Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Ephesians 5:3.
There is an alarming commonness in conversation at the present day, which shows a low state of thoughts and morals. True dignity of character is very rare. True modesty and reserve are seldom seen. There are but few who are pure and undefiled. . . .
Polluted thoughts harbored become habit, and the soul is scarred and defiled. Once do a wrong action and a blot is made which nothing can heal but the blood of Christ; and if the habit is not turned from with firm determination, the soul is corrupted and the streams flowing from this defiling fountain corrupt others.
There are men and women who invite temptation; they place themselves in positions where they will be tempted, where they cannot but be tempted, when they place themselves in society that is objectionable. The best way to keep safe from sin is to move with due consideration at all times and under all circumstances, never to move or act from impulse. Move with the fear of God ever before you and you will be sure to act right.
The moral dangers to which all, both old and young, are exposed are daily increasing. Moral derangement, which we call depravity, finds ample room to work, and an influence is exerted by men, women, and youth professing to be Christians that is low, sensual, devilish. . . .
Those who have learned the truth and do not have works corresponding with their profession of faith are subject to Satan’s temptations. They encounter danger at every step they advance. They are brought into contact with evil, they see sights, they hear sounds, that will awaken their unsubdued passions; they are subjected to influences that lead them to choose the evil rather than the good, because they are not sound at heart. . . .
There is no training we need so much now as the preparing of young men and women to have moral rectitude and to cleanse their souls of every spot and stain of moral defilement.
Maranatha p. 153
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for David who has serious health challenges. Rose
—–My Uncle Alton passed away this morning, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a fast-growing form of cancer in the blood and bone marrow. He was my mother’s only brother (she had five sisters) and a truly wonderful man. Prayers are appreciated for his wife, daughter, son, and grand-children, as well as the rest of the family and many, many friends who will mourn his passing. He was a strong man of God, and we’re longing for the day when Jesus comes to take us home, where we’ll never have to part again! Judy
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in Washington State, we often went for a walk with my best friend, Darlene. Many times after church, she would invite us to a delicious meal and an afternoon of fellowship and Bible study. On nice days after our dinner had settled, we loved to take a walk along the many scenic areas eastern Washington or northern Idaho has to offer. Walking with Darlene was not just looking at scenery. Walking with her was an adventure every time. She was the teacher and we were her students. She taught us about trees, plants, rocks, birds, animals, and wild edibles.
In the same way, our walk with our Great Creator is full of adventure and instruction. He has promised, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Ps. 32:8 Think of it! To be taught by the One Who made all things, Who loves us so much that He died to save us, to walk with Him each day as He unfolds new and beautiful truths from His Word, as He teaches us the lessons of life—this is our privilege! The Holy Spirit especially is our teacher and guide. Jesus speaks of His indwelling, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13 What blessing is ours to have the Great God of the Universe love us so much that He works to change our hearts and lead us ever upward o! n the path to the Heavenly Kingdom. He promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Eze 36:26, 27
Those days of walking and talking with Darlene are over. She is resting in the grave awaiting the call of the Lifegiver. No longer do we enjoy sweet fellowship. No more can I hear her voice instructing or just laughing and full of fun. I miss her being able to tell just be the way I answered the phone, that I needed her counsel. I often think of how many times I took her friendship for granted.
Just so, there is a danger that we will take the fellowship and instruction of the Holy Spirit, our most treasured Friend, for granted. Through our neglect to follow His leading, there is a danger that we will no longer be able to hear the Holy Spirit’s Voice. This Third Person of the Godhead can be grieved away. Frightening thought! Jesus warns, “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matt 12:31, 32
May we find our sweetest fellowship our closest friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ. May we daily submit to His guiding hand being careful to “grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby [we] are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph 4:30 May we place our hand in His Strong and Mighty Hand and allow Him to instruct and lead us all the way to His Heavenly Kingdom.
Rose