Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment. Exodus 23:2.
To be singular for singularity’s sake is positively detestable, below the dignity of a Christian, but to be singular because it is necessary to be so as the result of worshipping God and Him only, places Heaven’s dignity upon man. We must not be afraid of being singular when duty requires us to be thus to exalt and honor God….
Do not court singularity for the sake of being odd, but for the sake of avoiding sin and dishonor to God. And in this case we are not to mind even the multitude who are against us. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.”
Because the law of God is made void in our world, does it make it a virtue to transgress that law? It may appear to the world a very small matter for the Christian to be in harmony with the world by just the act of keeping Sunday for the Sabbath in the place of the seventh day, but God’s Word says the seventh day is My holy day. The man of sin says, “I make a Sabbath for you and you must keep the first day of the week.” …
God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.
Where two or three are present who love and obey the commandments of God, Jesus there presides, let it be in the desolate place of the earth, in the wilderness, in the city enclosed in prison walls. The glory of God has penetrated the prison walls, flooding with glorious beams of heavenly light the darkest dungeon. His saints may suffer, but their sufferings will, like the apostles of old, spread their faith and win souls to Christ and glorify His holy name. The bitterest opposition expressed by those who hate God’s great moral standard of righteousness should not and will not shake the steadfast soul who trusts fully in God….
They that will be doers of the word are building securely, and the tempest and storm of persecution will not shake their foundation, because their souls are rooted to the eternal Rock.—Letter 108, October 28, 1886, to her older sister and her husband who had not accepted the Sabbath truth.
The Upward Look p. 315
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Prayer Requests
—-Please keep my husband Joseph in your prayers, we just found out that he will be needing open heart surgery. We have an appointment with the heart surgeon next week! Sandra
—-Asking for prayers depression has been getting the best of me a lot lately. Alyse
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Dear Friends,
When my children were little, they often brought me little things that thought was especially nice. Sometimes it was a pretty flower or a colorful stone. Sometimes it would be a piece of candy that they had bought with their small allowance. Sometimes is was some cherished toy. Their love brought great joy to my heart. As I received their gifts, I cuddled the giver and thanked them profusely. Often I would ask my child if they would take care of that cherished toy for me because it was so special. Delighted that the gift was appreciated and returned, they would scamper off hugging it tightly to their heart.
Although the various gifts, large and small, were special to me because they were given from a heart filled with love, there was one gift that far exceeded them all. Those times when my children would surprise me by doing the dishes, cleaning their room, or some other menial task. Their working without being asked meant a great deal to me. They were giving of themselves, of their time, of their energy.
So it is with our Heavenly Father, Who “loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor 9:7 It is only the offering that is given from a love-filled heart that means anything to him. It brings such joy to His Great Heart of Love. He pleads, “wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved.” Jer 4:14 “Give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Prov 23:26 “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” Ps 4:5
One of my favorite songs and one that I used to play for the offering is They Brought Their Gifts to Jesus. By Eben E. Rexford. I’d like to share it with you today.
“They brought their gifts to Jesus, And laid them at His feet, And love for this dear Saviour, Made every offering sweet; Good deeds and words of kindness, Help for the poor of earth, And not a gift among them Was thought of little worth. Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus that He would count most sweet? Say, ‘Lord, my heart I give Thee.’ And lay it at His feet.
“Apart from other givers A poor wayfarer stood; He saw the gifts they offered, The poorest counted good; And he was filled with longing, A gift, though poor, to bring; Alas! all empty handed He stood before the King. Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus that He would count most sweet? Say, ‘Lord, my heart I give Thee.’ And lay it at His feet.
“‘Dear Lord,’ he cried in sorrow, ‘I know how kind Thou art, Take all I have to give Thee, My sinful wayward heart.’ Then Jesus answered softly, ‘Count not the gift as small, Though all of them are precious, Thine is the best of all.’ Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus, That He will count most sweet? Say, ‘Lord, my heart I give Thee,’ And lay it at His feet.”
How important it is that we give our Dear Saviour the gift that He wants most of all. The gift He counts the greatest is when we give Him our time, our love, our thoughts, our heart, and do those things which please Him because we love Him. Indeed, unless we do all and give all from a loving heart, the gift is worthless. May we “present [our] bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is [our] reasonable service” is my prayer. Rom 12:1,2
Rose

Be Singular—For Christ’s Sake