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Heart Searching and Self-examination, October 4
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the
way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23, 24
.
After Christ’s ascension, the disciples were gathered together in one place
to make humble supplication to God. And after ten days of heart searching
and self-examination, the way was prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter the
cleansed, consecrated soul temples. Every heart was filled with the Spirit, as
though God desired to show His people that it was His prerogative to bless
them with the choicest of heaven’s blessings.
What was the result?—Thousands were converted in a day. The sword
of the Spirit flashed right and left. Newly edged with power, it pierced even
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow. The
idolatry that had been mingled with the worship of the people was overthrown.
New territory was added to the kingdom of God. Places that had been barren
and desolate sounded forth His praises. Believers, reconverted, born again,
were a living power for God. A new song was put in their mouths, even praise
to the Most High.
Controlled by the Spirit, they saw Christ in their brethren. One interest
prevailed. One subject of emulation swallowed up all others—to be like
Christ, to do the works of Christ. The earnest zeal felt was expressed by
loving helpfulness, by kindly words and unselfish deeds. All strove to see who
could do the most for the enlargement of Christ’s kingdom. “The multitude
of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul” (
Acts 4:32
).
In the twelve disciples the leaven of truth was hidden by the Great Teacher.
These disciples were to be the instruments in God’s hands for revealing truth
to the world. Divine power was given them; for a risen Saviour breathed on
them, saying, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Imbued with this Spirit, they
went forth to witness for the truth. And so God desires His servants to go
forth today with the message He has given them. But till they receive the
Holy Spirit, they cannot bear this message with power. Till they receive the
Spirit, they cannot realize what God can do through them.—
The Review and
Herald, June 10, 1902
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