Agents for Heaven

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8.
What great need there is of cultivating tenderness and gentleness. None should be ashamed to manifest a tender, compassionate spirit for those who err; for those who think they make no mistakes and far from being without fault before God. No one need to think that the manifestation of compassion is something for which he need be ashamed. . . .
When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and another attempts to give advice, that advice and counsel will have only the weight of influence for good that their example and spirit of the adviser has accumulated for him. It is the consistent life, the revelation of a sincere, Christlike interest for the soul in peril, that will make counsel effectual to persuade and win into safe paths. Those who are quick to censure others, who speak words that cut and bruise the already wounded soul, are doing Satan’s work, and are laborers with the prince of darkness. . . .
Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that “as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).
The human agent, imbued with the Spirit of Christ, will watch for souls as they that must give an account. The claims of Christ are upon us, and we must understand our duty, and do it in the fear of God, with an eye single to His glory, and not prove unfaithful. Let no thought of self or of natural feelings be cherished to keep the lips silent. Speak, and be not afraid. With the heart full of tenderness and love for souls, warn, exhort, and entreat. 
Never cease to labor for a soul while there is one ray of hope. Your words may cut to the soul. Oh, then be cautious, and clothe them with the love and tenderness of Jesus. Soften every accent with love and sympathy. . . . As you deal with others, as you judge others, so the Lord will judge and deal with you. Let the agent who claims to be a child of God, practice the lessons of Christ. If he is compelled to wound, let him feel the duty of healing as compulsory upon him. The truth is ever to be spoken in love, with the Spirit of Christ abiding in the soul.–Letter 70, Jan. 13, 1894, to “Dear Brethren in Responsible Positions in the Review and Herald Office.”
This Day With God p. 21
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Prayer Requests
—–Requesting prayers yet again. Dad has been sick for a week now & in the hospital since Monday. Turns out he has a bacterial blood infection. They will be pumping him full of high powered antibiotics starting tonight. Kim
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Dear Friends,
Since I am running late this morning, I thought I would share with you something Esther wrote on her blog some years ago.
“Esther writes: “Several people have asked me a question that bothered me: Don’t you think we will get bored in heaven? If there is no pain or trouble in heaven will the happiness be as sweet?
“I was deeply troubled about this because I know we aren’t going to get bored and I know we are going to be happy in heaven. Why? because of what Jesus said.
“Well, I didn’t have specific verses in my mind to share with those that asked, but I read something this morning that encompasses these questions perfectly!
First read the story…it is found in John 2:1-10 ‘And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.’
“It is a great story…one we have all heard many times… The following paragraph pulls everything together into perspective.
“He addressed the bridegroom, saying, ‘Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” In this miracle, Jesus illustrates the truth that while the world presents its best gifts first, to fascinate the senses and please the eye, he gives good gifts, ever fresh and new unto the end. They never pall upon the taste, the heart never sickens and tires of them. The pleasures of the world are unsatisfying, its wine turns to bitterness, its gayety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But Jesus provides a feast of the soul that never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of his Lord. He gives, not with stinted measure, but above what is asked or expected.’ {3Red 8.1}
“I can tell you from experience that what the world offers is sweet in the beginning but bitter in the end! I know because I have been in the world. Friends, Jesus is so kind to us! He calls to us even when we don’t listen! And when the world does go bitter, He welcomes us with open arms!
“Jesus is so much greater than we are, my words cannot even express it! He said that He will give us happiness, why do we ever doubt Him!! Has He ever lied to us? No!!!!!!!!!!
“It is time to stand up for Jesus! And believe what He has said!
“Joh 14:1-3 ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.(3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’
“Eph 3:20-21 ‘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.’
“The best way to represent this difference in happiness and enjoyment can be summed up in the illustration of the surroundings. The world’s happiness is temporary, terminal, the life of the world’s happiness is not eternal. The world is marred with sinful pleasure. The book of John chapter 15 sets the difference. Satan torments us in this world, not allowing total peace.
“NOW look unto the future with faith the time of Heaven. ETERNAL LIFE. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 6:23. Christ is the Lifegiver.
“See the compassion Jesus has in Mark 8:2, 3 ‘I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. If I send them home without feeding them, they will faint as they go, because some of them have come a long way.’
“Jesus is the compassionate, Satan is the oppressor. Jesus is the True Joy (John 17:13) Satan is the cause of boredom for his pleasures leave you empty inside. My advice is read your Bible…see the happiness of the Biblical characters such as rejoicing Paul in Philippians and others. Read the prophesies in Isaiah and Revelation [and elsewhere] about what awaits us in Heaven. May God be with you, grace abounds.”