Page 313 - Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers (1923)

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Appeals for Truth and Loyalty
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the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!” If the
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Lord reproved His people anciently because they neglected to seek
counsel of Him when in difficulty, will He not be displeased today if
His people, instead of depending on the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness to lighten their way, turn from Him in their test and
trial for the aid of human beings who are as erring and inefficient as
themselves? Where is our strength? Is it in men who are as helpless
and dependent as ourselves, who need guidance from God even as
we do?
The Present Help
Christ says, “Without Me ye can do nothing,” and He has pro-
vided the Holy Spirit as a present help in every time of need. But
many have a feeble religious experience because, instead of seeking
the Lord for the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, they make flesh their
arm. Let the people of God be educated to turn to God when in
trouble and gain strength from the promises that are yea and amen
to every trusting soul.
The word of the Lord is to us, “Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For
everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to
him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any
of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish,
will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will
he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give
good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
The promises of God are full and abundant, and there is no
need for anyone to depend upon humanity for strength. To all that
call upon Him, God is near to help and succor. And He is greatly
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dishonored when, after inviting our confidence, we turn from Him—
the only One who will not misunderstand us, the only One who can
give unerring counsel—to men who in their human weakness are
liable to lead us astray.
“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near
Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have
removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught