Men’s Decrees Versus God’s

Through Esther the queen the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their people.

The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone…. The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God…. The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath….

Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them.

With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.
Conflict and Courage p. 245
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Prayer Requests
—–Kaitlin my granddaughter has an MRI today for a rapidly growing mass in her upper arm. Prayers that it is easily identified and treated would be appreciated. Alaine
—–Please pray for my sister Hannah. She has court today to determine custody of her son Logan. Please pray specifically for Logan’s safety. Chelsea
—–One of my friends’ father just had a heart attack!!! Thoughts and prayers for my friend and her family members. Tony
—–Everyone remember Josh in your prayers. He is at _____hospital for cancer treatment. Please pray for his parents as well. Mark
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Dear Friends,

Over the years, I have often played one of my favorite songs for offertory. This song illustrates the importance of giving more to Jesus than a mere material gift. While offerings are important to maintain the house of God, there is one gift that our Dear Saviour cherishes above all others. This gift is akin to His “unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor 9:15

They Brought Their Gifts to Jesus
by Eben E Rexford

They brought their gifts to Jesus,
And laid them at His feet,
And love for this dear Saviour,
Made every offering sweet,
Good deeds and words of kindness,
Help for the poor of earth,
And not a gift among them
Was thought of little worth

Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus,
That He will count most sweet?
Say, “Lord, my heart I give Thee,”
And lay it at His feet.

Apart from other givers
A poor wayfarer stood,
He saw the gifts they offered,
The poorest counted good,
And he was filled with longing,
A gift, though poor, to bring,
Alas! all empty-handed
He stood before the King.

Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus,
That He will count most sweet?
Say, “Lord, my heart I give Thee,”
And lay it at His feet.

“Dear Lord,” he cried in sorrow,
“I know how kind Thou art,
Take all I have to give Thee,
My sinful wayward heart.”
Then Jesus answered softly,
“Count not the gift as small,
Though all of them are precious,
Thine is the best of all.”

Wouldst bring a gift to Jesus,
That He will count most sweet?
Say, “Lord, my heart I give Thee,”
And lay it at His feet.

How our Great Redeemer yearns for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Think of it! He, the Creator of the Universe, the One Whom all Heaven adores, left the glories of Heaven, came to this dark and sinful world to suffer all the evil that wicked men goaded on by evil angels could heap upon Him, finally laying down His Own Life to ransom us from the clutches of the evil one. How our hearts should thrill at the thought! How we should keep all of our attention, all of our affections on Him Who loved us so. Yet how many times we draw near Him with our mouth, and with our lips do honour Him, but our heart is far from Him, filled with our own plans, our own desires, or just the mundane things of life.

How often we give Him of our abundance or occasionally give up some little want to bring an offering to Him and feel pretty good about ourselves. Yet we have so little of which to boast. The words of Samuel to Saul ring in our ears, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Sam 15:22,23 With tears in His voice, the Lord Jesus pleads, “give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” “forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” “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. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Prov 23:26, 3:1, 2 , Matt 11:28-30, Isa 1:18,19

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” answering our Loving Redeemer, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” “create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Ps 119:10, 51:10 Let us daily give our entire heart to our Dear Saviour for it is the gift that He most desires. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” that we may make glad our Saviour’s Great Heart of Love.” Heb 10:22,23

Rose