For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14.
Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of all things is at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath.
The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther…. Satan instigated the scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counter power that reigns among the children of men….
The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way.
The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is still seeking to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey His law. Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God…. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack…. On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Now, as in the days of Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.
Maranatha p. 198
““““““““““““`
Prayer Requests
—–update—Praise the Lord that the Dr is optimistic. Please join me in prayer that the Chemo does it’s job and that the cancer has not spread. Thank you so much for praying for my cousin Marie. Fran
—–please pray for my friend Karen. When I tell her what the bible says she comes back with it depends on how a person interprets it. she is really searching but doesn’t want to be involved with organized religion. Pray also for my daughter and grandchildren. M
—–Please pray for D and M and their family. They are going through great trials. L
““““““““““`
Dear Friends,
Some years ago while our children were still in college, we joined some of Ronnie Jay, Brian and Esther’s friends for a relaxing afternoon at Pioneer’s Park. As we were lounging on blankets enjoying the beauty of the place and listening to Trent play the guitar, I looked over at Katy and began to laugh. On her forehead she had stuck a green guitar pick! Just why she did that, I do not know. Perhaps she wanted to see if anyone would notice it. It looked very funny!
How often sin leaves a mark upon our face that is no laughing matter. How many times, by our expression, by our words, by our actions we reveal the sin that is in our heart. Our Dear Saviour reminds us, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matt 12:34, 35
How important it is to have a heart cleansed by the blood of Jesus! How vital to our present and future happiness it is that we do as Paul when he said, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Cor 9:27 Only then can we keep the “green guitar pick” of sin from showing on our face. John tells us, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:18-22
Lord give me a clean heart,
A kind and a true heart,
Lord through me please show
Others You care.
Lord give me a new heart,
A loving and pure heart,
So others may find You
And know that You care
Though this world is rough and dirty,
A new heart is waiting for you.
Though you sins may be many,
Jesus is waiting for you.
Lord give me a clean heart,
A kind and a true heart,
Lord through me please show
Others You care.
Lord give me a new heart,
A loving and pure heart,
So others may find You
And know that You care
Lord, give me a new heart
And keep me in your care.
(A New Heart by Esther Marie)
Rose