Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...

— Philippians 2:14-16, ESV 

The Testimony 

There is not a soul that follows Jesus but is a missionary. If we should be so unwise as to lessen in any way our influence, we do not rightly represent Christ... we want strength that comes from God, in order to do his work acceptably. We want that confidence in God that we may lay our souls open before his scrutinizing eye, and then come with boldness to the throne of God, believing and claiming the promises.  

The very weakest of us can take the Bible and search its pages, and so establish himself in the truth that nothing can swerve him from it. Every one of us should believe that the Bible was written so that we can understand it, and we want to be wise so that we can bring others to the light and understanding of the truth. Make it a point when you have a moment’s leisure, to store your mind with Scripture truth, and especially with what is brought to view in the Revelation... we do not half understand these truths. The precious Bible truth that we have accepted must do a great work for us, and the more we understand these things, the better will we understand how to make an impression upon other minds. 

You need all the intelligence and knowledge that it is possible for you to obtain, that you may be wise to answer those who will bring up objections against the truth. You do not want to feel while you have the plain Scriptures at your command, that this is any ability of your own, but you want to acknowledge that it is God’s manifestation of special help to you, and you should humble yourselves before him. 

Build a wall of scriptures around you, and you will see that the world cannot break it down. Commit the Scriptures to memory, and then throw right back upon Satan when he comes with his temptations, “It is written.” This is the way that our Lord met the temptations of Satan, and resisted them. Be determined that you will not live without the presence and light and love of Jesus, and then you will have precious victories, and will know who is the Source of your strength. 

— The Review and Herald, April 10, 1888 

The Response 

Have confidence in God and lay your soul open before His scrutinizing eye. Come with boldness to the throne of God, believing and claiming the promises.  

Store your mind with Scripture truth. Accept the truth to do a great work in you, that you may understand how to make an impression upon other minds. 

Humble yourself before God acknowledging that your knowledge of truth is from His special help and not any ability of your own. 

Build a wall of scriptures around you. Invite the presence, light and love of Jesus in your life and seek to know Him as the Source of your strength.