Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

— 2 Corinthians 5:14,20, NKJV 

The Testimony 

Genuine love for Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work for him. Love for Jesus will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy for his followers. 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” He knows whether our hearts are wholly devoted to his service, or are given to the things of the world. If we would not be misled by error and falsehood, the heart must be preoccupied by the truth. The Word of God will furnish the mind with weapons of divine power, to vanquish the enemy. Happy is the man, who, when tempted, finds his soul rich in the knowledge of the Scriptures, who finds shelter in the promises of God. “Thy word,” the psalmist said, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” We need now, as never before, that calm, steady faith, that undaunted moral courage, which can only be gained from communion with Christ and his Word, to brace us for trial and strengthen us for duty. 

Then let us earnestly examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word, seeking to discover every defect of character, that we may wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Let God’s people come out from this world, and be separate. Let unbelievers see that the faith we hold is a living reality, sanctifying the character and transforming the life. Let us surround ourselves with an atmosphere of Christian cheerfulness. Let us show that our religion can stand the test of trial. Let us by kindness, forbearance, and love, prove to the world the power of our faith. 

Let us be wise, and build for eternity. We can not afford to idle away our precious moments, or engage in busy activities that will bring forth no fruit for eternity. Let the time hitherto devoted to idleness, frivolity, and worldliness be spent in gaining a knowledge of the Scriptures, in beautifying our life, and blessing and ennobling the lives and characters of others. This work will be approved of God, and win for us the heavenly benediction, “Well done.” 

— The Review and Herald, April 21, 1910 

The Response 

Keep your soul rich in the knowledge of the Scriptures, find shelter in the promises of God to furnish your mind with weapons of divine power.

Through communion with Christ and His Word, stay braced for trial and strengthened for duty. 

Earnestly examine yourself in the light of God’s Word. Seek to discover every defect of character that you may wash your robe and make it white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Devote your time in gaining a knowledge of the Scriptures, beautifying your life and blessing the lives and characters of others.