Digging For Truth

                h e a r t    i s    p r e p a r e d           (  2  RELATED  PHRASES  )                     

  And more than this is wrapped up in the sowing and the reaping. As we distribute God’s temporal blessings, the evidence of our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver gratitude and thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared to receive the seeds of spiritual truth. And He who ministers seed to the sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear fruit unto eternal life. { COL 86.1}  Read entire Chapter 6

  Frequently when a congregation is at the very point where the heart is prepared for the Sabbath question, it is delayed through fear of the consequences.  This has been done, and the result has not been good.— Letter 31, 1892. { Ev 229.2} 

  The physician should reverence and study the Word of God. This Word is exceedingly precious to the receiver, for it sanctifies the soul. The physician who hides it in his heart is prepared to soothe those who are tossed by doubt and fear; for he himself knows the value of the precious promises which reveal the Redeemer’s love. He can speak with assurance to the soul that is hovering between life and death. To such a physician the Lord will give great wisdom in his work. { PHJ February 1, 1901, par. 5 }

                p r e p a r e    t h e    h e a r t                               

  Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart to so comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] Temptations often appear irresistible because through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things, and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. { 4SP 418.1 } 

  Parents should be particular to make the worship of God an object lesson for their children.  Passages of Scripture should be more often on their lips, especially those passages that prepare the heart for religious service. The precious words might well be often repeated: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5. { 6T 354.2} 

  The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s Word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law”. { YRP 112.3} 

  There is a great work to be done, and many are unready to engage in sacred service. The judgments of God are soon coming upon all our cities, and I desire that we shall all be prepared. I greatly desire that we shall confess our sins, and be converted. If any of you desire to have your hearts softened and broken before God, it is best for you to clear the King’s highway this afternoon, without delay. Prepare the heart for the reception of the Holy Spirit, that it may have free course in the entire being. Open the door of the soul-temple, and let the Saviour in. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” he says. “If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” { RH December 13, 1906, par. 18 }