And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Zechariah 3:2.
The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects; he has gained control of the apostate churches. But here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God. All will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law. Those who will be true to God and to duty will be menaced, denounced, and proscribed. They will be betrayed “both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends.”
Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only defense will be prayer. As Joshua was pleading before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and earnest faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus their Advocate….
Satan urges before God his accusations against them, declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protection, and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors….
But while the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control of evil. They have put away their sins, and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf….
The people of God are sighing and crying for the abominations done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they humble themselves before the Lord on account of their own transgressions. The wicked mock their sorrow, ridicule their solemn appeals, and sneer at what they term their weakness. But the anguish and humiliation of God’s people is unmistakable evidence that they are regaining the strength and nobility of character lost in consequence of sin….
While Satan was urging his accusations, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God.
Maranatha p. 213
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Prayer Requests
—–update on Josie. They moved her out of the ICU yesterday afternoon. She is doing much better. . . . The results on her neck came back fine so they were able to take the C collar off. . . . The swelling on the right side of her face has gone down enough so she can see a little out of her eye. The doctor says she shouldn’t have any permanent damage to her vision as long as the swelling continues to go down. Please pray for her pain. She is off all pain medications so they can monitor her brain activity. She is also running a slight fever and hasn’t been able to keep food down. Pray for her strength as well. They were able to explain to her, last night, the extent of her injuries. She has a 6 month estimated recovery time. . . . They are planning on her surgery next week if the swelling goes down enough. They will be putting in anywhere between one and five plates and a plastic piece. I know she is very scared. The surgeon said there would be minimal scarring which we are all very thankful for. We are all just so blessed to have her with us and are thankful for all of you who have been praying! Carol
—–Please pray for J whose heart is failing. M
—–Please pray for the following evangelism events that are taking place in the near future: Diane—Kelso-Longview, OR (Jan 9 – Sep 19) pastoral team—Grants Pass, OR (Mar 1 – Apr 11) Christian Martin—Morganton, NC (Mar 27 – Apr 10) Rick Mercer—Prayer Conference (Apr 10 – 11) at Indian Creek Camp with Don and Ruthie Jacobsen sponsored by Kentucky Tennessee Conference—Honolulu, HI (Apr 10 – May 9)Revelation of Hope Bible Prophecy Seminar with Taj Pacleb and Team—Loma Linda University Church Prayer Conference,April 17-18, 2015. Dennis Smith is our speaker.—SEEDS Conference for Pastors and Elders at Indian Creek Camp sponsored by Kentucky Tennessee Conference (April 17 – 19)—Keizer, OR (Mar 28 – Apr 4) Alejandro Delgado—Kelso-Longview, OR (Mar 28 – Apr 11) Benjamin Tello—Healing Hope, OR (Mar 28 – Apr 25) Lyle Albrecht—Idaho Falls, ID (Mar – Apr) Jason Morgan—Gateway, OR (Mar – Apr) Nick Jones—Independence, OR (Apr) Benjamin Tello—South Tacoma, WA (Apr)—Mount Vernon, WA (Apr)— Seattle, WA (Apr)—Port Angeles, WA (Apr)—Willapa Harbor, WA (Apr)—Edmonton, Alberta (Apr 9 – May 20) It Is Written (200 people have been baptized already as a result of Bible study request cards that were mailed in preparation for the meetings. Praise God!)—Oasis, OR (Apr 2 – 26) Rick New—Beaverton, OR (Apr 10 – May 10)— Shady Point, OR (Apr 17 – May 9) John Rengifo
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Dear Friends,
When Eileen was a little girl, her favorite Bible story was Queen Esther. She loved to hear me read the story to her or to pretend that she was the queen saving God’s people. When we had a baby girl, she got to name her Esther after that brave queen. Over the years, Esther grew to love the story of Queen Esther almost as much as her big sister did. The thought that God would take a poor little orphan girl and use her to save His people filled them with hope and anticipation. They wanted God to use them for some great cause whenever and wherever He willed.
While attending her colloquium class when she was attending Union College, a fellow student declared that Queen Esther was a power-hungry, grasping female who used her beauty for political gain. He accused this brave girl of doing many immoralities to “gain favor.” Esther was appalled! How could he say such things? She could not keep silent. Esther had to speak in defense of this great woman of faith. In no uncertain terms she explained to him the dangers involved had the king not chosen Esther to be queen. How Esther had not desired power but had been one of the many maidens whisked away from their homes and family and gathered together by the commandment of the king who wanted to replace the former Queen Vashti. The fate of the girls who did not become queen was not a pleasant one.
How important it is the we, too, speak in defense of the truth. How vital that we “stand fast in the Lord” no matter what others may think or do. 1 Thes 3:8 There are many theories, many “winds of doctrine” that are as false as the opinions of the young man in that college class. How can we know what to believe? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa 8:20 We must compare all that we read, all that we hear, to the Scriptures. In them only do we find the true way. In them only do we have something to hold onto during these trying times.
Our Dear Saviour prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” The Psalmist declares, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 119:130; 19:7-11
May we declare as did Jeremiah, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer 15:16 May 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 May we always speak boldly in defense of the truth is my prayer.
Rose