Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13.
The triumph of the truth is possible only when the workers carry with them an abiding consciousness of the presence of God. They should ever realize that there is a faithful witness to every word, every transaction, in the home life or among the people. In every plan devised, in every effort made, Christ is to direct. In every council the members should speak and act as if the curtain were withdrawn, and they saw themselves transacting business in the presence of the heavenly universe. For this is the fact in the case; all heaven is looking upon the workers. In planning for aggressive warfare, let not self be made prominent; it must be hidden, wholly hidden, in Christ. . . .
Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and those things that cannot be shaken will remain.
The Lord requires our undivided affections. If men are not wholehearted, they will fail in the day of test and proving and trial. When the enemy shall put his forces in array against him, and the battle seems to go hard, at the very time when all the strength of intellect and capability, and all the tact of wise generalship, is needed to repulse the enemy, those who are half-hearted will turn their weapons against their own soldiers; they weaken the hands that should be strong for warfare. God is testing all who have a knowledge of the truth to see if they can be depended on to fight the battles of the Lord when hard pressed by principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in high places. Perilous times are before us, and our only safety is in having the converting power of God every day–yielding ourselves fully to Him to do His will, and walk in the light of His countenance (see 1 Peter 2:9).
Now when we are just on the borders of the promised land, let none repeat the sin of the unfaithful spies. They acknowledged that the land they went up to see was a good land, but they declared that the inhabitants were strong, the giants were there, and that they themselves were in comparison as grasshoppers in the sight of the people and in their own sight. All the difficulties were magnified into insurmountable obstacles. . . . Thus they leavened the whole congregation with their unbelief. –Manuscript 6, Jan. 5, 1892, “Work in Christ’s Lines.”
This Day With God p. 13
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Dannie who is showing signs of preeclampsia. The doctor may take the baby a couple of weeks early because of it. Rose
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Dear Friends,
There is a rabbit who lives under our shed. We have three dogs who would love to have her for lunch, but our dog Junior is no threat to her as he is old and blind. In fact when the younger dogs are inside the house and only Junior is outside, we often see them out in the yard within 10 feet of each other. Junior doesn’t even know the rabbit is there, or if he does, he doesn’t care; and the rabbit realizes that Junior is safe to be around.
It is the same with us. Every day we are exposed to sin. The music in the stores, at our workplace, even sometimes in our home is of the type to lead us away from Jesus. If we turn on the TV, the programming promotes evil thoughts; and even if we are watching a good, uplifting program, the advertisements make us shudder. The topics of conversation we hear often are not of the best quality. Even the magazines in the checkout line at the grocery store, promote sin. Yet, it all becomes so commonplace, so normal, that we get used to it. We seem to feel that it holds no more danger to us than does Junior to that rabbit.
In His mercy, God has given us a guideline to follow that will help us deal with the sin around us. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
David gives us the key to living in this sinful world. He says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Ps 119:11 He explains further, “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….Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Ps 19:7-14
My we hide His Word in our heart each day. May we think on the pure and the true. May we keep our eyes on the One Who loves us so.
Rose