What Doest Thou Here?

Elijah’s retreat on Mount Horeb, though hidden from man, was known to God; and the weary and discouraged prophet was not left to struggle alone with the powers of darkness that were pressing upon him….

God met His tried servant with the inquiry, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” I sent you to the brook Cherith and afterward to the widow of Sarepta. I commissioned you to return to Israel and to stand before the idolatrous priests on Carmel, and I girded you with strength to guide the chariot of the king to the gate of Jezreel. But who sent you on this hasty flight into the wilderness? What errand have you here? …

Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal, and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life…. Others he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution…. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls has succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, “What doest thou here?” I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? …

Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, “What doest thou here?” In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of God’s word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving. God calls for Christian families to go into the dark places of the earth and work wisely and perseveringly for those who are enshrouded in spiritual gloom…. For the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring scientific knowledge, men are willing to venture into pestilential regions and to endure hardship and privation. Where are those who are willing to do as much for the sake of telling others of the Saviour? 49Ibid., 167-173.
Conflict and Courage p. 214
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for me. I get these annoying migraines and am sensitive to the sun and other light sources. Danita
—-Family in need of prayers as massive wildfire is threatening their home. Lissa
—-Please continue praying for my former daughter in law. She’s still fighting for her life with Sepsis. Please pray for her Eternal Salvation and physical healing and please pray for her children. Thank you so much. Connie
—-Please continue to pray for David who is in the hospital. Rose
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Dear Friends,

When Ronnie Jay was a little boy, he loved his little sister more than anything. When she was born, he was delighted and wanted to hold her and cuddle her. Since he had just had his third birthday a few days earlier, I cautioned him never to pick her up by himself and told him that if he sat on the sofa, I would let him hold her. He beamed with happiness as I placed Esther Marie in his arms. From that moment, a special friendship developed between them.

As Esther Marie grew and was able to play, Ronnie Jay’s joy knew no bounds. They were constant companions. They had wonderful times together throughout their childhood. When she got a little older and I would tell her to pick up her toys, Ronnie Jay would pick them up for her. If I told her to clean her room, he would do it out of his love for her. Like all children, Esther Marie would sometimes disobey. Ronnie Jay would beg me to punish him instead. (Of course, I didn’t do that.)

Ronnie Jay’s desire to keep his little sister from the punishment she deserved would make me think of our Dear Saviour, Who volunteered to suffer the punishment that we deserve. Think of it! The Great Ruler of the Universe, the One equal with the Father, left all of the glories of Heaven, “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Phil 2:5-10

The One Whom all Heaven adored humbled Himself and lived a life of constant self-denial, a life of service, a life of humility. From the time of His birth, the Romans tried to destroy Him. The priests and rulers plotted to kill Him, although they could not until the right time had come. Daniel prophesied, “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease” Daniel 9:26,27 What an important prophetic week that was! For three and a half years, our Dear Saviour walked through the land preaching “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt 3:2 He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 He not only lived a perfect life, but He laid down his life for us, that we might have live eternally in His glorious kingdom. What love! What wonderful love! Then three and a half years later Stephen became the first Christian martyr. From that time of persecution, Jesus’ followers scattered far from Jerusalem and the gospel began to be preached to the Gentiles.

Moreover, this very same Jesus, Who sacrificed His all for us, wants to be our constant companion. He wants to share in every aspect of our life. He loves us with an everlasting love and draws us to Himself with lovingkindness. (Jer 31:1) He is even now standing at our heart’s door pleading for entrance that He may dwell within us. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20 May we joyfully open our heart’s door to Him is my prayer.

Rose