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. Matthew 12:36, 37.
God would have us individually come into that position where He can bestow His love upon us. He has placed a high value upon man, and has redeemed us by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, and we are to see in our fellow man the purchase of the blood of Christ. If we have this love one for another, we shall be growing in love for God and the truth. We have been pained at heart to see how little love is cherished in our midst. Love is a plant of heavenly origin, and if we would have it flourish in our hearts, we must cultivate it daily. Mildness, gentleness, long-suffering, not being easily provoked, bearing all things, enduring all things—these are the fruits upon the precious tree of love.
When you are associated together, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need of repentance. “Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). “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” (Matthew 12:35). If the love of the truth is in your heart, you will talk of the truth. You will talk of the blessed hope that you have in Jesus. If you have love in your heart, you will seek to establish and build up your brother in the most holy faith. If a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of your friend or brother, do not encourage this evil-speaking. It is the work of the enemy. Kindly remind the speaker that the Word of God forbids that kind of conversation.
We are to empty the heart of everything that defiles the soul temple, that Christ may dwell within. Our Redeemer has told us how we may reveal Him to the world. If we cherish His Spirit, if we manifest His love to others, if we guard one another’s interest, if we are kind, patient, forbearing, the world will have an evidence by the fruits we bear that we are the children of God. It is the unity in the church that enables it to exert a conscious influence upon unbelievers and worldlings.—The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 76
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for E and children’s guidance and protection. R
—-Please pray for the family of Marlene as she passed away.
—-Please pray for my daughter in law and my son. Vale
—-I’m having knee replacement surgery this morning. I’d appreciate your prayers! Mary
—-Please pray for Isabella, she is my great niece and has cancer. She is 16 years old, and this is the second go around with it. Her dad is a pastor, and her mom gave up her career to take care of her. She is starting a NEW radiation treatment. Michael
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Dear Friends,
One time some years ago, I shared with a lady about the fun time we had had with our children as they had all come for the Thanksgiving holiday. As soon as I had, I was sorry as a look of longing came over her face. Sadly, she told me how she wished that her boys would come for a visit or even call her. It had been many months since she had heard from them. When I asked why she didn’t call them, she said that every time she does, they act as if she is interrupting something. She looked as if she would cry at any moment.
How often we treat our Heavenly Father like those boys treated their mother. How many times we break His Great Heart of Love. Think of it! The Great King of the Universe, the Creator of all things looks forward to hearing from us. He longs to have us talk to Him, to bring Him all our perplexities, to share with Him our joys, to ask His advice, to listen as He speaks to us through His Word and through that “still small voice.”
David said, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Ps 55:17 Paul advises, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17 As we go through the day, our Dear Saviour longs for us to be conscious of His presence. He desires to be part of all we do, all we say, all we think. How often He waits for us to think of Him, but we often go through our daily routine with scarcely a thought Heavenward.
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found…Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:5-8 As we pray, He instructs us. As we meditate on His Word, He enlightens us. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Ps 119:11-16
May we continually draw near to our Loving Saviour. May our sweetest thoughts be of Him, our words be words of praise for His goodness. May we so live that we can invite Him to go with us in all that we do, in every place where we go is my prayer.
Rose