Testimony Treasures, Volume 3 - Ellen G. White

Thus propositions have been accepted that were not for the spiritual benefit
of the believers and that involved far more than was apparent at the first
casual consideration. Such movements are not in the order of God. Many,
very many matters have been taken up and carried by vote, that have
involved far more than was anticipated and far more than those who voted
would have been willing to assent to had they taken time to consider the
question from all sides.
We cannot at this time afford to be careless or negligent in the work of
God. We must seek the Lord earnestly every day if we would be prepared for
the experiences that come to us. Our hearts are to be cleansed from every
feeling of superiority, and the living principles of the truth are to be planted
in the soul. Young and aged and middle-aged should now be practicing the
virtues of Christ's character. They should daily be making spiritual
development, that they may become vessels unto honor in the Master's
service.
"And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when
He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as
John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1. The prayer that Christ gave to His
disciples in answer to this request is not made in high-flown language, but
expresses in simple words the necessities of the soul. It is short and deals
directly with the daily needs.
Put Your Trust in God
Every soul has the privilege of stating to the Lord his own special
necessities and to offer his individual thanksgiving for the blessings that he
daily receives. But the many long and spiritless, faithless prayers that are
offered to God, instead of being a joy to Him, are a burden. We need, oh, so
much! clean, converted hearts. We need to have our faith strengthened. "Ask,
and it shall be given you," the Saviour promised; "seek, and ye shall find;
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