seventh-day Adventists forgotten the warning given in the sixth chapter of Ephesians? We are engaged in a warfare against the hosts of darkness. Unless we follow our Leader closely, Satan will obtain the victory over us.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17).—Letter 140, July 5, 1903, to “My Dear Brethren.”
The Upward Look p. 200
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Jerri. She is still in the hospital with a racing heart. Mike
—-Please pray that Ron can find a job soon. Rose
—-Please pray for me. Megan
—-I need prayers for my mom, she has stage 4 throat cancer. Cheyenne
—-Please pray for my developing baby. Little Sparrow
—-I’m struggling with bouts of boils and probably MRSA. I am in need of prayers. Janis
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Dear Friends,
A few years ago, when we were camping by a river, we spent some of our time walking along the water’s edge. We noticed a light green plant growing on the sandy beach that we had not seen before. We stopped to look at it more closely. Most of them grew straight and tall, but the plants that were at the water’s edge were lying on their side. The wind was blowing the water into waves that were washing away the sand from under them, but those plants held on tightly to keep from being washed away. Long, white roots anchored them into the sandy shore. No matter how hard they were beaten, they could not be carried away into the river.
How often the trials and troubles of this old world beat upon us just as those waves were beating upon those plants. Just as those plants were rooted deeply into the shoreline, so we must be anchored deeply in God’s Holy Word in order to withstand the onslaughts of the evil one who is trying to shake our very foundation. Peter realized that God’s Holy Word is more reliable than what we can see with our eyes or hear with our ears. “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. [speaking of his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration Matt 17:1-9] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:16-22 Paul adds, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim 3:16,17
God’s Holy Word is “is able to make [us] wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” vs 15 By beholding our Dear Saviour in its pages, ” we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. ” Ps 119:9-17
Anchoring deeply in the Word of God keeps us from being washed away by every wind of doctrine and theory of man; “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Eph 4:14-16 John warns us, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 How can we try them? By comparing what they say and do by the precious Word of God. “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
May we “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 May we remember the works of the LORD and His wonders of old, meditating also upon all His work, and keep not silent but share with those we meet what we have learned of all His doings that they, too, may have an anchor in these troubling times. May our Dear Saviour grant us, “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in [our] hearts by faith; that [we], being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that [we] might be filled with all the fullness of God” and be ready to meet Him when He comes to receive His own. Eph 3:16-19
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/aLo9qA5b4tE/eternal-vigilance.html