The Adorning That Never Fades
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quite spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3, 4.
The charms that consist only in the outward apparel are shallow and changeable; no dependence can be placed upon them. The adorning which Christ enjoins upon His followers will never fade. . . .
If half the time spent by the youth in making themselves attractive in outward appearance were given to soul culture, to the inward adorning, what a difference would be seen in their deportment, words, and actions! Those who are truly seeking to follow Christ will have conscientious scruples in regard to the dress they wear; they will strive to meet the requirements … so plainly given by the Lord.
Many dress like the world to have an influence. They spend hours that are worse than thrown away, in studying this or that fashion to decorate the poor, mortal body. But here they make a sad and fatal mistake. If they would have a saving influence, if they would have their lives tell in favor of the truth, let them imitate the humble Pattern. Let them show their faith by righteous works, and make the distinction broad between themselves and the world. The words, the dress, and the actions should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all, and all will take knowledge of them, that they have been with Jesus. Unbelievers will see that faith in Christ’s coming affects the character. . . .
The external appearance is an index to the heart. When hearts are affected by the truth there will be a death to the world, and those who are dead to the world will not be moved by the laugh, the jeer, and the scorn of unbelievers. They will feel an anxious desire to be like their Master, separate from the world. They will not imitate its fashions or customs. The noble object will be ever before them, to glorify God and gain the immortal inheritance, and in comparison with this everything of an earthly nature will sink into insignificance.
That I May Know Him p. 312
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for the following meetings. Diane — Harrah, OK (Sep 18 – Jan 29) Wednesday nights, Light Bearer ‘s 2013 Convocation on the Book of Acts—Miami, FL (Nov 17 – 30) fall revival, “Take Me to the King”, Dr. Abraham Jules—Harare Zimbabwe (Nov 24 – Dec 8) —Yakima, WA (Nov 24 – Dec 21) Robert Amaya —Yakima, WA (Nov 29 – Dec 21) Walter Pintos-Schmidt—Bucharest, Romania (Dec 6 – 14) Doug Batchelor—Richland, WA (Dec 14) Julio Charzarreta—San Francisco, CA (Dec 20 – 29) Ernest Lewis—Meridian, MS (Jan 10 – Feb 8) Richard Halverson—Palmetto, FL (Apr 4– May 4, 2014) with Scott Moore and LIFE team—Westminster SC Seventh Day Adventist Church-Ouachia Hills College students have been here for three weeks canvassing and searching for Bible study interests. We already have 26 requests and we need prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide us as members of our small church, who have never given a Bible study, go out to do God’s work!—Ellenton, FL (Ongoing) Small group meeting each Wednesday evening studying the Gospel of Mark. We have had one faithful student, Rose. She needs prayer for various issues. The winter residents are back. Pray that some will attend.
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Dear Friends,
At the beginning of each winter, I wonder whether it will be severe or ordinary. Will we have little snow and only a few very cold days or will it be snowy and miserably cold. Most winters are not too bad and may even be in the 50’s or 60’s during the daytime.
As winter approaches, I tend to remember January of 2005 when a terrible ice storm hit this area. Many tree branches snapped off and fell onto power lines causing them to snap. Thousands of homes were left in darkness. We were only without power for thirteen hours, but there were others who had no electricity for nearly two weeks. Only a few homes had any heat source. Even the simplest activities became a challenge. Having the comforts of life is something everyone takes for granted, and only when we are without them do we realize how blessed we are to have them.
Because of sin, this world is spiritually dark and cold. It has no light of itself, no warmth. We cannot see our way. We grope about trying to live our life but fail miserably. We are in need of light and love and comfort and strength to endure, but the things of this world cannot supply our need.
Praise God! There is Someone Who can supply all of our needs! Seeing our condition, His great heart of love breaks for us. He does not leave us in the cold and darkness but laid down His Life that we might be delivered from the cold and darkness of sin. With lovingkindness He calls us, “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.” “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” Matt 11:28-30; John 8:12;12:35, 36 Life’s greatest blessing is to have the Light of the World dwelling within us. Only then can we see the way clearly. Only then can we find true comfort, true happiness, true peace in our heart.
We must never take His light for granted but cherish that Light lest it depart from us. We must not selfishly hoard the Light to ourselves but must reflect that light to others. Jesus tells us, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16
Each day we meet those who are in darkness. Each day we come in contact with someone who needs the light that only we can impart. Yet, how often we hold it to ourselves and refuse to let it shine out from us to them, and they are left in their cold and dark condition. They are left to grope about, ever seeking for that which we could have given to them. How our Dear Saviour weeps when we are ashamed to tell others of His love. He warns us, “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father” Mat 10:33 Solemn words!
Just as our Great Example said, ” I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4; so we must work now while there is still time to bring others to Him. Soon our Great High Priest will stand up and make that fearful proclamation, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev 22:11 When that proclamation is made, it will be too late to come to the Light, too late to share Him with others.
May we be ready to hear our Dear Saviour to proclaim those solemn words. May we, at every opportunity, spread His love and light to others that they too may be ready for that great day. May we soon worship together before throne of our Great Redeemer is my prayer.
Rose