I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:14, 15.
The Christian has duties to do in the world, and God holds him responsible for their faithful performance. He is not to confine himself in monastic walls, nor to avoid all association with worldlings. It is true that his principles will be put to the severest test, and he will be pained by what his eyes see and his ears hear. But he must not, by becoming familiar with these sights and sounds, learn to love them. By association with the world, we incline to catch the spirit of the world, and to adopt their customs, tastes, and preferences. But we are commanded, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).
Never let the world say that worldlings and Christ’s followers are alike in their tastes and pursuits; for God has drawn a line between His people and the world. This line of demarcation is broad and deep and clear; it is not so blended with the world that it is not discernible. “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).
It is only by watching unto prayer, and the exercise of living faith, that the Christian can preserve his integrity in the midst of the temptations that Satan brings to bear upon him. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Talk to your heart constantly the language of faith:“Jesus said He would receive me, and I believe His word. I will praise Him; I will glorify His name.” Satan will be close by your side to suggest that you do not feel any joy. Answer him, “‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ I have everything to be glad of; for I am a child of God. I am trusting in Jesus. The law of God is in my heart; none of my steps shall slide.”—The Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 360
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Prayer Requests
—-Please Pray for my Nephew Diego he has spinal tumors. Cris
—-Continued prayers for Joey. He’s having trouble keeping food down and is on antibiotics for an infection. Jennifer
—-Please continue to pray for a miracle for baby Wyatt. He has only days to weeks to live. Mary
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, Ronnie Jay and a friend of Esther’s went out for a hike in a nearby wilderness area. The wind was bitterly cold but that did not deter them. Ronnie Jay had his camera so he could get photos of the various animals inhabiting the area. He especially wanted pictures of porcupines. As they were walking and looking up in the trees, he spotted six or seven bald eagles up in some nearby trees. As he was focusing his camera, the friend loudly exclaimed, “There’s more!” At that, the eagles all flew away.
Just as the eagles were chased away by the sound of a human voice, so we can so easily chase away someone who is beginning to be interested in the good news of salvation. How many times, well-meaning members have spoiled that interest by their critical words or disapproving looks. What a tragedy when those who were turning toward the Saviour turn away because of our words or actions.
Our Dear Saviour, Who draws us to Himself with everlasting kindness, (Jer 31:3) wants us to be so careful as we deal with the baby Christians who are taking their first tottering steps toward Him. As we deal with those who are beginning to have an interest in our Dear Saviour’s message for these last days, it is good to remember that we, too, have needed time to change from what we were before we accepted Him to what He desires us to be. We, too, are walking on the upward path. The warning Jesus gave His disciples of old, surely apply in this situation as well, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences!” Matt 18:1-7
May we keep in mind in our dealings with others the words of our Kind Master, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt 12:36, 37
Rose