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Counsels on Health
proceeding from Him. His word must be our guide in all things; and
if poverty comes because we abide by a plain “Thus saith the Lord,”
we must abide by it, even at the loss of all things else. Better have
poverty in temporal things, and abide in Christ and be nourished by
His word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew
4:4
. The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the word
of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth My flesh [the word that
Christ speaks to us] ... hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the
last day.”
John 6:54
.
We cannot always be on our knees in prayer, but the way to the
mercy seat is always open. While engaged in active labor, we may ask
for help; and we are promised by One who will not deceive us, “Ye
shall receive.” The Christian can and will find time to pray. Daniel
was a statesman; heavy responsibilities rested upon him; yet three
times a day he sought God, and the Lord gave him the Holy Spirit.
So today men may resort to the sacred pavilion of the Most High
and feel the assurance of His promise, “My people shall dwell in
a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting
places.”
Isaiah 32:18
. All who really desire it can find a place for
communion with God, where no ear can hear but the one open to the
cries of the helpless, distressed, and needy— the One who notices
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even the fall of the little sparrow. He says, “Ye are of more value than
many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:31
.
If the rush of work is allowed to drive us from our purpose of
seeking the Lord daily, we shall make the greatest mistakes; we shall
incur losses, for the Lord is not with us; we have closed the door so
that He cannot find access to our souls. But if we pray even when our
hands are employed, the Saviour’s ear is open to hear our petitions. If
we are determined not to be separated from the Source of our strength,
Jesus will be just as determined to be at our right hand to help us, that
we may not be put to shame before our enemies. The grace of Christ
can accomplish for us that which all our efforts will fail to do. Those
who love and fear God may be surrounded with a multitude of cares,
and yet not falter or make crooked paths for their feet. God takes care
of you in the place where it is your duty to be. But be sure, as often
as possible, to go where prayer is wont to be made. The Saviour says,
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their