The Death Decree Issued

When Jesus leaves the most holy, His restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved.
I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.
I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death.
Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war.
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism.
Maranatha p. 268
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Prayer Requests
—–Could we pray for my sister. her health is deteriorating she is now on oxygen 24/7 Pray for Gods healing hand upon her. thank you. Also pray that the charcoal and flax poultices work on my kidneys.. I know something is happening because have had a decrease in back pain. John
—–Your prayers for those of us working at the GC in any capacity is appreciated. Rich
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, Esther Marie and some friends from the school where she was working decided to go on an afternoon walk. As they passed a cave which was about two miles from the school, someone suggested that they go caving. As they entered the cave, they suddenly realized that they were not really prepared. The group only had one flashlight and its batteries were low. Still, with the exuberance of youth, they continued. For a few minutes, the daylight shining from the cave’s entrance, gave them light, but as they crawled through a tunnel, all was blackness. Their only source of light was that one, small, dim flashlight. With a tinge of fear, they realized that that flashlight was the only way they were going to find their way back out, yet none wanted to seem afraid in front of the others. They each pretended to be brave and full of their original exuberance.
How many times we are like that group of young people, relying upon our own dim and flickering light, keeping up appearances through the darkness of this sinful, old world, acting as if all is well with us. How much we need Jesus “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9 He, alone, can keep us safe from the wiles of the evil one. He, alone, can guide our feet on the path that leads to His Heavenly Home. He assures us, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8
How often, we turn from Him and explore the things this world has to offer. When we do this, the Light is behind us and the farther we go from the Source of all Light, the less we can see. We look around for light, any light. How many times we follow someone who says they have the light, but their light is the dim and shaky light of their own making as was the group’s one dim flashlight. Their light is of their own making and will go out just when we have the most need.
Sometimes we rely on another who has a real connection with the True Light. It seems, as we stay so close to them, that we, too, are connected to the True Light. Our Dear Saviour gave us a parable about some young ladies who did this very thing. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matt 25:1-13
May we always keep our eyes on Jesus, the True Light of the World. May we joyously follow Him each day with our whole heart. May we point others to the Great Light that they may be ready to meet our Soon-Coming King is my prayer.
Rose