There’s Hope

Now these things which happened to our ancestors are illustrations of the way in which God works, and they were written down to be a warning to us who are the heirs of the ages which have gone before us. 1 Corinthians 10:11, Phillips.
The murmurings of ancient Israel and their rebellious discontent, as well as the mighty miracles wrought in their favor and the punishment of their idolatry and ingratitude, are recorded for our benefit. The example of ancient Israel is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbelief and escape His wrath. If the iniquities of the Hebrews had been omitted from the Sacred Record, and only their virtues recounted, their history would fail to teach us the lesson that it does….
If God’s people would recognize His dealings with them and accept His teachings, they would find a straight path for their feet and a light to guide them through darkness and discouragement. David learned wisdom from God’s dealings with him and bowed in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. “The law of the Lord,” he exclaims, “is perfect, converting the soul.”
Repentant sinners have no cause to despair because they are reminded of their transgressions and warned of their danger. These very efforts in their behalf show how much God loves them and desires to save them. They have only to follow His counsel and do His will, to inherit eternal life. God sets the sins of His erring people before them, that they may behold them in all their enormity under the light of divine truth. It is then their duty to renounce them forever.
God is as powerful to save from sin today as He was in the times of the patriarchs, of David, and of the prophets and apostles. The multitude of cases recorded in sacred history where God has delivered His people from their own iniquities should make the Christian of this time eager to receive divine instruction and zealous to perfect a character that will bear the close inspection of the judgment.
Conflict and Courage p. 8
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Prayer Requests
—– Prayers please for my Aunt Myrna. She has been in the hospital since Christmas eve. They did surgery today and we weren’t given good news. She is in ICU now. Stephanie
—– Please pray for Robin she goes into the hospital for a total knee replacement in the Morning Tuesday, M.
—–Please pray for Carol. She is still battling cancer. Pray also for Ken who is in liver failure.
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Dear Friends,
One day when my children were little, we went on a hike in the mountains. It was a dark and thickly wooded area and very beautiful. We were the only ones on the trail which made it even better. As we looked around at all the beauty, it seemed it could not get better.
Just then the narrow path widened a little and there before us was a lake sparkling in the sunshine. The leaves of the trees were so thick above us that it hadn’t let much light through, but there on the water, it was bright and sunny. We sat on some logs in the coolness of the shade and looked out over the water. We talked for a few minutes while the children waded in the water. It seemed like all the cares of life had evaporated and all was happiness and peace.
Later as we started to walk back to the realities of life, we smelled the distinctive smell that a mountain lion makes when marking his territory. That smell had not been there when we had passed that spot not long before. We felt just a tinge of fear at the thought that while we had been sitting by the water, blissfully enjoying the beauty of the place, something had probably been watching us and thinking what a great meal Esther or Ronnie Jay would make.
What an impression that mountain lion’s odor made upon us. We kept a watchful eye for even the slightest movement in the brush. We kept our ear tuned for even the tiniest sound that might be that cougar. How thankful we were for God’s protecting care. We could say with Daniel after passing the night in the lions’ den, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” Dan 6:22
Truly, our Heavenly Father sends His angels to guard each of His children. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb 1:14 How comforting is the thought that God’s angels are keeping the evil ones at bay.
There is a famous painting of a man in the valley of decision. Over him are a good angel and an evil one both trying to get him to choose their side. The good angel is rebuking the evil one. How often this scene is played out in our own life. The devil is continually setting traps for our feet. He is continuously whispering suggestions that would cause us to stray from the narrow way. Yet, we are not left to fight the adversary alone. Our Great Redeemer sends His angels to chase the evil ones away.
Moreover the host of Heaven is intensely interested in our decisions. Jesus tells us, “I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10 Think of it! As we are making choices, the angels are waiting to see which side we choose. If we choose the right, they rejoice. May we make the right decisions is my prayer.
Rose