Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1.
Those who have the blessing of the Lord are highly favored. . . . Be sure, then, that you do not choose the ungodly as your companions, for they will influence you to do those very things that will displease God and deprive you of His blessing. . . .
When any open their minds and hearts to those who would advise them to do wrong in any way, then they are walking in the counsel of the ungodly. . . . They are standing in the way of sinners, . . . and in the next step they will find themselves sitting in the seat of the scornful unconcerned. . . . The message of mercy, of love, of peace, is scorned, and those who associate with this class will become like them, despisers of God’s mercy. It is surprising to see how far the influence of one ungodly youth may extend, what a power he becomes in the hands of Satan for evil, how much his counsels are heeded, how much sorrow and sadness and grief he can bring. . . .
The privileges granted to the children of God are without limit–to be connected with Jesus Christ, who throughout the universe of heaven and worlds that have not fallen is adored by every heart, and His praises sung by every tongue; to be children of God, to bear His name, to become a member of the royal family; to be ranged under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His word is obeyed by the highest intelligences. . . .
The lowliest service done for Jesus is the greatest honor mortals can enjoy. Angels, pure and holy, obey His word; and shall we be deceived and deluded into the service of Satan? Shall we refuse obedience to His requirements? Shall it not be said of us individually, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
That I May Know Him p. 319
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Prayer Requests
—–Kate, a very dear friend of mine, (she is 81) had a heart attack, and her daughter died suddenly a few months ago. She is being taken to _____ to be treated pray that she will come through it OK. she still needs to know that God loves her. Mary
—–Please pray for Dean who was in a serious automobile accident. Rose
—– My Mom’s younger sister, Alyne, passed away around 4 AM on Dec 4. She was 88 years old. Please pray for my cousins: Brenda, Sandra and Butch. Also keep my Mom and the rest of the family in your prayers. I pray God will hold everyone close and give them peace. I can not make it to the funeral; but our prayers will be with all who are there. My Cousins who live in ______ are going to the funeral in ______. Please keep them in prayer as they make the journey there and back. I am praying God will send them guardian angels to keep them safe. Fran
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Dear Friends,
During the last few weeks of my mother’s life, her esophagus became ulcerated due to the medicine she was taking. Because of that, it hurt to eat. Because it hurt, she would not eat more than about half a cup of nutritional supplement. It was very heartbreaking to watch my mother slowly starving to death.
How many in this world are starving to death spiritually because of a lack of Bible study and prayer. In their busy life, they neglect to feast upon the Food God has provided for our spiritual nutrition.
Our Saviour told His disciples, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 How important, then, that we “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Tim 2:15
When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus rebuked the evil one by declaring, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt 4:4 Jesus was very familiar with the Scriptures and was quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jeremiah exclaimed, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” 15:16 Just as the elements of the food we eat, is carried to every part of our body, so by beholding God through the Bible, we become “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18
May we never starve to death spiritually by neglecting to feast daily upon God’s Word. May we give diligence to take with us “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Eph 6:17 ; Heb 4:12
Rose