Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Hebrews 3:7, 8.
A man for whom the Lord has done so much should honor Him in every word and act. All his transactions should be pure, considerate, and just. He should not do or say anything that he will be loath to meet when he stands before the Judge of all the earth….
Throughout every department of His work God will vindicate His honor, His righteousness. Will you not stop right where you are, and consider diligently your ways? The Lord cannot endorse your spirit or your course of action. His hand is on the lever. Your plans are not His plans…. Now is your time to repent. Lose not the opportunity….
My brother, do not feel that it is below your dignity to make a decided change. You must place yourself at the feet of Christ as a learner, else you will surely fail of obtaining the overcomer’s reward. Lay off your commanding, kingly authority, and become one of God’s little children. Until you are willing to study and obey God’s will, you will be overcome by temptations and led to do strange things, which will disqualify you for filling a position of influence.
Will you not repent and be converted? Will you not act every moment with the realization that you are under the divine scrutiny? Will you not make God your companion in all your work? His holiness, His justice, His truth, should purify your words and actions. UL 119.5
You need to stop and consider that there is a God. He has spoken good in your behalf, and He will be much displeased if you deal unjustly with His heritage. He calls upon you to turn to Him with full purpose of heart. Pray, for your soul’s sake, pray; for you have been so many times self-deceived and led by deceptive influences that you are tempted to regard with favor those who will flatter and extol you, and with disfavor those who would point out your errors and dangers.
Many times you have almost gone over to the wrong side, but before the throne has stood your Saviour, the prints of the nails in His hands, interceding in your behalf. Pray for yourself, in the name of Christ. Pray earnestly, fervently, sincerely. I hope that your life may be spared, and that you may give yourself wholly to repentance. Come to the Lord, and surrender all to Him. You must, or you will be taken captive by the enemy.
I can … but write these words, for One [who is] of the highest authority has made this appeal to you.—Letter 55, April 15, 1903, to Dr. J. H. Kellogg, who was in danger of going off into pantheism.
The Upward Look p. 119
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Prayer Requests
—-Asking for prayers. My heart is hurting today. Possibly heart disease. I may have to go to hospital. Kristina
—-Please pray for my Uncle Levi in Chicago, he is a waiting list for lung transplant. Emerson
—-I have 3 Prayer requests: My step-brother is hospitalized with serious blood clot issues; an Adventist Church Pastor is recovering from a stroke and his wife suffered a life threatening fall and is hospitalized. Please pray! Wanda
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Dear Friends,
One morning some years ago, as we were on our way to work, there was quite a bit of traffic on Hoover Road. Suddenly, the person in the pickup truck ahead of me slammed on his brakes. Immediately, I did the same. Then I saw it. A semi was stopped right in our lane. Because of the darkness, there had been no warning. It was as if it just suddenly appeared in our lane. As we drove around it and saw the name on the cab, Ron remarked that it was too bad that the truck had broken down less than a mile from its destination.
How many are like that truck. We start out so well, but somewhere along the way, our good intentions break down. We take our eyes off from “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14 Somewhere along the path of life, we begin looking at ourselves, at others, at the things of this world and forget that we are moving toward the greatest of all destinations, even the Heavenly home our Dear Saviour is preparing for us. (John 14:1-3)
We must not be casual Christians quitting whenever the way gets rough. We must not allow other things to get in the way. The promise is, “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt 24:13 How many examples do we have in God’s Holy Word of those who, like that Roadway truck yesterday morning, began so well, and got sidetracked before obtaining the Heavenly prize.
When the children of Israel left Egypt, they expected to enter the promised land. Yet, through their murmuring and complaining, their idolitry and self-seeking they perished in the wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua endured unto the end. Paul writes, “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor 10:1-12
Solomon, also, started out so well. At the beginning of his reign, the Great King of the Universe came to him in a dream. ” In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14
What a great king Solomon would have made had he continued with a pure and humble heart. Yet, it is written, “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” 1 Kings 11:1-8
Paul spoke of this enduring unto the end, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Cor 9:24-27 Praise God! Every one of us may receive that prize! All who endure onto the end will be saved!
May we claim the promise, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” John 8:31 May we keep our eyes upon the prize before us. May we endure unto the end is my prayer.
Rose

Some years ago, while rowing on Lake Goguac [in Michigan] with my husband, we saw a beautiful lily, I asked my husband to get it for me, and to pluck it with as long a stem as he could. He did so, and I examined it. In the stem was a channel through which flowed the nourishment best suited to the development of the lily. This nourishment it took, refusing the vileness with which it was surrounded. It had a connection with the sand far below the surface, and from there drew the sustenance which caused it to develop … its loveliness.
Christ says, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28, 29). No artist can produce the beautiful tints which God gives to the flowers. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (verse 30).
Nature is our lesson book. Christ used the objects of nature to impress truth on the minds of His hearers…. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? … for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (verses 31-34).
Let us do all we can to show our children that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Let us teach them to strive for everlasting life…. Bring your children up in the admonition of the Lord, and you have fitted them to work in the church, you have fitted them to go forth into missionary fields, you have fitted them to shine in the courts of the Lord.
Parents, do not try to follow the ever-changing fashions of the degenerate age. It does not pay. At the last day God will ask you, “What have you done with My flock, My beautiful flock?” How will you answer Him if you have betrayed your trust? For Christ’s sake I beseech of you to guard your children. Do not be cross or hasty. Give them happy things to think of….
Strive with all the power God has given you to gain the crown of everlasting life, that you may cast it at the feet of the Redeemer, and touching the golden harp, fill all heaven with rich music.—Manuscript 31, April 14, 1901, “The Christian Life.”
The Upward Look p. 118
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Esther’s friend, Dannie, as she and her family travels across country to locate in a new area. Rose
—-Please pray for my good friend Amby.She has just suffered a heart attack and is in need of open heart surgery being airlifted to ____ many prayers needed. Julie
—-Please pray for my friend’s wife Allison. She has terminal cancer. They have a preschool age daughter. Laura
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Dear Friends,
When Eileen was a little girl, she wanted to have a plant all of her own. Since we were very poor at the time, I could not afford to buy one, so I suggested that she plant a grapefruit seed from the grapefruit that she was eating. Soon it became a little tree. Over the years, as we moved from place to place, Eileen nurtured that tree repotting it when it grew too big for its pot. It grew and grew until it was in a very large pot and had to be trimmed occasionally or it would have gone through the roof.
So it is with God’s Word. When we receive it into our heart, it can grow into something beautiful, or it can wither and die. It is our choice. As we open the pages of our Great Redeemer’s Holy Book, we learn His will for our life. We can choose to follow His will. If we do, Jeremiah’s experience can be ours. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jer 15:16 David says, “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 art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.” “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psa 119:12,105
As we meditate upon His precepts, they become a part of us, the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” becomes a part of our life and shines forth to those around Gal 5:22-25 As our Great Creator recreates us, He bids us to share His great love with others. When our Dear Saviour was returning to His Father’s House, He gave a commission to His disciples. This commission is also for us today. He said, “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.” Acts 1:8; Matt 28:18-20
How our Dear Saviour longs to work through us to fulfill His great commission that His followers may grow and spread throughout the world just as that grapefruit seed has become a tree. How patiently He waits for us to allow Him to use us to further His Great Kingdom of Love. Jesus spoke of this very thing. “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Matt 13:31,32
Jeremiah describes those who follow the Word, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jer 17:7,8 It is not an easy work, but we have the promise, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psa 126:5,6
As we bring others to the foot of the cross, our joy is full. As they in turn win others, how quickly the light shines forth. Soon Jesus can come. Soon we, and those we’ve brought to our Dear Saviour, will “be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thes 4:17 Think of it! Walking with Jesus, following Him whithersoever He goes,(Rev 14:4) not alone, but with those we have brought to Him. What a joyous day that will be!
May we allow God’s Word to germinate and grow within our heart. May we spread His Good News of salvation far and wide. May we soon see our Loving Saviour face to face is my prayer.
Rose

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