The Faith I Live By

Its Promises Are Mine, January 3

The Bible a Perfect Guide

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20. FLB 9.1

The precious Bible is the garden of God, and His promises are the lilies, and the roses, and the pinks.^{10The Review and Herald, March 19, 1889.} FLB 9.2

How I wish that we might all believe in the promises of God.... We are not to look into our hearts for a joyful emotion as an evidence of our acceptance with Heaven, but we are to take God's promises and say, “They are mine. The Lord is letting His Holy Spirit rest upon me. I am receiving the light; for the promise is, ‘Believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.’ By faith I reach within the veil and lay hold of Christ, my strength. I thank God that I have a Saviour.” ^{11The Signs of the Times, March 25, 1889.} FLB 9.3

The Scriptures are to be received as God's word to us, not written merely, but spoken. When the afflicted ones came to Christ, He beheld not only those who asked for help, but all who throughout the ages should come to Him in like need and with like faith. When He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee”; when He said to the woman of Capernaum, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace,” He spoke to other afflicted, sin-burdened ones who should seek His help. FLB 9.4

So with all the promises of God's Word. In them He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could listen to His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power. They are leaves from that tree which is “for the healing of the nations.” Received, assimilated, they are to be the strength of the character, the inspiration and sustenance of the life.^{12The Ministry of Healing, 122.} FLB 9.5

Let youth grasp the hand of infinite power. Faith grows by exercise. Feed upon the promises; be content to rely on the simple promise of God's Word.^{13The Youth's Instructor, March 23, 1893.} FLB 9.6

Hang in memory's hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above silver or gold.^{14Testimonies for the Church 6:81.} FLB 9.7