Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Beware! Danger Stalks!

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Beware! Danger Stalks!

There is much theoretical, or academic knowledge floating around in people’s minds, but, very little heart action is seen. What is needed is active knowledge for when it is inactive, danger is stalking around and that danger is Satan!

“Experience is knowledge derived from experiment. Experimental religion is what is needed now. ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good.’ Some—yes, a large number—have a theoretical knowledge of religious truth, but have never felt the renewing power of divine grace upon their own hearts. …

  • They believe in the wrath of God, but put forth no earnest efforts to escape it.
  • They believe in heaven, but make no sacrifice to obtain it.
  • They believe in the value of the soul and that erelong its redemption ceaseth forever. Yet they neglect the most precious opportunities to make their peace with God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 221.

“Satan believes the truth and trembles, yet this kind of faith possesses no virtue. Many who have made a high profession of faith are deficient in good works.” Ibid., vol. 2, 657. The devil loves it when people just believe. Beware of belief without action for that is where danger lurks!

  • “They may read the Bible, but its threatenings do not alarm or its promises win them.
  • They approve things that are excellent, yet they follow the way in which God has forbidden them to go.
  • They know a refuge, but do not avail themselves of it.
  • They know a remedy for sin, but do not use it.
  • They know the right, but have no relish for it.
  • All their knowledge will but increase their condemnation. They have never tasted and learned by experience that the Lord is good.” Ibid., vol. 5, 221, 222.

Beware! Head knowledge will not do you or anyone else any good unless it reaches out through the heart and touches others. “The Christian life is a warfare. … Today sin is cherished and excused. The sharp sword of the Spirit, the word of God, does not cut to the soul. Has religion changed? Has Satan’s enmity to God abated? A religious life once presented difficulties and demanded self-denial. All is made very easy now. And why is this? The professed people of God have compromised with the power of darkness. …

“The path to heaven is no smoother now than in the days of our Saviour.” Ibid., 222.

The danger of compromise is so strong. Knowledge is exceptional but heart action is lifeless. Pray for that new heart and compromise no longer with Satan. Beware! Your life and the lives of all around you are in danger.

Father: I praise you for Your longsuffering and mercy toward us. The war is at a standstill and we have made compromises. Our lights have grown dim in the shadow of Satan’s darkness. We need Thy truth to shine through our hearts for we have buried it beneath the dust of our lives. Help us to bring forth Thy truth that it may dispel the darkness around us. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Provoked to Destruction

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Through the action of the masses, Satan attempted to provoke Jesus, through the mob, to lose the image of God. He continues using the same methods today hoping to destroy the image of God in Christ’s followers, thus causing them to be lost as he is.

“Satan instigated [provoked] the cruel abuse of the debased mob led on by the priests and rulers,

  • to provoke, if possible, retaliation from the world’s Redeemer, or
  • to drive Him to deliver Himself by a miracle from the hands of His persecutors, and
  • thus break up the plan of salvation.
  • one stain upon His human life,
  • one failure of His humanity to bear the terrible test imposed upon it,
  • would make the Lamb of God an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man would be a failure.” The Present Truth, January 7, 1886.

Is Satan provoking you? Be strong dear Christian! Do not join under the black banner! “I saw Satan planting his banner in the households of those who profess to be God’s chosen ones, but those who are walking in the light should be able to discern the difference between the black banner of the adversary and the bloodstained standard of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 200.

Are your eyes open to any provocations of Satan? Ask for spiritual discernment! Look or lose!

“Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan’s black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ. They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1107.

“The Holy Spirit is an effective helper in restoring the image of God in the human soul.” The Faith I Live By, 52.

On the other hand, Satan’s spirit is a destructive force and will do anything to place us under his black banner. “Satan had declared to his synagogue that not a single human soul would maintain his loyalty to God’s commandments. One soul saved would prove this statement to be false. One soul saved would demonstrate the righteousness of God’s government. Created in the image of God, man must not be left for Satan to rule and ruin.” The Upward Look, 223.

Here are just a few of Satan’s tricks of provocation. He provokes jealousy, opposition, a hasty reply, anger, children and adults to wrath, tempers, opposition, the divine displeasure, controversies, debate, the wrath of God, and much more. Is there anything in your character that responds to Satan’s provocation causing you to reflect his character and to enlist you under his banner?

Watch and pray! Learn to identify which spirit is working with you and around you by watching carefully. Learn to identify and distinguish the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life from the fruits of Satan.

Father: Thank you for sending Thine only begotten Son to fight the battle with Satan. Thank you Jesus for remaining faithful through all of the provocations and attacks of Satan. Give me peace of mind and heart that I may remain focused on heavenly things and not be drawn away from Your presence by any attempt by Satan to enlist me under his black banner. Amen!

Keys to the Storehouse – Step Fast, But Not Back

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Now is not the time to be going backward. There is no time to reverse our direction or step back from that narrow path leading to the heavenly country. Don’t look back as Lot’s wife did. We are strangers in this country and there is no reason for us to step back and look.

Many of our brethren took that step backward. “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.” Manuscript Releases, Book 1, 107. The Lord said, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward” (Isaiah 1:4). Terrible thought.

Do not be tempted to join the crowd that is stepping back.

“The people of God in these last days must expect to enter into the thick of the conflict; for the prophetic Word says, ‘The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ’ (Revelation 12:17).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1153.

You need to be aware that, “those who have decided to obey the commandments of God will understand by experience that they have adversaries who are controlled by a power from beneath. Such adversaries beset Christ at every step, how constantly and determinedly no human being can ever know. Christ’s disciples, like their Master, are followed by continual temptation.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 170.

Who is pursuing? “Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God.” Ibid., 171. Don’t step back, but step fast.

“In the professedly Christian world, even in the professed churches of Christ, how few are governed by Christian principles. In business, social, domestic, even religious circles, how few make the teachings of Christ the rule of daily living. …

“Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?” The Ministry of Healing, 142, 143. They have stepped back.

We must step fast. “Said the angel, Deny self; ‘ye must step fast.’ Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. …” Early Writings, 67.

Heavenly Father: There is no time to step back. No time to turn away from heavenly principles. There is an urgency to step fast. “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5). As I step fast, guide my every thought and action so that I will follow Your leading wherever You send me and not step back—even for one moment. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Now or Never

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The following are two statements which we really need to think on as they pertain to our spiritual preparation. Pablo Picasso stated: “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” and Benjamin Franklin said: “You may delay, but time will not.”

Today is the day to make our decisions. Tomorrow is not ours and it may never be ours.

  • “It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world.
  • It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness.
  • It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character.

‘Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts’ (Hebrews 3:15). We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. ‘But ye, brethren,’ says Paul, ‘are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief’ (I Thessalonians 5:4).

  • It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness,
  • joy out of sorrow, and
  • rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 215, 216.

We may stop our spiritual preparations, but time stops for nobody. We may slow down, but the seconds tick on and continue to pass. Are you lagging behind?

“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will

  • never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. …
  • never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. …
  • never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.

All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” Ibid., 216.

Think on the things of God today and prepare your heart for life in heaven now. Tomorrow is not yours, but today is. This moment will pass. As it passes, will it be filled with heavenly treasures that will be stored for you? Or, will it be empty and heavy with sorrows and regrets?

Heavenly Father: You have given me this day to do all to Thy glory. Help me to let go of the world and prepare for heaven. Let my thoughts be placed on heavenly things so that I may avoid all sorrows and regrets as time passes. Please continue to remind me that time stops for nobody and that I only have this moment to walk in Thy ways. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Forgiveness

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Forgiveness does not create character. Many believe that all they need is to be forgiven and they are ready to go to heaven. Could that belief be wrong? The following may give insight about forgiveness and character.

“In the work of restoring man from sin, there are two distinct phases, which every seeker after this restoration needs to understand very clearly and to distinguish, but which are often too little understood.

“First: Those who come to Christ are given forgiveness for all their past sins upon repentance. After man has repented and been forgiven he is not counted as guilty, but he does not yet have a good character—because forgiveness does not and cannot give character—cannot restore the image of God in man; it can only take away the existing condemnation. Therefore God could not restore the eternal life to those who receive forgiveness only, if they were to develop no character. Such people would only continue disobeying and needing forgiveness. …

“Second: A righteous character is developed through continued obedience—through overcoming. This experience must follow that of forgiveness. This is the proof of the sincerity of the repentance. … It is obedience which develops character. ‘Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience.’ The Acts of the Apostles, 561. Forgiveness may be the work of a moment, but the development of a character cannot be done that quickly.

‘The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in God’s power to save, are acquired by the experience of years.’ The Ministry of Healing, 454.

“Therefore in the present probation man is given another opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty to God through obedience.

“The great controversy in heaven between good and evil was transferred to this earth. Satan said that the obedience which God required could not possibly be rendered. And in the first probation given to man (Adam), Satan helped man to depart from obedience; and in the second probation which men now have, he does all he can to make it difficult and impossible for man to return to his obedience.

“And so all down through the ages God has been calling for obedience and helping man to obey, while Satan has been saying it could not be done, and doing all he could to prevent it. The history of the world and the church from that time to this would give the impression that Satan has been more successful than has God.” The Place of Health Reform in Character Development, Julius Gilbert White, 5, 6, Light Bearers “Present Truth” Ministries, 1989.

Ask God to forgive you and then make it a point to demonstrate your loyalty to God through obedience to all of His laws, health laws included. God is waiting for each of us to develop a righteous character. He is waiting for you!

Heavenly Father: What a miracle it is that Jesus died that He might cover our confessed sins and by His continued grace we may perfect a character fit for heaven. The devil is roaring to prevent this miracle so I plead for you to “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5). Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Satan, Job and You

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Our Lord allowed Satan the opportunity to test Job. Read again the first and second chapters of Job so that you may refresh your mind with what happened to Job, because each of us will be tested, as Job was by Satan, as allowed by the Searcher of hearts. Are you ready for the test?

“Of Job, the patriarch of Uz, the testimony of the Searcher of hearts was, ‘There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil.’

“Against this man, Satan brought scornful charge: ‘Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast Thou not made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? … Put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath;’ ‘touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face.’

“The Lord said unto Satan, ‘All that he hath is in thy power.’ ‘Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.’

“Thus permitted, Satan swept away all that Job possessed—flocks and herds, menservants and maidens, sons and daughters; and he ‘smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown’ (Job 1:8–12; 2:5–7).” Education, 155.

Think of Job’s experience as you read the following end time prophecy:

“As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God.” The Great Controversy, 618.

Do not think that you or any other professed Christian will escape the testing time. No.

  • Satan will accuse us
  • Our Lord will permit Satan to try us to the uttermost
  • Our confidence in God and our faith and firmness will be severely tested

Oh my brothers and sisters, now is the time to build up our faith in Jesus as our Saviour and Redeemer. The testing time coming for each of us will “require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried.” Conflict and Courage, 369.

Are you ready? This is the game of eternal life. Satan wants to win the game against you and cause you to lose eternal life, eternal happiness because he has lost the battle. Don’t let him! Stand for God now no matter what earthly comforts you may lose. Now is the day of preparation. Job lost all, but God restored much more than he had lost. Will you let go of this world and stand for God at the loss of all earthly things?

Heavenly Father, Give me the strength now to do what is right, no matter what the cost. I want You to be able to say of me as you said about Job: “There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil.” This is the desire of my heart. You have promised: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). I claim that promise. I choose eternal life with You rather than eternal death with the devil. Help me Lord! Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Is Obedience Necessary?

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Is it true that no truth is so unimportant that obedience to it is unnecessary? Many will say: “Oh, it is just a little thing! God is forgiving and merciful—He knows our hearts!” Is obedience necessary? Is there really a violation of truth so small that God will overlook it? Would it be heaven if all of the “small” sins were brought in?

We live in a world of people who are brainwashed by media and movies, who watch play-acting on television and copy those things until their lives reflect what they watch. There are so many fake people play-acting that this behavior now seems to be the norm. Sin has become so common that it has become normal behavior. “The traditions of men, like floating germs, attach themselves to the truth of God, and men regard them as a part of the truth.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1094, 1095.

Seriously contemplate on the following:

“There is no truth so small but is worthy to be known, no duty so inconsiderable as to render obedience unnecessary or indifferent. Remember Lot’s wife, who for looking back was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Nadab and Abihu were smitten with fire from heaven for offering strange fire (Leviticus 10:1, 2). Achan was destroyed for saving of the spoils against God’s command (Joshua 7:20, 21). King Saul was threatened with the loss of his kingdom for being disobedient to God’s command, ‘for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry; because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king’ (I Samuel 15:23). And the men of Bethshemesh, for looking into the ark of the Lord, ‘even He smote of the people above fifty thousand’ (I Samuel 6:19). Uzzah was slain for touching the ark of the Lord (I Chronicles 13:10). And the young man’s salvation rendered improbable for not parting with his possessions when commanded by Christ (Matthew 19:21). Ananias and his wife for telling a lie were struck with death (Acts 5:5). These by many are thought to be small sins; yet divine judgment attended these sinners, and it is but just that they who will not obey in little things should be denied a great reward.

“We see no such punishments in our days upon persons profaning the Sabbath. ‘Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil’ (Ecclesiastes 8:11).” Defense of the Sabbath, by George Carlow, 1847, 19, 20. Re-produced by HIS Vine Publishing Association.

Please do not think that any truth from God’s word is so small that it need not be taken seriously. Stand for truth today. Obedience is necessary.

Heavenly Father: The world around me has become so normal in my eyes that I have slipped and joined that which I thought was good but found it was drawing me away into thoughtlessness and little sins. Forgive me. Restore unto me spiritual eyesight that I may discern the devil’s floating germs in which the whole world has become entwined, allowing approval of little sins. I choose to serve You in truth and not serve the world in tradition. Please give me spiritual discernment and grace. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Angel Messenger

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Are you one of those persons the word of God calls an angel? One meaning from the 1828 Webster’s dictionary is: “Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information from one person to another …”

“To prepare human beings for this event [Christ’s second coming], He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 978, 979.

The first angel said, “Fear God, and give glory to Him …” (Revelation 14:7). Is that angel you? You will know whether you are that angel by what you are thinking and doing. “To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 979.

Does your life reveal God’s character? “If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 310. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). What fruits are we talking about? “… love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance …” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Those who truly embrace the truth and allow it to become part of their lives will bear these fruits which will flow through them and touch the people around them. All are called to be an angel with a special message from the heavenly courts.

“I saw a number of companies that seemed to be bound together by cords. Many in these companies were in total darkness; their eyes were directed downward to the earth, and there seemed to be no connection between them and Jesus. But scattered through these different companies were persons whose countenances looked light, and whose eyes were raised to heaven. Beams of light from Jesus, like rays from the sun, were imparted to them. … I heard the voice of an angel cry, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:7).

[Are you that angel crying to others: “Fear God and give glory to Him” by your actions and words? Have you so broken ties with the world around you that Jesus Christ is first in every area of your life?]

“A glorious light then rested down upon these companies, to enlighten all who would receive it. Some of those who were in darkness received the light and rejoiced. Others resisted the light from heaven, saying that it was sent to lead them astray. The light passed away from them, and they were left in darkness.” Early Writings, 240.

Live up to your high calling! Be the Lord’s messenger and take your position now! “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory [His character] shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1, 2).

Heavenly Father: Help me to be one of those angels bearing the last message to a fallen world. I want to embrace all of the truth which You have shared with me that it may shine unto others through my actions and demeanor. Please allow Your glory to shine in and through me this day. Use me Father for I choose to be Your angel with Your last message to this perishing world. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Get Past Those Frustrations!

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To strive means to make an earnest effort with deep heartfelt words and actions. Strive to get past frustrations.

Jesus said, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate …” (Luke 13:24). This gate is narrow, and many times it will contain difficulties and distresses. “A strait gate means a gate difficult to enter. … how hard it is for men and women to leave the world and the attractions it holds, and heartily and lovingly obey the commandments of God. The wide gate is easy to enter. Entrance through it does not call for the restrictions which are painful to the human heart. Self-denial and self-sacrifice are not seen in the broad way. There depraved appetite and natural inclinations find abundant room. There may be seen self-indulgence, pride, envy, evil surmisings, love of money, self-exaltation.” That I May Know Him, 304.

Strive to get past the frustrations of this world of pride, envy, jealousy, and similar faults.

“The belated traveler, hurrying to reach the city gate by the going down of the sun, could not turn aside for any attractions by the way. His whole mind was bent on the one purpose of entering the gate. The same intensity of purpose, said Jesus, is required in the Christian life. …

“The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. … The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 141.

“Strive by prayer without ceasing. At all times, in all places, lift up your heart to God. Give Him no rest till you, like the psalmist, ‘awake with God’s likeness’ (Psalm 17:15) and are satisfied with it.

“Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. Strive, not only by this agony of soul, of conviction, of sorrow, of shame, of desire, of fear, of unceasing prayer.

“Strive, likewise, by putting in order all your conversation, your whole life, by walking with all your strength in all the ways of God—the way of innocence, of piety, and of mercy. Shun all the appearance of evil. Do all possible good to all people. Deny your own will in all things, and take up your cross daily.

“Be ready to cut off everything that would hinder, and to cast it from you. Be ready and willing to suffer the loss of possessions, of friends, of health—of all things on earth—so you may enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The Best of John Wesley on Prayer, 17, 2007 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. [Emphasis added.]

Strive today! Make that earnest effort today to walk with God. Soon it will be too late to strive. The invitation to walk with God will cease. Strive now!

Heavenly Father: Give me the courage right now to make that earnest effort to be in your kingdom, to strive with all of my heart and soul and to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). There is no future here. Through Jesus you have reserved in heaven my inheritance. Please keep me in the narrow way, out of the worldly stressors and in Thy presence where my peace may be found and my heavenly future secured. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Why Trials?

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Have you noticed that the true character of a person comes out during a period of stress or trial? Many have watched the character of a professed Christian crumble under trial. We would never know what was truly in our hearts unless God allowed a trial, or test, to come upon us. In I Peter 1:7 we are told: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Pray that when a trial comes upon you, you will recognize that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Pray that your actions and reactions will reflect the character of our Saviour and not the character of the usurper of this world. We do not know what is in our hearts until we are tested.

Pray for that test or trial, so you may know and understand what is really in your heart. Pray for the Lord to disclose what is really in the heart. There is no way for us to know when we are under the control of the devil unless something happens that brings forth our real character. We are told:

“Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan’s power without, we must be delivered from his power within.

  • The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character.
  • He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier.

“Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. …” Christ’s Object Lessons, 174, 175. [Emphasis added.]

Pray moment by moment that the Lord will keep your heart no matter what kind of trial comes. “There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.” Ibid.

Pray for a character that will draw others to the Saviour! Remember to persevere! Those trials “… are not worthy to be compared with the eternal weight of glory awaiting the overcomer. They are God’s workmen, ordained for the perfection of character. However great the deprivation and suffering of the Christian, however dark and inscrutable may seem the way of Providence, he is to rejoice in the Lord, knowing that all is working for his good.” The Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.

Father: Try me that I may see what my real self is like. Try me that I may see and repent of my shortcomings. Try me that I may come forth as gold tried in the furnace after it has done its work on my heart and removed all of the devil’s control within me. I want to be saved and not stuck with self and aligned with the devil and lose eternal life. Oh, help Lord! Amen.