Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

— Philippians 4:8, NLT 

THE TESTIMONY

Let every one who claims to be a follower of Christ, read only that which is true and of eternal value.

In the days of Paul, those who were converted at Ephesus burned their magical books. We would do well to clear our houses of all the story magazines and the publications containing ridiculous pictures—representations originated by satanic agencies. The youth can not afford to poison their minds with such things. 

May the Lord help us to appropriate the instruction that Christ gave his disciples just prior to his crucifixion. We are to build up one another in the most holy faith. A Christian can not mingle with worldlings as one of their number. Though living in the world, we are not to be of the world. 

How can any one afford to waste precious time and God-given means in doing those things that are not for his best good or for the glory of God? The Scriptures are to be studied diligently, and are to be made the man of our counsel. None can afford to neglect this source of strength and blessing. 

Our gatherings should be characterized by a decided religious influence. If our young people would assemble to read and understand the Scriptures, asking, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” and then place themselves unitedly upon the side of truth, the Lord Jesus would let his blessing come into their hearts. 

To all, old and young, the word of the Lord is: Let the truth of God be inwrought in mind and soul. Let your prayer be, “O Lord, preserve my soul, that I shall not dishonor thee.” Let your prayers ascend to God, that he may sanctify the soul in thought, in word, in spirit, in every transaction. Plead with God that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into the fabric of your character. Let the prayer be offered: “Sanctify my heart through the truth. Let thy angels keep my soul in strict integrity. Let my mind be impressed with the simple, searching maxims in thy Word, given to guide me in this life as a preparation for the future, eternal life.” 

— Review and Herald, July 19, 1906 

THE RESPONSE

Study the Scriptures diligently as the source of your strength and blessing, make it the man of your counsel.

Pray that God may sanctify your soul in thought, in word, in spirit, in every transaction.

Plead with God that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into the fabric of your character.

Pray, “Sanctify my heart through the truth. Let Your angels keep my soul in strict integrity. Let my mind be impressed with the simple, searching maxims in Your Word given to guide me in this life as a preparation for the future, eternal life.”