New Earth Activities

They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Isaiah 65:21, 22.
We cannot suppose that when the final triumph shall come, and we have the mansions prepared for us, idleness will be our portion—that we shall rest in a blissful, do-nothing state.
In the earth made new, the redeemed will engage in the occupations and pleasures that brought happiness to Adam and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life will be lived, the life in garden and field. “They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 65:21, 22.
There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. These were to be inhabited by the saints. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone all about their heads, and they were continually shouting and offering praises to God.
Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.
Maranatha p. 360
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Prayer Requests
—–I’ve been having problems with my Internet connection. Please pray that the connections will clear up so I can do the devotional. Also, Ronnie Jay is still travelling today. Please pray for his safety and for success in his plans according to God’s will. Rose
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Dear Friends,
When Eileen was in third grade, she had to walk about half a mile to school every day. One day as she and a friend were walking home, an old, gray car began driving slowly beside them. Two rough- looking men were in that car. As the children looked at the slow-moving vehicle, they saw that one of the men called to the children trying to get them to come over to the car. They saw that the man had a very large knife in his hand and an evil look on his face.
Eileen’s friend whispered, “Run!” Eileen needed no second command: she ran like a startled deer between two nearby houses, across the block, across the street, between the houses on next block, and finally arrived home. Her friend, using the same evasive tactics, ran in the opposite direction. The men in the gray car tried to follow but saw that they could not. They decided to drive on to look for easier targets. From that time, I walked with Eileen to and from school each day.
Just as Eileen and her friend fled immediately from those two men, so we must flee immediately from the first temptation to sin. When we are tempted to do something that will wound our Precious Saviour, we must not stay around and toy with the idea until it finally becomes so strong that we fall into sin. Just as running between the houses became Eileen’s way of escape, so God provides a way of escape when we are tempted. The Bible assures us, “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 How much we need Heavenly eyesalve that we may recognize that way of escape.
James advises, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 Paul commands, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Cor 10:14 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Cor 6:18 “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim 2:22 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Tim 6:9-16
Moreover, just as I walked to and from school with her for the rest of the year, so we have the privilege to have our Loving Saviour accompany us, to teach us, to protect us, to defend us throughout our life if we but ask. He says to us as He said to Joshua of old, “Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Josh 1:9 Indeed, He assures us, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 43:1-3 “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Ps 91:14-16 Amos advises us, “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you.” Amos 5:14 We respond, “Show me thy ways, O LORD, teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation, on thee do I wait all the day.” Ps 25:4,5
May we daily invite our Loving Redeemer to be with us and allow Him full control of our life for He, only, knows the future: He alone can guide aright.
Rose