For the health and vitality of the soul, the divine Physician has prescribed communion with Himself. We are to sit at His feet and learn of Him how to be meek and lowly in heart. Spiritual health is dependent on the food given to the mind and on the air which is breathed.

The soul needs food, and in order to get this food, the Word of God must be studied…. The breathing of pure air is essential for the cure of disease. And it is no less essential that the atmosphere we breathe in the spiritual life shall be pure. This is essential for a healthy growth in grace. Breathe the pure atmosphere which produces pure thoughts and noble words. Choose Christian society. The Christian will not have spiritual health unless he is guarded in regard to his associations….

Every Christian who is indeed a Christian must grow. He must constantly increase in wisdom and knowledge. Day by day he must approach more nearly to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus. In order to be a follower of the Master, he must grow. He must advance into a deeper appreciation of the love of God and a clearer knowledge of His will. If his light does not shine more and more brightly, his faith becomes weak, his love grows feeble. And unless he sees and acknowledges his danger, he is doing the cause of God more harm than an avowed unbeliever. Piety leaves the soul-temple. He turns carelessly away from duties and responsibilities. The Son of God is by him crucified afresh and put to open shame.

Exercise is essential to growth in grace. When the spiritually diseased are given exercise in spiritual things, there is a transformation of character. The health of the spiritual life is dependent upon exercise. But spirituality cannot grow while the heart is full of the corrupting sores of selfishness. The soul must be cleansed and purified by the refining grace of God. The channel of communication between earth and heaven must be kept free from all obstruction, that the soul may receive from Christ a supply of living water. And every spiritual muscle and sinew must be put to the tax. God has given us many opportunities to work for Him. Unless we improve these opportunities, we cannot be growing Christians. When Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, a decided change will be seen in the religious experience of professing Christians.—Manuscript 50, June 9, 1901,
The Upward Look p. 174
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for the health care workers and those affected by the covid-19 virus.
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Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl, my mother made a full-sized quilt with all the state birds of the (then) 48 states. She bought iron-on transfers for them, but as she worked, she did not like the way they looked, so she re-drew them to make them look more realistic. She spent many hours in the library researching each state bird. She examined picture after picture of a particular bird and then would duplicate it in embroidery. Many times she would be nearly finished, but as she looked at it, she would not be satisfied and would take out all the threads and start over.
Finally it was finished. She entered it into the fair and won the golden state award. She was very proud of that prize. All her hard work had paid off. She felt rewarded for all those many hours of research and sewing. What did she do with the quilt then. She folded it up, put it in a plastic bag, and put it in her closet. Now it is in my closet safely tucked away and rarely thought about.
How vital to our walk with God it is that we put as much energy into our Christianity as my mother did into that quilt. How important it is that we stay focused on Jesus so thoroughly that He has all our thoughts, all our energies, all our desires. How often should we search the Scriptures with as much interest as my mother had when she was researching those birds. God says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jer 29:13 David says, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” “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.” Ps 119:2,10,11
Jesus told a parable that shows this principle. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matt 13:44-46 To truly follow Jesus, we must put Him first in our lives. To truly serve Him we must persevere. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt 13:13
Once we decide to follow Jesus, we must follow immediately and not long for the times when we were following our own ways as did some so long ago. “And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62
May our complete focus be on our loving Saviour Who gave His all for us. May we use all our energies in service to Him. May we always go where He leads and do His bidding is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/m7fN4b2UzC8/the-divine-physician-prescribes.html

Heaven’s resources are limitless, and they are all at our command. Why then, I ask, is the progress of the Lord’s work in our world so slow? Why is Christ so sadly misrepresented? Why are not the Lord’s followers increasing in knowledge and purity, holiness and power?

Are there not presented before Christ’s followers the highest virtues to be cultivated, the greatest honors to be gained? God calls upon them to enter upon a race in which everyone may win. He calls upon them to enlist in a warfare in which everyone may be a conqueror. A robe of righteousness and a crown of everlasting life—this is the reward held out before the overcomer….

When the Christian takes his baptismal vow, divine help is pledged to him. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit stand ready to work in his behalf. God places at his command the resources of heaven, that he may be an overcomer. His own power is small, but God is omnipotent, and God is his helper. Daily he is to make known his wants at the throne of grace. By faith and trust, by availing himself of the resources provided, he will come off more than conqueror. Why, then, should not those who are fighting against the powers of darkness, move forward with faith and courage? God and Christ and the Holy Spirit are on their side….

When we remember that no one knows when his probation may close, how dare we live unprepared—unready to meet our Lord? How dare we remain sinful and defiled? Why are we not afraid? Why are we not troubled? Why do we not realize our peril? … The Lord would work mightily for His people if they would put off the works of darkness and be clothed with His righteousness….

God calls upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the truth to show by unquestioning obedience that they are faithful soldiers of the cross. Let not those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel do anything that will dishonor the cause for which they are fighting. Christ expects His soldiers to be brave and loyal and true.

The work that Christ did on this earth His followers are to do. With the power and efficiency brought by the Holy Spirit they are to carry forward His plan for the restoration of the divine image in humanity. The Lord will do great things for them when they work under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But they must place their entire dependence on God.—Manuscript 13, June 8, 1902, “God’s People to Be Light Bearers.”
The Upward Look p. 173
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray that D will be kind and loving to his family and be guided by the Spirit. B
—-Pray for my Friend who has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Wanda
—-Please keep my granddaughter in your prayers. Lily 8 years old. She’s on a mission in the Philippines with her family for 10 years. Lily wears a full-body brace. She has scoliosis. My daughter Sonya and Lily fly to Manila every 3 months for a new brace. Well, they can’t fly to Manila now they are on full lockdown in their homes. I’m asking Jesus to take care of this. For this baby to not curve anymore, till He sees fit, when they should go. Toni
—-Please pray for all the Covid-19 virus patients and healthcare workers.
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Dear Friends,
In the early 90’s, we went on vacation in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. It was a beautiful place. At one of the places we visited along the Pacific Ocean, we had to climb over huge logs and tree stumps that had washed up onto the shore in order to get to the water’s edge. Their bark was gone and they were bleached white by the sun. Those trees (escapees from the logging industry) that had once grown so tall and green, were now nothing but huge pieces of driftwood.
Death is common on this sinful planet. Death seems almost natural, just a part of life, but there is no such thing as a natural death. Our Loving Creator never intended for there to be any death. He, Who formed the earth to be inhabited by holy, happy beings, tells us, “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” Isa 45:18 Our Loving Creator provided everything that was needed for all things to live forever in harmony, health and happiness.
Sad to say, man sinned and death for all things entered the world. (Gen 3) The beautiful life that God had planned for us was spoiled. Paul tells us, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom 5:12
Yet, He, Who made the Universe and all that is in it, did not leave us to bear the consequences of sin. He provided a way of escape! Jesus, our Saviour, voluntarily died that second death for us, so that we do not have to! “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Cor 15:21-23 What love! What wondrous love He has for each of us!
Because of Jesus, the misery of this old world is only temporary. He will make an utter end of sin. Sin shall not rise up the second time. All the universe will be in harmony once more. (Nahum 1:9; Rev 20-22) Jesus is coming soon! All signs prophesied so long ago are rapidly fulfilling. At that time He will gather together both the righteous living and those who died with faith in Him. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thes 4:16,17 “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor 15:51-55 What a glorious reunion that will be!
May we all be ready in that great day. May we soon see our Loving Saviour coming in the clouds to rescue us from the sin and death of this old planet. May we soon look up and say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa. 25:9
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/GfGLtud-40s/all-may-win.html

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