Keep Looking Up!

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.
Several years ago, while journeying from Christiania, Norway, to Goteborg, Sweden, I was favored with the sight of the most glorious sunset it was ever my privilege to behold. Language is inadequate to picture its beauty. The last beams of the setting sun, silver and gold, purple, amber, and crimson, shed their glories athwart the sky, growing brighter and brighter, rising higher and higher in the heavens, until it seemed that the gates of the city of God had been left ajar, and gleams of the inner glory were flashing through. For two hours the wondrous splendor continued to light up the cold northern sky—a picture painted by the great Master Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens. Like the smile of God it seemed, above all earthly homes, above the rock-bound plains, the rugged mountains, the lonely forests, through which our journey lay.
Angels of mercy seemed whispering: “Look up! This glory is but a gleam of the light which flows from the throne of God. Live not for earth alone. Look up, and behold by faith the mansions of the heavenly home.” This scene was to me as the bow of promise to Noah, enabling me to grasp the assurance of God’s unfailing care, and to look forward to the haven of rest awaiting the faithful worker….
As God’s children, it is our privilege ever to look up, keeping the eye of faith fixed on Christ. As we constantly keep Him in view, the sunshine of His presence floods the chambers of the mind. The light of Christ in the soul-temple brings peace. The soul is stayed on God. All perplexities and anxieties are committed to Jesus. As we continue to behold Him, His image becomes engraved on the heart, and is revealed in the daily life….
My dear young friends, ever keep Christ in view. Thus only can you keep the eye single to God’s glory. Jesus is your light and life and peace and assurance forever.
The Faith I Live By p. 248
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Prayer Requests
—-My cancer had gone into remission, that is until this past March or April. I had a biopsy done at the end of July. Got the results, the B-cell lymphoma bone cancer was back. But now it is diffused B-cell lymphoma, which means it has spread to other areas of my body. . . .I asked for God’s will always, but I pray that God has a bigger and better plan for me. That He will heal me completely from all of this affliction as He is walking through this fire with me. That my faith will increase be on any doubt, His voice will be loud and strong leading me. And that He will use this humble vessel for His glory. Please pray for me and with me. For I need your prayers to carry me through. Barbara
—-Please pray for Mary R and family as she is in her last moments with lung cancer. Her family can use the support and prayers are appreciated. And if we can remember April and family as they are trying to get their mom back home to finish her rehab. . . . “Please PRAY for Karla as she is going in Tuesday A.M. for a cancer test. Michael
—-Please pray. I am very depressed. My hubby is not well and I find myself worrying. I want to trust God. Kay
—-Please pray for Oroville. The Camp fire is making its way there. My father, 2 brothers and an aunt and uncle live there. Please pray for a safe evacuation if it comes to that. Johannah
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Dear Friends,
When Eileen was three, it was almost impossible to get her to play outside. She liked to stay in the house all of the time. Knowing that this was not good for her, I used to make her to go outdoors. She was not at all happy about that. It was so strange for a child to like being couped up in the house all day. I never could find a reason for it.
One day her grandparents came to visit us with what I thought would be a solution to this problem. They brought a large, flat box and placed it in the back yard. Immediately, Eileen was curious as to its contents. Ron’s parents told her that it was for her. She looked up at them and said, “Thankyou, I really appreciate it.” Her grandfather asked, “Do you know what is in the box?” Eileen said, “No, but I appreciate it.” They laughed. They thought it was so funny that they remembered it for years and often remarked about Eileen’s funny response.
They had brought her a swing set. Ron and his dad assembled it. Now Eileen could play on her “appreciated” gift. As soon as she could, she started swinging. She was so happy. For a few weeks Eileen played on that swing set every day, but as soon as the newness wore off, she was right back staying inside the house again. Rarely did she play on it. How sad. Her grandparents had gone to a lot of time and expense to get her that gift and now it was just sitting there unused.
How often we do the same with the wonderful gifts our Heavenly Father gives us. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 Think of it! The Great King of the Universe has poured out All Heaven for us. The Great King of the Universe, the One Whom all Heaven adores, gave His only begotten Son to live a life of sorrow and poverty, rejection and ridicule, insult and death; so that we might dwell with Him forevermore. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor 9:15 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 5:21 What love! What sacrifice! Our mind fails to comprehend it!
How often we fail to appreciate this Unspeakable Gift. How often we take Him for granted. How often we neglect to partake of the forgiveness and close fellowship that He yearns to have with us. With tears in His voice, He pleads, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Is 1:18 “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. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev 3:20, 21
Even every breath that we take, every beat of our heart is a gift from Him. He gives us the ability to earn money so that we may have a house to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear, all of the necessities of life, and many of our desires. Yet, how often these gifts are unappreciated. He showers us with all that we need, yet we barely seem to notice. How often do we thank our Great Sustainer for these blessings? Even when we do appreciate a new blessing, we soon get so used to it that we take it for granted. Soon we are back into our routine and rarely give His great blessings a thought.
May we give thanks for everything, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thes 5: May we appreciate all of His wonderful gifts that He pours out upon us each day. May we accept the Greatest of all of His Gifts, the One Who loves us so.
Rose