For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Matthew 25:14.
Man may see no place for the working of certain gifts, because they are not his gift, but let each think of himself as God would have him. Let each bear in mind that his capabilities are only lent him, and that by these God is testing him to see whether he will use these entrusted talents to honor God and work for the good of his brother and his neighbor.
Holiness, which means wholeness to God, is wholly acceptable to God. A Paul may plant, an Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. “He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:8)…. In the natural world unseen agencies are constantly at work to produce the essential results, but the harvest to be reaped depends upon the seed that has been sown. After man faithfully prepares the land, and plants the seed, God must work constantly to cause the seed to germinate.
So it is in spiritual things. The Word of the living God is the seed. Christ is the sower, and unless He constantly works the soil of the heart, there will be no harvest. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). God gave His Son to die, the just for the unjust, that there might be a glorious harvest of souls. The human heart is God’s seed plot, and the righteousness of Christ must be cherished there. Then let no man trust in the arm of flesh, but in God. Let each give evidence that he has faith, that he is not a religious dwarf, but that he grows under the dews and showers of the grace of Christ, that his life of righteousness is not of man’s creating, but that it is the righteousness of Christ, which the grace of God has nourished in his heart….
Some messages come as the Lord’s hammer, to break down the workings of Satan and turn men to the living God. But mingled with this decided work of standing in defense of the truth is Christ’s consolation, which comes when repentance reveals what sin really is. And while some are called to battle desperately with an evil work, there is another kind of message to be borne to the ones who, while suffering wrong, have endured the temptation to harbor a sense of injustice and cherish it….
Again, some have the gift given them of God to act as organizers. Others fill their place as they work in retirement, feeling themselves little and unknown, with but few to recognize their work, and none to pity their mistakes or praise their victories. But the Lord uses all these elements. No one man can fill every place, and God’s great work must go forward.—Manuscript 116, September 16, 1898, “The Two Great Principles of the Law.”
The Upward Look p. 273
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Cindy’s niece Nikiya. She is in the hospital with fluid on her brain. She is 23 years old. Wanangwa
—-My friend along with her daughter and her boyfriend are in _____ Florida and they are in the path of Hurricane Sally and right now as we speak the storm is on the land. Please pray for their protection during this dire storm! Thanks APM
—-Let us continue to pray for those on the Pacific Coast dealing with the fires. Jennifer
—-Please pray for 1 of our church members. Just got news he is in hospital. His name is John. Rene
—-I have an important unspoken prayer request. LS
—-Please pray with me for a young person who is suicidal and needs God extra close. Breana
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Dear Friends,
Whenever we watch tv or are on our computer or smartphone, we are inundated with news about the corona virus. Government officials have put in place laws governing much of our lives because of it. Masks are mandatory and I have heard that policemen are issuing tickets to anyone who does not comply. This past week, was the first time we have been able to meet at church since March, but there were many restrictions in place.
How often we catch another kind of virus—a virus of sin—that is more dangerous than any earthly virus. A little indulgence, a little train of thought, a little forbidden pleasure can make us spiritually sick and ruin our whole being. How many times we think that “just once” won’t hurt, but that “just once” can change the whole course of our life. That “just once” may start us on the road which can kill us spiritually. Solomon’s words are so true. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov 16:25
This virus of sin can be hidden from those around us, but we know it is there. Then as it grows stronger and stronger, it becomes evident to all. Solomon observed, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so does a little folly in him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” Ecc 10:1 The “virus” of sin not only ruins the life, but it changes the whole countenance. “The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves….Woe unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Is 3:9-11
How much we need a Saviour! How much we need a way of escape from the virus of sin! Jesus is our only way of escape. He is our Saviour, our Redeemer, our King! He will cure us from the sin virus which has taken over our life and make us spiritually well again. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Prov 14:27
May we come to Him now, just as we are—all sin sick and weary. May we cast all of our cares, all of our sorrows, all of our sins upon Him for He gave His life to redeem us
from the “virus” of sin. May we daily spend time reading His Holy Word which points us to the One Who give us spiritual health and well-being.
Rose