Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Obedience Brings Thanksgiving

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“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1

“We should ever remember that thanksgiving is the fruit of true, willing obedience. The Lord is the object of our worship, and to praise His holy name shows respect for His efficiency. God says, ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.’ …

“The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God. The line of demarcation between those who utter the holy name of God in blasphemy, and those who praise Him with heart and with voice, is clear and distinct. He who is truly converted will glorify God as he beholds the wonderful things of His creation, the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars, the changing beauty of the heavens. To him all nature will declare God’s mighty power. He will be led to give glory to His holy name. …

“ ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ …

“What greater encouragement and assurance than this could the Lord give His loyal, commandment-keeping people? Have we not every reason for changing our attitude toward God? Is it not our duty to show the world that we appreciate the love of Christ? … He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with praise and thanksgiving; and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression of praise from His people, showing that they know they have reason for manifesting joy and gladness. …

“We are to glorify God by keeping His commandments. Christ said: ‘If ye love Me, keep My commandments.’ …

“… Christ is with His children, enlightening their minds and leading them to call upon Him. As they do this, He hears their prayers and purifies their hearts. They see Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. They do not walk in accordance with the ways of the world. They ask God for Christ’s sake to help them, and they receive the help they ask for. …

“Christ has declared that the cross which makes the line of demarcation between His people and the world so distinct is not a cross of discouragement, but a cross of salvation. Love for the Saviour will lead us to acknowledge this. God has given human beings all that ministers to their happiness, and in return He asks them to lay their gifts and offerings on His altar. Shall we disregard this requirement? Shall we fail of offering God praise and thanksgiving in word and deed?” The Review and Herald, November 20, 1900

Dear Lord, for all the things that You have given to us, we ask that You also will bestow the strength and grace needed to be faithful commandment keepers, seeking always to do Your will. May we sing praises to You for Your marvelous works in this world and in our lives, now and throughout eternity.

Keys to the Storehouse – Why Should He Love Me So

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My mother sang all of her life. When I was very young, she would be up front at church leading songs or singing in the choir or performing alone. As a young woman, she was part of an evangelistic team in the northeastern United States. In those days, evangelistic meetings might involve a big tent or auditorium and staying in the community for many months after the meetings themselves were done to follow up with those who wanted Bible studies. Mother sang duets with another lady named Cassie during the meetings and also on the radio. I always thought that if I could sing half as good as she did, that would be good enough.

I remember many Sabbaths when I sat on the front row pew of the church while she performed her responsibilities up front. Still today, many of the songs that she sang are my personal favorites: In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and one I heard the other day on the radio, Why Should He Love Me So?

This is a beautiful song from a musical perspective, but even more so when you understand the words.

 

Love sent my Saviour to die in my stead,

Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.

 

Nails pierced His hands and His feet for my sin,

He suffered sore my salvation to win.

 

O how He agonized there in my place,

Nothing withholding my sin to efface.

 

Why should He love me so?

Why should my Saviour to Calvary go?

Why should He love me so?

 

It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”

“That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.” The Sanctified Life, 57

“Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. … The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer. …

“It was a costly sacrifice that the Lord of heaven made. Divine benevolence was stirred to its unfathomable depths; it was impossible for God to give more.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 59, 60

Lord, we know that You will never leave us, physically and spiritually sick as we are. We cannot fathom the love that it took to go to Calvary, giving Your life so that we would not perish. But we must commit our lives to following and obeying You. You, who are the Author and Finisher of our faith and the only One who can heal us from this sin sickness and restore us to Your image. Please do that today, Lord.

Keys to the Storehouse – Invited, but …

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King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is an example of an invitation received and accepted. We know that the invitation was not accepted at first. In fact, every manifestation of God’s power and presence were denied, including the most obvious example when Christ walked among the flames of the fiery furnace with the three worthies. Repeatedly, Nebuchadnezzar rejected the extended invitation until God, in His mercy, took from Nebuchadnezzar all that he had, including his senses.

“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:25

For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, no longer a king, with no subjects, eating grass in the field. And then, his reason was restored and Ellen White says:

“[L]ooking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. …

“God’s purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.” Conflict and Courage, 253

Brought to see his own weakness, he acknowledged the supremacy of God.

“ ‘At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. And He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou? … Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 186

“King Nebuchadnezzar, before whom Daniel so often honored the name of God, was finally thoroughly converted, and learned to ‘praise and extol and honor the King of heaven.’ ” The Review and Herald, January 11, 1906

“The king upon the Babylonian throne became a witness for God, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace, the righteousness and peace, of the divine nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 13, 1904

Lord, You have extended this same invitation to the whole world. You loved the people of this world so much that You gave Your life for us and promised to save us from our sins. Two thousand years ago You said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Help us not to leave the invitation unopened. Let us accept it with joyous hearts and then extend it to all with whom we come in contact.

Who Am I?

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“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’ ” Matthew 16:13–17

Jesus is:

I AM (John 8:58)

Creator (Isaiah 40:28)

Son of God (1 John 4:15)

The First and the Last (Isaiah 44:6)

The Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8)

The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

The Word (John 1:1, 14)

Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)

Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)

Bread of life (John 6:35)

Redeemer (Isaiah 48:17)

Messiah (John 1:41)

Jehovah (Isaiah 12:2 KJV)

Lamb of God (John 1:29)

The Remedy for sin (John 3:17)

One who is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17)

The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)

Our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25)

Advocate (1 John 2:1)

Sanctifier (Hebrews 2:11)

The Light of the world (John 9:5)

The Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6)

The Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)

Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning (Revelation 3:14)

Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

My Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Strength, my God (Psalm 18:2)

Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)

Teacher, Preacher, Healer (Matthew 4:23, 24)

Our Pattern (1 Timothy 1:16; Philippians 2:5)

Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)

King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16)

My Friend (John 15:15)

My Brother (Matthew 12:50)

My Salvation (Psalm 62:2)

“[T]he one great lesson the students [we] must learn is to seek with all their [our] heart, mind, and strength to know God and obey Him implicitly. The science of the salvation of the human soul is the first lesson of life. No line of literature or education in book knowledge is to become supreme. But to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent, is life eternal.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 1, 358

At all times and in all circumstances Jesus is just the One we need. We must ever look to Him, for it is only by keeping our focus on Him that we are able to intimately know who He is and to be like Him.

The day is coming when He will return to take us home, and on that not-far-off day, we can say with joy, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord.” Isaiah 25:9

Lord, help us to always look to You, our Creator, Redeemer, Pattern, Intercessor, and Friend.

Together With Him

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Derek Redmond is a retired British sprinter. For a time he held the British record for the 400 meter run and was a member of the team that beat the much-favored American team in the 4 x 400 meter relay at the 1991 World Championships—a race that was, up to that point, the second-fastest 4 x 400 meter relay in history.

Derek went to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, but had to pull out during the opening round of the 400 meter race because of an injury to his Achilles tendon. But by 1992, he was once again in good form and heading to the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He performed extremely well all the way through the quarter-final race. But after starting well in the semi-final, he tore his hamstring in the back straight about 250 meters from the finish line. Crippled with pain, he fell to the ground. The medical team brought a stretcher to carry him off the field, but Derek was determined to finish the race and began hobbling down the track.

As Derek slowly and painfully made his way toward the finish line, Jim Redmond, Derek’s father, pushed his way through security and ran to him. Wrapping his arm around the young man’s shoulder for support, they completed the final lap together. Although they crossed the finish line, because Derek had required help to finish the race, he was officially disqualified and the Olympic record states that he did not finish the race.

Source: Wikipedia.

Friends, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that this race of life will be won. Help from the Holy Spirit will not cause us to be disqualified, but will enable us to finish the race. Both the redemption of our own souls as well as the souls of those for whom we are laboring depend on our connection with God.

“God is stronger than any human influence. If we will accept Him as our Educator, if we will make Him our strength and righteousness, He will work in our behalf.” Loma Linda Messages, 444

“We cannot fall as long as we hope and trust in God. Let every soul of us, ministers and people, say, as did Paul, ‘I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air,’ but with a holy faith and hope, in expectation of winning the prize. Say to your soul, ‘Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.’ By precept and example encourage faith, confidence, assurance. This is the work of the Comforter, and it is your work to cooperate with God’s agencies.” The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893

“We may come to Him just as we are, helpless, destitute, needy, and He will not send us empty away. The riches of the universe belong to God … He can supply all our needs out of His abundant fullness. We receive our breath from Him; every blessing in nature that we enjoy is an expression of His love. We are likewise dependent upon Him for spiritual blessings, for grace and wisdom and strength to do the will of God. And He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children.” The Signs of the Times, August 21, 1884

Dear Lord, we are crippled with sin and unable to finish this race alone. Extend Your mighty arm to us and as we rely upon its strength, bring us home.

Keys to the Storehouse – In the Garden

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My mother had a beautiful soprano voice. As a young woman, she worked with an evangelistic team as a Bible worker, but she also sang for the meetings and often on radio. As a young child, it was not unusual for me to sit alone on the front pew on Sabbath morning while she sang in the choir, led the congregational hymns, or had special music.

One of her favorite hymns, one she sang quite often for special music, was “In the Garden.” It has become one of my favorite hymns as well; so much so that I have memorized all the verses and as I contemplate each one, this hymn takes on an even greater significance to me, particularly the chorus.

He walks with me and He talks with me

And He tells me, I am His own

 Think of it, Jesus telling you that you are His! Mrs. White tells us that there was a “sweet melody” in His voice, full of sympathy and tenderness (The Publishing Ministry, 269).

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing

 “Jesus’ voice of invitation is heard, Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; take My yoke [not a yoke that you have manufactured] and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [See Matthew 11:28, 29.] Take all your temporal concerns to Jesus. … You can say, I have laid down all my burdens at the feet of Jesus. I have committed myself without reserve into His care. He has me in charge; I am not my own; I am bought with a price.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 12, 106

It is true that we cannot with our eyes see Him today or physically walk with Him in the way, but with eyes and a heart of faith we can be certain that He is with us, that He speaks to us through the study of His word and through the power of His Holy Spirit.

“[T]he Holy Spirit can strengthen our spiritual eyesight, enabling us to see what our natural eyes cannot see, or our ears hear, or our minds comprehend. By the Spirit which searches all things, even the deep things of God, have been revealed precious truths which cannot be described by pen or voice.

“In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity. …

“The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power.

“Every heart that has been visited by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will reveal the working of the Spirit of God in voice, mind, and character.” Sons and Daughters of God, 34

And the joy we share, as we tarry there,

None other has ever known

Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to know Your voice and to feel Your presence every day.

Keys to the Storehouse – It Clicked, it Whirred, but Nothing

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camera with roll of filmA friend related to me an experience she had while taking photographs at an event. As she took the pictures, the camera would make a whirring sound when she clicked the button to take the picture and then the flash would go off. After a while she got to thinking that she had taken a lot of pictures for one roll of film. She wondered if it was possible that she had forgotten to put film in the camera. The camera had been doing everything it was supposed to do, but had it taken any pictures? She wanted to look to see if there was film in the camera, but then she didn’t want to look, because if there wasn’t any … Finally, she did look and sure enough, there was no film in the camera.

This made me think of the scripture we find in John 15:5, last part: “[F]or without Me you can do nothing.” My friend took pictures for a long time, but without the film in the camera, she was simply going through the motions of photographing the events around her; there would be no photographs.

Let’s think about that from a spiritual perspective. The first part of John 15:5 says, “I [Jesus] am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit … .” Many people consider themselves to be Christians and yet Christ does not live in them. Most of these people aren’t even aware that all the while they claim the name, they actually lack the very thing that makes them Christian—a Christlike character, Christlikeness.

“When true conversion takes place, there is a transformation of character. Christlikeness is seen.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 142

“The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God’s commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number who shall compose the family of heaven.” God’s Amazing Grace, 148

We may do all the right things—pay tithe, go to church, help others—but if the Holy Spirit has been unable to perform the transforming work in our hearts, writing the law of God there, making it a fit place in which Christ may dwell, then we are no better than the Pharisees, described by Jesus as being “… like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. … outwardly appear[ing] righteous to men, but inside … full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27, 28

“These fearful denunciations were made upon the Jews, because, while teaching the law of God to the people, they were not doers of the word. … So it is in our day.” The Review and Herald, August 29, 1899

Let this be our prayer:

Lord help us “to make our lives what Christ designs them to be, full of the fragrance of love to God and our fellow men, full of Christ’s own divine Spirit, full of holy aspirations toward God, rich in the beauty of Christlikeness.” Our High Calling, 274

[Emphasis supplied.]

Keys to the Storehouse – God So Loved the World

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John 3:16 is a scripture known throughout the Christian world and likely well beyond it.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Whoever believes in Jesus does not have to die, because He sacrificed Himself so that all who could accept the gift of everlasting life might have it.

It is also true that Jesus accepts us as we are, with no expectation, but the idea that “as we are” stops there is not supported by Scripture.

I’m often frustrated by the fact that we pay so little attention to verse 17, particularly given the amount of conversation regarding acceptance and tolerance in terms of how the world uses “what would Jesus do” as a defense to continue living in sin.

“God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Jesus accepts us, but He doesn’t leave us the way He found us. He doesn’t save the world in its sin; He would save every human being out of the world from their sins. This is accomplished once a person realizes that he or she is a sinner in need of a Saviour. They repent from their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Forgiveness is given and the life is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit enabling them, moment by moment, to choose not to sin anymore. (See Acts 3:19; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 9:13; Ezekiel 18:32.)

Jesus accepted sinners, but He never tolerated sin. Example after example is given in the Bible of this principle. The Samaritan woman. Mary Magdalene. David. Peter. Saul who became Paul. Judas.

“… Looking upon men in their suffering and degradation, Christ perceived ground for hope where appeared only despair and ruin. Wherever there existed a sense of need, there He saw opportunity for uplifting. Souls tempted, defeated, feeling themselves lost, ready to perish, He met, not with denunciation, but with blessing.

“… He declared that those were blessed who, however great their need, would receive His light and love. To the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the persecuted, He stretched out His arms, saying, ‘Come unto Me, … and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28.

“In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace … . Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man’s true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy, were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.” Education, 79, 80

This is how Jesus saves. No one will be able to retain their sinfulness and then somehow miraculously be changed at the last moment to make them worthy of heaven.

Our dear Saviour, help us to believe that You do accept us as we are, but that You will raise us out of our despair and ruin, and that through Your grace You will give us a new life, free from sin, changed into Your likeness.

Keys to the Storehouse – The Bummer Lamb

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It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. And once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, any attempt to return the lamb to her will fail because she never changes her mind.

As a consequence, the little lamb’s spirit is completely broken, and it will hang its head so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. This poor, heartbroken creature is called a “bummer lamb.”

The shepherd must intervene or the bummer lamb, rejected and alone, will die. So, the shepherd himself takes the lamb into his home, hand feeds it, and keeps it warm by the fire. He will wrap it in blankets and hold it to his chest so that the lamb can hear his heartbeat.

Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock where it finds its place, but that lamb, even after it is grown, never forgets how the shepherd cared for it when it was rejected.

From that point forward, when the shepherd calls for the flock to come, can you guess who is the first to respond? The bummer lamb immediately recognizes the voice of the shepherd because it intimately knows that voice. The bummer lamb is not loved more by the shepherd, rather, it is that the lamb has simply learned who loves it.

All of us can claim to know what it is like to be a bummer lamb. Rejected, friendless, disrespected by those who are supposed to care for us, there are many reasons a person might feel this way from time to time. But we have a Shepherd who provides for our every need and holds us close to His heart.

“ ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. … I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.’ ” John 10:11, 14. Jesus says that He is the Good Shepherd, that He loves His sheep, and that they hear and know His voice.

We may be broken, but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.

“The relation of Christ to His people is compared to a shepherd. He saw, after the fall, His sheep in a pitiable condition, exposed to sure destruction. He left the honors and glory of His Father’s house to become a shepherd, to save the miserable, wandering sheep, who were ready to perish. His winning voice was heard calling them to His fold, a safe and sure retreat from the hand of robbers; also a shelter from the scorching heat, and a protection from the chilling blasts. His care was continually exercised for the good of His sheep. He strengthened the weak, nourished the suffering, and gathered the lambs of the flock in His arms, and carried them in His bosom. His sheep love Him. He goeth before His sheep, and they hear His voice, and follow Him.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, 113, 114

Lord, thank You for Your loving kindness and care. Help us to always hear and heed Your voice.

Adapted from Robbie Boyd at gospelfocused.com/embracingbrokenness.org

Keys to the Storehouse – The Devil’s Dupe

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I think I would be safe in saying that most of us would not like the idea of discovering that we have been someone’s victim or pawn—a dupe. Mrs. White states in Manuscript 5, January 20, 1904, “Unless man is given the converting grace of heaven, he will have no disposition to oppose Satan’s counsels, and will become the enemy’s willing dupe.”

Our natural condition is to do evil. You might ask the question, “But how can I resist the devil? I haven’t always done so well.” Without a determined commitment to surrender your will to the Holy Spirit, you will naturally be under the control of Satan. There are only ever two options—remain in our natural state or choose submission to the Holy Spirit.

James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

So how do you resist the devil? By drawing near to and submitting to God (James 4:8). If God is in your life, the devil won’t be. Do you want to be manipulated and controlled by the devil? Then do nothing and your human nature will take over and you will become a blind dupe of the devil.

But if you want to be saved, if you don’t want the devil to control your life, then choose to submit to the Holy Spirit. Manuscript 5 also says, “It is God alone who puts enmity to sin in the human heart. The Lord gives man a new mind. … It is the Lord’s purpose that depraved human nature should, through His divine power, be provided with a renovating energy.”

Praise God! We have the ability to resist the devil. We have the ability not to yield to temptation. We do not have to sin.

“Man was created a free moral agent. Like the inhabitants of all other worlds, he must be subjected to the test of obedience; but he is never brought into such a position that yielding to evil becomes a matter of necessity. No temptation or trial is permitted to come to him which he is unable to resist. God made such ample provision that man need never have been defeated in the conflict with Satan.

“Satan is the great originator of sin; yet this does not excuse any man for sinning; for he cannot force men to do evil. He tempts them to it, and makes sin look enticing and pleasant; but he has to leave it to their own wills whether they will do it or not. … Man is a free moral agent to accept or refuse. …

“Every provision has been made; everything in God’s plan has been arranged so that man should not be left to his own impulses, to his own finite powers, to carry on the warfare against the powers of darkness in his own finite strength; because he would certainly fail if he were thus left to himself.

“As a redeemed, free moral agent, ransomed by an infinite price, God calls upon you to assert your liberty, and employ your God-given powers as a free subject of the kingdom of heaven. … You are to refuse to be in subjection to the power of evil.” The Faith I Live By, 82 [Emphasis supplied.]

Lord, cure our double-mindedness. Test us, purify our hearts and keep us close to You. Thank You for providing to us everything we need to resist the devil and to instead do Your will.