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Inspiration – Calling on His Strength

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17.

The great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, … will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout. We are to hold fast the first principles of our denominated faith, and go forward from strength to increased faith. Ever we are to keep the faith that has been substantiated by the Holy Spirit of God from the earlier events of our experience until the present time. We need now larger breadth, and deeper, more earnest, unwavering faith in the leadings of the Holy Spirit. If we needed the manifest proof of the Holy Spirit’s power to confirm truth in the beginning, after the passing of the time, we need today all the evidence in the confirmation of the truth, when souls are departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There must not be any languishing of soul now.

If ever there was a period of time when we needed the Holy Spirit’s power in our discourses, in our prayers, in every action proposed, it is now. We are not to stop at the first experience, but while we bear the same message to the people, this message is to be strengthened and enlarged. We are to see and realize the importance of the message made certain by its divine origin. We are to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. Our souls need the quickening from the Source of all power. We may be strengthened and confirmed in the past experience that holds us to the essential points of truth which have made us what we are—Seventh-day Adventists.

The past fifty years have not dimmed one jot or principle of our faith as we received the great and wonderful evidences that were made certain to us in 1844, after the passing of the time. The languishing souls are to be confirmed and quickened according to His Word. … Not a word is changed or denied. That which the Holy Spirit testified to as truth after the passing of the time, in our great disappointment, is the solid foundation of truth. [The] pillars of truth were revealed, and we accepted the foundation principles that have made us what we are—Seventh-day Adventists, keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.

Have not the hearts of Christ’s disciples burned within them as He has talked with us by the way and opened to us the Scriptures? Has not the Lord Jesus opened to us the Scriptures, and presented to us things kept secret from the foundation of the world? Letter 326, December 4, 1905, to W.C. White.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

What does God require? Perfection; nothing less than perfection. But if we would be perfect, we must put no confidence in self. Daily we must know and understand that self is not to be trusted. We need to grasp God’s promises with firm faith. We need to ask for the Holy Spirit with a full realization of our own helplessness. Then when the Holy Spirit works, we shall not give self the glory. The Holy Spirit will graciously take the heart into His keeping, bringing to it all the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. We shall be kept by the power of God through faith.

When we are daily under the control of God’s Spirit, we shall be commandment-keeping people. We may show to the world that obedience to God’s commands brings its own reward, even in this life, and in the future life eternal blessedness. Notwithstanding our profession of faith, the Lord by whom our actions are weighed sees but an imperfect representation of Christ. He has declared that such a condition of things cannot glorify Him.

It means much to commit the keeping of the soul to God. It means that we are to live and walk by faith, not trusting in or glorifying self, but looking to Jesus our Advocate as the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Holy Spirit will do its work upon a heart that is contrite, but never can He work upon a self-important, self-righteous soul. In his own wisdom such a one would mend himself. He interposes between his soul and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will work if self will not interpose. …

The Holy Spirit is ready to cooperate with all who will receive Him and be taught by Him. All who lay hold on the truth and are sanctified through the truth are so united with Christ that they can represent Him in word and action. … May the Holy Spirit speak to the hearts of God’s chosen people, that their words may be as choice as gold as they give the bread of life to those in transgression and sin. …

It is God’s pleasure and will that the blessings bestowed on man shall be given in perfect completeness. He has made provision that every difficulty may be overcome, every want supplied through the Holy Spirit. Thus He designs that man shall perfect a Christian character. God would have us contemplate His love, His promises, given so freely to those who have no merit in themselves, He would have us depend fully, gratefully, rejoicingly in the righteousness provided for us in Christ. To all who come to God in His appointed way, He freely listens.—Manuscript 148, December 5, 1897, “The Christian Life.”

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22, 23.

I have very solemn feelings as I consider the condition the world is in. O how careless, how full of crime and disobedience and sin, how sad, how terribly sad is the fact that the world does not recognize the love of God in giving Jesus Christ as our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who was equal with God. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Sin has for ages disturbed, or I might say, impeded the great work of divine benevolence by obstructing the channel through human agencies that refuse to receive the heavenly gift and therefore cannot impart the same.

God is calling for men and women to become consecrated as laborers with Jesus Christ. Although sin and wickedness have disturbed for ages the flow of rich grace, yet this flow has not been cut off from earth. Its course is earthward, and if men would only cooperate with God, if the channel of communication was kept open, unrestrained, to communicate to the world, the light of heaven would be shining in all parts of the world, scattering the moral darkness.

I am satisfied that we must work in earnest. The ministers are not the only ones who are to shine, but workers are to be raised up in all the churches, and as these who receive the truth shall maintain humility and contrition, they are the very ones God will use to bless their fellow men, by doing whatever they can in their supposed humble capacity.

It is not the most learned, not the most eloquent of the human family through whom the Lord will reveal Himself. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” …

The Lord calls for us to render back to Him the endowments He has given to men, whereby they can use all their powers of intellect, and all their strength, physically and morally, in His service to do good and bless others. A crisis has arrived in the government of God on earth. Divine compassion has been flowing to the people, notwithstanding that the heavenly current has been beaten back by stubborn hearts.—Letter 52, December 6, 1895, to a minister in Australia.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1, 2.

How precious is the knowledge that we have a faithful Friend, One who will impart to us a noble, elevated character that will fit us for the companionship of the heavenly angels in the courts above! His guardianship is over all His children. They have a peace that the world can neither give nor take away. The loss of earthly treasures does not make them hopeless or homeless. …

Christ beholds the world, full of activity in seeking for earthly treasures. He sees many eagerly trying first one thing and then another in their efforts to obtain the coveted earthly treasure, which they think will satisfy their selfish greed, while in their eager pursuit they pass by the only path that leads to the true riches.

As One having authority Christ speaks to such ones, inviting them to follow Him. He offers to lead them to the riches that are as enduring as eternity. He points them to the narrow path of self-denial and sacrifice. Those who press on in this path, surmounting every obstacle, will reach the land of glory. In lifting the cross they find that the cross lifts them, and they will at last gain the imperishable treasure.

Many think to find security in earthly riches. But Christ seeks to remove from their eye the mote that obscures the vision, and thus enable them to behold the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. They are mistaking phantoms for realities, and have lost sight of the glories of the eternal world. Christ calls upon them to extend their view beyond the present and add eternity to their vision.—Letter 264, Dec. 7, 1903, to a businessman of some means, 1–6.

There is no place on earth where treasure is secure from loss. But there is a city that has foundations, whose builder and whose Maker is God. Christ seeks to draw the attention away from unwise investments in perishable riches, warning men to lay up their treasures in heaven. Ibid., 8.

Those who have lavished their affection on earthly treasures without regard to the heavenly riches will soon receive their reward. They will lose the earthly treasures to obtain [that for] which they have sold their souls to Satan. …

Will those who have not yet fully yielded themselves to the great rebel now come over to the Lord’s side? Will they, before it is everlastingly too late, leave the works of wickedness and stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel? Ibid., 6, 7. The Upward Look, 352—355.

Keys to the Storehouse – Lord, Give Me Strength

We have no strength except what comes from God. We need to ask Him for that strength daily. I have a hard time finding just the right words to speak to God. I know what is in my heart, but I cannot find the right words. Yes, I know He knows my heart, but I want to talk to my Father in heaven, as I am sure you do also. I want to commune with Him personally, and I want Him to commune with me. Sometimes as I sit searching for words, He inspires me with exactly what I need to say because He already knows what is in my heart.

In the morning hours, especially when I see everything that needs to be done, I tend to feel overwhelmed. My Lord shared this prayer with me one day while I was reading and the words were just what my heart yearned for, but had been unable to verbalize. Now I can speak what my heart wants to say and I know that He hears me. He will hear you also as you lift up your heart to Him.

O Lord, give me strength to fulfill the duties of this day and to meet its temptations and trials. Help me to bring into my work Christ’s sweetness of character. Help me to speak words that will draw those around me nearer to Christ.

You will see the answers to this heartfelt prayer throughout the day. Lift your heart heavenward and plead with your Father to give you strength. Plead for the sweetness of Christ’s character to flow through you and touch others that their hearts also may be lifted to Him. If Christ’s sweetness of character is working in and through you, other hearts will be lifted up because you first reached for the Lord’s inspiration.

We are told that “character is the great harvest of life. And every word or deed that through the grace of Christ shall kindle in one soul an impulse that reaches heavenward, every effort that tends to the formation of a Christlike character, is laying up treasure in heaven.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, 90.

It is my desire to lay up treasure in heaven. Is it yours? Is it the desire of your heart that the words you speak may cause another person’s heart to be lifted heavenward? Then ask for it. He will give you words to speak that will draw those around you to Him. He will give you strength to fulfill your duties today, if you ask Him.

God has promised you that if you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4.) Tell Him that this is the desire of your heart for today.

May God bless you and those hearts you touch as you use this Key to the Storehouse.

Q&A – How Do I Receive Strength from God?

There are many times in life when it seems that we are alone and there is no one who understands our own peculiar problems. They may be problems that we have initiated ourselves, or they may be problems coming from our workplace, or our associates, the government, the church, or school or from some other outside source. Whatever or wherever the problem exists, it is apparently something that you are unable to solve. Because of it, you may be losing sleep, you may even be losing weight, you may be losing friends or money, or you may be losing confidence in yourself and others may be losing confidence in you.

However terrible the situation always remember that God is still in control and He is still a God of love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8. In His love He wants the best for you and we need to have confidence in His love. “And we know 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. Notice that this promise is to those who love God.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) so putting these two texts together, things will work together for good if we love Him and then if we do love Him, we will be keeping His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I John 5:3.

To receive strength from God, first we must ask. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10. Later on Jesus told His disciples, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14.

We must ask in faith, for Jesus said to many of those whom He healed, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Matthew 9:22. This is mentioned also in other places in the Gospels. It says in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” It is necessary to believe that God will do what He says and that He loves us enough to do what is best for us even if it isn’t the very thing we think is best. A very comforting and assuring verse is Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

In review, the way to receive help from God is to believe that He is and that He will do what He says; then ask for what we need, according to His will. In order for us to receive, we must love God and if we love Him we will keep His commandments. If we keep His commandments He will answer our prayers according to His will.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37–39.

If you have a Bible question you wish to have answered, please write to Steps to Life or e-mail it to: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – Spiritual Light and Strength

November 25, 2012 – December 1, 2012

Power of Prayer

Key Text

“I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.” Psalm 22:22.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 523–537; Ibid., vol. 2, 577–582; Counsels on Diet and Foods, 185–191.

Introduction

“Prayer gives strength to renew the conflict with the powers of darkness, to bear trials patiently, and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 323.

1 OPENING THE HEART IN SINCERITY

What invitation does God extend to each of us? Jeremiah 29:11–13. How are we warned against accepting this offer in an artificial manner? Hosea 7:13–16.

Note: “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? Says David: ‘I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me’ [Psalm 66:17, 18]. By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise: ‘Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart’ [Jeremiah 29:13]. Again, he speaks of some who ‘have not cried unto Me with their heart’ [Hosea 7:14]. Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not accept.

“The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the fig tree came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. Christ said of him: ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’ [John 1:47.] The Lord reads the hearts of all and understands their motives and purposes. ‘The prayer of the upright is His delight’ [Proverbs 15:8]. He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to Him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness and unworthiness.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 533, 534.

2 NATHANAEL’S PRAYER

How are we ourselves—as well as those with whom we labor—often like Nathanael? John 1:45–50.

Note: “He [Nathanael] was one of the number who heard John proclaim, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ [John 1:29]. He felt deeply convicted, and retired to a grove, concealed from every human eye, and there meditated upon the announcement of John. … He bowed before God and prayed that if the person whom John had declared to be the Redeemer of the world was indeed the promised deliverer, that it might be made known to him.” The Review and Herald, January 21, 1873.

“Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies, and while Nathanael was praying under a fig tree, Philip discovered his retreat. They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage.

“The message, ‘We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write,’ seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer. But Philip had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Again prejudice arose in Nathanael’s heart. He exclaimed, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?’

“Philip entered into no controversy. He said, ‘Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’ In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee’ [John 1:45–48].

“It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 140.

What assurance is given to all those who cherish the prayerful spirit of Nathanael? Psalm 91:1.

3 HONEST SEEKERS REWARDED

What assurances are given to all who genuinely, wholeheartedly seek after truth and righteousness? John 7:17; Matthew 5:6.

Note: “Do not entertain the thought that because you have made mistakes, because your life has been darkened by errors, your heavenly Father does not love you and will not hear you when you pray. He says, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ [John 6:37]. ‘The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy’ [James 5:11]. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows, and even by our utterance of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear; for He holds up worlds, He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, that they can not find deliverance in Christ. The demoniacs of Gadara, in the place of prayer could utter only the words of Satan; but yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need is unheeded.” The Signs of the Times, June 18, 1902.

Why is it sometimes helpful to fast as well as to pray? Mark 9:17–29.

Note: “For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187, 188.

What do the prayers of the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip teach? Acts 8:26–39.

Note: “If the Lord desires us to bear a message to Nineveh, it will not be as pleasing to Him for us to go to Joppa or to Capernaum. He has reasons for sending us to the place toward which our feet have been directed. At that very place there may be someone in need of the help we can give. He who sent Philip to the Ethiopian councilor, Peter to the Roman centurion, and the little Israelitish maiden to the help of Naaman, the Syrian captain, sends men and women and youth today as His representatives to those in need of divine help and guidance.” The Ministry of Healing, 473.

4 PUBLIC PRAYER

What instructions are we given with regard to praying in public? Psalms 22:22–25; 35:18; 40:10.

Note: “Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him.” Prophets and Kings, 48.

“Do not fall into the habit of praying so indistinctly and in such a low tone that your prayers need an interpreter. Pray simply, but clearly and distinctly. To let the voice sink so low that it cannot be heard is no evidence of humility.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 383.

“All should feel it a Christian duty to pray short. Tell the Lord just what you want, without going all over the world. In private prayer all have the privilege of praying as long as they desire and of being as explicit as they please. They can pray for all their relatives and friends. The closet is the place to tell all their private difficulties, and trials, and temptations. A common meeting to worship God is not the place to open the privacies of the heart.

“What is the object of assembling together? Is it to inform God, to instruct Him by telling Him all we know in prayer? We meet together to edify one another by an interchange of thoughts and feelings, to gather strength, and light, and courage by becoming acquainted with one another’s hopes and aspirations; and by our earnest, heartfelt prayers, offered up in faith, we receive refreshment and vigor from the Source of our strength. These meetings should be most precious seasons and should be made interesting to all who have any relish for religious things.

“There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their praying for several days. Such may be named conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw off the chill and darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting. From the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at home. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed and invigorated by bringing their lights together.” Ibid., vol. 2, 578, 579.

5 A KEY ELEMENT

How did Jesus emphasize our need of earnest faith? Matthew 21:18–22.

Note: “There is no excuse for anyone growing weak, inefficient, and faithless. The promise is to us: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering’ [James 1:5]. Are there not some of us too much like the man who came to the minister, complaining that he had not been blessed, that he felt no joy; God did not answer his prayers although he had prayed again and again for a blessing. ‘Well,’ said the minister, ‘let us kneel right down here and tell the Lord just how the matter stands.’ After both had prayed, the minister asked him if he felt better. The man answered, ‘I feel no better than I did before I prayed. I did not expect to be blessed, and I am not blessed.’ He had made a mockery of prayer. He did not believe the Lord would answer him, and he received just what his faith had claimed. Is it any wonder that such prayers are not answered? ‘Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.’ Do you consider this, when you offer up your faithless petitions? Do you stop to consider how you are dishonoring God, and impoverishing your own soul? If you could but realize the wrong you are doing, you would cease to make mockery by meaningless devotions.

“Come to God in faith and humility. Plead with Him till the break of day, if necessary, till your soul is brought into such close relationship with Jesus, that you can lay your burden at His feet, and say, ‘I know whom I have believed’ [II Timothy 1:12]. The Lord is ‘able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think’ [Ephesians 3:20]. Our cold, faithless hearts may be quickened into sensibility and life, till we can pray in faith, preach in faith, and say, ‘The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God’ [Galatians 2:20]. Let us seek for the fullness of the salvation of Christ. Follow in the footsteps of the Son of God, for His promise is, ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life’ [John 8:12].” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1888.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Do you open your heart to God as a friend?

2 Why is the experience of Nathanael recorded for our instruction?

3 What is the promise to the earnest seeker?

4 How has fasting proven beneficial when it accompanies prayer?

5 How can our prayer meetings be more effective?

Bible Study Guides – Single-Hearted Purpose

January 19, 2014 – January 25, 2014

Key Text

“As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15, 16.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 100–102.

Introduction

“As long as we continue to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith we shall be safe. But our affections must be placed upon things above, not on things on the earth. By faith we must rise higher and still higher in the attainments of the graces of Christ. By daily contemplating His matchless charms, we must grow more and more into His glorious image. While we thus live in communion with Heaven, Satan will lay his nets for us in vain.” My Life Today, 105.

1 AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH

To Whom should we look upon and what should be laid aside as the race of life is run? Hebrews 12:1, 2.

Note: “In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life: ‘Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:1, 2).” The Acts of the Apostles, 312.

2 GREAT PRACTICAL NECESSITY

How is faith acquired? Romans 10:17; John 17:17.

Note: “If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

“The truths of the word of God meet man’s great practical necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.

“Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 100, 101.

3 RECEIVE STRENGTH

What is the result when taking hold of God’s promises? (See Note.)

Note: “The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith and say, I am the lost sheep that Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling.

“Take God’s word on trust, saying, He loves me: He gave His life for me; and He will save me.” In Heavenly Places, 116.

What does the Lord encourage and what is the result? Psalm 34:8; John 16:24.

Note: “God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises. … His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. …

“Our Saviour wants you to keep in close relation to Himself, that He may make you happy.” The Faith I Live By, 123.

How are we to participate in this race? Hebrews 12:1; I Corinthians 9:26, 27.

Note: “Have you ever watched a hawk in pursuit of a timid dove? Instinct has taught the dove that in order for the hawk to seize his prey, he must gain a loftier flight than his victim. So she rises higher and still higher into the blue dome of heaven, ever pursued by the hawk, which is seeking to obtain the advantage. But in vain. The dove is safe as long as she allows nothing to stop her in her flight, or draw her earthward; but let her once falter, and take a lower flight, and her watchful enemy will swoop down upon his victim. Again and again have we watched this scene with almost breathless interest, all our sympathies with the little dove. How sad we should have felt to see it fall a victim to the cruel hawk!

“We have before us a warfare—a lifelong conflict with Satan and his seductive temptations. The enemy will use every argument, every deception, to entangle the soul; and in order to win the crown of life, we must put forth earnest, persevering effort. We must not lay off the armor or leave the battlefield until we have gained the victory, and can triumph in our Redeemer.” My Life Today, 105.

“Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so long as life should last. Ever he realized the need of putting a strict guard upon himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. With all his power he continued to strive against natural inclinations. Ever he kept before him the ideal to be attained, and this ideal he strove to reach by willing obedience to the law of God. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.” God’s Amazing Grace, 273.

4 TRIALS OF OUR FAITH

What will be the ending result for the faithful? I Peter 1:7–9.

Note: “The most trying experiences in the Christian’s life may be the most blessed. The special providences of the dark hours may encourage the soul in future attacks of Satan, and equip the servant of God to stand in fiery trials. The trial of your faith is more precious than gold. You must have that abiding confidence in God that is not disturbed by the temptations and arguments of the deceiver. Take the Lord at His word. You must study the promises, and appropriate them as you have need.” Our High Calling, 324.

What should be the response to the trials of our faith? I Peter 4:12, 13.

Note: “In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth, and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward.” The Ministry of Healing, 472.

“Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.” The Acts of the Apostles, 524.

5 THE EXPECTATION

Who demonstrated more faith than all of those in Israel and what was Jesus’ response? Matthew 8:6–10.

Note: “The centurion’s servant had been stricken with palsy, and lay at the point of death. …

“Jesus immediately set out for the officer’s home … . The news of His coming preceded Him, and the centurion, in his self-distrust, sent Him the message, ‘Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof’ (Luke 7:6). But the Saviour kept on His way, and the centurion, venturing at last to approach Him, completed the message, saying, ‘Neither thought I myself worthy to come unto Thee; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it’ (verses 7, 8). As I represent the power of Rome, and my soldiers recognize my authority as supreme, so dost Thou represent the power of the Infinite God, and all created things obey Thy word. Thou canst command the disease to depart, and it shall obey Thee. Thou canst summon Thy heavenly messengers, and they shall impart healing virtue. Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed.” The Desire of Ages, 315, 316.

“ ‘When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel’ (Luke 7:9). And to the centurion He said, ‘As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.’ And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour (Matthew 8:13).” The Desire of Ages, 316.

ADDITIONAL READING

“How far we come from representing the character of Christ! But we must lay hold of His merits by living faith, and claim Him as our Saviour. He died on Calvary to save us. Each should make it a personal work between God and his own soul, as though there were no one in the world but himself. When we exercise personal faith, our hearts will not be as cold as an iron wedge; we shall be able to realize what is meant by the psalmist when he says, ‘Blessed is he … whose sin is covered’ (Psalm 32:1).” The Faith I Live By, 123.

Studies compiled by Judy Hallingstad. Judy is part of the LandMarks team and can be contacted by email at: judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org.