MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
May 1, 2024
The Law of God and the Cross of Christ Series – No. 9
THE SIXTH ‘WAY OF ESCAPE’ FOR ALL TEMPTED, FALLEN SINNERS: PRAYER
But there is much more involved in the divine science of this particular prayer “escape.” When carefully and prayerfully studied, correctly understood, and faithfully applied, it becomes indispensable
to all who would “experience the victory in Christ Jesus,”
victoriously “overcoming even as Christ,” by example, overcame all temptations by which all men are tempted by.”
With solemn delight, I am sharing herewith excerpts rich with Scripture that explain and magnify so precisely on this prayer “escape” provision, from
the inspired pen of Ellen G. White, in her book, Patriarchs & Prophets, p. 460. She wrote (all emphasis mine):
“Keep thy heart with all diligence,’ is the counsel of the wise man; ‘for out of it are the issues of life.’ As man ‘thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 4: 23; 23:37). The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for the purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ, is building his house upon the shifting sand.
IN THE FIERCE STORMS OF TEMPTATION, DAVID’S PRAYER should be the petition of every soul: ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.’ (Ps. 51:10). And having partaken of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being ‘kept by the power of God, through FAITH.’ (1 Pet. 1:5).
“Yet we have a WORK TO DO TO RESIST TEMPTATION. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must GUARD WELL the avenues of the soul; they must AVOID reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest IMPURE thoughts. The MIND should not be left to WANDER at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. [flooding the social media and internet today]. ‘Girding up the loins of your MIND,’ says the apostle Peter, ‘be sober, . . . not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts [carnal desires] in your ignorance; but like as He which called you is HOLY, be ye YOURSELVES also holy IN ALL MANNER OF LIVING.’ (1 Pet. 1:13-15, R.V.).
“Says Paul, ‘Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise [worthy], THINK on these things.’ (Phil. 4:8). THIS WILL REQUIRE PRAYER AND UNCEASING WATCHFULNESS. We must be aided by the ABIDING INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT [not the influencers of the world], which will attract the MIND UPWARD, and HABITUATE it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give DILIGENT STUDY to the word of God. ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.’ ‘Thy Word,’ says the psalmist, ‘have I his in mine heart, that I might NOT SIN against Thee.’ (Ps. 119: 9, 11).”
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.