Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE  

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

— 2 Timothy 2:15,16, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY  

The special, deceptive work of Satan has been to provoke controversies, that there might be strivings about words to no profit. He well knows that this will occupy the mind and the time. It raises the combativeness, and quenches the spirit of conviction, in the minds of many, drawing them into diversity of opinions, accusation, and prejudice, which closes the door to the truth... Let your words be few. Let God speak. Let the plain, “Thus saith the Lord” settle all controversies. 

Satan will seek to create argument upon different points that might better remain unmentioned... Let the mind dwell upon the great work of redemption, the soon-coming of Christ, and the commandments of God; and it will be found that there is enough food for thought in these subjects to take up the entire attention. 

There are subjects that are sadly neglected, that should be largely dwelt upon. The burden of our message should be the mission and life of Jesus Christ. Let there be a dwelling upon the humiliation, self-denial, meekness, and lowliness of Christ, that proud and selfish hearts may see the difference between themselves and the Pattern, and may be humbled.

The constant surrender of the will to God, brings conquests in the spiritual life. We must not be overcome with Satan’s specious temptations. We must war against them, if we would gain the prize of perfect peace. This peace is not the peace that the world giveth, but the peace of Christ.

The most precious promises of God are to be claimed, and held fast, by the exercise of faith. The gifts of Him who has all power in heaven and in earth, are in store for the children of God. Gifts so precious that they come to us through the costly sacrifice of the Redeemer’s blood; gifts that will satisfy the deepest craving of the heart; gifts lasting as eternity, will be received and enjoyed by all who will come to God as little children. Take God’s promises as your own, plead them before him as his own words; and you will receive fullness of joy. 

— The Review and Herald, September 11, 1888

THE RESPONSE  

Settle all controversies with the plain, “Thus says the Lord.” Let your words be few. 

Let the focus of the message be about the mission and life of Jesus Christ. Dwell upon His humiliation, self-denial, meekness and gentleness. 

Claim and hold fast to the precious promises of God by exercising your faith. Come to Him as a little child to receive and enjoy His precious gifts. 

Take God’s promises as your own. Plead them before Him as His own words and you will receive fullness of joy.