God has called us to glory and virtue. We have no right to assimilate with the world—dressing, talking, and living as worldlings do. God has given us a high standard to reach. To enable man to reach this standard, God sent into the world His only begotten Son. In our behalf Christ made an infinite sacrifice. He laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came into our world to teach men and women the laws of life and salvation, which they must carry out to the letter in order to have everlasting life in the kingdom of glory.

Satan claimed that it was impossible for human beings to keep God’s law. In order to prove the falsity of this claim, Christ left His high command, took upon Himself the nature of man, and came to the earth to stand at the head of the fallen race, in order to show that humanity could withstand the temptations of Satan. He became the Head of humanity, to be assaulted with temptations on every point as fallen human nature would be tempted, that He might know how to succor all who are tempted. On this earth He worked out the problem of how to live in accordance with God’s standard of right. Bearing our nature, He was true to God’s standard of righteousness, gaining the victory over Satan. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet He was without sin.

Before Christ came in person to reveal His Father’s character, Satan thought that he would have the whole world on his side. And today the enemy is still playing the game of life with everyone. He seeks to bring in dissension and division. But if we are partakers of the divine nature, we will stand as a united whole. Let us not think that our churches can enjoy God’s blessing while in a state of disunion. In this world we are to be representatives of Christ. He has called us to glory and virtue. As He represented the Father, so we are to represent Him to the world, for in representing Him we are representing the Father, who is in every place to help where help is needed.

We have a great work to perform for the Master. After Jesus has sacrificed so much in our behalf, giving His life for our salvation, shall we by our course of action make Him ashamed of us? … He desires to see us rise to the highest standard. When by living faith we lay hold of the power of a living Christ; when we plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as ours; when we seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.—Manuscript 77, June 7, 1902, a sermon given at the Petaluma, California, campground, “Lessons From the Second Chapter of Peter.”

The Upward Look p. 172
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my son, Myles. I have just witnessed to him about the mark of the Beast. It’s the first time and unfortunately, it was through texting but this is the furthest I’ve gotten with him in 10+ years. Please pray he will watch the Final Events video link I sent him and that he will finally wake up, repent and be baptized. Jodie
—-Please be in prayer for my friend Allison. With all this isolation, she’s gotten into some websites and convinced herself that she’s homicidal. She called the police and they didn’t take her seriously. Her family saw the insane video she made on Facebook and have gotten her into a mental health facility, but with so much focus on the virus, I worry she may not get the best care. Please let us lift those that are fragile in their minds, that are susceptible to depression. I was just talking with my husband about how there will likely be a spike in suicides because people have no physical outlet for socialization. Jennifer
—-Please pray for my friend, Floyd, who is very sick with Convid-19. Helen [Please pray for all of those who have the Covid 19 virus.]
—-Prayers for the medical workers worldwide. Edwardine
—-Please pray for Tim who is recovering from a bad car accident. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
For years, Eileen wanted a dog. Since I was at that time allergic to anything with fur or feathers, I was not very enthusiastic about it. (Once I learned that if I stayed away from dairy and eggs, most of my other allergies were mild or non-existent and I could have a dog with no problem.) She knew better than to whine, cry, beg and plead, because then she would never get her desire. Wisely, she would talk to me about how lonely she felt for a cuddly pet. I explained that the dog would have to be outside and that would it would not be happy if it had to be tied up away from us. We talked about it many times.
One day, near Eileen’s eleventh birthday, I saw a “Free Puppies” sign as I was driving home from work. Against my better judgment, I stopped the car and went up to the house. As the man showed me the puppies, my heart was won by this adorable white pup that had large, honey-colored splotches and eyes that were mixed light blue and brown.
When Eileen and my other two children saw the puppy they were thrilled! Eileen was the happiest of all! She named him Butterscotch because of those honey-colored patches. The children petted him and cuddled him and he didn’t bother my allergies too badly while he was so tiny. As soon as he got a little bigger, however, he did, so he had to be tied outside. That was really hard on him.
He didn’t get played with as much out there in the backyard so he felt lonely. He looked so pitiful that I felt sorry for him and told the children that they needed to spend more time with him. I also decided to do what I could to give him some attention. As I was doing dishes or would pass by the kitchen window, I would talk to him. For some reason, I didn’t call him Butterscotch: I called him Dumb Dog. He loved to be talked to and I enjoyed it too. I really liked him and talked to him so much that he began to think that Dumb Dog was his name. Eileen was not at all happy with me. Butterscotch only came to her when she called him Dumb Dog.
Sometimes people often look at a person and immediately make a judgment. People often consider someone worthless and treat them that way. After a while that person begins to believe others’ opinion about himself and begins to think of himself as worthless. He believes that no one really wants to have him around and begins to avoid others. Soon he is so lonely, depressed, and sad that he begins to wonder why he is breathing air that someone better could be breathing.
Praise God! We have a Saviour Who never views us in that light! Jesus assures us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31 He loves each one as if there were no other. He tenderly cares for us, wooing us, drawing us to Himself with His Great Love. “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 A familiar verse, but oh, how much is in it!
Think of it! Jesus, Who is worshiped and adored by all the inhabitants unfallen, “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:5-8 What love! His willingness to suffer and die for us is beyond our comprehension. John exclaims, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
May we look upon others as valuable because Jesus died for them and longs for them to be close to Him. May we love “Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” May we give diligence to “keep [ourselves] in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 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 21-25
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/qb1c9y88t8U/called-to-glory-and-virtue.html

If ever there was a time in the history of Seventh-day Adventists when they should arise and shine, it is now. No voice should be restrained from proclaiming the third angel’s message. Let none, for fear of losing prestige with the world, obscure one ray of light coming from the Source of all light.

It requires moral courage to do the work of God for these last days, but let us not be led by the spirit of human wisdom. The truth should be everything to us. Let those who want to make a name with the world go with the world. The great conflict is right at hand in which all will take sides. In it the whole Christian world will be involved. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by the principles of the Word of God. Self must be sanctified by the principles of the righteousness, the mercy, and the love of God.

At every point of uncertainty, pray, and earnestly inquire, “Is this the way of the Lord?” With your Bibles before you, consult with God as to what He would have you do. Holy principles are revealed in the Word of God. The source of all true wisdom is found in the cross of Calvary.

Everywhere we see increasing evidence that the message we have from God is to be the last message of warning to the churches of the world. Yet year after year is passing into eternity, and the churches are unwarned. I am instructed to speak to my brethren and to ask, “Are we conscious of the neglect?” I have been given message after message for our brethren encouraging them to begin work in every place where the way shall open. If laborers would go forth to the work, the Lord would bless their own souls, and would make their efforts fruitful. As the people hear the reasons of our faith, they will become interested, and will be converted. There are many important places open to those who will work for souls. We should not be selfish in seeking to retain workers long in one place, but should be willing to sacrifice that the work may be begun in other cities that need the light of truth.

Let us urge those who have been converted from error to truth to become missionaries for the extension of the knowledge of truth. Invent some way of becoming acquainted with the people…. If you will work with wisdom, with heart and soul interest, and with earnest prayer to your heavenly Father, you will find access to souls….

Let those who are already at work open the way for others who desire to labor and who are qualified to take part in missionary effort.—Letter 94a, June 6, 1909, to “Dear Brethren and Sisters in Washington.”
The Upward Look p. 171
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for all the many people affected by the virus.
—-Please pray for Robert, the son of my neighbor’s friend. He had a stroke today and is currently in the hospital.Shirley
—-Prayer request for a domestic/emotional situation. Barbara
—-Please pray for my mother she has a high fever and is in a nursing home quarantine. Jackie
—Please pray for my oldest daughter, she’s in a demonic home and desperately needs to move. But in these times finding a place in harder than ever. But I know that God is able. Please pray for her to find a new home as well as her safety. Sandra
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Dear Friends,
Shortly after I was born, my parents divorced, so the only father-figure I had in my life was my grandfather, Edwin Harmon. (He and my grandmother had adopted me.) He was a very good and patient man and I learned much from him. Although my grandmother was nice to me, she really didn’t take time for me. Mostly she shooed me out to play or sat me down at the long dining room table and gave me a long word like “Washington” to make little words out of. Needless to say, I spent most of my time with my grandfather.

From the moment he came home from work, until I went to bed, I followed him everywhere. No matter what he did, he would explain things to me. I listened intently to his every word. When I watched him make change purses from pungent Moroccan leather, he let me smell the rich leather he used for his purses and explained the difference between the smells of quality and cheap leathers. When I watched him clean the fish he had caught, he showed me the still-beating heart and various other parts and without realizing it, I got a lesson in anatomy. I was there when he ate his bedtime snack of aged cheese, or ketchup and bread which he shared with me (which certainly did not help my weight problem any). As he ate that very strong cheese he loved, he would explain how it was made. No matter where my Grandfather was, you would find me.

Our Heavenly Father wants to have an even closer relationship with us. Our Great Creator yearns for us to spend time with Him and follow Him just like I followed my grandfather. Our Great Creator longs to speak to us through His Word and for us to listen to His voice, to hear our response, to interact with us throughout the day. He desires to have us ask Him anything, to talk with Him about our worries, to bring to Him our joys or our sorrows. He promises, “ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8

Jesus assures us, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23 Just before His final moments, Jesus prayed, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.” 17:24 Indeed, Jesus is coming soon and soon we will be able to follow Him wheresoever He goes for He “will dwell with [us], and [we] shall be his people, and God himself shall be with [us], and be [our] God.” Rev 21:3 Praise the Lord! We do not have to wait until we are in Heaven to be near to Him. That close walk can begin now. May we, beginning this very day and continuing throughout our life, have that close and loving relationship with our Dear Father in Heaven that He so yearns for us to have.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/D5DBHDlV__Q/now-is-the-time-arise-and-shine.html

Moab did not know anything of the process of unsettling, and the people made but little moral and spiritual progress. “His taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed” (Jeremiah 48:11).

A life of monotony is not the most conducive to spiritual growth. Some can reach the highest standard of spirituality only through the breaking up of the regular order of things….

God desires human beings to be more closely associated with Him. Therefore He takes them away from their friends and acquaintances. When God was preparing Elijah for translation, He moved him from place to place, that he might leave behind the methods and customs he had previously followed, that he might not settle down on his lees, and thus fail of obtaining moral greatness and spiritual soundness. It was God’s design that Elijah’s influence should be a power to help many souls to a more perfect experience.

Let those who are not permitted to rest in quietude, who must be constantly on the move, pitching their tent tonight in one place and tomorrow night in another place, remember that the Lord is leading them, and that this is His way of helping them to form perfect characters. In all the changes we are required to make, God is to be recognized as our Companion, our Guide, our Stronghold, and our Dependence. We are to ever be moving, advancing in knowledge, and thus it will be [that] they follow on to know the Lord. The light of His leading He will prepare as the morning.

The Lord has various ways of testing and proving His people. Again and again He has brought about changes to see whether His human agents will keep His commandments. When in His providence He sees that changes are essential for character building, He breaks up the smooth current of the life. He orders that changes shall be made, so that His worker shall not stagnate by following the regular order.

We are living in a time which calls for decided, sanctified action. Everything that can be done by the followers of Christ should be done, for the enemy will work with all his power to deter souls from receiving the truth…. But nevertheless, God’s work is to go forward. We are to sow beside all waters, even though we know that many will seek to extinguish the light of truth.—Letter 59, June 5, 1901, to A. G. Daniells.

The Upward Look p. 170
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Prayer Requests
—-My nephew Nathanael is missing. He is 13 years old. Prayers desperately needed. Nathalie
—-My friend is now asking for prayer for her six-year-old grandson in Colorado who has become ill and is awaiting diagnosis. Marsha
—-Zayden is 8 years old and lost his vision in his right eye yesterday. He was medically transported to Children’s Hospital and was diagnosed with cancer yesterday. He’s been sick for 2 weeks and is now in a fight for his life. The family is asking for prayers and for God to intervene! Robin
—-Please pray for all those who have the corona virus and for all the health care workers who are caring for them.
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Dear Friends,
Years ago, Ron visited a dentist and his family who had a baby. Normally, when a baby is born into a family, what a time of joy it is! As the parents see that little one for the first time, they are filled with such love for that new little life. They anticipate his first smile, his first word, his first step. Each day there are new developments to enjoy. But this baby girl brought only sorrow to these parents. This girl had continued to grow physically, but had stopped developing mentally when she was six months of age. She had been a baby for 16 years! She could sit up, and smile, and make little baby noises, but that was all. The dentist said to Ron, “Parents often say that six months is such a sweet time, they wish their baby could stay at six months forever. They don’t know what they are saying.” How sad! What a tragedy!
Sadly this tragedy is repeated spiritually in way too many lives. Yet, we rarely realize it, for a lack of spiritual development is not as apparent as was that poor girl’s lack of mental growth. Just as a baby should grow and develop, so the Christian should be constantly growing into the image of his Redeemer. Paul spoke to the believers in the Corinthian church about their lack of growth. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Cor 2:1-3 When speaking to the Hebrews, he said, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Heb 5:12-14 Think of it! Paul tells us that if we are fighting with fellow church members, if we are envious of them, if we hold animosity toward them, if we do not forgive them as Christ forgave; we have stopped developing spiritually to the point that we can not endure sound doctrine. Fearful position! We are like the Laodicians who thought they were spiritually rich and increased with goods, and in need of nothing; but were in reality wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. (Rev 3:17)
May we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” “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:” 2 Peter 3:18 Eph 4:15, 16
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/_f94thGzA48/why-god-permits-unsettling-experiences.html