Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

— 2 Timothy 3:16,17, MEV 

The Testimony 

The word of God, spoken to the heart, has an animating power. 

No one can attain Christian perfection while neglecting the Word of God. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” This search enables the student to observe closely the divine model. And as he studies the life of the Redeemer, he discovers in himself many faults and weaknesses. He sees that he can not be a follower of Christ without surrendering all to him. Diligently he studies, with a desire to be like the great Exemplar; and he catches the spirit of his beloved Master. By beholding, he becomes changed. It is by thinking of Jesus, by talking of him, by studying his character, that we become changed. 

The apostle tells us that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God…” If we would search the Scriptures, our hearts would burn within us as the truths revealed therein are opened to our understanding. Our hopes would brighten as we claim the precious promises strewn like pearls through the Sacred Writings. As we study the history of patriarchs and prophets, men who loved and feared God, walking with him, our souls would glow with the spirit that animated them. 

The question is asked, What is the cause of the dearth of spiritual power in the churches? The answer is, We allow our minds to be drawn away from the Word. If the Word of God were eaten as food for the soul, if it were treated with respect and deference, there would be no necessity for the many repeated testimonies that are borne. The simple declarations of Scripture would be received and acted upon. The word of the living God is not merely written, but spoken. It is God’s voice speaking to us just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe we would open God’s Word, and with what earnestness we would search its pages. The reading of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Most High. 

— The Review and Herald, March 31, 1903 

The Response 

Dear Lord, I come before You to receive Your word. Forgive me that I have allowed my mind to be drawn away from the word of life. I long to hear Your voice speaking to me and surrender my life to all Your teachings. My desire is to be like my beloved Redeemer, show me Your ways as I open the word and claim Your precious promises so I may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.