I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:18, 19.
Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God. Sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, entire conformity to the will of God. If our lives are conformed to the life of Christ through the sanctification of mind, soul, and body, our example will have a powerful influence on the world. We are not perfect, but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and go on unto perfection….
Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all who have true faith. Shall we not anoint our eyes with eyesalve, that we may discern the wondrous things here brought before us? Why do we not with persevering earnestness, work out this prayer, advancing onward and upward, reaching the standard of holiness? We are laborers together with God, and we must work in harmony with one another and with God, “for it is God which worketh in … [us] both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” …
The Lord takes no pleasure in seeing us spiritually weak. “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” We have conflicts and trials to meet, but we need not fail or be discouraged…. UL 99.4
God can only be honored when we who profess to believe in Him are conformed to His image. We are to represent to the world the beauty of holiness, and we shall never enter the gates of the city of God until we perfect a Christlike character. If we, with trust in God, strive for sanctification, we shall receive it. Then as witnesses for Christ, we are to make known what the grace of God has wrought in us.
The greatest disquietude we can have is uncertainty. The acceptance of the blessings of God brings righteousness and peace. The fruit of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. We must have simplicity and Godlike sincerity. We must have that wisdom which cometh from above. Our Christian experience must be animated by piety, and instinct with the divine life.—Manuscript 38, March 26, 1899, “The Will of God Concerning You.”
The Upward Look p. 99
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Prayer Requests
—-please put the 2 year old girl Kinsey back
on the prayer chain. she has big tumor in her stomach. She had one dose of chemo and did well with it. but when they gave her a second dose last moth .they discovered she was allergic to it. and if they give her a different kind of chemo she could lose her hearing. So they are giving her radiation. Also Bud is filling up with fluid and is being taken to another town for medical treatment. Mary
—-My amputee friend will have more of her leg amputated in the spring. She could use prayers. Laura
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Dear Friends,
Ronnie Jay had two gerbils that were quite entertaining to watch as well as to play with. One time, we noticed that the two rodents were both trying to run in the wheel that they use for exercise. Now this would have been just fine if they had run in the same direction, but those gerbils were trying to run in the opposite direction! Of course, that didn’t work too well. The stronger of the two soon won this little battle, and his brother was flipped out of the wheel.
Although it was funny to watch the gerbils each trying to go their own way, it is no laughing matter when Christians attempt the same. How many times have church members been “flipped out of the wheel” by those who insist that the church be run according to their direction. How often these members become disillusioned and sadly walk away.
David exclaimed, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Ps 133:1 How true! If each member is following the Bible wholeheartedly, not putting their own interpretation upon it but taking the Bible just as it reads, there will be a unity that is according to God’s order, a unity without compromising the truth. Paul speaks of this to the Ephesian believers, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. . . .And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of 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: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Eph 4:1-16
In that great prayer of Christ just before going to the Garden of Gethsemane, our Blessed Redeemer pleaded for that unity that only comes from being sancified through obedience to all of God’s commands, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:17-23
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:8-12
Rose

If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? Luke 12:28.
God encourages us to contemplate His works in the natural world. He desires that we shall turn our mind from the study of the artificial to the natural. We shall understand this better as we lift up our eyes to the hills of God, and contemplate the works which His own hands have created. They are God’s work. His hand has molded the mountains and balances them in their position, that they shall not be moved except at His command. The wind, the sun, the rain, the snow, and the ice are all His ministers to do His will.
Can we be surprised, then, that Christ, who made all things, should choose the open air as His sanctuary; that He should desire to be surrounded by the works of His creation? … Jesus drew His lessons of spiritual instruction from the natural things with which His hearers were familiar. These He used to represent the truth. He would pluck the lilies, the flower of the valley, and place them in the hands of the little children, and by these simple instructors proclaim the truth of His Word. The Word of God and the things of nature around us are our lesson book. God has spread out before our senses the beauties of nature, and He watches with pleasure and a Father’s joy the delight of His children in the beautiful things around them.
The root of the tree has a double office to fill. It is to hold fast by its tendrils to the earth, while it takes to itself the nourishment desired. Thus it is with the Christian. When his union with Christ, the parent stalk, is complete, when he feeds upon Him, currents of spiritual strength are given to the branches. Can the leaves of such a branch wither? Never. As long as the soul reaches toward Christ, there is little danger that the leaves will wilt and droop and decay. And the temptations which may come in like a tempest will not uproot him. The true Christian draws his motives of action from his deep love for his Redeemer. His affection for his Master is true and holy. And it is the cheerful, lovable Christian of whom Christ says, “Ye are my witnesses” (Isaiah 43:10)….
Those who have fled to God for refuge; those who have believed the heaven-sent message, who believe the assurance that, if they confess their sins, He is faithful and just to forgive them their sins, God will cleanse from all unrighteousness. Our God has pledged His word by His own greatness and infinity that He will bestow pardon and peace upon all who will come to Him in the name of Jesus.—Manuscript 16, March 25, 1897, “Principles of Education.”
The Upward Look p. 98
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Fran who is battling cancer. Rose
—-Please say a prayer for our country and President. Albin
—-Please pray for me. I think I have shingles. I’m in so much pain. Louise
—-I am pleading for prayers, for court with my estranged SDA husband. Praying for Gods peace and still with faith that there is a miracle possible, if not now, then at His right timing. Please keep Daniel (my husband) in prayers for his spiritual battle with this world. I believe in the power of prayer! Court will be around 9am this morning. Ama
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Dear Friends,
“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.” Psalm 102
The title of this psalm is, “A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.” Ron and I are currently reading about the life of David. How many times, he was overwhelmed his circumstances—circumstances that were no fault of his own. How often we, too, are surrounded by circumstances that overwhelm us. We can see no way out. We cry as did he, “Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.” Psa 71:2,3
When this is our experience, our Dear Saviour promises, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour” Isa 43:1-3
Many times we are overwhelmed because people misjudge us and gossip about us. The story grows with the telling and spreads far and wide until even friends begin to doubt us. We feel alone and friendless. No one understands, no one cares. We cry, “Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me.” “Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.” “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me” Psa 140:5;27:12;7:1
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deut 31:8 We have the assurance that even “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” Ps 27:10 Our Great Redeemer promises, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jer 31:3 “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb 13:5 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
Often, however, it is our own fault that we are overwhelmed. There are times in our life when we our eyes off from our Only Helper and take matters into our own hands as did David upon occasion. Whenever he failed to trust, he soon found himself in trouble and overwhelmed. Because of our sins, because of our taking our eyes from “the prize of our high calling,” we soon find ourselves bound with the cords of iniquity. Phil 3:14 We struggle and fight to be free, yet the cords grow tighter about us: they grow stronger every time we fall when tempted. The evil one is seeking to destroy us whichever way we turn. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12
Oh! How much we need a deliverer! How much we long to be free! We exclaim, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:24 We plead, “Deliver me from all my transgressions.” “Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.” Ps 39:8;119:170
I thank God that through Jesus Christ our Lord there is deliverance! He hears our groanings and has provided a way of escape! Indeed Our loving Saviour loosens our sin-bands and delivers “us from the power of darkness, and… we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” Col 1:13,14 He “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Gal 1:5 He has promised not only to forgive “our sins, but to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
And beyond all that, He is even now interceding in our behalf. “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.” 2:1 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:14-16
May we remember to cry unto our Loving Saviour when our heart is overwhelmed. May we find in Him a shelter from the storm that rages about us. May we abide in Him forever and trust in His lovingkindness is my prayer.
Rose

For our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20, 21.
There will soon be a new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. The Lord has instructed me that our physical and mental and moral powers will, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, be trained to carry on the work in all purity, in all goodness, without one thread of Satan’s science brought in to spoil the pattern Christ has given us. The powers and faculties that have been sanctified in righteousness will be employed, strengthened, and prepared to do the works of Heaven’s appointment.
He that used the two talents entrusted in this life, will, in the future life, show that his talents have not been corrupted. They will be used on a wider and nobler plan in the future life. There is appointed to every man his certain work. Those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions which are in the world through lust, will reveal a purified life in this time of preparation for the higher life. They commence to live the life of the heavenly order here below, and carry the divine nature with them into every line of work. No swindlers have a place in the heavenly courts. No falsifiers, no liars, no adulterers, no cruel-minded persons will be there. They will never see His face.
When Christ comes, He takes those who have purified their souls by obeying the truth. Some will go into the grave who are now in active life, and some will be alive and be changed when Christ shall come. This mortal shall put on immortality and these corruptible bodies, subject to disease, will be changed from mortal to immortal. We shall then be gifted with a higher nature. The bodies of all who purify their souls by obeying the truth shall be glorified….
Heaven is full of the glory of God. What can I say that will awaken the almost spiritually paralyzed sensibilities of many young and those of mature age that will break the spell of the artful deceiver which is upon them—that they may see what losses they are sustaining in not employing all the powers of their mind, soul, and strength to do the commandments of God in sincerely using all the gifts they may attain in sanctified spiritual action—that they may be prepared to become members of the royal family, perfecting their Christian character for the noble use above.—Manuscript 36, March 24, 1906, “A Solemn Warning.”
The Upward Look p. 97
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my great-great grandniece who is very sick. Sharon
—-Please pray for Dick who has internal bleeding and possibly cancer. He is having more tests Friday. Ron
—-Please pray for Jordyn, 15, who suffered a spinal cord injury during a football game. Diangelo
—-Urgent prayers for Roy– very ill with cancer! Seems ready to surrender to Jesus! Ann
—-URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: a very dear friend of mine, his name is Charles, has fallen and they believe he has had a stroke. Maria
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Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl, my mother bought a scotch collie. Sandy was a beautiful dog (She looked like Lassie for those of you who remember that program.)and we became instant friends. One day, my mother decided to build her a sturdy doghouse, because Michigan’s winters are cold and long, and she wanted Sandy to be comfortable. Now this became no ordinary dog house. It was much larger than it needed to be, and I would often crawl inside and keep Sandy company.
When my mother began her project, some of the neighbor men came to see what she was doing. They laughed at the thought of her being able to accomplish the task. That laughter made her more determined to do a good job. Before long, their laughter stopped. My mother was doing a perfect job. Those very men, who had laughed so hard at her, began to bring her siding and roofing materials. They had to admit that she was able to not only finish it, but to make it perfect.
Just as my mother continued to build, despite what others were saying, so we are to build up God’s church on this earth. Paul tells us, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor 3:11-17
As we share God’s Word with those about us, we are working hand in hand with the One Who gave His all for us. We are co-laborers with the Great King of the Universe! What a privilege! What a blessing! Think of it! We can be laborers together with God! (1 Cor 3:9) Yet, we are a part of God’s house. He is our sure Foundation, the Chief Cornerstone! Yet, He is a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence. Peter speaks of this: “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:4-9 Paul adds, “And we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Eph 2:20-22
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Eph 3:20,21
Rose

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29.
In past ages the Lord God of heaven revealed His secrets to His prophets, and this He does still. The present and the future are equally clear to Him, and He shows to His servants the future history of what shall be. The Omniscient looked down the ages, and predicted through His prophets the rise and fall of kingdoms, hundreds of years before the events foretold took place. The voice of God echoes down the ages, telling man what is to take place. Kings and princes take their places at their appointed time. They think they are carrying out their own purposes, but in reality they are fulfilling the word God has given through His prophets. They act their part in carrying out God’s great purposes. Events fall into line, fulfilling the word God has spoken.
The unbelieving and godless do not discern the signs of the times. In ignorance they may refuse to accept the Inspired Record. But, when professed Christians speak sneeringly of the ways and means employed by the great I AM to make His ways and purposes known, they show themselves to be both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.
The Creator knows just what elements He has to deal with in human nature. He knows what means to employ to obtain the desired end. The Christian who accepts the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, will look at Bible history in its true bearing. The past—the history of the Jewish economy from beginning to the end—instead of being spoken of contemptuously and sneered at as “the dark ages,” will reveal light, and still more light, as it is studied.
Man’s word fails, and he who takes the assertions of man as his dependence may well tremble, for he will one day be as a shipwrecked vessel. But God’s Word is infallible and endures forever. Christ declares, “Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). God’s Word will endure through the ceaseless ages of eternity.
God lives and reigns. His glory is not confined to temples made with hands. He has not closed heaven against His people. As in the Jewish age, so in this age, God reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets.—Manuscript 39, March 23, 1899, “Loyalty or Disloyalty.”
The Upward Look p. 96
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Prayer Requests
—-The remains of the 19 yr college student, Aniah, have been found. Also, the remains of a little girl who was missing has been found. A local county sheriff killed for telling an 18 yr old to turn his music down. We live in a world that is wicked without reason and where youth are wickedly disrespectful. Prayers for these families. Monica
—-Please pray for my post op heart patient. Emerson
—-Please pray for Jacob who was hit by a car last Friday
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Dear Friends,
Thanksgiving. A time to reflect on the many blessings that God has given us. When our Pilgrim fathers fled the old world and its religious persecution, they came to the new world unprepared for its hardships. Because of this lack of preparation, about half of them died that first winter. If it had not been for the kindness of the Indians, the rest of the Pilgrims would have perished the next year as well. In the first Autumn’s harvest, those Pilgrims saw God’s hand in their lives and they were filled with thankfulness to the Great Giver of all blessings. As they and their Indian benefactors sat down to a feast of thanksgiving, their hearts swelled with love and gratefulness.
As the years passed, an autumnal Thanksgiving celebration became a tradition in this country. It became such a part of life, that eventually it was established as a national holiday. Presidents Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt added dimensions to the day.
Sadly, this day established to remember God and His blessings has become a day filled with too much food, men sitting around the TV watching football, their wives and daughters spending much of their holiday in the kitchen preparing the meal, cleaning up from the meal, and complaining that all their husbands and sons want to do is sit around and watch football. What started out as a day to remember God’s blessings is now spent with hardly a thought Heavenward.
Let us, this Thanksgiving holiday, remember its real meaning and “in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thes 5:18 “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Heb 13:15 “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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.” Amen. Phil 4:4-8
Rose

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.
A constant battle is going on between satanic agencies and heavenly intelligences. Satan is playing the game of life for the souls of men. If all could see the undercurrent of specious temptations, if they could realize the apparently heavenly appearance of satanic deceptions, far greater caution would be shown. There would be far more distrust of human wisdom and far more dependence upon God. But, when our spiritual eyesight is blinded, we do not discover the marked incidents that have taken place to turn the footsteps of God’s people from safe paths into paths that are slippery and unreliable.
The Lord would mold and fashion the life aright, and establish the feet upon the Rock of Ages. But, when men are self-centered and self-exalted, the angels sorrow, for they know that seeds of tares will be dropped into the minds of others, to spring up and produce their crop. The only safety for any soul is to walk humbly with God. Then men will watch unto prayer. They pray [merely] with the lips, when the heart does not unite with the prayer….
Many have so beclouded their own minds with self-importance, that they have been very confident, where they would do well to be distrustful and cautious. If men could see how easily self and spiritual pride become woven with supposed devotion to the work of God, and how, when this takes place, they are left to mar the work, and set the weaver’s pattern all awry, they would pray, “Anoint mine eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, that I may see all things correctly.”
Unless there is increased humility of heart and purity of action, things will be done that will lead to a whole train of mistakes. One mis-move, because of a lack of faith, has led to many disastrous circumstances. It does not appear such a great evil to let Satan rule and obtain the victory in little things, even when eternal interests are involved. But one misstep leads to a succession of missteps, and then to jealousy, and evil surmisings of the very one and the very things that God would have succeed.
When will the people of God learn wisdom? The true religion of Jesus Christ has first to do with the mercy and grace of God in our daily experiences. God in Christ is ever nigh us; yes, nigh unto all them that call upon Him in simplicity and sincerity, realizing their great need of that wisdom that comes down from above.—Manuscript 43, March 22, 1898, “Remember the Former Things of Old.”
The Upward Look p. 95
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for this country and our leadership. It has totally gotten out of hand. Roberta
—-I need prayers for my beautiful friend Raelyn who has cancer and is on hospice, she is such a precious soul, please pray for all her family as they love her soooo much. Patti
—- Please have my friends son in prayer. He has a staff infection as big as a grapefruit that was cut out but he lost work because of it. Pray for a complete healing and a job so he doesn’t need to work on Sabbath which they just now came to understand the importance of it. His name is Michael.
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, we were conducting the children’s program during the evangelistic series at our church. The children’s ages ranged from three to 9 years old. After a lively song service, one little boy did not want to sit down and listen to Ron tell a Bible story. He was not at all happy when we insisted that he be quiet and stay in his chair. Loudly he proclaimed, “I hate this meeting. I think I’ll pull out my hair.”
The second time he threatened this, Ron stopped his story, came over to the boy, bent his balding head down so the boy could see it well, and said, “Go ahead. Then you will look like me and won’t have any hair.” Then Ron stood upright and continued his story. The boy’s eyes got big with surprise, grew momentarily quiet, did not threaten to pull his hair out any more, and was fairly good the rest of the evening. On the way home after the program, Ron and I chuckled at the boy’s reaction.
The more I thought about the incident, however, the less funny it appeared. How often we are like that boy, serving the Lord, but complaining every step of the way. We look at the pleasures of this world with longing desire yet we are afraid of their consequences so we outwardly obey. Yet “LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 Outward conformity without an inward change breaks God’s Great Heart of Love. With tears in His voice He laments, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matt 15:8
How our Great Redeemer yearns to have us love Him with our whole heart and soul and being. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Mt 22:37-40
How He longs for us to obey because we love Him, because we rejoice in His Great Salvation, His Marvellous Grace. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Ps 107:8; 100
Let us love our Dear Saviour with our whole heart. Let us obey Him because we want to please Him for “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Let us ever look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” is my prayer.
Rose