Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Isaiah 35:3, 4.
Who will now put on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness, which is without spot or wrinkle, so that Satan cannot in derision point to their filthy garments? Keep the soul clean and pure. You have no time to gather up the mistakes of others. Attend to your own mistakes, and make the erring ashamed by your kindly, sympathetic interest in them. A Christian is keenly sensitive to the needs of others, because he realizes that they are Christ’s property. He is ever on the watch for opportunities to help them.
Envy, evil surmising, backbiting, and faultfinding—let these not be named amongst Christ’s disciples. These things are the cause of the present feebleness of the church. We have a perfect pattern, even the life of Christ. It is to be our eager desire to do as He has done, to live as He lived, that others, seeing our good works, may be led to glorify God. The Lord’s blessing will rest upon us as we seek to bless others by doing the work that Christ came to this world to teach us how to do.
God gave His only begotten Son to die for a race of rebels, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Why should we not walk and work in the way that God has marked out? Why should anyone please the enemy by tearing down another’s work, using the powers God has given him to kill hope and drive souls into discouragement? In every church there are young men and young women who need the help of a strong, compassionate handclasp; of a loving, Christlike interest that will not let them go. Let there be an end to bickering over little things. Let unkind speeches go as a hateful, unprofitable thing. Cease to speak words that do no good, and come close to those who have erred. Take hold of them, and draw them to Christ. Tell Satan that he cannot have them, for they are the Saviour’s property….
“I came not to condemn, but to save,” Christ declared. Angels are sent from the heavenly courts, not to destroy, but to watch over and guard imperiled souls, to save the lost, to bring the straying back to the fold. Have you, then, no words from a pitying heart to speak to the lost and straying? Will you let them perish, or will you reach out to them a helping hand? Right around you there are souls that are in danger of perishing. Will you not work for them and pray with them? Will you not draw them to the Saviour with the cords of love? Cease your reproaches, and speak words that will inspire them with faith and courage.—Manuscript 36, April 13, 1904, “The New Life in Christ.”
The Upward Look p. 117
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for Brian’s mother and family. Rose
—-Urgent prayer for a marriage on the verge of separation. Over 3 decades as husband and wife and now the husband wants out! Both of the faith and the wife is hurting… its causing her health to decline as well. She’s asked for God to intervene, praying for her husband to surrender his heart back to His Lord and Savior. Monica
—-Please pray for Georgia as she recovers from surgery. Rose
—-Please pray for Gabe and Jen. Jen has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Mike
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Dear Friends,
One day, some years ago, we went for a drive and eventually found ourselves in a small town that was crumbling away. The buildings were no longer habitable as many had caved-in roofs. Others had missing window panes. Some were in even worse shape. Amongst all of these there were a couple of new houses in perfect condition. It was surprising that anyone would build a home in the midst of all of that filth and decay.
Yet, how often we are content to dwell amidst the rubbish of the sin that is all around us. Paul foretells the crumbling condition of those found in these last days, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Tim 3:1-5 At first, we are as repulsed by these sins as we were when we drove through Lake City. Yet, like those few inhabitants who had built decent homes not far from the wrecks of bygone days, we eventually become so familiar with these practices, that it seems normal, almost right. We, like them, no longer notice the evil around us.
How many times we cherish certain sins, sins we love so well. We and unwilling to get rid of them entirely and allow them to have a corner of our heart. Before long, those sins neutralize the good and we crumble under their weight. Before long, we are spiritual wrecks just as much as those neglected buildings were rotting away. Isaiah describes our crumbling condition, “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.” Isa 1:5, 6 Eventually, if we hold to these things, it will be declared of us, “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” 59:1, 2
How much we need a Deliverer Who will clear away the rubbish of sin while there is still time! Praise God! We have a Saviour Who promises, “I will cleanse [you] from all [your] iniquity, whereby [you] have sinned against me; and I will pardon all [your] iniquities, whereby [you] have sinned, and whereby [you] have transgressed against me.” “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 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.” Jer 33:8; Eze 36:25-27 John also assures us, ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 1:9-2:6
May we allow our Great Redeemer into our heart and mind to clear away the crumbling wrecks of sin that we have cherished for so long. May we pray as did David, “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 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 51:2, 10-13 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
Rose

Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:9, 10.
Some workers who are depreciated by human wisdom are by God highly exalted. God will raise up men to do a certain work, and as they advance step by step, they will learn of the great I AM. As His work unfolds, they still move forward, under His leadership, performing that which He has placed in their hands.
Another man, with supposed superior abilities, may come in, and looking upon the work of these men, may think that they should be replaced by wiser men. To his imagination, their work may look all tangled and spoiled, when the Lord is leading step by step. He would advocate that a change be made. He would try to make the workers see that they are making a great mistake in trying to carry on their work. But God sees not as man sees.
The workers whom He is leading may at times be in great perplexity. It is His plan that many difficulties shall be met and mastered. He inspires the workers with the determination to make every apparent failure prove a success. They are determined to walk in the light that is shining on their pathway, and although they encounter many obstacles, yet they declare, “I will not fail or be discouraged.” UL 116.4
Often men pray and weep because of the perplexities and obstacles that confront them. But it is God’s purpose for them to meet perplexities and obstacles, and if they will hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end, determined to carry forward the work of the Lord, He will make their way clear. Success will come to them as they perseveringly struggle against apparently insurmountable difficulties; and with success will come the greatest joy.
God is preparing humble, contrite men to be valuable workers. He is giving them an experience that human wisdom cannot explain. He works upon minds by His own wisdom. Supposed mistakes are permitted to appear, that in unexpected ways (which human wisdom cannot comprehend) great glory may come to God. He is accomplishing His work in His own way. He consults His own purposes, not man’s theories. The power with which He works through any man is proportionate to the man’s earnestness and sincerity. In all that He does, He seeks the highest good of those who are laborers together with Him.—Letter 162, April 12, 1903, to a conference executive.
The Upward Look p. 116
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Prayer Requests
—-A friend’s son in law passed away unexpectedly please pray for the family. Also please keep the Christians in china in prayer. M
—-Please pray. my nephew is missing. Left home with no clothes money or food. Beverly
—-Please have my friend Jeana in prayer. She’s having injections in her spine and the nerves burned in the same area. Pray this helps her chronic pain and arthritis. Connie
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, I decided to make a pie, but I didn’t want to take all that time, so I didn’t make a regular crust like I would normally do. Remembering how my grandmother used to make a Ritz cracker crust when she baked apple pies, I grabbed a glass pie pan and crumbled up a tube of Ritz crackers. When I had the proper ingredients mixed together and pressed in the pan, I poured a can peach pie filling on top and stuck my “creation” in the microwave to heat it up.
I thought it smelled a little strange while baking in the microwave. To my distress, I discovered the reason. Looking a little more carefully at the package of crackers, I found that I had used roasted vegetable crackers. So I had made a peach pie whose crust was flavored with a vegetable blend of carrots, onions, cabbage, tomato, parsley, and red and green bell peppers. —-not exactly tasty.
Those crackers had looked just like the regular ones but how different the result. Jesus told a parable about Christians who look like good ones but are as unfit for Heaven as those crackers were for my pie. “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
How many times there are contentions within the church because of these look-alike Christians. Indeed, many of these do not even know that they are false followers. Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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 7:15-23
How often false doctrines creep in because of these tares which the enemy has sewed. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 2:8 How can we discern truth from falsehood? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa 8:20 ” If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. . . . He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:17, 18 Only by a study of God’s Holy Word can we discern truth from error, false teachers from those who speak the truth.
May we “study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman who maketh not ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 May we never try to root up the tares that the enemy has sown amongst the wheat but leave that to the Master Who judges with true judgment. May we make sure that we, ourselves, are wheat and not tares is my prayer.
Rose

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. Matthew 13:24, 25.
How vain is the help of man when Satan’s power is exercised over a human being who has become self-exalted, and who knows not that he is partaking of the science of Satan. In his self-confidence he walks right into the enemy’s trap, and is ensnared. He did not heed the warnings given, and was taken as Satan’s prey. If he had walked humbly with God, he would have run into the trysting place God had provided for him. Thus in times of danger he would have been safe, for God would have lifted for him a standard against the enemy….
The peril of delaying to come to Christ is not discerned by those who are under the power of Satan. But when there comes the sense of acknowledged guilt, how the stricken soul hides himself with his God. Let guilty sinners come close to the One who is their atoning Sacrifice. Let them cling to Him as with the grip of death. No human being can heal the soul that has done despite to the Spirit of Christ. Only through the Saviour can healing be obtained….
This is an age of skepticism and unbelief, an age of hatred of reproof. Let men beware how they entertain the sentiments of satanic agencies. Let them remember that mocking at the warnings of the Lord may mean their being left to their own way. The only hope left is to turn to God with full purpose of heart. God will pardon the transgressor if he will repent….
Men have turned away from the warnings given, and are being deceived through the influence of mind over mind, and the results are most deplorable. One sinner, under the influence of the enemy’s deceptions, can work untold harm. Oh, how many souls have had their faith ruined and their confidence spoiled by the protestations of belief in the Testimonies, uttered by those who for years have shown positive disbelief in them. I was relieved when some who had been making these protestations decided that the time has come to take an open stand [against them]. I felt relieved, because minds will not now be captivated by assurance after assurance that they believe the Testimonies.
Oh, if those who have had faith in these men could only know how the Lord regards their confidence in those who, while men slept, have been sowing tares among the wheat.—Letter 126, April 11, 1906, to G. I. Butler, president, Southern Union Conference.
The Upward Look p. 115
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Prayer Requests
—-I have an unspoken request. Buck
—-Still urgently needing prayer for several BAD situations. Connie
—-Please pray for me and my husband the enemy has been attacking us for weeks and I am getting tired. Debbie
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Dear Friends,
One day, when I was in my middle teens, I noticed that the book that I was reading was due at the library that day. Even though I was not quite finished reading it, I knew I had to take it back that day or pay a fine. I decided that if I walked the two miles to the library, reading while I walked, I could finish it by the time I got there.
After a few blocks of walking and reading, I could keep on the sidewalk without watching where I was going. Soon, I became so absorbed in that book, that I did not pay any attention to my surroundings. Suddenly, the squeal of brakes broke into my thoughts. Within a foot of me was a big, black car. The driver inside looked scared at first, but soon his fright turned to anger. All I could say was ” I’m sorry.” Continuing on my journey, I decided I would wait till I got to the library to finish the book.
So it is in our daily lives. We can get so busy that we become totally absorbed in our own little world. Time passes quickly. Days, months, years roll by. One day, we look back and wonder where the time has gone. Sometimes our Loving Heavenly Father must allow unpleasant things to happen to shake us back to reality. Sometimes He turns events so we will run into His outstretched arms to receive His loving embrace. Paul tells us, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb 12:5-14
How deep is the ache in God’s Great Heart of Love, when we turn away from His chastening rod and wallow in self-pity. How He longs for us to allow Him to do His work within us. How He yearns to have us commune with Him as we go about our daily duties. By praying ” without ceasing” we can have that closeness that He desires us to have. 1 Thes 5:17 By praising Him for blessings large and small, our love for Him increases.
Think of it! We have the great privilege of laying our burdens at the feet of the Great Burden-bearer. He, alone, can untangle our troubled life. He, alone, can bring good out of all our perplexity. How He longs for us to praise Him for the blessings He showers upon us. How greatly He desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Our Loving Creator ” is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 He is as the father of the prodigal son who, while the boy was still a great way off, “had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” and wrapped his filthy, tattered garments with his own spotless robe . Luke 15:11-24
May we never get so busy that we forget the One Who gave His life for us. May we “practice the Presence” daily. May we, by our thoughts, our words, our actions, bring joy to our Blessed Redeemer is my prayer.
Rose

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8.
Satan is rallying his forces to contend with the advancing work. He would bring reproach upon the work of God by setting brother against brother, and bringing in the elements of suspicion and evil surmising. I am bidden to say to our people, “Do not devise evil one against another. Do not cherish unbelief in your hearts. Do not harbor suspicion against your brethren and sisters.” This is one of the most successful ways in which Satan works to alienate the hearts of those who should be doing God’s service. Spend much time in earnest prayer for your individual selves. Talk and act as if in the presence of God….
Disaffection began in heaven because Satan could not have the place he coveted. Disaffection and distrust had never before entered any heart. When Satan began his evil work, he did not himself see where it would lead. But the thoughts he entertained after a time were expressed in suggestions of evil, and these, diffused among the angels, led to the great rebellion which was the beginning of all the woe and misery that has befallen mankind.
To those who are inclined to suspect others of wrongdoing and to charge their brethren with evil, I would say, “Please read in the book Great Controversy the chapter entitled ‘The Origin of Evil.’” Bring home its truths to your individual hearts. Remember that it was the spirit of envy and evil surmising, cherished in the heart of the rebel angel, that began the evil work that opened the floodgates of woe upon our world.
Satan is working in every church to spoil the flock of God. He seeks to lead brother to think evil of brother, and in this way he causes a great deal of grief and pain. I am instructed to say to every soul who professes to be a follower of Christ, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips, that they speak no guile.” Through self-exaltation Satan works to ruin the soul, and his working may be seen in every church. My brethren and sisters, keep strict guardianship over your spirit. Guard your words, lest Satan lead you to repeat his own history.
Guard your thoughts. In these closing days of earth’s history Satan is working with desperate effort to seduce souls into sin. Keep your tongue as with a bridle. Keep your thoughts upon the Word of the living God. The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven is at work in our churches…. We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, and Satan is making determined efforts to subvert the mind.—Letter 66, April 10, 1909, “To Those Assembled at Camp Meeting.”
The Upward Look p. 114
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Prayer Requests
—-Brian is supposed to come home Sunday. Please pray for travelling mercies. Rose
—-This is a praise report. I made it out of the hospital last night and I am home now. My pancreatitis is gone and my gall bladder is much better. I still have pneumonia and still need my gall bladder removed, but I want to recover fully first. Please continue to pray for my health. Connie
—-Please pray for my 95 yr old Dad, he hasn’t been feeling well, and is having many issues with his 15 yr old granddaughter who stays there, after her mom just left her there and took off with her boyfriend, now she is acting up doing drugs. pray her mom come back and gets her daughter. Becky
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Dear Friends,
Years ago, we lived for a short time in a coastal city in North Carolina. There was a beautiful park in the middle of town where we often took our children for a walk. The park had a little lake in the center of it. The five mile walk around the lake gave us good exercise. The walkways were bordered by beautiful azalea bushes of various hues. No matter how many times we walked in this park, we never tired of its beauty.
In the lake there were many alligators. These alligators stayed in the water among the cypress trees that grew in one part of the lake and never ventured close to the people. They posed no danger as long as everyone stayed out of those cypress trees. In fact, on one side of the lake children swam and we could rent paddleboats and rowboats. When a person rented a boat, he was always warned to stay away from the cypress trees. It seemed like the alligators had an unwritten rule that said, “You don’t bother us, we won’t bother you.”
One night all that changed forever. After the bars closed one night, a man and his buddies, who had been drinking way too much, decided to steal one of the boats on the “human” side of the lake. This man bragged that he was so tough, that he could go over to the “alligator” side and survive. Even as drunk as they were, his friends protested. He would not listen. Unsteadily getting into one of the boats, he began his last journey. His friends refused to go with him. They stood around for awhile and then staggered home. All that the police found the next morning, was the empty boat and the man’s hat floating on the surface of the water.
After that incident, there was one huge “gator,” that became very bold. He often ventured over to the shore on the “human” side and stalked anyone who looked like he would make a good meal. Of course, out in the daylight with many people around, he was not successful, but it did make everyone uncomfortable and the authorities were trying to decide what to do with him.
One day, as we were walking along, we noticed a person sitting near the water. That big old alligator must have thought he would taste good, because it was stalking him. The man got up and moved to another place where he could sit and look out over the water. Soon, the alligator swam over to where he was. We stopped to watch for awhile. No matter where that man went, that alligator followed. Finally, the man became so nervous that he left.
So it is with us. We have an enemy, who is seeking to destroy us. This enemy is much more dangerous than that big, old alligator. The Bible warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, . . . walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8,9 The evil one is continually stalking us, trying to destroy us “because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev 12:12
Praise God, we have a Savior Who will soon completely destroy the evil one! Our Great Redeemer says to Satan, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Eze 28:18,19 Precious promise! We look forward to that time when our great adversary along with sin and sinners will be no more. Malachi tells us, “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1 “What do ye imagine against the Lord? He shall make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Nahum 1:9
What a wonderful day that will be when sin will be totally eradicated from the universe. John speaks of this grand and glorious time in Revelation 20-22. “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…. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev 21:1-8
May we resist the devil for we have the promise that if we do, he will flee from us. (James 4:7) May we accept our Dear Saviour’s offer of salvation today, while the door of mercy is still open. May we allow Him to cleanse us from all sin, that we may be ready for His Coming and to dwell with Him forevermore.
Rose

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6.
The possession of riches opens the way to great temptation to become covetous and selfish, to add riches to riches, and to bury in houses and lands the means that should be returned to God. Many use their means to gratify the demands of appetite, to follow the fashions, and to build for themselves grand houses. They do not follow the example of Christ, who gave Himself with all He had for the benefit of the world to deliver men from the power of Satan.
But if those who possess means will follow the example of Christ, their hearts will be filled with benevolence, and they may help in the proclamation of the truth in the cities, in the highways and the byways, and in carrying the gospel to all nations….
God’s work must be sustained by tithes and gifts and offerings. The Lord now calls for the means that He has entrusted to His stewards. There should be a constant stream flowing into the treasury, that the work may not be hindered. To some, God has entrusted earthly riches to be held in trust and to be returned to Him as they may be required to carry forward His work in the earth. He requires from His stewards a faithful tithe of all their capital, and in addition to the tithe, He calls for gifts and offerings.
The Lord Jesus requires nothing more from His followers than He Himself has performed. Those who practice self-denial and self-sacrifice for the cause of God are but following His example. He laid off His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down from His high command. He became poor, that through His poverty we might come into possession of the eternal treasures. He gave not only His riches, but His own life in self-denial and self-sacrifice, that He might remove every hindrance from those who seek an entrance into the kingdom of God.
Those who are not exposed to the temptations of those who are rich in this world’s goods have no reason to complain, for the Prince of life has shared with them a life of poverty. He was tempted in all points like as we are. In our behalf He placed Himself as one with us in poverty, to show us how we may withstand the temptations of satanic agencies….
The Lord Jesus invites us to become laborers together with Him. He is the owner of and has claims upon all that we possess. By our willingness to help in His work, we may now show our love for Him.—Manuscript 40, April 9, 1905, “Faithful Stewardship.”
The Upward Look p. 113
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Brian, his mother, and his family. Rose
—-Asking for our Lord’s healing for prostate cancer. We’ve done all we can. Terry
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Dear Friends,
From the time she was a girl, my grandmother had collected beautiful ornaments to one day decorate her Christmas tree when she would have a home of her own. Throughout her life, she had added to that collection. As her collection grew, her relatives shared some of their decorations until by the time she was married, she had a collection well worth showing.
As a child, I always looked forward to the week before Christmas when my mother, my aunt, and I would walk to town, purchase a tree, and then drag it the mile back home. My mother, being an artist, always picked out the most symmetrical tree that was available. She was the one to decorate it. I followed her up the stairs to the attic and watched as she opened one of the dusty, old trunks that held those precious ornaments. I was never allowed to touch them as they were very delicate, but I could look to my heart’s content.
When the tree was completely decorated, it was truly a work of art. I have never seen any tree since that time that could rival any that my mother decorated. From the week before Christmas until New Years Day, most of my time was spent examining each item on that tree. In my mind’s eye, I can still see them.
We have a treasure available to us that is worth far more valuable than my grandmother’s ornaments. This treasure is worth everything. Our Dear Saviour tells us, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” “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 13:52,44-46
In God’s Holy Word is a storehouse of treasures awaiting our discovery. On its pages are the instructions that we need for every aspect our life. Its words show us the path to Heaven. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 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.” “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 119:9-11;1:1-3;19:7-11
Paul tells us that the “holy scriptures, are able to make [us] wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 3:15-17;2:15
May we daily study our Great Creator’s Instruction Manual, meditating upon His precepts so that the evil one cannot get a foothold within our mind. May we value God’s Great Gift by adding to our knowledge each day the treasures He has for us in His Word. May we put away all of the distractions that would keep us from obtaining the Pearl of Great Price is my prayer.
Rose