Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24.

Heaven’s resources are limitless, and they are all at our command. Why then, I ask, is the progress of the Lord’s work in our world so slow? Why is Christ so sadly misrepresented? Why are not the Lord’s followers increasing in knowledge and purity, holiness and power?

Are there not presented before Christ’s followers the highest virtues to be cultivated, the greatest honors to be gained? God calls upon them to enter upon a race in which everyone may win. He calls upon them to enlist in a warfare in which everyone may be a conqueror. A robe of righteousness and a crown of everlasting life—this is the reward held out before the overcomer….

When the Christian takes his baptismal vow, divine help is pledged to him. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit stand ready to work in his behalf. God places at his command the resources of heaven, that he may be an overcomer. His own power is small, but God is omnipotent, and God is his helper. Daily he is to make known his wants at the throne of grace. By faith and trust, by availing himself of the resources provided, he will come off more than conqueror. Why, then, should not those who are fighting against the powers of darkness, move forward with faith and courage? God and Christ and the Holy Spirit are on their side….

When we remember that no one knows when his probation may close, how dare we live unprepared—unready to meet our Lord? How dare we remain sinful and defiled? Why are we not afraid? Why are we not troubled? Why do we not realize our peril? … The Lord would work mightily for His people if they would put off the works of darkness and be clothed with His righteousness….

God calls upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the truth to show by unquestioning obedience that they are faithful soldiers of the cross. Let not those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel do anything that will dishonor the cause for which they are fighting. Christ expects His soldiers to be brave and loyal and true.

The work that Christ did on this earth His followers are to do. With the power and efficiency brought by the Holy Spirit they are to carry forward His plan for the restoration of the divine image in humanity. The Lord will do great things for them when they work under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But they must place their entire dependence on God.—Manuscript 13, June 8, 1902, “God’s People to Be Light Bearers.”
The Upward Look p. 173
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray that D will be kind and loving to his family and be guided by the Spirit. B
—-Pray for my Friend who has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Wanda
—-Please keep my granddaughter in your prayers. Lily 8 years old. She’s on a mission in the Philippines with her family for 10 years. Lily wears a full-body brace. She has scoliosis. My daughter Sonya and Lily fly to Manila every 3 months for a new brace. Well, they can’t fly to Manila now they are on full lockdown in their homes. I’m asking Jesus to take care of this. For this baby to not curve anymore, till He sees fit, when they should go. Toni
—-Please pray for all the Covid-19 virus patients and healthcare workers.
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Dear Friends,
In the early 90’s, we went on vacation in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. It was a beautiful place. At one of the places we visited along the Pacific Ocean, we had to climb over huge logs and tree stumps that had washed up onto the shore in order to get to the water’s edge. Their bark was gone and they were bleached white by the sun. Those trees (escapees from the logging industry) that had once grown so tall and green, were now nothing but huge pieces of driftwood.
Death is common on this sinful planet. Death seems almost natural, just a part of life, but there is no such thing as a natural death. Our Loving Creator never intended for there to be any death. He, Who formed the earth to be inhabited by holy, happy beings, tells us, “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” Isa 45:18 Our Loving Creator provided everything that was needed for all things to live forever in harmony, health and happiness.
Sad to say, man sinned and death for all things entered the world. (Gen 3) The beautiful life that God had planned for us was spoiled. Paul tells us, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom 5:12
Yet, He, Who made the Universe and all that is in it, did not leave us to bear the consequences of sin. He provided a way of escape! Jesus, our Saviour, voluntarily died that second death for us, so that we do not have to! “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Cor 15:21-23 What love! What wondrous love He has for each of us!
Because of Jesus, the misery of this old world is only temporary. He will make an utter end of sin. Sin shall not rise up the second time. All the universe will be in harmony once more. (Nahum 1:9; Rev 20-22) Jesus is coming soon! All signs prophesied so long ago are rapidly fulfilling. At that time He will gather together both the righteous living and those who died with faith in Him. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall 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 4:16,17 “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor 15:51-55 What a glorious reunion that will be!
May we all be ready in that great day. May we soon see our Loving Saviour coming in the clouds to rescue us from the sin and death of this old planet. May we soon look up and say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa. 25:9
Rose

All May Win