We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19.
This message [Revelation 14:6, 7] is declared to be a part of “the everlasting gospel.” The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels, but has been entrusted to men. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth.
Faithful men, who were obedient to the promptings of God’s Spirit and the teachings of His word, were to proclaim this warning to the world. They were those who had taken heed to the “sure word of prophecy,” the “light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise.” 2 Peter 1:19. They had been seeking the knowledge of God more than all hid treasures, counting it “better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:14. And the Lord revealed to them the great things of the kingdom. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14.
It was not the scholarly theologians who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this position, and the message was given by humbler men. Said Jesus: “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35. Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness. But the Saviour declares: “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12. Whoever is with singleness of purpose seeking to do God’s will, earnestly heeding the light already given, will receive greater light; to that soul some star of heavenly radiance will be sent to guide him into all truth.
Maranatha p. 17
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Prayer Requests
—– UPDATE: PRAISE THE LORD !!! and thank you for your prayers………..2 weeks since my back Surgery and I got a great report from my Doctor today……..He was able to free the central nerve in my backbone that was being compressed in three areas and also removed the bone that had severe arthritis in all three areas and install the three titanium clip springs (Coflex), in my back to stablize the spine successfully…..3 to 4 more weeks and I should be back to normal, but hopefully without the constant pain I’ve had the last 2 and 3/4 years…….only pain I feel right now is only minor and it is from the surgery as the other pain seems to be gone…..Looking forward to some pain free days ahead…..I believe your prayers made the difference THANK YOU, and TO GOD BE THE GLORY !!!…….Larry
—– Please add Zach to your prayer list. He is 21, a college student, young, and athletic. Zach’s in ICU They have called in a heart surgeon, a different surgeon for a torn esophagus. It’s bad. Linda
—– Pray that God will do what the Doctors can not do and heal Jim of pancreatic cancer. Jim had another C T Scan done and it showed the tumor had grown and encased the artery even more so there will not be any surgery, no more radiation and no more chemo. Pray God will heal Jim or take away the pain so Jim can enjoy the time he has left on this earth. Pray Jim & Jenny will have special days and memorable times with each other and their family. May God bless them with His peace and joy all the days of their lives. Fran
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Dear Friends,
As we listen to the news of the world situation, hear of wars and unrest, crimes upon our shores that make us recoil in horror, we can know of a certainty that we live in the days Jesus spoke about when He warned that there would be “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:25,26 Yet, even amidst the storm we can have the assurance that we have a Refuge, Sure and Steadfast. We can “abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Our Great Protector assures us, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 43:1-3
David sang of His protecting care through all the world unrest that is ahead, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Ps 46
What a wonderful psalm is this in these days of uncertainty. Praise God! We can safely trust in Him. Our Great Redeemer has promised to deliver us “from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” We do not have to “be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” We have the assurance that if we have “made the LORD, . . even the most High, (our) habitation,” “a thousand shall fall at (our) side, and ten thousand at (our) right hand; but it shall not come nigh (us)….There shall no evil befall (us), neither shall any plague come nigh (our) dwelling.”
We have the promise that if we have set our love upon our Dear Saviour, He will deliver us. He promises, “he shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Ps 91 Blessed assurance! Precious promises!
May we daily anchor our soul in Jesus, the Solid Rock. May we continually pray for God’s protecting care. May the “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7
Rose