Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

— Colossians 2:6,8, NASB 

The Testimony 

Satan is constantly plotting the ruin of men and women; he watches untiringly to see where he can introduce himself; and he will seek to turn you from your allegiance to God. But in God there is strength to overcome all temptations. When you are tempted, let your heart go out to God in prayer for strength to resist the enemy. Learn to believe in Jesus, and to take him at his word. Fasten the mind on his precious promises. 

God has given man a guide-book, which shows him the way to heaven. The Bible is the voice of God to man, telling him what he must do to gain eternal life. “Search the Scriptures,” said Christ, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” If you would be successful students of this word, ask God for the aid of his Holy Spirit, who will teach us all things. Carefully study the Bible, verse by verse, praying that God will give you wisdom to understand his word. Take one verse, and concentrate your mind on it, praying to ascertain the thought God has put in that verse for you. Dwell upon the thought until it becomes your own, and you know “what saith the Lord.” 

All who search the inspired word for themselves will gain a knowledge of a personal, abiding Saviour; and their Christian experience will not depend upon feeling, but upon the word of the living God. “The words I speak unto you,” said Jesus, “they are spirit, and they are life.” And the more one studies the word of God, the more that word takes possession of his mind, and he sees deeper and deeper into the divine purpose. Said the psalmist, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple,”—to all who, with the simplicity of a child, will search that word.

The experience you gain by a study of God’s word will enable you to be a help to others. As you appropriate the precious promises it contains, you will find help and assurance. Your light will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day; for you will know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning. 

— The Review and Herald, August 4, 1896 

The Response 

My Father, forgive me for cherishing the spirit of the world. I pray for strength to resist the enemy. As I search for promises in Your guide book, I ask for the aid of the Holy Spirit to help me discover the thoughts that You put into each verse for me. Help me to understand Your teachings. I praise You for the help and assurance I find as I fasten my mind on the precious promises!