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

We have been taught by God concerning the great plan of redemption. This should be to us a matter of earnest thanksgiving. God’s promises will never fail if we constantly watch unto prayer….

Our knowledge should give spirituality to the understanding. Our knowledge of the Scriptures should be practical. The Lord is pleased when those who are connected with Him are filled with a knowledge of His will. His servants should daily gain more knowledge of Him. Daily they should grow in grace and in spiritual understanding, strengthened with might according to His glorious power. They are to increase in spiritual efficiency, that they may give strength to the people of God.

God does not ask sinners to enter His service with their natural traits of character, to make a failure before the heavenly universe and before the world…. The hard, cruel spirit which judges and condemns has left the trace of the enemy upon everything. But mercy is to come in and lay her broad impress upon every plan. The world is to see principles different from those which have hitherto been presented. Christ has erected the cross. He does not call upon any man to manufacture tests and crosses for His people. He presents His requirements before them, and gives them the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Wear My yoke, and in your daily experience you will find the rest which comes only to the obedient.

Christ invites all to come to Him, but when they come, they are to lay aside their sins. All their vices and follies, all their pride and worldliness, are to be laid at [the foot of] His cross. This He requires because He loves them, and desires to save them; not in their sins but from their sins. He who accepts the truth longs for transformation, and the light comes to him in bright rays.

The truth is to be believed and practiced, because Christ asserts it to be the word of the living God. The brightest beams of light from the threshold of heaven are thrown on the pathway in which God requires His people to walk. When sinners accept Christ as their personal Saviour, they realize the greatness of God’s gift to them, and praise and thanksgiving flow to the divine Giver.

The recovery of souls from sin is to be a revenue of goodness to men and of glory to God.—Manuscript 44, June 4, 1901, “Instruction to Believers.”
The Upward Look p. 169
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Prayer Requests
—-I have breast cancer – last stage which has spread into my skin, womb, eyes and brain already. Pls pray for God mercy and supernatural healing for me. AN
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Dear Friends,
In 1984, we spent the summer in a tent at a private campground. Eileen was 13, Ronnie Jay 5, and Esther Marie was 2. It was a lovely summer with lots of adventures for the children. The owner of the campground had a grandson, Lindon, who was a year older than Ronnie Jay. The two boys became friends instantly.
One day the boys as they were playing in the field, they found part of a map that had been dropped by some utility workers a few days before. Ron, joking as usual, told them it was a pirate’s treasure map: then he went to work. Ronnie Jay and Lindon talked about their find for hours. I knew nothing of this. I only knew that the two boys were having a great time playing quietly.
The campground was in the midst of a fairly good-sized forest. A path near our campsite went through the woods and down the hill to the river. That path was off limits to our two youngest as the river was fast flowing and the woods were full of poisonous snakes.
As I was doing the little duties that must be done around a camp, I suddenly realized that I had not heard or seen the boys in quite awhile. As I was searching, I met Lindon’s grandmother. She was searching for Lindon. We were really worried then. We called and called, but they did not answer. Finally, a very tall man, who was camping there overnight, saw our panicked look and asked us if we were looking for two little boys. We said, “Yes!” He smiled and pointed, “I see two heads bobbing along through that tall grass over there.”
Those two little boys were in BIG trouble! We were waiting for them at the end of the path that led to Lindon’s house, which was about 1/4 mile away. Lindon was not allowed there while his parents were at work. There were too many things a little boy could get into while unsupervised. Besides they had mean dogs. The two boys had risked punishment because of their desire for treasure. Upon questioning them, we discovered the reason for their disobedience. Then Ron was in BIGGER trouble for telling the boys such a story. Over the fireplace, Lindon’s father had a large sword hanging for decoration. But it was a real sword and it was sharp. Lindon had decided that they would need that sword to fight the pirates if any were guarding the treasure! Thankfully they were too short, even when standing upon a chair, to reach the weapon and had given up.
How careful we must be when we tell children anything. They have perfect trust, perfect confidence in us. They are not filled with the skepticism we develop over the years. They believe every word we tell them. Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:3,4 How He longs for us to have that perfect trust, perfect confidence in Him. May we bring Him all of our problems to solve, because He bids us, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/Dv2RgPycR9I/light-comes-in-bright-rays.html

For many months I have been troubled as I have seen how some of our sensible men whom God has used in His cause are perplexed over the scientific arguments of satanic agencies. I have not known what to do. While I was studying over these things Sabbath night a week ago, I had a vision of speaking before a large company, where many questions were asked concerning my work and writings.

I was directed by a messenger from heaven not to take the burden of picking up the sayings and doubts that Satan is putting into minds. “Stand as the messenger of God anywhere, in any place,” I was bidden, “and bear the testimony I shall give you. If the Holy Spirit is not received, but rejected, all your words will be as idle tales. Be free. Bear the testimonies that the Lord Jesus has for you to bear in reproof, in rebuke, in the work of encouraging and lifting up the soul; ‘teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’”

When I awakened from the vision, I was praying with great fervor and earnestness, and could not cease praying. My soul was strengthened, for the words had been spoken: “Be strong, yea, be strong. Let none of the seducing words of ministers or physicians distress your mind. Tell them to take the light given them in publications. Truth will always bear away the victory. Go straight forward. Do not take up the unbelief of anyone in order to try to convince him.” …

If the convincing representations and impressions of the Holy Spirit evidenced for the past half-century will not be accepted as trustworthy evidence, nothing hereafter will bring them to their senses, because the bewitching guile of Satan has perverted their discernment….

Go forward. Be of good courage. If the Spirit of God be entertained in the place of the underworking of evil spirits on mind and heart, all who have been working against God will come to their right bearings. A great work is to be done now in convicting souls. The message must in no case be changed from that which has been. As has been foretold in the Scriptures, there will be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils in the midst of the church, and these evil influences will increase; but hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end….

The perils of the last days are upon us. Devote not precious time in trying to convince those who would change the truth of God into a lie.—Manuscript 61a, June 3, 1906, 61a, “God’s Judgments on Cities.”
The Upward Look p. 168
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Prayer Requests
—-Our daughter-in-law went to the ER with severe ear infections. God is big enough. Thanks for joining us in prayer in Krista’s behalf and for her healing. Olive
—-Please pray for all of those who have the covid-19 virus.
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in Washington state, Ronnie Jay’s best friend, Travis, lived a quarter of a mile away. How much fun those two boys had roaming the fields and woods together. They have kept in touch all of these years since we moved away. As I was looking at pictures Travis posted, I noticed that Travis had posted two pictures of his little girl and himself. How much like her daddy she looks!
Over the years, I’ve noticed that as a general rule if the first child is a girl she looks like her father and if he is a boy, he looks like his mother. Now that does not always happen, (Emma looks like her mother and Peter looks like his dad.) but more often than not it does. Children had no choice in which parent or even some distant relative they favor.
We, however, do have the opportunity to choose to look like our Heavenly Father. Paul tells us how this can be accomplished. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18 Think of it! As we study God’s Holy Word, as we meditate upon His great love and sacrifice, as we commune with Him throughout the day, we slowly begin to reflect His image. How wonderful!
We may have an experience much like Moses when he came down from the mount. The close communion he had with the Great God of the Universe caused his face to shine. (Ex 34) Steven’s face also showed that he had beheld his Redeemer. “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15 Now, our face might not shine as did Moses’ face, nor might it look like an angel as did Steven’s, yet we can all have the experience of Peter and John, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
*Do we live so close to the Lord today, Passing to and fro on life’s busy way,
That the world in us can a likeness see To the Man of Calvary? Can the world see Jesus in me? Can the world see Jesus in you? Does your love to Him ring true, And your life and service, too? Can the world see Jesus in you?
Do we love, with love to His own akin, All His creatures lost in the mire of sin? Will we reach a hand, whatsoe’er it cost, To reclaim a sinner lost? Can the world see Jesus in me? Can the world see Jesus in you? Does your love to Him ring true, And your life and service, too? Can the world see Jesus in you?
As an open book they our lives will read, To our words and acts giving daily heed; Will they be attracted, or turn away From the Man of Calvary? Can the world see Jesus in me? Can the world see Jesus in you? Does your love to Him ring true, And your life and service, too? Can the world see Jesus in you?
May we so live, that others will see Jesus in us is my prayer.
Rose
*Can the World See Jesus in You? by Leila Morris

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/bMtrM-eJ9Ts/be-strong.html