Ye Who Were Far Off Are Made Nigh

You have been chosen by Christ. You have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. Plead before God the efficacy of that blood. Say unto Him: “I am Thine by creation;

I am Thine by redemption. I respect human authority, and the advice of my brethren; but I cannot depend wholly upon these. I want Thee, O God, to teach me. I have covenanted with Thee to adopt the divine standard of character, and make Thee my counselor and guide,—a party to every plan of my life; therefore teach me.” Let the glory of the Lord be your first consideration. Repress every desire for worldly distinction, every ambition to secure the first place. Encourage heart purity and holiness, that you may represent the true principles of the gospel. Let every act of your life be sanctified by a holy endeavor to do the Lord’s will, that your influence may not lead others into forbidden paths.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 348.

The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins, and plead the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour’s character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin, and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church.—Testimonies to Ministers, 92.
With God at Dawn p.239
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for the Christians in Afghanistan and around the world who are being persecuted for their belief.
—-Please pray for Pastor Doug Bachelor who is having a hard time recovering from covid.
—-My son is getting out of the ICU today. Thanks for the prayers. He however is having to appear in court on Friday. Please pray for a positive outcome. I’m hoping he’s not going from one institute to another. Not sure how he would handle being in jail with his ill health. Pray also that he doesn’t touch another alcoholic beverage or drug either as his liver is very sick. Judy
—-Please pray for my oldest son. He is having a SEVERE GSLLBLADDER ATTACK AND HE IS IN EXTREME PAIN. Connie
—-Prayer warriors please pray for our family. They took mom to the hospital this morning possibly covid. Sally
—-Praise—Janet has turned a corner & is improving. Oxygen has been lowered her appetite has returned feels much better. God is Good! Connie
—-Please add my 72 year old brother to the prayer list. He took a bad fall on Monday and was admitted to the hospital because it was discovered he broke a bone in his lower back. He had surgery this morning. Please pray it will go well and there won’t be any complications. ~ Martha–
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Dear Friends,

When Eileen was three, we lived in a house trailer on the side of a hill in rural Pennsylvania. From our front window, we could see the tiny community at the bottom of the hill, fields and forests beyond, and a large field with about ten cows in it which was within a few feet of our front door. Eileen enjoyed watching them and talking to them. They must have liked the attention we gave them, because they seemed to spend most of their time near our trailer. Unfortunately, so many swarms of flies were attracted to those animals that we could not enjoy being outside. The moment we opened the door, flies buzzed around our heads and landed on us. Knowing where those flies had been just a moment before made them even more repulsive.

Just as those swarms of flies gave evidence that there were cows nearby, so by our words and actions, we give evidence as to Who has our heart. Think of it! Each one of us has a big impact for good of for ill on all around. One little word or action can cause someone to start down the path that leads to destruction. One little word or action can do the opposite. Solomon’s proverb is as true today as it was when he uttered it. “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor.” Ecc 10:1 Our words and actions tell what is in our heart. Our Dear Saviour says, “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. But I say unto you, That 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 12:34-37

How important that we daily give our heart to Jesus, that we may exert a right influence on those with whom we come in contact. Jesus, when He was upon this earth, had an attraction that drew people to Him. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 When He was near, people felt loved, they felt accepted, they felt convicted of their sins and desired to change for the better, to do those things which please Him. (1 John 3:22) Our Dear Saviour’s loving influence was in direct contrast to that of the religious leaders who bound “heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and laid them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves would not move them with one of their fingers.” Matt 23:4 Those leaders kept aloof from the common people, but Jesus visited people in their homes, bringing them both physical and spiritual healing. He walked their streets, pressed in by crowds of people all wanting to see Him, all wanting to touch Him. Even though most were there only for the excitement, or for the blessings He could bestow, He never turned them away. His influence even caused His enemies to marvel. When spies were sent to catch Him in His words, they declared, ” ‘Master, thou hast well said.’ And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.” Luke 20:39,40 When officers were sent to arrest Him, they returned to the Pharisees empty-handed. When asked the reason, they replied, “Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46 May we so live that the same can be said of us, that our influence may lead others to our Dear Redeemer, drawing them closer to Him, that they may accept His free gift of salvation is my prayer.

Rose