Personal Devotions
19
tures, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that they may be a
light and strength to others. Our God is a jealous God; and He requires
that we worship Him in spirit and in truth, in the beauty of holiness.
The psalmist says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not
hear me.” As workers, we must take heed to our ways. If the psalmist
could not be heard if he regarded iniquity in his heart, how can the
prayers of ministers be heard if iniquity is regarded among them?
There are dangers to which we are continually exposed. It is Satan’s
studied plan to make the workers weak in prayer, weak in power, and
weak in influence before the world, because of the defects in their
characters,—defects which in no way harmonize with the truth.—
The
Review and Herald, November 10, 1885
.
Doubts destroy a ministry—Some are not naturally devotional,
and therefore should encourage and cultivate a habit of close exami-
nation of their own lives and motives, and should especially cherish
a love for religious exercises and for secret prayer. They are often
heard talking of doubts and unbelief, and dwelling upon the wonderful
struggles they have had with infidel feelings. They dwell upon dis-
couraging influences as so affecting their faith, hope, and courage in
the truth and in the ultimate success of the work and cause in which
they are engaged, as to make it a special virtue to be found on the side
of the doubting. At times they seem to really enjoy hovering about
the infidel’s position and strengthening their unbelief with every cir-
cumstance they can gather as an excuse for their darkness. To such we
would say: You would better come down at once and leave the walls
of Zion until you become converted men and good Christians. Before
you take the responsibility of becoming ministers you are required of
God to separate yourselves from the love of this world. The reward of
those who continue in this doubting position will be that given to the
fearful and unbelieving.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:513
.
Christ united prayer with work—Overburdened, a minister is
often so hurried that he scarcely finds time to examine himself, whether
he be in the faith. He finds very little time to meditate and pray. Christ
in His ministry united prayer with work. Night after night He spent
wholly in prayer. Ministers must seek God for His Holy Spirit, in
order that they may present the truth aright.—
Evangelism, 91
.