Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 

— 2 Corinthians 5:19,20, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY

Consideration is to be given as to what service for God means. It means that we are to do the same kind of ministry that Christ did when he was in our world. In this work, whether we are rich or poor, we are called upon to wear Christ’s yoke, and learn of him to be meek and lowly in heart. Some more especially may be given the work of setting forth Christ from the pulpit, opening the oracles of God to the churches. Yet they should not seclude themselves from visiting families, talking with them, praying with them, exhorting them, encouraging those who need encouraging, and presenting a ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to meet every cause of deficiency. Altogether too little of this work is done. Personal labor is greatly needed. 

The first work for all Christians to do is to search the Scriptures, with most earnest prayer, that they may have that faith that works by love, and purifies the soul from every thread of selfishness. If the truth is received into the heart, it works like good leaven, until every power is brought into subjection to the will of God. Then you can no more help shining than can the sun. You have striven to separate from every kind of rubbish, and to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. 

Inquire seriously, Am I faithful? First be a most faithful steward over yourself. Search your own heart, and often compare it with the great mirror of the word of God, until, tried and searched of God, you will be approved of him, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Strengthened by his might in the inner man. 

When God converts human agents, they will flee to Christ, their life, to be hid with him in God. They will lift up their eyes to the perpetual desolation which sin has made and is making, and will pray that they may be co-laborers with Christ. 

Let the cry of the soul be, ‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 

— The Review and Herald, June 21, 1898 

THE RESPONSE

Visit families to talk and pray with them, encourage those who need encouraging. Present a “Thus says the Lord” to meet every cause.

Search the Scriptures with the most earnest prayer that you may have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every thread of selfishness.

Flee to Christ to be hid with Him in God. Lift up your eyes to the perpetual devastation sin makes and pray that you may be co-laborer with Christ. 

Let the cry of your soul be, “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name; for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are still faithful and true.”