The future is before us, and unforeseen events will surely take place, changing the present aspect of things in the world. Lust and greed are striving for the supremacy. Oppression and hatred will be exercised to destroy. Inspired by a power from beneath, Satan’s instrumentalities will work with intensity to carry out his will. “The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10). Every truly converted soul will put on the whole armor of God, and will bravely face the unseen foe. God’s servants will realize the necessity of partaking of the divine nature….

Now is our time of peril. Our only safety is in walking in the footsteps of Christ, and wearing His yoke. Troublous times are before us. In many instances, friends will become alienated. Without cause, men will become our enemies. The motives of the people of God will be misinterpreted, not only by the world, but by their own brethren. The Lord’s servants will be put in hard places. A mountain will be made out of a molehill to justify men in pursuing a selfish, unrighteous course.

The work that men have done faithfully will be disparaged and underrated, because apparent prosperity did not attend their efforts. By misrepresentation, these men will be clothed in the dark vestments of dishonesty, because circumstances beyond their control made their work perplexing. They will be pointed to as men that cannot be trusted. And this will be done by the members of the church. God’s servants must arm themselves with the mind of Christ. They must not expect to escape insult and misjudgment. They will be called enthusiasts and fanatics. But let them not become discouraged. God’s hand is on the wheel of His providence, guiding His work to the glory of His name.

God calls upon His people to be bright lights in the world, shining amid the darkness of sin. Living the life of the Life-giver brings its reward. He went about doing good. This, every true follower of His will do, filled with a sacred sense of his loyalty to God and his duty to his fellow beings. Through the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, Christians are to grow in grace, constantly drawing nearer perfection of character.—Manuscript 156b, 1901, “The Signing of Agreements.”
The Upward Look p. 177
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for all those who have Covid-19, their families, and the health care workers.
—-Prayer needed for one of my Bible Study contacts. His name is Jesse. Jodie
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in North Carolina, when Ronnie Jay was four and five, we lived next door to our pastor, John Earnhardt. Pastor Earnhardt was Ronnie Jay’s hero. He followed the man everywhere keeping up a steady stream of talk. If Pastor Earnhardt was mowing his large lawn, Ronnie Jay was following him. If the pastor was driving a stake into the ground, Ronnie Jay was between him and what he was doing. If the man was painting, our son was beside him asking him a million questions or just jabbering away.
A few years later, our church had a camp-out one weekend. We had a really nice time singing together and worshiping our Great Creator out in His Creation. Our pastor took all the children on a nature walk and they had a fun time seeing the animals that he caught. Perhaps this is where Ronnie Jay got his great love for all types of animals.
Ronnie Jay was about seven or eight at that time and always got up at dawn no matter how early that was. Pastor Earnhardt was also an early-riser and got up about the same time. He and Ronnie Jay talked for awhile and then he showed our son how to play baseball. Ronnie Jay was thrilled! Ronnie Jay had missed not living beside the pastor, so this time when he got to be all alone with him was very special. When we awakened, we saw the two of them playing happily together.
Through the years Ronnie Jay remembered this incident with fondness. One day he wrote that pastor and told him how much that morning together had meant to him. This pleased Pastor Earnhardt very much. He sent Ronnie Jay a nice letter, a brochure from the evangelistic meetings he was holding, and a postcard from the area he was in at the time. Ronnie Jay still has them.
In 2001, Pastor Earnhardt came to our church and did an evangelistic series. It was so good to see him again. We had some time of fellowship together with him, but I noticed that as he looked at Ronnie Jay, his eyes just sparkled. No doubt, he was remembering when we lived next door to him how our son as a little child followed him around every time he came out of his house. Perhaps he was remembering that early morning at the church campout when he and Ronnie Jay were the only ones awake and the fun time they had. Now this child had grown into a man.
When Ronnie Jay moved to North Carolina, they were happy to see each other once again. He and his bride-to-be had marriage counseling from Pastor Earnhardt. I often thought how special that was for both of them.
Just as our son and the pastor have had many special moments together, so our Heavenly Father longs to have sweet fellowship with us. He desires above all things to have close communion with us, not just once or twice, but each moment of every day. He is not just fond of us, no, He loves us “with an everlasting love” a love far surpassing any earthly love. Jer 31:3
Throughout God’s Word is revealed His great love for us. That great chapter in Isaiah foretells Jesus’ loving sacrifice for us. “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
Think of it! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18
God made this great sacrifice for you and me, so He could bring us into right relationship with Himself. What great love He has for us! What a great sacrifice He has made for us! It is beyond comprehension!
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Cor 1:9 May we, each day, have an even closer fellowship with Him, than the times of fellowship that our son had with Pastor Earnhardt. May we give ourselves completely to our Great Redeemer. May we hold sweet communion as we go about our daily duties with the One Who loves us so is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/LrWAbhaVFhY/gods-hand-is-on-the-wheel.html

My Dear Sister: There are some things that are to be confessed to God alone. If you have wronged a brother or a sister, you have the light given you in the Word: “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23, 24)….

If your sin is between you and God, you need not give publicity to it, but confess it to God. Often poor, weak mortals act very unadvisedly in the matter of confessing their sins to human beings….

I advise you to take your case to the Lord Jesus in prayer. Believe that He hears you, and that when you confess your sins and repent, and walk humbly with God, you will find pardon. Act like one whom the Lord has corrected in order to purify and save you….

Never give up your faith and hope in God. Cling to the promises. Do not trust in your feelings, but in the naked Word of God. Believe the assurances of the Lord. Take your stand upon the plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and rest there, feeling or no feeling. Faith is not always followed by feelings of ecstasy, but “hope thou in God.” Trust fully in Him….

My sister, trust in the Lord as a little child trusts its earthly parent. Cling to the Saviour. Let nothing separate your soul from God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Look for mercies; expect mercies. Look continually for blessings. See them, acknowledge them, and do not complain, do not fret. Do not cast blame upon God, but say, “O Lord, I do believe, though I am a sinner and because I am a sinner. I believe in Thee with all my heart. Thou art the Truth, and Thy Word I believe.”

What is religion? It is the conformity of the whole being to the will of God. “If any man will come after me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

You need an intelligent belief in the Word of God. This Word is our rule of action. You are not to stand long, saying, “What must I do?” The first question with you is, “What must I believe?” Right believing means right doing. Christ gave His life to make it possible for you to be a partaker of the divine nature…. Remember that the Lord will bless all who put their trust in Him. Your sister, Ellen G. White.—Letter 159, June 11, 1905, to a “discouraged church member.”
The Upward Look p. 176
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Prayer Requests
—-May I solicit your prayers on behalf of my cousin, Melody, an international flight stewardess who is infected by Covid 19. She’s been febrile for 8 days now, but confined to her home. She’s far away from family & from her husband, but we can keep her close to the Lord. I appreciate your prayers Becky
—-Please pray for “K” and her husband “T”.She found out today that she has liver cancer.F
—-I’m Asking For Emergency Prayers For a Relative in The Hospital Now, About to give Birth Soon, I PLEAD The BLOOD of JESUS OVER her and the Baby and the Healthcare Staffs. Gabby
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Dear Friends,
Over the years we have lived in many different parts of the country and have had the opportunity to meet many different people. Some of these we have kept in contact with. Others, we would just as soon forget.
One particular woman that fit into the latter category, seemed to believe that it was evil to laugh or even to smile. Because of this, she went about with a very stern look upon her face. Moreover, she did not keep her sullen disposition to herself but would frown at anyone who looked happy. Especially, did she have a frown for children. Natually, they avoided her as much as they could and some mimicked her behind her back.
While it is true that Paul admonishes us, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks,” this poor woman was confused between the joking and jesting Paul speaks against and the joy and happiness that is an outward sign of a heart that is at peace with God. She forgot that Paul also said in that same verse, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” Eph 5:4 She didn’t remember that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22,23)
As we read about the disciples, we are amazed at how joyful they were despite the beatings and imprisonments that they received. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” Acts 5:41 “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:23-25 Jesus had told them to rejoice when persecuted, and they did. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matt 5:11,12
Peter explains, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” 1 Peter 3:14-17
Yet there is a difference between the sternness of that woman and the mournful countenance of one who is repentant. Then there is a reason to weep, there is a time for a deep sorrow for sin, an earnest pleading to be right with God. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of” 2 Cor 7:10 Paul advises, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil 2:12 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10
Only after we repent, can we have true happiness, a happiness born from a heart right with God. Only then, can we have true joy, a joy the wells up from within us because we have the assurance of Jesus’ smile, of Jesus’ presence always with us. Only then can we have true peace of mind. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Amen. Rom 15:13
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/hZ6y52wXnko/to-whom-shall-i-confess.html

Whenever persons are truly converted, their moral taste is changed. In all their expenditures they will have a single purpose: [to] keep the glory of God in view, to have a right influence in the church, and in all their actions to testify to worldlings that they are children of God, that through faith they have been made partakers of Christ’s self-denial, of His great love for perishing souls. They will constantly be afraid that they will lift a worldly standard in the place of the banner of Jesus Christ.

What an account will those in _____ have to give who have the Bible to guide them as to the spirit and action they must have in order to lead souls out of darkness to the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. How much money is expended in order to follow the promptings and desires of a carnal heart, to please and glorify self. How much means might flow into the Lord’s treasury that is employed upon self. And in the judgment those poor tempted souls who have lived to please themselves will see these things as God has estimated them. They will see how they might have saved and helped, if they had not been so absorbed with self. Everyone who has a knowledge of the truth has a work to do to come into sympathy with Christ. “Ye are laborers together with God.” The salvation of the soul is above every other interest. How much higher than every other enterprise is measured by the cross of Calvary….

There is work given of God for everyone to do. There are to be no idle ones. Not one is to be selfish and self-centered. It is very easy to become thus, and Satan is constantly working that this selfish spirit shall be manifested by professed Christians.

I wish I could make the church understand how terrible a thing it is to profess to be Christians while, in the place of leading heavenward, their thoughts, their actions, are of a character that suits the plans of Satan, for he can use them as decoys to lead others away from true piety and earnest Christian work. Salt that has lost its savor can never benefit the world. It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men….

Who wears the armor of Jesus Christ? Who are marshaled under the banner to work as faithful, well-disciplined soldiers? God has made us stewards, and it is expected of a steward that he be found faithful…. God requires the whole heart.—Manuscript 10, June 10, 1892, “Testimony to Battle Creek church.”
The Upward Look p. 175
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Prayer Requests
—-Here is a prayer request from my girlfriend. Please pray for her. M. “So after fighting all this back pain. I went to ER…transported to ____all in a day! Had MRI and CT scan. They found fast growing masses x2 of kidney and spinal cancer. So far it looks like it has gotten to far for surgery or treatment. But see neurosurgeon and cancer dr in morning (Sat) for if any kind of treatment and may get rushed into surgery. It’s all in our Gods hands now. Prayers needed.”
—-Please continue to pray for the people who have the virus and for the safety of all of the hospital staff.
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Dear Friends,
When I was a teenager, I used to like to take long walks on the weekends. My mother, although very tired from working hard all week, would often go with me. We used to walk past my school, which was 2 1/2 miles from our house, and continue on into a section of town where the very rich lived. The houses were huge and the lawns expansive. Some were nestled in a stand of trees and others seemed to be on display. I used to imagine, as we walked by them, what it must be like to live in one of those houses. It seemed like the people in those houses had no worries as to where the money would come for their next meal, no cares about how to pay the bills. In my imaginings the people there lived in constant happiness and bliss. Of course those people had just as many problems as my mother and I did, they were just a different set of problems.
In this life each person is filled with cares and perplexities, but Jesus points us to a better place, a place where there is joy forevermore. He says, “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 What wonderful news! Our Dear Saviour is preparing a home for us that far surpasses any earthly dwelling! Even the mansions and castles of this world pale in comparison.
The loving disciple, John, was given a glimpse of the New Jerusalem that gives us a little taste of what it will be like. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 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…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: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare….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 he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true….Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be….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.” Rev 21:1-22:14
Isaiah also was shown some of the glories of that place. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying….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 and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat.” Isa 17-25 “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. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isa 11:6-9
Let us look for that city as did Abraham, for we are told that “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb 11:10 Let us get ready to be an inhabitant there. Let us daily be filled with the joy and anticipation of the glorious home that our soon-cooming Saviour has prepared for us.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/qskbzYh0CaI/god-requires-the-whole-heart.html