Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7, 8.
Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempter’s purpose to thwart the divine plan in man’s creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he would point to all this evil as the result of God’s work in creating man.
In his sinless state, man held joyful communion with Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” But after his sin, he could no longer find joy in holiness, and he sought to hide from the presence of God. Such is still the condition of the unrenewed heart. It is not in harmony with God, and finds no joy in communion with Him. The sinner could not be happy in God’s presence; he would shrink from the companionship of holy beings. Could he be permitted to enter heaven, it would have no joy for him. The spirit of unselfish love that reigns there—every heart responding to the heart of Infinite Love—would touch no answering chord in his soul. His thoughts, his interests, his motives, would be alien to those that actuate the sinless dwellers there. He would be a discordant note in the melody of heaven.—Steps to Christ, 17.
With God at Dawn p. 127
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Prayer Requests
—-My coworker Cindy’s nephew, Ivan, passed away. Please pray for his mom, Pat, and all of the family. Praye also for my mom who is having a procedure today. Wanangwa
—-I need prayer because at night I feel like I am being slightly zapped.. My head hurts.. my ears are ringing, my body aches, and I have a hard time sleeping at night.. so painful.. and then I am tired the next day. Mary
—-Please Pray for my friend Loretta and her extended Family. Many of whom are in Hospital Right now for various reasons. Please encourage and comfort them united in Jesus Christ and each other. Marietta
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago when Ronnie Jay walked over to the sink to get a drink of water, he happened to startle a jumping spider, who, when he jumped, accidentally landed in a pan of water. Ronnie Jay rescued the now-drowning spider and brought him into the living room to show us. The spider seemed grateful for being rescued and showed no fear of him but crawled happily around on Ronnie Jay’s hand for quite awhile.
How often we are like that drowning spider. Before we realize what we have done, we find ourselves slipping and sliding down into a sea of sin and trying desperately to keep our head above water. We cry out as did David, when he exclaimed, “mine iniquities are gone over mine head.” Ps 38:4 We find ourselves in need of Someone to reach down His Hand and rescue us just as surely as that spider needed Ronnie Jay to help him out of the water.
Praise God! We have such a Saviour! “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.” Ps 111:4 He “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” rescuing us from all that the evil one heaps upon us. Isa 53:4 He will not leave us to drown in sin! He promises, “I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee.” Jer 15:20
Eventually, Ronnie Jay was ready to put him down, but that little spider was content to stay with his rescuer for as long as Ronnie Jay wanted him too. So we too should be happy and content to stay within our Mighty Rescuer’s will. Indeed, our greatest joy should be the One Who has saved us from drowning in sin. Our greatest joy should be in spending time with Him (for He will never tire of our company or send us away), speaking of Him to those around us, praising Him for His goodness. “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Ps 107:1-8
May we remember to praise the Lord for the blessings that He showers daily upon us. May we stay very to our Compassionate Rescuer. May we love Him Who is Mighty to Save with our whole being is my prayer.
Rose