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Preparing for Heaven

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Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8.

I have kept very well since the warm weather came. I am surprised that at my age [75] I am favored with such good health. I can go up and down stairs as easily and as quickly as any member of my family. Generally, I am cheerful. I do not want to cast a shadow in my family. I desire that every word that falls from my lips shall be fragrant with Christlike love….

We have been commissioned to go forth as God’s missionaries. In the Bible we learn what work God has given us to do, and there, too, we learn how to do this work. No one can know the will of God so certainly as he who abides in Christ. There are some who are constantly inquiring and speculating and guessing, but who, instead of advancing, are retrograding. They are not united with Christ.

We are not to stumble along in uncertainty. Christ says, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). As we advance, we become used to following. The path of life shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.

How deeply grieved the Saviour is by the loss of one of the souls for whom He made so great a sacrifice. He would bring all into the kingdom of heaven. He desires all to see the King in His beauty…. Let us not keep looking at the defects of others. Let us look ever to Jesus…. There are sinners to be saved, and in word and deed we are to fulfill Christ’s purpose for them, as His agencies of healing….

I am making earnest efforts to win the crown of life which at the last great day the Judge of all will give to those who love His appearing. Let us not allow our lips to be tarnished by unbelief. Let us talk the truth. Let us refuse to be deceived by the seducing spirits that will come.

Sister [Lucinda] Hall, will it not be a blessed thing to be an overcomer, to sit with the royal family in the kingdom of heaven, to have a place in the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love His appearing? Be of good courage, my sister. Let nothing discourage you. Keep cheerful. Stand under the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness.—Letter 121, June 25, 1903, to Lucinda Hall, a close friend.
The Upward Look p. 190
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for D who is still depressed and has anger issues. B
—-Please pray! My hubs and I are spiking fevers. He’s 99.2, I’m 102. Sylvia
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Dear Friends,
While Ron was in college, I worked in the physical therapy department at Lyster Army Hospital in southern Alabama. It was very easy and interesting work. Often the soldiers would come in for treatment when they just wanted a day off. They would complain of a stiff neck or a sore back, but when giving them the treatments, it seemed that they were perfectly fine. The captain that was the head of the department didn’t care whether the soldiers had a legitimate complaint or not. He was more interested in having a good time. He made working there a lot of fun.
After I had worked there about a year, Captain M. was transferred to another base. Major Win was much different. He was tall, quiet, very stern, and quite unapproachable. The fun stopped. He had the opinion that all of the patients who came to our department were there because they didn’t want to work that day. He delighted in giving them painful examinations and hard excercises. From that point I hated my job.
One day, a young soldier walked into our department. He had some rather unusual complaints about pain and weakness. The major felt that he was only there to get out of work and treated him more harshly than he normally treated the soldiers. The young man took it all in a gentle and smiling way. I felt sorry for him because I knew that even if he were exaggerating his condition, the major’s treatment was painful. Several times a week the young man came back. Each time he told of more symtoms. Each time he seemed to get worse. Finally, the young man was transferred to a different hospital by his doctor.
A few weeks later, Major W. came into the department with a more solemn look on his face than usual. He asked me if I remembered the young man. I did. He told me that he had been talking with the young man’s doctor and that the other hospital had tested him and they had found a tumor on the soldier’s upper spine. Major W. had been giving him exercises and treatment the were contrary to what that young man needed and had actually made it worse. He was very sorry that he had done so, but it was too late. The damage was irreversible.
How we treat others harshly because we misjudge them. How many times we permanently injure those around us by word or deed. How easy to be sure that we know someone’s motives, and yet be just as wrong as was Major W. Jesus warns, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matt 7:1-5
Yet, not all judging is wrong for He commands, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24 How can we judge righteously? He gives the answer, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt 7:20 We cannot judge another person’s motives, but we can know them by their fruits. Does the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance) show forth in their life? Gal 5:22 Yet even then, we must be very careful in our “fruit inspection.”
When judging another, we must remember that “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.” Rom 14:10, 4
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecc 12:13, 14 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2Cor 4:5; 5:10 Until that time, let us treat others with love and kindness and leave the judging to Him.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/ws49Mu9Vmv0/preparing-for-heaven.html

Ye Visited Me

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Remember them that are in bonds. Hebrews 13:3.

Yesterday, by invitation, I spoke to the prisoners [near Salem, Oregon]. Sister Jordan, a very amiable woman in the faith, took me in her carriage…. I was surprised to see so fine a company of intelligent men. Oh, so sad! So many young men, younger than our own dear boys, so bright, and looking as though they might fill any position in society. You would not dream that they were prisoners, only as you looked upon their strange dress. And this was so neat and clean. There was nothing repulsive in their appearance.

The superintendent first ushered us in and then, at the sound of the bell, the heavy iron bolts were drawn back with a loud noise, and there swarmed from their cells one hundred and fifty prisoners. Then we were locked in with them—the warden, superintendent’s wife (a Southern lady), Brother and Sister Carter, Sister Jordan, and myself. The prisoners sang, led by Brother Carter. There was an organ. The performer was a young man, an excellent musician, a man of promise—yet oh, how sad, a convict! I engaged in prayer and every brow bowed. They sang again and then I addressed them.

They listened with the most profound attention as I spoke from these words: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). I then presented before them Adam’s sin, his fall, and the gift of God to redeem Adam’s failure; the love here manifested to save man from sin and ruin. I dwelt upon the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, the victory gained in behalf of the race, and how man may overcome the seductive snares of Satan by making Christ his trust.

I dwelt a few moments upon the nature of sin; that sin was the transgression of the law, and how through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ the sinner might be saved with a full and free salvation. But he is not saved by the merits of the blood of Christ while he continues to transgress the Father’s law…. Christ died to evidence to the sinner that there was no hope for him while he continued in sin. Obedience to all God’s requirements is his only hope for pardon through the blood of Christ. I dwelt largely upon the great reward to be given the final overcomer—the crown of life that fadeth not away to be placed upon his brow.

The people listened with the most solemn mien, and the tearful eye and quivering lip showed that their hearts, although calloused with sin, felt the words spoken.—Letter 32, June 24, 1878, to James White, who was traveling in the Eastern United States.
The Upward Look p. 189
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Prayer Requests
—- I request for prayer for my Sis-in-law, Linda who has some blood pressure & edema & anxiety problem. With the current Corona Virus situation, she is trying to avoid going to the doctor’s clinic as much as possible and doing Alternative Treatments instead. Please pray for Divine Intervention. Becky
—-my wife has an interview tomorrow for a better position within the county that she works for. We sure could use the extra income. Also, my cousin Bridgette is ill and we’re hoping it isn’t cancer.. And my friend Buffie who is a funeral director went to New York to help out and just returned home and has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Please send a prayer up, thanks ! David
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in Washington state, our nearest neighbors to the north of us (about one-fourth mile down the road) were two families who were members of our church. The one family had children about the age of our two youngest, so that made it really nice. The other family was Mr. and Mrs. Lowry, an elderly man and his wife who, sadly, had Alzheimers.
One day, Mr. Lowry saw us walking by his place one day and asked us if we would like to have garden space in his large garden. Of course, we said that we would. Mr. Lowry had even roto-tilled our half as well as his. We hurried to the store and bought the seeds that we would need. Then we planted it anticipating an abundant crop.
After the little plants appeared, we began working to keep our garden free of weeds. At least we tried to keep the garden weed free. We soon learned that Mr. Lowry had one big problem which had now become ours. Morning glories! Up until this time, I had always thought those big purple flowers of the cultivated kind were beautiful; and before they appeared in our garden, I even thought the little white blooms of the wild kind were pretty. My opinion soon changed.
If we wanted to rid our garden of the offensive blooms, Mr. Lowry explained, we had to pull up not only the visible part of the plant, but also the vine that ran underneath the soil. This was no easy task! We pulled and pulled and worked and worked to rid that garden of those pesky morning glories. Often we would think we had them completely gone, only to find the next day more leaves appearing above the soil. All summer we battled those tough plants. In fact, in all the years that Mr. Lowry let us use that space, we never succeeded in conquering them. We had an acceptable harvest, but not like it would have been had we been able to rid the soil of those impossible weeds.
As we worked that garden, a parable of Jesus made more sense as we had to be careful not to uproot the good plants. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt 13:24-30
Sometimes church members look about them with a critical eye at those they consider “weeds” in the church. What trouble it causes when they begin to work hard to uproot these “weeds.” Jesus reminds us, “why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.” Luke 6:41, 42
How careful we must be, then, to “judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24 Samuel learned this lesson. When God told him that He had chosen one of the sons of Jesse to be the next king, he went to Bethlehem to meet them. “And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:6, 7 The One Who reads the thoughts and intents of the heart is the only One Who can know what is in our heart.
Yet there are times, when we must pull up the “weeds” in the garden of the Lord lest the whole church suffer. How careful we must be in such times, for there is great danger that “precious wheat” will be uprooted as well. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Gal 6:1, 2 May we ask for wisdom from Above that we may proceed with love and care in those rare circumstances where a “weed” must be pulled up is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/xrrQ0Mvl4RU/ye-visited-me.html

Lessons From the Barren Fig Tree

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Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matthew 3:8.

I feel an earnest interest that those who have been creating dissension and strife shall be convicted of their wrong, and shall repent and be converted. Tell this to the people: “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you” (John 12:35). Because the time is short we need to follow diligently the King’s business.

Two nights ago in visions of the night, I seemed to be addressing a company of our people…. I was saying: “I have a message for those who have been working to destroy the influence of the messages that the Lord has been giving to His servants. There are some who for years have been spreading their roots far, but their fruit-bearing for Christ is represented by the barren fig tree.” …

The lesson of the barren fig tree is one that we should keep continually before us. It is not profession of righteousness that will meet the needs of the world today and fulfill the will of God for the human family. God is looking for fruit-bearing branches. “Feed My sheep with pure provender” is the Lord’s command to those who stand as teachers of the gospel of salvation. He has made provision that the gospel’s saving power shall be represented in all places.

I was shown that mistakes have been made that have left wrong impressions upon minds, because men were allowed to preside over important interests who were deficient of the saving grace of the gospel, who had not made its purity and simplicity a part of their lives, and who did not seek God often in humble, earnest prayer. Righteous, self-denying works were not considered by them to be a necessary part of Christian experience. They did not see the necessity of having the spirit of Christ and of emulating His example in their work of ministry. I heard words of warning and entreaty spoken to young men, imploring them to make a full surrender and to obtain a thorough conversion. Ministers were exhorted to make decided changes.

The Saviour was presented to me as standing before the congregation, and addressing those who had stood to discourage and hinder others. The words were spoken, “Break every yoke. You are years behind where you should be in the carrying out of the plan of redemption. Let each seek his orders from the One in whom dwelleth truth and righteousness. Let all come into right relation to God, making thorough work of repentance.”

Let us press our case to the throne of grace…. I pray that thorough conversions may now be experienced.—Letter 202, June 23, 1908, to S. N. Haskell, president of the California Conference.
The Upward Look p. 188
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Prayer Requests
—-Pray for God’s leading in several situations. B
—-I need prayer. LS
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Dear Friends,
My grandfather, Ed Harmon, spent much of his growing-up years living the life of a hobo traveling up and down the eastcoast of the USA by “riding the rails” in a boxcar. He met many interesting characters along the way. Some of these homeless men were very nice to him, shared their food with him, and taught him ways of survival. He grew up tough and wiry but kept his tender heart.
The years passed by and my grandfather grew up and worked for a time at the Review and Herald Publishing Company as a bookbinder. He met and fell in love with a beautiful young lady named Rose Mudderspach. Sadly, Rose died of tuberculosis which was rampant in those far off days. Brokenhearted, he left his job at the Review and wandered around for awhile trying to heal from his broken heart.
Since he had grown up riding the rails as a hobo, he went back to that way of life. Times had changed, however. The railroad companies had tried in vain for years to stop these hobos from hopping into the boxcars. Now they had a different strategy. They hired men to catch all who were riding for free.
One particular security guard had quite a reputation because of his size and the hard look in his face. All of the men who road the rails were afraid of him and warned my grandfather. As they would tell one another about this man, the stories grew and grew until he became something of a legend.
When my grandfather heard all of the stories about the mean security guard, he hoped that he would never meet him. He had faced many dangers throughout his life and was well able to take care of himself, but those exaggerated stories of this man’s cruelty filled him with fear.
One day, he decided to catch a ride on the particular train line where this security guard worked. He would have to be extra careful not to get caught. Sneaking into the railway yard, he grabbed the ladder that was at the end of a boxcar as the train went slowly by.
The now infamous security guard saw him. My grandfather held onto the ladder for a few moments before climbing up onto the boxcar. Just as his head was peeking over the top, he saw the dreaded guard coming his way. Immediately he ducked down, hoping that he had not been seen. In the few moments he had before the guard got to him, he had a decision to make. The train was going too fast for him to jump off without being hurt. He had to face the strong man. What should he do?
Climbing up the ladder when he was sure the guard was right above him, he sprung up onto the top of the boxcar right in front of the guard. Looking his meanest, he faced this huge strongman. The guard’s menacing look made the hair on Ed’s neck stand up, but he did not let the fear that he felt show.
The guard declared that he was going to throw him off the train which by then had picked up even more speed. Without a moment’s hesitation, my grandfather did the old trick of sticking his hand in his pocket in such a way that it looked like a gun and told the man that he was going to put an end to the guard once and for all.
Suddenly, that big guard’s attitude changed. He showed that he was a coward at heart. Even though that guard had not seen a gun, he was afraid at the mere mention of the word. The frightening look on his face turned to one of fear. His whole demeanor changed. Slowly. He backed away and left my grandfather alone for the rest of the trip.
Ed was greatly relieved but could not relax. He was sure that at the next stop this guard would have the sheriff waiting for him. As soon as the train slowed down while going up a steep grade, he jumped off.
How many times we are like that guard. We profess one thing, but we are quite different within. Jesus tells us, “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 7:21-23 Fearful thought!
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being all show (like that security guard) and having no real walk with God. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Matt 23:25-28
Profession does no good when there is no change in our heart. Profession is worthless without the love of God dwelling inside. How much we need to have a new heart. How much we need that cleansing that only Jesus can give. Praise God! 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.” “I will put my laws into [your] hearts, and in [your] minds will I write them; And [your] sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Eze 36:26,27; Heb 10:16,17
May we be certain that we are on the inside what we profess on the outside. May we so live that others will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) May we pray as did David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Ps 51:10-13
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/rjuZ1qqACME/lessons-from-the-barren-fig-tree.html

Let God Work His Will in You

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The God of peace … make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20, 21.

By studying the Word of God, and carrying out its precepts in all their business transactions, men may carefully discern the spirit that controls the actions. In the place of following human impulse and natural inclination, they may learn, by diligent study, the principles that should control the sons and daughters of Adam.

The Bible is the guidebook that is to decide the many difficult problems that rise in minds that are selfishly inclined. It is a reflection of the wisdom of God, and not only furnishes great and important principles, but supplies practical lessons for the life and conduct of man toward his fellow man. It gives minute particulars that decide our relation to God and to each other. It is a complete revelation of the attributes and will of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and in it is set forth the obligation of the human agent to render wholehearted service to God, and to inquire at every step of the way, “Is this the way of the Lord?” …

A deceiving crookedness is discernible in the minds of those whose eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve that they may see all things in the light of God’s Word. The will becomes enslaved, bound to pursue a course which the Word of God will not justify. The will of the human agent is not to be given into the control of any other man. When merged into the will of other men, it is misleading….

If the human agent consents, God can and will so identify His will with all our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His Word, that when obeying His will, we are only carrying out the impulses of our minds. All such will not possess an unsanctified, selfish disposition, ready to carry out their own wills, but will have a jealous, earnest, determined zeal for the glory of God. They will not want to do anything in their own strength, and will guard strictly against the danger of promoting self.

All who would perfect a Christian character must wear the yoke of Christ. If they would sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, they must learn of Him while on this earth. Our natures are in need of discipline. They must be conformed to the nature of Jesus Christ, that He may accomplish the good He designs to do for all who will submit to be molded by yielding their natures to His authority. The great Teacher will yoke up with every soul who will bear His yoke.—Letter 22, June 22, 1896, to a church administrator in Australia.
The Upward Look p. 187
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Prayer Requests
—-I have a favor to ask of all of you. My younger sister, Cindy, has been fighting cervical cancer for a while now. She has had all the surgery she can have, there is nothing left to cut. She been through two episodes of both chemo and radiation. Basically, if it comes back, well… She has a pet scan May 4; and will get the results May 5. Would you please pray for her every day from now until the 5th that the Lord will heal her and the results on the 5th show no signs of cancer? Kim
—-please pray for Brother A. he is on the hospital and very ill. Carolyn
—-Please pray for Yashy who was in a horrific car accident. Joseph
—-I ask for you to say a prayer for me please. I m a Left leg amputee for over .10 years I awoke 2 hours ago with phantom pain (feels like it’s down my left leg). It feels like electric shock every few min. Ann
—-Our little grandson, Adriel, got into some rat poison, in er. Olive
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Dear Friends,
What a responsible job teachers have! The way they teach can have a decided effect on a student’s attitude and future. When a teacher is unfair, it causes the student to become discouraged. When a teacher does not know how to work the math problems himself, he loses the confidence of his students. When a teacher is both unfair and inept, it causes his students to quit trying.
On the other hand, there are teachers who are excellent. They know their material well and are able to help the students grasp even the most difficult of concepts. These teachers become extra special to us and we remember them throughout our lives.
Most teachers, however, are somewhere in between these two extremes. After the student gets out of their class, they are forgotten in a few years. After a few decades, their class cannot be recalled at all.
There is Someone Who longs to be our teacher. He is the Great Creator, the Great Redeemer, our Loving Helper. He is “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6 He is interested in every aspect of our lives as though there were no other in the universe. He yearns to guide us but He will not force us to let Him do so. He assures us, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8 Think of it! We can be instructed by the Ominiscient One! We have the privelege of sitting at His Feet as did Mary and listen to the lesson that He has for us each day through a study of His Holy Word. (Luke 10:38-42)
May we listen to God’s Guiding Voice. 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 daily hide His Word in our heart that all that we do, all that we think, all that we say may be pleasing in His sight.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/we_stRjiwbw/let-god-work-his-will-in-you.html

God Can Use “Inferior” Workers

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But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27.

Those whom God chooses as His workers are not always talented in the estimation of the world. Sometimes He selects unlearned men. These workers have a special work to do. They reach a class to which no one else could obtain access. Those who labor in a quiet way will be rewarded with the same commendation as those who, from outward appearances, exerted a wider influence. Every worker is rewarded according to the spirit that prompted him to action.

These workers open their heart to receive the truth, and they are made wise in and through Christ. Their lives inhale and exhale the fragrance of godliness. Their words are thoughtfully considered before they are spoken. Their actions are patterned after the actions of their Leader. They strive to promote the well-being of their fellow men. They take relief and happiness to the sorrowful and distressed. They feel the necessity of remaining constantly under Christ’s training, that they may work in accordance with the will of God. They study how they can best imitate the cross-bearing and self-denial of their Saviour. They are God’s witnesses, following His example of compassion and love, ascribing all the glory to Him whom they love and serve.

Constantly they are learning of the great Teacher as they reach higher degrees of perfection, yet all the time feeling a sense of their weakness and inferiority. They are drawn upward by the strong, loving admiration they have for the beauty of Christ’s character. They practice His virtues, for His life is assimilated to theirs. Ever they move onward and upward, a blessing to the world and an honor to their Redeemer. Christ says of them, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Such workers are to be encouraged. Their work is done, not to be seen of men, but to glorify God; and it will bear His inspection. The Lord brings these workers into connection with those of more marked ability to fill up the gaps they leave. He is well pleased when they are recognized and appreciated, for they are links in His chain of service. And it is God’s desire that every human instrumentality who works for Him shall be recognized, however small may be the work he does….

In the heavenly courts, when the redeemed are gathered home, this class will stand nearest the Son of God. They will shine brightly in the courts of the Lord, honored by Him because they have felt it an honor to minister to those for whom Christ gave His life.—Manuscript 5, June 21, 1902, “The Need of an Awakening.”
The Upward Look p. 186
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Mark. His mother died yesterday. Rose
—-I am having trouble believing God can forgive me. I feel things I did are unforgivable since I knew about Jesus and did bad things anyway. Please pray for me even if I don’t deserve it. Mary
—-My husband’s father is in ICU. His name is Manuel. Please pray! He can have no visitors. They don’t have a Spanish speaking nurse or doctor in the hospital and my father in law doesn’t speak English. Please join us in prayer for him. Steven
—-Please keep my mother in prayer, name is Barbara. She fell backwards yesterday and hit her neck against an open cupboard door and broke it. Waiting to see what or if anything the doctors can do for her. Connie
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Dear Friends,
Our Great Creator owns all things. He has made the universe and all that is in it. Even though theistic evolutionists try to tell us otherwise, He did not create and then walk off and let all things develop as they will. Indeed, He is even now “upholding all things by the word of his power.” Heb 12:3 He watches over all. He declares, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.”Ps 50:10,11 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”Luke 12:6,7
Since He knows each one of His creatures in the animal kingdom, how much more does He know us whom He has died to redeem. In fact, Jesus assures us that He knows us so well that He even knows the number of the hairs of our head, a number that changes daily. Moreover, He knows our inmost thoughts and hidden motives. He declares, “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 17:10 Others may misjudge us; but He does not, for He knows every secret thing about us. Things that we would not want others to know, He knows. Secrets that we think are hidden from sight, are plain to Him. Jesus says, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” Luke 12:2,3 Solemn thought.
Solomon advises, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecc 12:13,14 In view of this, our daily prayer should be, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Ps 51:10-13
Our Great Creator promises to recreate us if we will ask. “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 Precious promise! He, Who has created all, will give us a new heart, a clean and a pure heart. Through His power “the righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9 He bids us, “ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24 What a Wonderful Saviour! He gives us the victory!
May we open our heart’s door to our Dear Redeemer. (Rev 3:20) May we “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim 2:22 May we, someday soon, enter into the “everlasting gates” in that great day when Jesus makes up His jewels (Mal 3:16,17) is my prayer.

Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/OZRFTJtVh-o/god-can-use-inferior-workers.html

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