Man Made in Uprightness

Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is “the express image” of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God, and in perfect obedience to His will.

As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy tint of health, and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam’s height was much greater than that of men who now inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature; yet her form was noble, and full of beauty. The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued to enshroud them…. God Himself gave Adam a companion…. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 45, 46.

So long as they remained loyal to the divine law, their capacity to know, to enjoy, and to love, would continually increase. They would be constantly gaining new treasures of knowledge, discovering fresh springs of happiness, and obtaining clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the immeasurable, unfailing love of God.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 51.
With God at Dawn p. 342
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Prayer Requests
—Please continue to pray for E and her children as she needs direction from God on some very important decisions she must make. R
—-Ron has lost his hearing aids. Please pray that he can find them quickly. Rose
—-Requesting prayer for my Dad, Randolph. Facing some big health struggles. Ronmel
—-I have a big prayer and miracle to ask you. My BFF has colon cancer and the doctor has given her 2-3 months. She’s in bad shape. Can’t eat anything. Drinking Alkaline water. Very weak and tons of pain. Her name is Judy. I sure would like it if you could do this for her. Sandra
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Dear Friends,

When he was still living at home, Ronnie Jay had a variety of pets. That included hamsters. Well, one evening, all those years ago, when I opened the refrigerator to get something for the cookies I was going to bake, I noticed a half-used green pepper. It had been there for awhile, so I decided to give some to Ronnie Jay’s hamsters. In one of the cages was the mother hamster with her eight babies. These little ones were just beginning to open their eyes. I placed a fairly large piece in the cage. The mother began eating but soon became distracted by her active little ones. As soon as she went over to attend to them, one of the babies rushed over to the green pepper and took a nibble. He must have liked it as he picked it up in his sharp little teeth and began carrying it to the other side of the cage. Soon the other babies smelled the delectable morsel and followed him. Soon four of them were having a tug-of-war all the while squeaking some rather unkind remarks at each other. I thought I would solve the problem by putting a few baby-sized pieces in there. The mother came over reaching up her hands for a bigger piece. She missed it. The babies that were near her grabbed it and a second tug-of-war ensued. The mother was able to grab the other piece I offered since her little ones were all busy squabbling.

It was so much fun watching those babies. I called Ron and Ronnie Jay and the three of us had some good entertainment. Those babies reminded me of a flock of seagulls all screaming “mine,” “mine,” “mine” like we used to see when we lived near the Atlantic. I used to call my children seagulls when they would fight over something. Now I realize I could have just as easily called them baby hamsters.

Selfishness. How it ruins one’s life. How it becomes the overpowering force that soon takes over until a person no longer cares who they hurt as long as they reach their goals. In view of this sin we all share, Paul advises, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Phil 2:3-8; Rom 12:10-21

May we live by the words of Jesus, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” therefore “whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matt 20:26, 27; 7:12 May we look away from self and serve as Jesus did is my prayer.

Rose