Day #1

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done -- Luke 22:42.

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." Luke 22:42. Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the Garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Matthew 26:39. And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals!

The consistent course is to commit our desires to our all-wise heavenly Father, and then, in perfect confidence, trust all to Him. We know that God hears us if we ask according to His will. But to press our petitions without a submissive spirit is not right; our prayers must take the form, not of command, but of intercession -- Ministry of Healing, p. 230.

Day #2

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will -- Ephesians 1:11.

Every believer is already in possession of his inheritance by promise. The Christian's inheritance comes to him as a right by the adoption mentioned in v. 5. This inheritance is in Christ, who purchased it with His blood.

Predestination is referred to here again, probably in order to show that the obtaining of the inheritance was no accident or chance. It was in line with God's predetermined purpose.

It is cause for assurance that God works according to His will and not according to that of man, for man's will is capricious and unpredictable. Men challenge, or question, the acts of God and deign to ascribe to Him the same changeableness that is in themselves, forgetting that behind His every act stand His perfection and His infinite love. Since in Him is infinite wisdom joined with infinite love and sovereign will, He is under no constraint nor necessity -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Ephesians 1:11].

Day #3

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is -- Ephesians 5:17.

Are the youth in a position where they can with meekness and fear give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of their hope? I saw that the youth greatly fail of understanding our position. Terrible scenes are just before them, a time of trouble which will test the value of character. Those who have the truth abiding in them will then be developed. Those who have shunned the cross, neglected the word of life, and paid adoration to their own poor selves will be found wanting. They are ensnared by Satan, and will learn too late that they have made a terrible mistake. The pleasures they have sought after prove bitter in the end. Said the angel: "Sacrifice all for God. Self must die. The natural desires and propensities of the unrenewed heart must be subdued." Flee to the neglected Bible; the words of inspiration are spoken to you; pass them not lightly by. You will meet every word again, to render an account whether you have been a doer of the work, shaping your life according to the holy teachings of God's word. Holiness of heart and life are necessary. All who have taken the name of Christ and have enlisted in His service should be good soldiers of the cross. They should show that they are dead to the world, and that their life is hid with Christ in God.

Paul writes to his Colossian brethren as follows: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." -- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 507, 508.

Day #4

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding -- Colossians 1:9.

That is, in view of what has been said in vs. 4-8, Paul has recalled the faith of the Colossian believers in Christ, the genuineness of their love for the brethren, and their sustained hope in the heavenly reward. All of these things have gladdened his heart. The immediate cause of his rejoicing is the good word that Epaphras has brought from Colossae. His glowing report has warmed the heart of the aged Paul.

The arrival of Epaphras was a memorable day for Paul. From it he dates his intensified devotion and gratitude.

Paul has already called attention to his prayers for the Colossian believers (see v. 3). The story from Colossae that Epaphras has brought him enables him now to pray with added meaning and joy. The phrase "do not cease to pray" means that Paul habitually prayed for the Colossian Christians. At no time could it be said that he had ceased to pray for them.

Paul was thankful, but at the same time solicitous. Not satisfied with the progress the Colossian believers had already gained, he yearned that further advancement might be made.

His will -- Specifically a knowledge of God's will concerning their conduct (see v. 10), more generally an understanding of the sum total of God's all-embracing purpose. To the one who possesses such knowledge, each detail of life, with its problems and inexplicable mysteries, takes on new meaning. The Christian realises that God has a plan for his life, and his aim is to fulfil the divine purpose.

Wisdom is the ability to apply the facts of knowledge to the situations of life. Unfortunately, it does not always follow that the one who has knowledge also possesses wisdom. For this reason Paul prays that the believers at Colossae might be endued with Haven's wisdom.

The understanding given by the Spirit is that discernment which enables a Christian to judge between right and wrong. The temptations and snares of the adversary are recognised by the one enlightened by the Holy Spirit. And, if the entire will is surrendered to God and absorbed in the things of eternal value, the Christian chooses to do only those things that God would have him do -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [Colossians 1:9].

Day #5

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God -- Colossians 4:12.

The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord "telleth the number of the stars;" and yet "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Ps. 147:4, 3. "Come unto Me," is His invitation. Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. They are those with which all can comply. He tells us just how His rest is to be found.

"Take My yoke upon you," Jesus says. The yoke is an instrument of service. Cattle are yoked for labour, and the yoke is essential that they may labour effectually. By this illustration Christ teaches us that we are called to service as long as life shall last. We are to take upon us His yoke, that we may be co-workers with Him.

The yoke that binds to service is the law of God. The great law of love revealed in Eden, proclaimed upon Sinai, and in the new covenant written in the heart, is that which binds the human worker to the will of God. If we were left to follow our own inclinations, to go just where our will would lead us, we should fall into Satan's ranks and become possessors of his attributes. Therefore God confines us to His will, which is high, and noble, and elevating. He desires that we shall patiently and wisely take up the duties of service. The yoke of service Christ Himself has borne in humanity. He said, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. "I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." John 6:38. Love for God, zeal for His glory, and love for fallen humanity, brought Jesus to earth to suffer and to die. This was the controlling power of His life. This principle He bids us adopt -- Desire of Ages, p. 329.

Day #6

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that -- James 4:15.

James does not mean that the Christian should always speak these words, but that the spirit of submission reflected by them actually should guide every plan.

The first man neglects God's will for his future in preference for material gain. The second church member realises the uncertainty of life and endeavours to make the service of God primary in his life. He knows that God has a special plan for him, and that only by adopting that plan will he find true satisfaction. A consistent application of this principle may mean that some of life's best-laid plans will be altered, in order that God's better plan may succeed. This the genuine Christian accepts with joy in the assurance that God controls his life. Paul lived one day at a time, knowing that his life was in God's hands. He could truly say that all of his plans were subject to the will of the Lord.

When men submit to the will of God (v. 7) they do well to remember that God's ways are often different from those of men. Consequently, a faithful Christian faces each day with confidence in divine guidance in all his enterprises, whether "this, or that." -- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, [James 4:15].

Day #7

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us -- 1 John 5:14.

Faith takes God at His word, not asking to understand the meaning of the trying experiences that come. But there are many who have little faith. They are always fearing and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded by the tokens of God's love, every day they enjoy the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these blessings. And the difficulties they encounter, instead of driving them to God, separate them from Him, by arousing unrest and repining.

Do they well to be thus unbelieving? Jesus is their friend. All heaven is interested in their welfare, and their fear and repining grieve the Holy Spirit. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust His promises. When we come to Him in faith, we should believe that every petition enters into the heart of Christ. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be sent when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us "exceeding abundantly," "according to the riches of His glory," and "the working of His mighty power."[EPH. 3:20, 16:19.]

Often the Christian life is beset with dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage and death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, Go forward. Let us obey the command, even though our sight cannot penetrate the darkness. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every uncertainty disappears, and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey. Faith looks beyond the difficulties, and lays hold of the unseen, even Omnipotence, therefore it cannot be baffled. Faith is the clasping of the hand of Christ in every emergency -- Gospel Workers, p. 261, 262.

Day #8

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen -- 2 Peter 3:18.

A vital connection with the Chief Shepherd will make the under-shepherd a living representative of Christ, a light indeed to the world. An understanding of all points of our faith is essential, but it is of still greater importance that the minister be sanctified through the truth he presents.

The worker who knows the meaning of union with Christ, has a constantly increasing desire and capacity to grasp the meaning of service for God. His knowledge enlarges; for to grow in grace means to have an increased ability to understand the Scriptures. Such a one is indeed a labourer together with God. He realises that he is but an instrument, and that he must be passive in the Master's hands. Trials come to him; for unless thus tested, he would never know his lack of wisdom and experience. But if he seeks the Lord with humility and trust, every trial will work for his good. He may sometimes seem to fail, but his apparent failure may be God's way of bringing him true advancement, and may mean a better knowledge of himself and a firmer trust in Heaven. He may still make mistakes, but he learns not to repeat these mistakes. He becomes stronger to resist evil, and others reap benefit from his example -- Gospel Workers, p. 142.

Day #9

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice -- Psalms 55:17.

Family prayer and public prayer have their place; but it is secret communion with God that sustains the soul-life. It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that wonderful building which was to be the abiding-place of His glory. It is in the mount with God--the secret place of communion--that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. Thus we shall be enabled so to fashion our character-building that to us may be fulfilled the promise, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."[2 COR. 6:16.]

While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God's word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. And God was with him, a present help in every time of need.

Christ's ministers must watch unto prayer. They may come with boldness to the throne of grace, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting. In faith they may supplicate the Father in heaven for wisdom and grace, that they may know how to work, how to deal with minds.

Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigour -- Gospel Workers, p. 254.

Day #10

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee -- Psalms 119:11.

The springs of heavenly peace and joy, unsealed in the soul of the teacher by the words of Inspiration, will become a mighty river of influence to bless all who connect with him. The Bible will not become a tiresome book to the student. Under a wise instructor the word will become more and more desirable. It will be as the bread of life, and will never grow old. Its freshness and beauty will attract and charm the children and youth. It is like the sun shining upon the earth, perpetually imparting brightness and warmth, yet never exhausted.

God's holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul.

The Holy Spirit loves to address the youth, and to discover to them the treasures and beauties of God's word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul with spiritual power that is divine. There will grow in the fruitful mind a familiarity with divine things that will be as a barricade against temptation.

The words of truth will grow in importance, and assume a breadth and fullness of meaning of which we have never dreamed. The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind and character. The light of heavenly love will fall upon the heart as an inspiration.

The appreciation of the Bible grows with its study. Whichever way the student may turn, he will find displayed the infinite wisdom and love of God -- Christ's Object Lessons, p. 132.