And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Romans 13:11, 12.
The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the fact that the end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened action as he anticipates the great events opening before us? The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God.
This knowledge of the nearness of Christ’s coming should not be allowed to lose its force, and we become careless and inattentive, and fall into slumber–into an insensibility and indifference to realities. In slumber we are in an unreal world, and not sensible of the things which are taking place around us. . . .
There are those who have the blazing light of truth shining all around them, and yet are insensible to it. They are enchanted by the enemy, held under a spell by his bewitching power. They are not preparing for that great day which is soon to come to our world. They seem utterly insensible to religious truth.
Are there not some youth who are awake? Those who see that the night cometh, and also the morning, should work with untiring energy to arouse their sleeping associates. Can they not feel their peril, pray for them, and show them by their own life and character that they believe themselves that Christ is soon to come? . . . The rapidly diminishing space of time between us and eternity should more deeply impress us. Every day that passes makes one less left us to complete our work of perfecting character. . . .
As long as there are many asleep, many sporting away the precious hours in careless indifference, as it were, upon the very brink of the eternal world, those who do believe must be sober, must be awake, must be earnest and diligent, and watch unto prayer. . . .
Have you, dear youth, your lamps trimmed and burning?
Maranatha p. 220
“““““““““““““““`
Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Emerie, age 1, whose having severe health problems and seizures. Esther
—–D has a permanent job possibility. Please pray that he gets the job. L
““““““““““““““““
Dear Friends,
Even though we’ve been married for over 47 years, Ron and I like to have a “date night” as often as we can. We sometimes do something specific, like going shopping, or getting a treat, or just anything to enjoy each others company. These date nights are exciting for us just because we were spending time together. Because we love each other, just being together is a joy.
Our Dear Saviour wants to fellowship with us in the same way. If we truly love Him, we will want to spend time with Him. We will want to have sweet fellowship together, not just when we go to a church meeting, but moment by moment throughout the day. Our Loving Redeemer longs to be part of every aspect of our life. He desires to be closer to us than the closest earthly tie we have. He pleads, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20 He, Who has all knowledge, wants to be our constant companion and guide. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer 33:3
Think of it! From the moment we renew our commitment to Him every morning, till we fall asleep at night, we have the privilege of walking hand in hand in close communion with the Great Creator of the Universe. We are to, “pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17 That does not mean that we should spend all our time with our hands folded and our head bowed, but he is speaking of holding constant companionship with the One Who gave His life for us. We can bring all of our joys, all of our concerns, all of our troubles to the Only One Who can solve them. He promises, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7 We can cast all of our cares at His feet and leave them for Him to work out for our good. (1 Peter 5:7) Our Loving Redeemer has such wonderful plans for us if we will only cooperate with Him.
It is when we take our eyes off from Jesus, that we go astray. It is when we listen to the world’s beckoning voice that we get into trouble. It is when we become fascinated with the fleeting pleasures the evil one has to offer, that we lose our balance and fall from the Path. The apostle John advises, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17
May we daily give our heart to Jesus allowing Him to have complete control of our life. May we love to spend time in fellowship with Him. May we keep our hand in His nail-scarred hand and trust Him to lead us all the way to His Heavenly Kingdom where we will walk and talk with Him face to face is my prayer.
Rose