He Gives a New Song

When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification.—The Acts of the Apostles, 476.

With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own blood, shall we hold our peace? Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples when Jesus rode into Jerusalem? Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs? Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more.—Early Writings, 110.

By their good works, Christ’s followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. When the light of Christ is shining in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden, and Christ will appear as all in all.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 80.
With God at Dawn p. 265
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Prayer Requests
—-My son needs prayers. He was recently diagnosed with Aspergers. Janis
—-My coworker Cindy’s niece, Kristie, was shot. She is in the hospital. Please pray for her and for her kids. She has been living a dangerous lifestyle but she was raised knowing God. Please pray for both her physical healing and also emotional and spiritual healing that she will come back to Him and bring her kids with her. Wanangwa
—-Please pray for me I have some rashes in my skin, I am not feeling well. Jose
—-I AM BEGGING FOR MORE PRAYERS FOR MY SON WESLEY WHO WANTS TO DIE. CONNIE
—-Please pray for my sister, she lost her job and there has been some sort of mistake with her unemployment so hasn’t received any paychecks and she needs it to be worked out. Please pray that it is worked out and God shows her how He loves her and can supply her needs. Desirae
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Dear Friends,

On the way home from Oklahoma some years ago, Ronnie Jay and I decided to stop by Kaw Lake. Ron had gone on ahead in our old, dilapidated 1977 camper, so we had time to find a place where we could get some good pictures and still get home before he did. We spent at least an hour driving across the dam, walking along the lake, and stopping at the overlook.

There was a metal map at the overlook that showed where the road went. Since it led to Ponca City, we decided to continue on that road and catch Highway 77 north. It seemed like a perfect plan. It wasn’t. We kept on that road through town and never did find highway 77. Soon we found ourselves on a narrow country road that had patches upon patches. It was so bumpy that we could only go about 40 miles per hour. Before long, it became a dirt road between farmers’ fields. Undaunted, we continued on. We couldn’t really tell which direction we were going because the sun was overhead, but we thought we were going north. As we neared a crossroads, a yellow dead end sign loomed ahead. Which way should we turn? Ronnie Jay said, “Turn left.” I did.

This dirt road was even narrower. We drove for miles. Finally we could see traffic on a crossroads up ahead. We were sure it was 77. It wasn’t. It was highway 60 the very road we had been on before we turned off to see the lake! We groaned at our mistake, but at least now we knew where we were. We only hoped that we were going in the right direction.

Because of our wanderings, Ron actually got home first. He was very surprised to find that we were still many miles from home.

We are all traveling on a road that leads toward Heaven or one that leads to destruction. Just as we were sure that we knew which direction we were traveling, so many believe that they are on the right road but are in reality following a path the will leave them lost and confused. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov 16:25

Jesus warns us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt 7:13-23

It is no coincidence that He warns about false teachers right after bidding us to travel the road that leads to life eternal. False teachers are one of the signs of the last days. Paul tells us that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim 4:3, 4

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 2:8 Beware for “there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:17

May we heed the words of Paul, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor 13:5 May we “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Time 4:2 May we test everything by the Holy Scriptures for God’s Word tells us, “to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa 8:20