God Leads

The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 290.

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.—The Desire of Ages, 224.

The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. How frequently were the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealings with ancient Israel! Lest they should forget the history of the past, He commanded Moses to frame these events into song, that parents might teach them to their children.—Testimonies for the Church 6:364.
With God at Dawn p. 262
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Prayer Requests
—-Am needing urgent serious prayer for one of my sons who has Covid. Connie
—-Please keep my old friend, Michelle’s family in prayer. She lost her battle with cancer last night. Amanda
—-Please pray for Annie and her girls that God will heal and guide. Rose
—-Please pray for my friend’s baby grandson who is in the hospital with Covid. Connie
—-Please pray for a cold that has turned chronic. It’s a cough that doesnt go away. Evelyn
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Dear Friends,

One day, long ago in the 1800’s, Mrs. Russell took the train home from visiting a friend. When the train stopped at a station along the way, a beautiful young lady with a baby boarded the train. She looked around at all the passengers and decided to sit beside Mrs. Russell. As the train pulled out of the station, the two women began to talk. Mrs. Russell was admiring the baby and before long the young lady asked her if she would please hold him while she went to the restroom. The train stopped at a station and more passengers got on. Some got off. Mrs. Russell talked to the baby and waited for his mother to come back. A half an hour passed. No mother. Forty-five minutes went by. She did not return.

Finally Mrs. Russell stopped the conductor as he was walking by. She explained that the baby’s mother had not returned from the restroom and she was worried. The conductor checked. The restroom was empty. Then he remembered that the young lady had left the train at the last stop.

The conductor and the woman took the beautiful blanket off the little baby boy. Pinned to his garment was a note. It said, “Please care for my dear baby. When he is 21, he is to go to this certain bank in Chicago. At that time he will be told who he is and given enough money to go through the university.” When the train arrived in Battle Creek, Mrs. Russell took the baby to the authorities. She got permission (which was much easier in those far-off days) to keep the baby and raise him.

Just as Mrs. Russell adopted that baby so long ago and raised him as her own, so our Heavenly Father has adopted us through the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son. Think of it! We are part of the family of the Great King of the Universe “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:4 Paul speaks of this adoption: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:3-14

May we exclaim as did David, “Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, OLORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” 1 Chr 29:10-13 May we accept His Great Provision of adoption and obey Him with a heart overflowing with love. May we soon see Jesus coming in the clouds of glory to take us to our Heavenly Home is my prayer.

Rose