Prayer and Promises

If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have much more of his presence.

The Lord wants us to come up into the mount,—more directly into his presence. We are coming to a crisis, which, more than any previous time since the world began, will demand the entire consecration of every faculty of the mind and every power of the being, on the part of all who have named the name of Christ. 

There must be an earnest longing, a soul-hunger, for the presence of the Lord. Make him your support, your front guard and your rearward. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” 

He is only waiting to be invited by us with earnest heart, with sincere desire. Nothing is wanting but a preparation of heart; we are to clear away the rubbish, open the door, and invite Jesus to come in and abide with us. Simple, earnest, believing prayer always brings him to our side as a mighty helper. 

We are not to look at ourselves. The more we dwell on our imperfections, the less strength we shall have to overcome them. Jesus says, “Look unto me, and be ye saved.” It is not necessary for us to be ever stumbling and repenting, and writing bitter things against ourselves. It is our privilege to believe the promises of the word of God, and accept the blessings that Jesus loves to bestow, that our joy may be full. 

Put away all doubt. Dismiss your fears. Obtain the experience that Paul had when he exclaimed, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Surrender everything to Christ, and let your life be hid with Christ in God. Then you will be a power for good. 

The Lord did not lock the reservoir of heaven after pouring his Spirit upon the early disciples. We also may receive of the fullness of his blessing. Heaven is full of the treasures of his grace, and those who come to God in faith may claim all that he has promised. 

— The Home Missionary, November 1, 1890