I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13, 14.
It is the duty of everyone who professes to be a Christian to keep his thoughts under the control of reason and oblige himself to be cheerful and happy. However bitter may be the cause of his grief, he should cultivate a spirit of rest and quietude in God. The restfulness which is in Christ Jesus, the peace of Christ, how precious, how healing its influence, how soothing to the oppressed soul! However dark his prospects, let him cherish a spirit to hope for good. While nothing is gained by despondency, much is lost. While cheerfulness and a calm resignation and peace will make others happy and healthy, it will be of the greatest benefit to one’s self. Sadness and talking of disagreeable things is encouraging the disagreeable scenes, bringing back upon one’s self the disagreeable effect. God wants us to forget all these—not look down but up, up!
Sadness deadens the circulation in the blood vessels and nerves, and also retards the action of the liver. It hinders the process of digestion and of nutrition, and has a tendency to dry up the marrow of the whole system….
God’s purposes are often veiled in mystery; they are incomprehensible to finite minds; but He who sees the end from the beginning knows better than we. What we need is to cleanse us from earthliness, to perfect our Christian character, that the robe of Christ’s righteousness shall be put upon us…. Faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, trust in your wise heavenly Father, are the perfect blossoms which mature amidst clouds and disappointments and bereavements….
The order of providence in relation to His people is advancement, progression. Continual advancement is the way of holiness, rising higher and higher in the knowledge and love of God…. God is unchangeable—the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith must be exercised in all our prayers, for it has not lost its power, nor humble obedience its reward. If our brethren, who profess to believe the truth, would show their faith by their works, they would honor God and be enabled to convince many souls that they have the truth, for according to their faith and their obedience will they realize the fulfillment of the promises of God and be endowed with power from on high.—Letter 1, March 29, 1883, to J. N. Andrews, our first missionary, who was dying of tuberculosis in Switzerland.
The Upward Look p. 102
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Prayer Requests
—-Please emergency prayers for my grandfathers wife, Angela. She is in the hospital likely with a stroke. Please pray for her healing for God’s glory and so my grandfather would see God’s hand. Nathan
—-Please pray for my two prayer requests. The first is for my uncle. He is alone now since my dear mother died and he keeps calling out my mother’s name for help. It is heartbreaking. He has a live in caregiver but he really is in a bad situation and nothing that I have done to try and fix this situation has worked. He is a veteran and I have contacted the Veterans but still the situation stays the same. Please pray for God to remedy this situation. Also I have a good friend who is going in for heart surgery today. Please pray for her healing. Connie
—-Milt is taking his 2nd dialysis now we still need your prayers at this time. He needs to get through this. God is his healer. Arlene
—-Please pray for my family being attacked by the evil one please pray for a hedge of protection especially right now. Debra
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Dear Friends,
Last week, Ron overheard only part of a conversation that Brian and Esther were having. That part of the conversation could have been very upsetting if taken without the rest. At first, I was upset but upon reflection, I realized that they were talking about someone who we all knew who was going through some difficult times. Brian had been making a suggestion on how to solve the problem. The next day, I asked Esther what it was about. She had to think a minute to even recall the incident, but she confirmed what I thought about that snippet of conversation. I laughed and said, “That’s how rumors begin.”
How careful we must be not to believe or spread rumors for they may be as false as the one that could have been started from what Ron had overheard. How many times we believe we know what is going on, but fail to discern truth from a false report. How easy it is to spread that tidbit of gossip and speak against someone. We put the worst possible motive upon it and slander that one who might be totally innocent. How many times we hear some bit of gossip and know it is false but keep quiet instead of speaking the truth. How this breaks our Great Redeemer’s heart of love. He, Who gave everything for us, is looking for the reflection of His character in us. He listens to our every word, waiting to hear His words coming from our lips. He Who is Just and Kind and Good is longing for us to exemplify those traits in our character.
Yet, how often He sees and hears quite the opposite. We do as Jeremiah writes, “Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.” Jer 9:8 James tells us, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 1:26,27;3:2-18
Jesus, with tears in His voice, proclaimed, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt 12:34-37
We will have to meet our words again. Solemn thought. Daily we should heed the advice of the children’s song that says, “O be careful little lips what you say.” Words we have spoken in anger, words we have spoken in jest, cruel words, slanderous words, all are recorded in the courts above. Our Dear Saviour hears them all. These words also have an effect upon ourselves. How careful then, should we be to put a guard upon our lips, lest by our words we wound those whom the Saviour loves, lest by our words we discourage the very one who is doing right, lest by our words we turn others away from their Only Helper.
“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: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Pet 3:8-12
May we never allow the words that have been spoken against us, to turn us away from the One Who gave His life for us. May we speak only those words which draw others closer to our Dear Saviour. May God be glorified in all that we do, all that we say, all that we think is my prayer.
Rose

The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath … for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever. Exodus 31:16, 17.
We do not study the Scriptures as much as we should. Instead of spending our time in studying the various themes of the day we need to devote that time to the study of the Scriptures. We want to come on our knees before God with our Bibles and ask for wisdom from God to comprehend the treasures of truth. We cannot have root in ourselves unless we do this, for everything is to be shaken that can be shaken….
Satan is watching that he may find the mind in an unguarded moment and so get possession of it. We do not want to be ignorant of his devices, neither do we want to be overpowered by his devices. He is pleased with the pictures that represent him as having horns and hoofs, for he has intelligence; he was once an angel of light. Those who trust in their intelligence he will make believe that they can correct the Scriptures. You are going to meet this infidelity in high places. You need the Holy Spirit of God, the divine power to cooperate with you to discern the trap that the devil is preparing, and escape it. He is going to lead the religious world captive (see 2 Thessalonians 2:11). How dare they to lay their sacrilegious hands upon the Scriptures! We must bring the Sabbath of the Lord to the front. It is so plain, and so decided. It is a sign between the children of God and the children of the world….
We do not know how soon we shall be singled out as not being law-abiding citizens, because the prince of the power of the air is getting possession of the minds of men. We can choose between obeying the powers that be, and dishonoring God, or disobeying the powers that be, and honoring God. If we obey God, His Holy Spirit is resting upon us, and we are not fighting with our own assertions, but with “It is written.” All we have to do is to go back to the fourth commandment. Read the testimony of Jesus Christ that not even a little dot was to be altered, but it is just as written by the finger of God on the tables of stone. We should love the truth because it is truth. It makes every difference whether we are on God’s side of the question or not. You may be summoned to the courts, and in these emergencies think on the Saviour’s promise: “I am there.” We cannot stand on sliding sand, but we can on Christ Jesus. And we can stand there though the whole world may be arrayed against us….
God has covenanted, and He will be with His people.—Manuscript 11, March 28, 1893, “Search the Scriptures.”
The Upward Look p. 101
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for D who is battling depression and trying to overcome anger. H
—-Update: Milt Kidneys are bad he’s on dialysis now. Arlene
—-Please pray for a young man his name is Joshua his mother has left him for months and doesn’t care much about him. He is alone i have done up to what i can. Please pray that a miracle will be wrought on his life.
He is just 18 and seems to have a bit of special needs. Rosemary
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Dear Friends,
Some time ago, I went to a certain grocery store to get the bread I buy that has all natural ingredients. For me, it is worth the extra three miles to get bread without dough conditioners and preservatives. Of course, I got a few other needed items as well.
As I was taking my purchases out of the cart so carry the bags of groceries to the car, a lady, who was also about to exit the store, looked at me and said, “Go around the corner and up the stairs.” Seeing my blank look, she smiled and repeated herself adding, “It’s kind of hard to find.”
With question marks all over my face, I asked, “Uh, just what are we talking about?”
It was her turn to be surprised. “Why, you asked where the bathroom was, didn’t you?” After assuring her, that I had not said a word, I remembered that some girls, who were talking together, had passed right behind me. One of them must have asked that question to one of the other girls. I explained that to the woman. Then, she and I had a good laugh.
Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing.” Just as “the body without the spirit is dead, [as] faith without works is dead,” so prayer without study of the Scriptures leaves us with only part of a conversation. James 2:26 Without earnest prayer for guidance, we have only the vaguest idea of what is being said. Without study and prayer, we cannot truly have a “conversation” with our Great Creator.
“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, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim 3:16, 17 How vital to our understanding, is prayer that we may receive the lesson its Author has for us. Without prayer for the same Holy Spirit, who guided holy men of old to write the Scriptures, to guide our minds, we are getting only part of the “conversation” and lack as much understanding as I did when that woman began answering a question I had never asked. (2 Peter 1:21)
Our Loving Saviour advises us as Paul advised Timothy so long ago, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1Ti 4:13-16
May we “study to shew [ourself] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 May we pray to the Great Author of the Bible for the guidance we so much need. May we prayerfully meditate upon all His Holy Word and follow the lessons contained therein.
Rose

But 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. Acts 1:8.
When in His expiring moments on the cross, Christ exclaimed, “It is finished,” the veil of the Temple was rent from top to bottom. The need for the Jewish system of sacrifices and offerings had ended. Type had met antitype in the death of the One to whom the sacrifices pointed. A new and living way had been opened—a way by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond, could come to God and find pardon and peace.
Christ is to be uplifted as the Redeemer of the world. He is to be proclaimed as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. “Ye shall receive power,” the Saviour declared, “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” (Acts 1:8).
Christ’s last act before leaving this earth was to commission His ambassadors to go to the world with His truth. His last words were spoken to impress the disciples with the thought that they held in trust the message of Heaven for the world. In obedience to the Saviour’s command, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, and there waited for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Heavenly intelligences cooperated with them, and gave power to the message that they bore. The Holy Spirit gave efficiency to their missionary efforts, and on one occasion three thousand were converted in a day. Paul, miraculously transformed from a bitter persecutor to a zealous believer, was added to the number of the disciples. To him was entrusted in a special manner the work of giving the message to the Gentiles.
To John, banished to the Isle of Patmos for his faithfulness in witnessing to Christ, there was given special light to the church. In his exile he beheld his glorified Redeemer, and saw more distinctly than ever before what was to be at the close of this earth’s history. He saw the mercy, tenderness, and love of God blending with His holiness, justice, and power. He saw sinners finding a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid. Mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other. In the place of fleeing from God because of our sins, we flee to His arms for protection and pardon. The throne, terrible to us in our unbelief, becomes in our repentance a place of refuge.—Manuscript 38, March 27, 1905, “Be of Good Cheer.”
The Upward Look p. 100
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Prayer Requests
—-Today is the day for Dick’s medical tests. Please pray for good results. Ron
—-Please pray for Tommie she is in icu had a heart attack after her tumor surgery near her kidney, which was successful surgery ,but now this. Becky
—-Please pray for my brother Warren Something has happened in his life and he is exhibiting very unusual mental health behaviours He has Paranoia and is delusional He is cutting family off who he is normally very close too, he has thrown his phone in the sea. I live over a 1000 klms away and now have no way of contacting or supporting him He has no prior MH history and is normally a kind loving person He has become aggressive when family turn up unannounced yet we have no way of contacting him or making sure he’s ok unless family call by He has no income and his behaviour is about to make him homeless, we are afraid he is going to self harm He isn’t a drug taker and normally leads a healthy lifestyle His conversations are strange and obsessive and he talks non stop, he’s doing strange rituals
He refuses medical help and if sectioned would react very badly and cut family ties for good. This all began when he looked into Chakra,s and magnetism and I’m unsure if it’s demonic possession. My very elderly parents are going through a terrible time with this situation and it’s affecting them so badly to see their son like this , my mother especially is becoming so distressed. Please pray this situation is understood and resolved. Jen
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Dear Friends,
Wherever we turn, we see or hear of terrible happenings in this sinful, old world. Truly we live in the land of the enemy who wants to toy with us and then destroy us. Without God’s special protection, anything can happen.
Life is uncertain at best. As Peter said, “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.” 1 Peter 1:24 We never know when the enemy will strike. Paul explains, “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 In light of this fact, Peter advises, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith.” 1 Pet 5:8,9 Because our adversary is constantly devising ways to seek our ruin, to cause us distress, to cause us to stumble and make shipwreck of our faith, we often feel overwhelmed. Trials and troubles wash over us like waves of the sea.
Yet through it all, our Great Redeemer is there to help us. He is “able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph 6:16 “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 He will not allow anything to happen to us unless it is within His will. He knows just what experiences we need to keep us in the narrow path to Heaven. (Matt 7:14)
Think of it! Although He allows trials and troubles to come our way, He hurts right along with us. The One Who gave His life for us walks with us in the trials the enemy causes just as surely as He walked in the fiery furnace with the three Hebrews. (Dan 3) He assures us, “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
Moreover, He keeps careful record of our life. Nothing escapes His notice, for “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:17 What tender care He has for us. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jer 29:11-13 He sees our tears, indeed, He cries with us, longing for the time when He can gather us in His great arms of love and wipe away all of our tears. (Rev 21:4)
These very trials and troubles that the evil one heaps upon us, Our Tender Father in Heaven uses to fit us to dwell with Him forevermore. Paul says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor 4:17-18 Jesus tells us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 We can trust in Him! “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Heb 2:17,18
The Lord Jesus Christ has won the battle! “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold. . . But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Pet 1:18-23 The Lord is faithful, Who shall keep us from evil. (2 Thes 3:3) He is able to keep us from falling! He has promised to present us faultless before the Presence of His glory with exceeding joy. He is the only wise God our Saviour. To Him belongs glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever! (Jude 24,25) ”
May we, moment by moment, trust in Jesus no matter what darts the enemy hurls at us. May we declare as did Paul, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” May we “put on the whole armour of God, that (we) may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph 6:11
Rose

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