And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2.
God will accept nothing less than unreserved surrender. Halfhearted, sinful, professing Christians would spoil heaven, were they permitted to enter. They would stir up a second rebellion there. Those who know the truth, yet do not exalt the Author of truth, will never enter the City of God. Heaven would be purgatory to them, because they know nothing of the high, holy principles that govern the members of the royal family above.
The directions that Christ has given are so distinct and so definite that no one need take a false step…. Let us not think that because we have made crooked paths for our feet, every other professing Christian has done the same thing. Let the one who in the past has been a faultfinder begin to climb the ladder heavenward, keeping his eyes fixed on the light above.
The true Christian keeps the windows of the soul open heavenward. He lives in fellowship with Christ. His will is conformed to the will of God…. Shall we not, in the few days of probation that remain to us, act like men and women seeking for life in the kingdom of God, even an eternity of bliss?
We are to strive earnestly to reach the standard set before us. Not as a penance are we to do this, but as the only means of gaining true happiness. The only way to gain peace and joy is to have a living connection with Him who gave His life for us, who died that we might live, and who lives to unite His power with the efforts of those who in this life are striving to overcome.
Holiness is constant agreement with God. Shall we not be that which Christ so greatly desires us to be—Christians in deed and in truth—that the world may see in our lives a revelation of the saving power of truth? This world is our preparatory school, and while here we shall meet with trials and difficulties. But we are safe while we cleave to Him who gave His life as an offering for us….
In the lower school of earth we are to learn the lessons that will prepare us to enter the higher school, where our education will continue under the personal instruction of Christ. Then He will open to us the meaning of His Word. We cannot afford to miss the privilege of seeing His face and of hearing the gospel from His lips. Shall we not put our whole souls into the work of preparing for admission into the higher school, where we shall see Christ face to face?—Manuscript 61, July 2, 1903, “Unreserved Surrender.”
The Upward Look p. 197
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for E who has a bladder infection and R who is still having work troubles.
—-prayer request for a very dear friend of ours Buddy he had surgery Friday to take the kidney stone out. today he is running a 103 temp and been sick all day he sees his Dr. tomorrow. sounds like he may have an infection. please keep hi m in prayer.he is a very special guy really loves the Lord and always witnessing for Jesus and gives out tracts all the time. a very good Christian.. M.
—-Please pray for Carol who has sciatica and other health issues. Rose
—-Please continue to keep Delphia in prayer. Mike
—-Please, please one of my dear friend who is close to my heart got covid and she also has ashma. She needs our prayers. Connie
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Dear Friends,
We used to have two guinea pigs as pets. In the evenings, Ron would let them out of their cage for a run in the house and get some exercise. They had fun hiding under chairs and behind the sofa, but their favorite place was under a certain bookshelf between the exercise bike and the orange barrel chair.
One night, when it was time for them to go back into their cage, Ron asked me to help him catch Cocoa, who was in her favorite hiding spot. Normally, when he would come from one direction, she would head in the other, but not that night. When she headed behind the chair, I was there. She appeared confused and didn’t know which way to go. That hesitation was all Ron needed. He scooped her up in his arms and put her in her cage (much to her consternation).
How often we feel like Cocoa with trouble coming at us from all angles. We feel trapped with nowhere to escape. We hesitate, as did Cocoa, not knowing which way to turn. We feel like a lost lamb ready to be devoured by the wolves. Praise God! We have a Shepherd, Who will deliver us from the enemy who is continually trying to ensnare us, cage us up, and destroy us. (2 Peter 5:8) Jesus assures us, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
He gave a parable of a shepherd, who, setting his own convenience, his own needs aside, went out into the night to find his one lost sheep. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:4-6 Let us sing as did David, “he LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 Amen!
Rose