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With One Accord, January 2
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
1 John 2:6
.
Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least
importance—foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking—engross their
minds and they serve God with a divided heart. In these things you have one
unseen in your midst, helping you—Satan is present, full of hellish exultation.
The declaration of Christ, “No man can serve two masters” (
Matthew 6:24
),
is unheeded.
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend.
There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This
time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so
precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them
after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every
idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith,
confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting” (
Acts 2:1,
2
). The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of
the work. [Battle Creek, Michigan, denominational headquarters from 1855
to 1903.] Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be
received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious.
The Lord will reveal Himself to His people, but they must be unitedly
engaged in the work of seeking the Lord.... The work which is to be carried
forward at this time is a most important one. It is a life and death question....
Shall the enemy [be allowed], right at this solemn time, to bring in a
condition of things—of diversion and pleasure—to absorb the mind and
fill it with vain, trifling thoughts that have no place for God, eternity, or
heaven?—
Manuscript 38, 1890
, diary, Battle Creek, Michigan, January 2,
1890.
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