The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.
I was shown our danger, as a people, of becoming assimilated to the world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth. . . .
In consideration of the shortness of time we as a people should watch and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the great event before us. Because the time is apparently extended, many have become careless and indifferent in regard to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters and in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment when Christ shall appear. . . .
The signs foretold in prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should arouse every true follower of Christ to zealous action.
Maranatha p. 92
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Prayer Requests
—–I have an unspoken request for prayer. Kathy
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Dear Friends,
When we lived in Washington state, a new family moved in at the end of the road. They had two children about the same age as Ronnie Jay and Esther Marie. My children were so happy to have someone to play with. Since Ronnie Jay and the girl liked each other (like it is normal for children to do) the four children often played like they were having a wedding ceremony.
(I giggled as I watched them and remembered doing the same when I was about their age. A little boy down the street from my grandparents house and I often talked about what we would dowhen we grew up and got married. Since Gary wanted to become an architect when he grew up, he even drew up plans for our house. Everything seemed to be perfect. I was so happy.)
My son had the same feelings I had had so long before. He was full of hopes and dreams that their future would be intertwined. After the summer was over, the four children went to chuch school together. Suddenly his little friend changed completely. Instead of being his friend, she began to ridicule him in front of the other children. He was heartbroken.
When he tearfully came home and told me what happened, I shared with him a similar experience (hoping that it would make him feel better) that I had had about a year before I went to live with my mother and her new husband. One day as Gary and I were at the playground of the school across the street from my grandparents’ house, he saw some girls he knew. He began talking to one girl in particular. When she asked Gary who I was, he introduced me as his cousin. Gary knew I was not happy with what he had said, and after the girls left, tried torationalize his actions. It did no good: I knew that he was ashamed of me.
How often we treat Jesus in the same way. How many times do we act as though we are ashamed of our Best Friend? Do we introduce Him to others, or do we pretend that we don’t even know Him? Do we try to rationalize away our denial? Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”Matt 10:32,33 Paul warns, “if we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Tim 2:12 Solemn words—words that have eternal consequences. Many times, we do not know ourselves and think that we would never deny our Lord anymore than Peter thought he would deny Christ. When Jesus told His disciples that they would deny Him, Peter stood up and proclaimed that although everyone else would deny Him, he never would. “But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended,yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night,before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29-31 Peter could not believe it, but when he was “backed into a corner,” he denied his Master. He denied the One Who was giving His life for him. When Peter denied Jesus, the Bible says, “Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” Matt 26:75 That was the start of a new life for Peter. From that moment he stood firm for his Saviour no matter what the consequences might be.
May we never deny our Dear Saviour and break His Great Heart of Love. May we confess that we know Him no matter what the consequences might be. May we ask Him to dwell with us and in us each day is my prayer.
Rose