Discover Hope and Peace Through Daily Devotionals

Day 1 Introducing first 10 Days
Devotional Focus: Awakening to our

Spiritual Need
In Isaiah 55 we are told, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isa. 55:8,9).
Since Gods wisdom and ways are so much higher than ours, how can we possibly ever
hope to be who He has called us to be? Furthermore, how can we hope for Him to work
in our church as we so desperately need?
The answer: Our only hope is through the power of the Holy Spirit!
In Christs Object Lessons, Ellen White writes, Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands
back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as
Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (p. 147).
In Signs of the Times, referring to our urgent need of the latter rain, Mrs. White
continues, Let Christians ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The
outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was
the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant (The Signs of the Times, February
17, 1914).
The blog posts in the following nine days will be a combination of short prayer thoughts
mixed in with testimonies from our blogging team as they share how God awakened
them to their need of a deeper walk with Him. It is our prayer that as we continue
praying for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on our worldwide church, that we will also
grow to have a much deeper walk with God personally, thus the nature of the more
personal focus in the daily devotionals.
Lets urgently seek the Lord today, personally, and corporately on behalf of our church!
We know God is longing to pour out His Spirit upon us!
Heart Prayer Challenge
Dear Lord, as we begin this 100 Days of Prayer we want to renew our commitment to
you and ask that you would do in our life what you alone can do through the power of
the Holy Spirit. We also ask that you would build us up to be strong intercessors for our
leaders and our church, and that you would send the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on
our church as you have promised. Thank you in advance for what you are going to do in
answer to these prayers. Amen!
Day 2 Called to Sit at His Feet

I had just come home to Romania from spending another 10-month stint in Africa, when
I heard God calling, Come aside by yourself to a deserted place and rest awhile (Mar.
6:33).
Honestly, I was not happy about His invitation. I had always been a very active person.
For the past five years, in fact, I had been working as a volunteer missionary in Guyana,
Vanuatu, and Namibia. And I had loved it.
The reality was that coming home to visit my family each summer was hard, as I faced
counter-culture shock and didnt really feel like I fit in. So when God started calling me to
rest from my missionary labors in Africa, He might as well have been giving me my
death sentence. My whole life revolved around service. What was I to do now? I was
really confused.
Reluctantly I obeyed Gods call, but it was not without arguing and many tears.
However, not long after, in the quietness of my grandparents home God began
speaking to me. Raluca, I want your heart, not just your service. I want to spend time
with you. I miss the time we used to spend together.
Suddenly it dawned on me that for the past five years I had been so busy working for
the Lord that I had not really been taking time for Him. Oh, I usually had morning
devotions, but it was often superficial and rushed. Prayer was more a monologue, giving
God a long list of my needs and complaints rather than fellowship. In reality, I had been
living for service, not for God.
To be honest, I was proud of what Id been doing. Even though I came from a poor
country and had no source of income, God had been providing. I was also proud that I
was a single girl who dared to leave the comfort of her home and live in dangerous
places as a missionary where not too many girls would dream of going.
However, as I sat in my grandparents home, I realized that my years in service had
really been more about me, and not so much about Him. Service, not God, had become
the lord of my life. And while it was a good lord, it was not the true Lord I should be
following.
In Proverbs 23:26, God gives us an invitation, My son, give me your heart, and let your
eyes observe my ways.
Thankfully, I finally realized what Id been missing in my life. I needed to re-surrender my
heart to Him, learn to sit at His feet, and rebuild my relationship with Him. This required
a change of focus and discipline in how I used my time, but wow, what a difference I
experienced in my spiritual walk as a result.
Its been almost five years now since I made this choice to spend more time at His feet,
but to be honest, these last few years have been some of the best years of my life! God
has exceeded all my expectations. I work in full time ministry once again, but now in
ways I never imagined in my wildest dreams. I mean, if youd known me in the past,
never would you have guessed Id one day be traveling, speaking and leading prayer
and revival ministry in different places around the world.
But this is what God has called me to do, and this time, instead of it being about service
and what I can do, its all about Him and what He will do. Truly, God has proven His
promise, that He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20). I couldnt be happier or more at
peace than I am today. God is so good!
Father, thank You for calling us to spend time at your feet so we can know You better.
Thank You for not giving up on us, even when we rush through our time with You or
when we are more focused on our ministry than on you. So many things we justify doing
that keep us away from you. Now as we begin this 100 days prayer journey, I pray that
You will teach all of us how to truly put You first. Help us to surrender even the good
things in our lives that have taken Your place that You, and not service to You, will be
our Lord. Teach us to sit still at Your feet and learn of You. And then send us to those
You want us to reach. Help us to work in Your power and not our own. Amen.
Day 3 Discovering the One Who Fills

the Void
I know Whom I have believed, were among the last words spoken by Ellen G. White a
few days before her death. I thank God that I now can say the same. However, it wasnt
always this way.
I grew up Catholic and often struggled making sense of the things that I was told in
catechism class on Sundays. God was not a personal friend but a distant and aloof
Being somewhere out there in space.
When I questioned what I was learning, I was told that if I was a good Catholic girl I
would not question but just believe. So I continued doing what I was instructed. Week
after week and year after year I attended mass, took part in confession and penance,
and just did my best to be a good girl.
That is until one day my dad died suddenly. I was seventeen. Devastated and angry, I
ran from God and anything of a spiritual nature and turned to the wild life. But that was
not the end, for God had a plan for me.
For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me,
and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with
all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Finally after years of trying to fill the void in my heart with things of the world, God
touched my heart and drew me to Himself via the Bible studies of a Seventh-day
Adventist friend.
As I studied and learned about Jesus, the 10 Commandments and the story of the great
controversy, I was moved beyond words. I knew I had found what would fill the void in
my life and heart. It was not just a theory or a set of rules I must follow, but a Person! It
was a personal relationship with the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ.
Of course, it was a sacrifice to follow Jesus and the truths I learned. My Catholic family
did not understand, and often harshly criticized the new lifestyle and worship choices I
made. But God gave me peace through His Word, and when I cried out to Him, He
always listened to my meager cries.
Today, my mother, still a devout Catholic, wishes me a Happy Sabbath and respects
my walk with God. She sees the peace that I have, even in the storms of life. Gods
words ring true. He has a great hope for all of us. We simply have to seek His face with
all our hearts. When we do, we will find Him!
Dear Heavenly Father, Some of us have been raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith,
but some of us have only known you for a few years. However, all of us need a deeper
walk with you. Please fill us with more of your Spirit. Please teach us how to pray and
how to truly seek your face today. Please pour out the promised Latter Rain upon our
church that through your power we can reach the millions around the world that still have
no idea of who a personal God is. Thank you for hearing this prayer. Amen!
Day 4 God Cares for You

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of
more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7
Once we choose to accept Christ, we begin a heavenward journey. Even if we are the
only believer in our family, or in our community, we are not alone. In fact we join a body
of believers that encircle the globe. But this journey toward heaven is not always an
easy one and requires faith at every step.
When Abraham was beginning his journey of faith, knowing not where He was going
and knowing not whether he would have a son, God took Abraham out one night and
asked him if he could number the stars. Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if
thou be able to number them? (Gen. 15:15).
While Abraham could not number the stars, we are told that our God not only numbers
the stars, but He also calls them all by name (Ps. 147:4). If God knows the stars by
name, how much more does He know each one of us by name?
Sometime this coming week, take a few moments to look up at the stars and to
remember what a great God we serve! Although Hes the God of the heavens, He cares
about our needs today. And if He cares about us, how much more does He care about
the needs of His church.
Dear Father, we know that you have created the stars and stretched out the heavens by
your great power. We also know that you care about each one of us, as well as your
church. Show us how to pray, how to walk by faith, and how to live for you today and in
the coming weeks as we continue to pray. In your precious name, Amen.
Day 5 From a Broken Heart to

Spiritual Awakening
The pain was unbelievable. Id finally hit rock bottom.
I lay on the bathroom floor. It was the middle of the night. I hadnt realized that a broken
heart could make someone this physically sick to his stomach.
I had invested three years of my life into a relationship with my college girlfriend. Now it
was gone, seemingly overnight. How could things have changed so fast? Where had I
gone wrong?
Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart, says the
psalmist (Psalm 37:4). Hadnt I been trying to do that? Yes, for the past three months, Id
been trying to renew my relationship with God, but I was still trying to do life my way,
and I wasnt happy. I knew something was missing.
You see, the more Id begun to read the living Word, the more I was being awakened to
my need of a deeper relationship with Jesus. And as I read, I began to feel that the
relationship with my girlfriend was a spiritual hindrance. Yet I didnt have the courage to
break it off, nor did I really want it to end. So I had prayed what seemed like a safe
prayer, God, if you want this relationship to end, then you have to put an end to it! And
now He had.
Ask, and it will be given to you Matthew 7:7 says. God always fulfills His Word.
Especially when there is more than one asker. You see, my parents were praying as
well. They had also asked many others to pray for me. Praise the Lord! God is alive. He
answers prayer. My life today is a testimony to this fact.
With the spiritual hindrances gone that Id been investing my energy in, I finally made
the best choice of my entire life. Alright God Im finally going to give you a 100
percent chance. Ive tried everything else. Ive only been dabbling with religion. But now
Im going to dive in all the way.
Little did I know where this choice would lead. I would soon meet the girl of my dreams,
and we would be launched by God into a thrilling life of fulltime ministry. Delight
yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desire of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
Heart Prayer Challenge:
Father in Heaven, thank You for being so delightful! Thank You for how You take the
roughest experiences in our lives, and use them to awaken us to our need of a deeper
walk with You. God we give You full permission today, to do whatever it takes in our lives
to take us to the next level in our relationship with You. Thank You that we can trust You
with the future! Although the troubles before us often seem so foreboding, we have no
reason to doubt that You will work all these things for our eternal good as we fully trust
ourselves in Your loving hands. Lord, take us deeper. We surrender all to you today.
Amen.
Day 6 I Will Not Let Go Except You

Bless Me
As we continue praying for our church and for the upcoming General Conference
session, let us remember the life of Jacob.
He knew that God intended blessings. In fact, he was to receive the birthright blessing.
But what he failed to gain by strategy and careful planning, God gave him in answer to
prayer. This is what we need, the power of God in answer to our prayers. But to receive
this, we must wrestle as Jacob wrestled with the attitude, I will not let thee go, except
thou bless me (Gen. 32:26).
Ellen White tells us, Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His
experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this
lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of
Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education,
by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience
chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of
power (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 203).
The beautiful part of this story is that as a result of this wrestling in prayer, not only did
Jacob get the blessing that he was seeking, but he got so much more. He got a new
name Israel which means, For as a prince hast thou power with God and with men,
and hast prevailed (Gen. 32:28). Just imagine if we could wrestle with God and prevail?
The good news is that we can! This blessing is not just for Jacob, but for each one of us!
Dear God, we are praying for our church. We are praying for wisdom for our leaders.
Most of all, we are praying for the blessings of your Holy Spirit. We dont know what we
need most, but you do. Please work in our lives for your glory, Amen.
Day 7 Recognizing the Power of the

Cross
Id always been a good kid. Id been raised in a conservative home. We didnt do the
bad things people in the world did. I never drank, I never smoked, I never did drugs.
Oh sure, I made mistakes and there were a few small sins that I constantly struggled
with, but nothing like most people deal with. (I say this now tongue-in-cheek!)
Then in 2008, I went on a mission trip to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh a country
of more than 150 million people. Although Id been on numerous mission trips in Third
World countries, the pain and suffering I witnessed on this trip, shook me to the core. As
I looked out into the hopeless eyes of the masses, my heart longed to do something, but
what? Even when my friends and I shared some of our food with the hungry, it was still
as if we had done nothing at all. The need was simply so great!
Not long after, during morning devotions, suddenly God showed me my true heart
condition. Inside I may have been congratulating myself on the fact that I was at least
helping a few people, but suddenly I realized my heart was filthy, just like the
many slums in Dhaka. For years I had thought I was doing pretty good, but actually my
heart was full of spiritual pride. In fact, I often felt better than others because I didnt
think my sins were that bad, and besides I had come from many generations of
Seventh-day Adventist.
Finally, there amidst the noise of the city, for the first time I recognized the magnitude of
my need and that attempting to live for Christ by my own efforts was just as impossible
as trying in my own efforts to feed and reach the hopeless millions in the city of Dhaka.
Yes, I could attempt to help a few people, just as I could also attempt to change a few
things in my heart.
But no matter how much effort I put forth, I realized that I would still always fall short
because the reality was that, although seeking to be a Christian, my good works would
never be good enough. What I needed was a complete heart change and overhaul, and
this was something only a supernatural God could do.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like
the wind, have taken us away.
Thankfully once God opens our eyes to our true heart condition, He then offers us hope.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool (Isa.
1:18).
That morning while I sat with my Bible contemplating these passages, all noise from the
city streets faded away as I beheld my Saviors love as Id never seen it before. And all I
could do was weep.
You see, although Id been a Christian my whole life, and had been seeking to serve
God faithfully for many years, it wasnt until this day that the power and beauty of the
cross really touched me so dramatically that my heart and spiritual focus was forever
changed.
Dear Lord, As we are finishing the first week of this 100 days of prayer for our church,
help us to be touched anew by what you did for us at the Cross: not just in theory, but
personally! Help us to recognize the power of your shed blood, that not only cleanses us
from all sin, but gives us power to live new lives in You. May this reality grip us and
change us. Help us to remember that apart from you, we can do nothing. And finally,
help us to reach out to the hurting world around us, and share the good news of the
gospel. So many are dying without ever catching a glimpse of your amazing love. Help
us be Your hands and feet to this dying world! Amen.
Day 8 Dare to Ask for More, Today!

If weve chosen to follow and obey Christ, we all have received a measure of the Spirit of
God. However, let us not be content with this measure. Let us not be content with the
spiritual outpouring that we may have received last week or last year, or during our
initial spiritual birth. Let us be connected to God today, continuing to advance forward
asking God for more of His Spirit eventoday.
Ellen White writes, A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to
our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith
we are continually to seek more of the Spirit (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, p. 508).
In Luke 11:13 we are reminded: 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?
So let us keep asking. Lets keep asking for more!
Dear Heavenly Father, We know you long to do more for us as a people and church than
we could even hope or ask for. Help us to keep seeking after you today and not be
content with the outpouring youve given in the past. Give us a fresh outpouring now,
even today. Amen.
Day 9 Unmasked for His Glory

I am a psychologist. By the very nature of my job my life is governed by the rules and
ethics of confidentiality.
I am consistently aware of my commitment to preserve and protect, first; the dignity of
those who I serve, and second; the line of separation between my personal life and my
profession.
I am also West Indian. We are socialized to guard how we share personal details. So,
when asked to share about the Lords workings in my personal life for this 100 days of
prayer, I felt fear as I suddenly realized that I would be required to self disclose, unmask,
and become vulnerable in front of thousands. To be honest, I wanted to run away.
Then it suddenly dawned on me that perhaps the Lord was planning to free me of one of
the things that professionals such as myself are frequently plagued with pride! I have
become so comfortable with my role as one who offers healing to others that I now have
difficulty acknowledging to the world that I am human, and I need grace and healing
myself as well.
As I began to write this testimony, I also realized that I was going to have to
acknowledge my times of brokenness, and possibly share about the times when, even
though I grew up in the church, I may have lost hope and focus in my Christian journey. I
would have to unveil to others about the occasions when I was confused and angry with
God. I would have to admit that I dont always have it all together, and that I am still just
a little girl searching for the guidance and protection from her all wise Father, Shepherd
and Lord.
But then the Lord whispered in my ear, Shanter, how can I use you effectively if you are
unable to share with others the testimony of my work in your life. Everyone knows that
you are a Christian. Everyone knows that you grew up in church, but my commandment
is now for you to share with the world how you overcame the attacks of the enemy by
the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [your] testimony. I need for you to come to the
place where you love not your life [even] unto the death (Rev. 12:11).
I thank God for awakening me today, to the reminder that I am still just like any one of
His other children, and despite all my struggles and my spiritual challenges one thing is
always clear; I earnestly long for a closer walk with God. I long to step aside from the
rush and busyness of life to sit at the feet of my Lord. In fact, I long for the presence of
God more than life itself. And I want to be used by Him in whatever way He deems best.
So today, I will follow His call as I begin my journey of unmasking and sharing how Hes
worked in my life, for He is a great God.
Loving Father, our Lord and King, as busy professionals we choose to accept Your call
today to come in to Your presence unmasked and disrobed from our worldly image of
success. We surrender our every accomplishment that the world has given us into Your
hands. Please accept our hearts. Pour Your Holy Spirit upon us and give us genuine
opportunities to share your love with others. Over these 100 days of prayer, we commit
to taking a moment to pause in the middle of our busy days to reconnect with You in
Jesus as we lift up the needs of our church. May you be glorified. In Jesus name,
Amen.
Day 10 I Finally Found My True Home

I did not grow up in a Christian home. I was born in the former Soviet Union and moved
to Germany when I was 8.
It was not until years later that my sister and mother started to be interested in the
Christian faith and shared some Bible stories with me. Because of their influence, I
started to attend an independent Protestant church.
God impressed me of my need to make my life right with him and to confess the many
wrongs Id committed against others. But because of my pride, I was held back from
complete victory. Sadly, as a result, one cherished sin led to another and years later I
was still far away from God, going to clubs, dancing, drinking and living the wild life.
Thankfully God did not give up on me. My mother and others were praying for me and
the voice of God kept telling me, You do not belong here. Amazingly, I still had the
desire to be close to God, but since Id failed before in my attempts to live for Him and
make my life right, I felt like it was hopeless.
However, my thirst for the Living Water was growing stronger. One night I told a close
friend that I did not have the desire to get drunk anymore. After that, I stopped going to
clubs and began to make serious changes in my life as God led me forward.
Not long after, I started to watch an Adventist broadcast online and got hooked by the
sound messages that were presented. I thought to myself, This must be truth!
One day I watched a presentation where the preacher was making an appeal to put the
world aside and surrender all to God. I was convicted that the worldly lifestyle I was
embracing was keeping me back from God. So right then and there in my bedroom, as
the preacher was making the appeal, I made my choice.
God, I prayed. You have created heaven and earth and you can give me a new heart!
And you know what? He did! He helped me start a new life that I would not exchange for
anything in the world. He also helped me to overcome my pride and make things right
with those Id wronged.
People often say, Home is where the heart is! As I think about the words of Peter
Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68), I couldnt
agree more. There is no place where I could go but to Christ Jesus my Lord. He has my
heart and He is my home, for now and eternity.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for being a shelter
and refuge and a true home for us all. Help us not to walk in spiritual compromise any
longer. Help us not to hold back from following our convictions. Help us not to hold on to
any cherished sins, for I know these wound You afresh. We not only want You to come
and dwell here with us, but we want to go home, to our real home in Heaven. Prepare
us for Your soon coming! Amen.
Day 11 New 10 day Theme: The Bible

in Practical Life
Bible Passage for Meditation: John 15:1-8
Key Verse: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and
it shall be done unto you. John 15:7
Happy Sabbath, Prayer Warriors!
For the first 10 days our devotional focus was on Spiritual Awakening/Seeking God in
earnest. As a result, you heard some testimonies from our blogging team on how God
awakened us to our spiritual need, or convicted us of the importance of a deeper walk
with Him.
To truly be effective intercessors on behalf of our world church, we need to continually
humble ourselves and recognize our spiritual need; that means we dont forget where
God has brought us from (what Hes rescued us from), and also, we recognize our
continual need to keep growing. Higher than the highest human thought can reach is
Gods ideal for His children, Ellen White writes (Education, p. 18).
Have any of us reached this ideal yet? Probably not; and so begins the next step in our
prayer journey.
During the next 10 days, our devotional focus will be on the Word of God, and how it
affects our lives personally and practically. If we are to be strong in prayer, we must
become truly grounded and strong in Gods Word, not just as a church (although this is
vital), but personally.
Inspiration tells us, The Bible is Gods voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we
could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe would we open Gods
Word, and with what earnestness would we search its precepts! The reading and
contemplation of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Infinite One
(Testimonies to the Church, vol. 6, p. 393).
Let us continue praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our worldwide church.
Lets also pray that God would give us a deeper love for His Word.
Heavenly Father, as we begin this next 10 days of prayer, focusing on Your Word, we
ask that You would give us new eyes of appreciation for the great gift Youve given us in
the Bible. Help us to love Your Word, to make time for Your Word, and to learn what it
means to abide in Your Word daily. For You promise us in John 15:7 that if we abide in
You, and Your words abide in us, we can ask what we will, and it will be done unto us,
and we will bear fruit for Your glory. We have big things we are asking for as we pray for
our world church. So we need Your Word to abide in our hearts today. Thank you for
hearing and answering this prayer. In Your Precious Name, Amen.
Day 12 Planting Seeds of Revival

Bible Passage for Meditation: 1 Peter 1:22-25
Key Verse: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word
of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23
I have to be honest. Some days I dont notice a big difference spiritually. Yes, I read the
Bible everyday. I know it is essential to my Christian walk. But some days I begin to
wonder, Did I get anything from todays reading? or Is this really making a difference
in my life?
Thankfully, God has given us a promise that reassures me that I have no reason to
doubt the difference He is making in my life as I receive His Word day by day.
In 1st Peter, we are promised that we have been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:2223). Incredible! When we prayerfully and humbly read Gods Word, we are actually
planting living seeds of revival in our hearts!
When a seed is planted, we dont know when or how it will grow. In fact, it could be
pretty tempting to wonder if that tiny seed is really capable of becoming a fruit bearing
plant. But if the seed isnt corrupt, the results are sure. It will bear fruit!
In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life
of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by
faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God (Christ Object
Lessons, p. 38).
When I began reading the Bible in college, I was still living an ungodly lifestyle. In fact, I
didnt make a lot of changes in my life at first. I just knew I needed to spend time daily at
the feet of Jesus, and so I started reading my Bible everyday.
For awhile I tried to continue living the same lifestyle. However, the planted seeds of
Gods Word slowly began to transform my heart and renew my desires. It was virtually
imperceptible at the time and still is, on a daily basis. But when I look back over the
years, I realize that God has worked incredible changes in basically every area of my
life. Truly His Word always succeeds in the purpose for which He sends it. It does not
return unto Him void (Isa. 55:11).
So whether or not you see or feel growth in your life, keep feeding upon the Word. You
are planting seeds, seeds that will bear the fruit of revival for eternity!

Father in Heaven, Thank You for the living power of Your Word! Increase our faith today
that although we may not always see immediate results, Your Word is planting the seed
of revival in our hearts. Give us a deep commitment to daily sit at Your feet, humbly
receiving these seeds which will bear fruit for eternal life. Strengthen us by Your Word
as we continue to pray for our church, for a work that only You can do! Thank You Jesus
for not leaving us helpless as a people, but providing us with a gift that will change our
lives if we embrace it. We give You full permission to cause us to be born again today.
We need revival! Thank You Lord for doing this in us today, in Jesus name, Amen.
Day 13 The Word: Our Key to

Spiritual Fortification
Bible Passage for Meditation: Eph. 6:10-18
Key Verse: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God. Eph. 6:17
In Isaiah 58:12, we are told, And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste
places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be
called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
From this verse, its quite clear that we as Gods people are called to be breach
repairers. In essence, thats why we exist, to repair what the enemy has torn down. The
problem is, we often have so many holes in our own spiritual walls, that we cant stand
strong as intercessors for others. And God sadly wonders why there are no intercessors
for the land (See Ezek 22:30, Isa. 59:16). However, this is where the Word of God and
prayer come together.
One of the biggest blessings Ive discovered in my own life from studying the Bible is
the power that it gives me to become spiritually fortified so I can stand strong for others.
What do I mean? I mean that when I recognize an area in my life where Im weak or
struggling (it might be a negative mindset, an unchristlike attitude toward someone, a
love for something worldly that will pull me away from God, an unhealthy food addiction
or craving, or something more seriouswe need to pray and ask God to reveal these
things to us, 2 Cor. 13:5), I take that breach in my life and I take a promise from Gods
Word and I start praying that promise against my area of weakness until God gives me
victory. Of course, I also must choose to surrender it to God and walk a new direction,
but when I make these decisions and pray that God will change my heart, He always
does! Not once, when Ive truly spent time wrestling on my knees to have a breach in
my life removed has He failed to answer.
Thats why the Bible tells us, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17). His Word is true and its our secret to
spiritual fortification and our weapon against the enemy today.
I love this encouraging thought from Inspiration. Sister White writes, With watchfulness
and prayer [our] weakest points can be so guarded as to become [our] strongest points,
and [we] can encounter temptation without being overcome (Pastoral Ministry, p. 24,
personal pronouns added).
Lets keep praying for our church, that the Holy Spirit will be poured out and that we will
be fortified to stand strong on behalf of the dying world. Lets also pray that rather than
making breaches, we will be used by God to build up and restore the breaches that
Satan is seeking to create among us.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us the Sword of the Spirit to be our
defense. Thank You that Your Word helps us to become strong fortified Christians for
You. Help us know how to pray and stand in the gap on behalf of those who cannot
stand for themselves. Help us know how to pray for our church and our leaders. We
believe You are coming soon, and we want to be ready, but You must help us for the
enemy is all around, seeking to destroy us. Our only safety and refuge is in You and
Your Word. Amen.
Day 14 What Defines Your Truth &

Reality
Bible Passage for Meditation: 2 Tim. 3:15-17
Key Verse: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim. 3:16
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear
His voice and come forththose who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and
those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28, 29).
The above passage may not be that life-altering to you if youve grown up in the
Adventist church, but it was to me when I discovered it.
You see, as I grew up I was always taught that when a person dies, they go to
purgatory, and eventually they would go to heaven or hell. But when my dad died, I was
told by the priest of the Catholic church I attended, that since he had killed himself, he
would go right to hell and I believed my priest.
However, years later as I studied the Bible with my Adventist friend, I learned the truth
about heaven, hell, and burning forever. With this realization, my faith in a loving and
just God was restored as I realized I needed to stand upon what the Bible said, instead
of relying on what a man said. What comfort this new understanding about God has
brought me.
Your misconception about God and His character may not be regarding an eternally
burning hell like it was for me, but maybe its about something else thats happened in
your life that you dont understand. Maybe its over an unexplainable loss, a sickness, or
a business failure. Or maybe its over a doctrine in Scripture that you dont quite seem
to understand. However, the answers we lack are in Gods Word.
In the powerful book, The Great Controversy, we are told, But God will have a people
upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines
and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science,
the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are
the churches which they represent, the voice of the majoritynot one nor all of these
should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before
accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain Thus saith the Lord in its
support (p. 595).
The Bible tells us, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
So the question is, where do we find our truth? Where do we find our reality? Is it from
our neighbors and friends, or from a priest or pastor, or is it from the Word of God?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that You are a good and just God. And Thank You
that You have not left us to be swept to and fro by every wind of doctrine. You have
given us Your Word. We have a sure foundation. Help us to stand upon Your Word and
to become the people of the Book once again, the people that stand upon the Bible and
the Bible only. No matter what happens around us, or what we feel, help us to be rooted
in Your Word. Amen.
Day 15 His Word Creates and Recreates

Key Verse: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12
God in His providence gave us His Word for all circumstances of life. In the beginning
His Word made something out of no-thing. And it was His powerful Word that made
every-thing very good. Our first parents were instructed to keep everything very good
by obeying the Words of God. However, it is through the disobedience of man that the
world is no longer very good.
Thankfully God does not change. So it is the very Word that made beauty out of chaos
that shines His light into our dark hearts. It is the same Word that sustains us, the same
Word that gives us hope and courage, the same Word that recreates us and gives us
power to become sons of God once again.
John 1:12 tells us, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
In the book, In Heavenly Places we are told, The Lord has determined that every soul
who obeys His Word shall have His joy, His peace, His continual keeping power. Such
men and women are brought near Him always, not only when they kneel before Him in
prayer, but when they take up the duties of life. He has prepared for them an abiding
place with Himself, where the life is purified from all grossness, all unloveliness. By this
unbroken communion with Him, they are made colaborers with Him in their lifework (p.
53).
What a privilege it is to me to be called a son of God. I was once a son of the world, but
now because of the sacrifice of His Son on Calvary, and because of the power of His
Word, I have become a new man, a re-creation. I may not be good in and of myself, but
Im covered by Christs goodness, and that is very good. And as I spend time in His
Word, and seek to understand and obey His words of love, I can be a colaborer with
Him in reaching others.
God has called all of us out of darkness, nothingness, to be channels of the joy of
salvation and to declare to the world His living Word. Shall we accept that challenge
today?

Dear Lord, help us to see the beauty of Your Word today. Also, open our eyes to see
You in Your Word. Please make us willing to gladly obey and trust You and Your Word,
no matter where You choose to lead us. Help us know how to pray, as we continue to lift
up our church and leaders. We are a broken people without You. We need Your power
to make us and re-create us to be who Youve called us to be. Thank You for hearing
this prayer. Amen.
Day 16 Dont Panic! Dont Stress!

Hes Got You in His Hands!
Bible Passage for Meditation: Isa. 49:14-16
Key Verse: Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are
continually before me. Isa. 49:16
Today, my schedule was changed. I had to call in sick for work, and I was so engulfed
with thoughts of extra hours I would have to put in to make up for the lost time, that
even while lying in bed, I was upset with myself for being sick.
It is so easy for me to become anxious and to worry about my long to do lists each
day. I like to be organized, and I tend to plan things well in advance to avoid the
unfortunate surprise that comes with a change in circumstances. However, sometimes
this need for structure comes in direct contradiction with Gods will and His purpose for
me.
Today, the Lord graciously reminded me of the promises in His word: Be still, [Shanter],
and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10), For [I] will perfect the things concerning you!
(Psalm 138:8) I have graven you upon the palms of My hands and your walls are
continually before Me (Isaiah 49:16). Put your trust in Me!
Things may not be going according to my plan, but I feel encouraged knowing that my
Lord, Immanuel, is with me. I am constantly a nail print reminder in the palms of His
hands. His Word promises that He cannot, and will not forget me! He is constantly
aware of my needs. I am grateful for His grace that promises to sustain me in all
circumstances and the fact that He has not failed me yet.
So no matter what you face today, dont panic, dont stress. God is in control, and He
has got you in His hands. And no matter what our church faces, He promises that He
will see us through. Lets keep praying and claiming the promises of His Word!

Father, we thank You that Your Word never fails, and though we cannot see what the
future holds, You assure us that You are already there! Help us as we journey together
over these 100 days of prayer to surrender each day of our plans to You, and to rest
firmly on Your promise to perfect all things concerning us. Thank You that You hold us in
Your hands. Thank You that You are working on behalf of our church, and that You hear
each prayer we pray. In Jesus name, Amen!
Day 17 Thy Word Have I Hid in My

Heart!
Bible Passage for Meditation: Ps. 119:9-11
Key Verse: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Ps.
119:11
I use to get offended if someone said something to me that I didnt like or if they
criticized something I did, and Id sulk for awhile afterwards. Why did he say that to
me? or Why doesnt she look at her own issues instead of pointing out mine? I
thought to myself in frustration. But as God slowly changed my heart through the study
and power of consistent time in the Word, I began to welcome correction even if it hurt
my pride.
However, there were two key verses that made a big difference and helped me gain
perspective. They still keep me focused today.
The first verse is Psalm 119:71, that says, It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes. Wow! In this passage, I saw clearly that God allows
afflictions, and maybe even the words of criticism from others to help us grow, grow in
character and grow closer to Him. I want to grow, so I realized that maybe its good to
be afflicted like this.
The second passage that really impacted my thinking is in the same chapter, Psalm
119:165, and it says simply, Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing
shall offend them.
When I first read this, I thought to myself, Nothing! Are you serious, NOTHING shall
offend them? It was hard to believe.
Now I quote Psalm 119:165 to myself all the time as its convicted me that if Im in tune
with God and His law (His Word) Im not going to be offended by what happens to me
OR what happens around me. Of course, Im not saying that I never get offended
anymore, but when Im tempted to grumble or complain, or when trials seem to be
multiplying, I just remind myself of this passage, and my irritation literally goes away.
Thats the beauty and power of the Word. It can change your mind!
Ellen White writes, We might close the door to many temptations, if we would commit
to memory passages of Scripture. Let us hedge up the way to Satans temptations with
It is written (The Faith I Live By, p. 8).
Yes, I believe this is an important part of becoming spiritually fortified. Its learning to put
Gods Word in our heart. If its in our heart, Satan cant take control of our mind.
Psalm 119:11 says, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee.

Dear Heavenly Father, Teach us how to build a strong foundation upon Your
Word. Teach us how to lay up Your Word in our heart and apply it practically in day to
day life. Teach us how to fortify our mind from the attacks of the enemy by telling him It
is Written. Your Word is power! And when all else fails in this life, Your Word will remain.
So help us Lord. Help us individually and as a church to stand strong, rooted and
grounded upon your Living Word. Amen!
Day 18 Its More Than Sabbath

Sermons
Bible Passage for Meditation: James 1:21-27
Key Verse: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves. James 1:22
When I was a young mother raising my children, I learned through some hard
experiences that reading my Bible was the only way I could maintain a real connection
with Jesus. When I woke up late and didnt make time for Him, I would find myself on a
downward spiral that left me with no power to withstand temptation. Thankfully, God
taught me that spending time in His Word is my lifeline to heaven.
However, much as I love Gods Word, Merely to hear or to read the Word is not
enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth
that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought, he must
learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles
(Christs Object Lessons, pp. 59-60).
In the flyleaf of my Bible, I penned a similar thought. It says, The mere hearing of
sermons Sabbath after Sabbath, the reading of the Bible through and through, or the
explanation of it verse by verse [all good things to do as a disciple of Christ] will not
benefit us or those who hear us unless we bring the truths of the Bible into our own
individual experience (The Ministry of Healing, p. 514).
James 1:22 tells us, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your
own selves.
And here is the secret. We must not only read the Bible, we must not only meditate
upon it, but we must apply it to our every day life. These are the keys that will unlock the
power thats found in Gods wonderful Book!
Dear Heavenly Father, as we enjoy another Sabbath, help us not just to listen to what
the preacher has said today. Help us not just to meditate upon the words written on the
pages of our Bible. Rather, help us know how to make these words part of our every day
life, for thats why You gave them to us. You want us to be doers of the Word and not just
hearers. Teach us what this means as we continue to grow and as we continue to pray
for our church. Amen.
Day 19 God Has Not Died Nor Lied!

Bible Passage for Meditation: Numbers 23:13-20
Key Verse: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should
repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it
good? Num. 23:19
Have you found yourself at times very discouraged? Have you felt at times dark clouds
surrounding you? Has it seemed to you that there is no way out of a certain situation?
The story is told about Martin Luther who had been very discouraged for a while. The
plans he had made did not seem to be working out, and he found it hard to accept the
situation. So one day his wife Katie decided to do something. She put on a black dress
and came into the room where he was.
Why are you dressed for mourning, wife? he asked.
Havent you heard? God has died, she answered.
Luther replied, God has died? What do you mean by such blasphemous talk? Of
course He hasnt died!
Oh, she said. Im sorry. By looking at you these last few days I thought for sure that
He had died.
Thankfully, Martin Luther got the point, and so should we today. While circumstances
may sometimes look dark and foreboding, we can entrust ourselves (as well as our
church) to Gods care in all things. Yes, in all things!
God has given us many precious promises in His Word. He has promised to be with us
until the end. And He also promised in Isaiah 43:1-2, Fear not, for I have redeemed
you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk
through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
In Jeremiah He has told us that He knows the plans He has for us, For I know the plans
I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope (Jer. 29:11 ESV).
As Ellen White writes, It is our privilege to take God at his word (Gospel Workers, p.
370). What He has promised, He will do. When dark clouds gather around us, Let us
grasp the rich promises of God. The garden of God is full of rich promises. Oh, let us
gather them; let us take them home; let us show that we believe in God. Let us take Him
at his word; let not one of us be found distrusting God or doubting Him (Selected
Messages, vol. 3, p 192).
God has not died, and He has not lied. We can trust His Word!

Heavenly Father, teach us to trust in You even in the most difficult circumstances we
may face. Youve given us so many promises in Your Word. Teach us how to lay hold of
them, how to truly take You at Your Word, for as Num. 23:19 says, You cannot lie for
what Youve spoken, You will do. Forgive us for sometimes getting discouraged by what
happens around us. Help us learn to cast all our cares upon You and trust that You are
in control and that You will work out whatever is for our best good. Teach us what it
means to truly have faith built upon Your Word. Amen.
Day 20 The Heavenly Diet

Key Verse: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me
shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35
A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet
(Proverbs 27:7).
There is nothing that keeps me from craving junk food like a full stomach. If Im hungry
enough, almost anything can be appetizing. But when Im completely full, even that
favorite dessert is no longer hard to pass by at potluck.
Ive discovered that this is also true in my Christian walk. If Im hungry enough, almost
anything can be appetizing. But if Im spiritually full from spending time with Jesus in His
Word, the things of the world dont attract me near as easily.
Unfortunately, despite my best intentions to do whats right, my cravings often get the
best of me, because I havent been filling myself with enough heavenly food. So I fall for
that empty junk food that the enemy offers, even though I know its only going to hurt
me.
Thats what makes the following promise so incredibly powerful to me: And Jesus said
unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that
believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:35).
Wow! Talk about an incredible diet plan! Jesus promises that we will NEVER hunger
and NEVER thirst when we come to Him.
Now, those listening to Jesus might have thought He was referring to physical food, so
Jesus had to make it very plain how we can feed on Him: The words that I speak to
you are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63). Jesus promise is that He will feed us
satisfy us by His Word.
Now I realize why at times Ive had such a hard time resisting the enemys temptations.
Too often Ive let myself get to the place where Im starving. And when Ive neglected to
take time feeding on Christ through His Word, I find todays temptations are much
harder to resist and get victory over. But when Im filled with Jesussatisfied by His
WordI no longer crave the empty pleasures of this old world.
So join me! Lets feed upon Christ and upon His Living Word today. For only He can
satisfy!

Dear Father in heaven, As we continue praying for our church, the cry of our hearts
today is that You would give us more of Jesus! We are tired of finding this world
appetizing. Please satisfy us with Jesus so that everything else will be empty and
unappetizing in comparison. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your Word and for things of
eternal value. Thank You that as we come to You, we will NEVER hunger and NEVER
thirst, for You have promised that You will give us living bread. Thank you Father for
hearing these prayers. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 21 A Revival of Prayer

Bible Passage for Meditation: Joel 2:12-14
Key Verse: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart,
and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Joel 2:12
In the biblical book of Joel, we are instructed to gather the remnant people, to pray, to
fast, and to repent, and as we do this, we are promised that the Lord will do wonders
among us, leading to the last great latter rain outpouring.
If ever there was a time that we needed to be on our knees, it is now. As we watch the
increasing tragedies and tribulations that are coming upon our world, it seems that we
are fast approaching the time of the final crisis in earths historythe time when God
must intervene! Are we watching? Are we praying?
Ellen White writes, A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent
of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to
obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing
upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more
willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good
gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and
earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His
blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer (Last Day Events, p.
189).
In another place, Ellen White writes, More prayer and less talk is what God desires, and
this would make His people a tower of strength (General Conference Bulletin, Jan. 1,
1900, Art. B, par. 14).
As we enter the third 10-day phase of 100 Days of Prayer, we are going to turn our focus
to prayer: what it means to pray in faith, and how we experience a revival of prayer in
our lives personally.
The time for playing games is over. Its time to get serious, to intensify our focus on the
Lords call for deeper consecration and heart-searching. Its time for deep wrestling
prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, As we continue forward with this 100 Days of Prayer, we pray that
you would take us to our knees as weve never been before. That you would teach us
how to agonize and wrestle on behalf of our church, on behalf of our nation, and on
behalf of our hurting brothers and sisters all around the world. We need a form of
godliness that we do not yet possess. We need a baptism of the Holy Spirits power that
we have not yet received. Please help us Father. We want what was prophesied in Joel
to happen. We want You to finish the work so we can go home. Thank you, that in Your
time and way, You will answer these prayers. In Your precious name, Amen.
Day 22 Teach Me to Pray!

Bible Passage for Meditation: Luke 11:1-8
Key Verse: 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
If I had been one of Jesus disciples during His 3 1/2 years of ministry, I can think of a
number of things I would have asked Him to teach me. However, in all four gospels,
Jesus disciples only ask Him to teach them one thing: something that might seem
shockingly simple.Luke 11:1 tells the story. 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 Thats it. Not how do we feed 5,000 people, how do we walk on water, or how
do we raise the dead? None of the above: Just, teach us to pray!
Jesus disciples had seen the incredible results, the power that was unleashed, when
Jesus prayed. Thus they knew where the power behind His work came from. They
longed to see the same power come from God exhibited in their own lives.
Ellen White writes, The greatest blessing that God can give to man is the spirit of
earnest prayer. All heaven is open before the man of prayer. The prayers offered in
humble faith will be heard (The Review & Herald, Oct. 20, 1896, par. 15).
The more that I am exposed to in this old sinful world, the more that I feel this same
need. I personally have family members who dont know Jesus yet, close friends with
cancer, and there are billions who still need to hear the three angels messages. In my
own strength, I can do so little. But when I call upon the almighty God of the universe,
He delights to answer by unleashing His power. He is the creator, and can create the
solution to any and every problem that I will ever face. The greatest blessing then is to
be taught by God, inspired by God, to earnestly pray!
Father in Heaven, Please forgive us for so often being half-hearted in prayer. Forgive us
for our pride, which leads us to depend on our own strength. Teach us how to depend
on Your strength. Teach us to pray! Teach us how to get beyond our own petty needs
and pray effectively for the world around us. Teach us how to pray effectively for our
church. We long to be used as Your prayer warriors. We long to see kingdoms shaken in
answer to our prayers. Thank You for making us men and women of earnest prayer! And
thank You for the righteousness of Jesus, that covers or weak, impotent prayers, and
makes them acceptable before Your throne. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Day 23 But I Dont Feel Like Praying!

Key Verse: Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast
believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29
Sometimes the hardest part of prayer is just starting! But I dont feel like praying right
now! Should I really pray when the feelings arent there? some ask. I know this is
something I really struggled with in the past.
However, we need to recognize that as Christians, we all fight a daily battle: a battle
betweenfact versus feeling. The outcome of this very significant battle will determine
what type of faith we hold and the way we will pray. Let me explain.
Fact is what we find in Gods Word. Fact, although built upon unseen realities and
invisible promises, does not waver, as it reflects the unchanging nature of God; That is,
He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He will not change (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday,
today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He is more eager to give us good gifts than we are to
give good gifts to our children (Luke 11:13). When we base faith on fact, we have a firm
foundation to weather any storms.
Feeling, on the other hand, is constantly wavering as it is based on our personal
experiences, changing emotions, anxieties, spiritual lethargy, and unanswered prayers.
Rather than counseling the Word of God for its decisions, feeling takes counsel from
self, from worldly wisdom, from skeptical friends, and from the past unproductive
Christian experience. When we base faith on feelings, which come and go, its as if we
are building our house upon the sand. And any storms that come along may knock it
over.
Consider the following quote from Inspiration:
Faith takes God at His Word, with or without feeling. It is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen. We can believe our fellowmen, and can we not trust
the Word of God? When we go to Him for wisdom or grace, we are not to look to
ourselves to see if He has given us a special feeling as an assurance that He has
fulfilled His Word. Feeling is no criterion. Great evils have resulted when Christians have
followed feeling. How do I know that Jesus hears my prayers?I know it by His
promise. He says He will hear the needy when they cry unto Him, and I believe His
Word. He has never said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye Me in vain. If we walk in the
light, we may come to the throne of grace with holy boldness. We may present the
promises of God in living faith, and urge our petitions. Although we are weak, and
erring, and unworthy, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities. When we have offered our
petition once, we must not then abandon it, but say, as did Jacob when he wrestled all
night with the angel, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me, and like him we shall
prevail (Bible Echo, Sept. 24, 1894, par. 4).
Faith must be rooted in the unchanging facts of Gods Wordnot in our changing
emotions.
If you are waiting to feel like you can trust God completely before you trust God
completely, you will probably never trust Him. If you are waiting to feel like praying
before you pray, you may never pray. God gave us a mind, and Hes given us His Word.
We need to use them together!
Heart Challenge
Dear Heavenly Father, Teach us what it means to pray even when we dont feel like it, to
pray in faith even when all around seems hopeless, to pray even when the odds seem
against us and even when our feelings are telling us that its not really going to make a
difference. Instead of listening to our feelings, help us to learn to stand upon Your Word
in faith. For Your promises are true, and Your Word does not fail. Help us to be rooted
and so strong in You that no matter the storm, we will stand strong upon Your Word in
faith. Amen.
Day 24 How Fasting and Prayer

Blessed My Life
Bible Passage for Meditation: Matthew 6:16-18
Key Verse: But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face. Matt.
6:17
It was exactly two years ago that I was faced with a very important life-changing
decision. In fact, it was totally unexpected. You see, I was single, and happy. I had totally
surrendered to God my desire to be married and was joyfully pouring my life into
ministry. To be honest, I had come to have such a close relationship with God, that I was
a bit afraid that if I started a romantic relationship I might loose the sweet closeness and
communion I had in my daily devotions.
So what was I to do now that a handsome young man was asking me to consider a
relationship? One thing I knew: I could not trust myself to make such an important
decision. Eleven years earlier, I had failed and failed miserably. So I had promised God
that I would never enter a romantic relationship again unless I was sure that He was
guiding me.
As I considered the new circumstances before me, I decided to fast and pray for 10
days. As a result, God answered in amazing ways. Not only did He give me such a
peace about this man like I have never had before, but He gave me the answers I was
looking for.
Eight months later we were engaged and planning our wedding. However, we faced
some challenges as we were both working in ministry and did not have a way to pay for
all the wedding expenses. So we fasted and prayed. Once again, God performed many
miracles for us, and our wedding ended up being better than my dreams. Now when we
look back, we are still amazed at Gods abundant goodness to us.
As my husband and I entered the New Year 2015 (still our first year of marriage), we
decided to start the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting, asking for increased
spiritual blessings. We both had done this before we got married, but now that we are
doing it together, we see even more abundant blessings in our lives spiritually as we
have determined to abstain from certain foods and media activities in order to have
more time to focus on God. What a rich blessing this has been to us!
Maybe you are at a crossroad in your life. Maybe you are looking for answers. Maybe
you are in need of Gods divine intervention in your life or in the life of someone dear to
you. Maybe you want a deeper experience with God. I want to encourage you to take
some time to fast and pray, to tune out the other distracting influences around you and
listen to His still small voice. It may not be a total fast. Thats okay. You may want to
choose a Daniels fast, like we have done. Whatever you do, if you seek God with
earnestness in fasting and prayer, God will draw you closer to Himself, closer than
youve ever been before. Remember, fasting isnt just about getting what we want from
God. Its more about getting closer to Him, about knowing Him. For He is the greatest
gift we can receive!
Dear Heavenly Father, In Matt. 6:16,17 you tell us when we fast we should not be sad
as the hypocrites are, but rather we should be joyful. Also as we read the stories
throughout the Bible, we see that You always answered when Your people prayed and
fasted. God, we are in need of big answers. We are in need of great miracles on behalf
of our church. Help us to draw near You with all our hearts. Show us how to pray, and
when appropriate, how to fast. Show us what things, foods, and activities in our lives we
should set aside for a time that we may hear Your voice more clearly. Thank you for
hearing and answering this prayer. Amen.
Day 25 Learning to Walk Like Enoch

Bible Passage for Meditation: Genesis 5:21-24
Key Bible Verse: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Gen. 5:24
My wife and I often enjoy taking a walk after our meals. We are thankful for the beautiful
nature that surrounds our home and for the fresh air we can breath in Gods great
outdoors.
However, I have come to realize that when we walk together, Im much more aware of
my surroundings than I am when I walk alone. Part of this has to do with the fact that I
want to protect my wife from oncoming cars, or from thorns and thistles that might be
along the path. I also dont want her to fall in one of those big potholes that we often find
along the dirt road. So Im more in tune with the environment and what is happening
around us.
As I was thinking about how sensitive I try to be when walking with my new bride (weve
been married only about 10 months now) I thought about my daily walk with God and
my need for a continual connection and sensitivity to Him throughout my day.
Ellen White writes, I wish I could impress upon every worker in Gods cause, the great
need of continual, earnest prayer. They cannot be constantly upon their knees, but they
can be uplifting their hearts to God. This is the way that Enoch walked with God
(Evangelism, p. 681).
The Bible says, And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Gen.
5:24).
What was it about Enoch that made God want to take him home? I dont know all the
answers, but I think Enoch must have been very sensitive to Gods voice in His daily
walk of faith.
You see, as we journey along the Christian path we need to watch out for potholes and
thorns in our walk with God as Enoch must have done. We dont want anything to hurt
our divine Friend. And yet, how often I find that I am not sensitive enough to worry about
the little things that might hurt God; the negative thoughts, feelings, words, or small
compromises that pull me away from Him.
Also, we must learn to listen closely. When I walk with my wife, I listen as she shares her
thoughts and worries. But am I as sensitive when the Lord is speaking to me through
His Word, thru circumstances, or the people around me? How sad it is to miss
opportunities to share an encouraging word or smile to one of my fellow brothers
because I wasnt paying attention to the Lords voice.
We must give our lives daily into the hands of our Maker if we want to walk with God like
Enoch did. And this is a decision that happens moment-by-moment as we face the
potholes of temptation, or the thorns of distraction. Let us not be so distracted that we
miss the voice of Lord!
Friend, are you walking with God today as Enoch did?

Dear Heavenly Father, Teach us what it means to walk as Enoch walked. Teach us how
to be sensitive to Your still small voice. Teach us how to be sensitive to Your desires,
and obedient to Your Word that the enemy will have no foothold in our lives. We want to
go home. Want to see Your Spirit poured out on our church so the work can be finished.
Please make us disciples, ready to receive Your outpouring. In Your precious Name,
amen.
Day 26 A Lesson from My House

Plants
Key Verse: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it
abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4
Not that long ago I was sitting in my living room, looking at the tips of some of the leaves
on one of my plants. I noticed that on some of the leaves, the tips were beginning to
wither and turn brown due to the fact that they were not as tightly connected to the stem.
As I looked at the leaves, God began speaking to me. I realized how at times my own
spiritual life starts withering and turning brown as well.
In the book of John we are told, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in
me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
(John 15:4,5).
Yes, just as the leaves must remain connected with the stem and life-sustaining root
system of the plant, I also must have that same daily connection with my heavenly
Father. I must daily draw from His wellspring of life so that I will stay alive and produce
good fruit.
Its interesting that when a leaf is first disconnected from its root system, it still looks
alive for a little while. But it will eventually die. Theres no turning the process around or
reviving it. With us as Christians its similar with one difference. When we become
disconnected from Christ, we can look
alive for a while as well before we wither and die apart from Christ. However, we can
always re-connect and be revived. God can work a miracle and bring us back to life!
How does He do this? All it takes is one prayer.
Ellen White writes, 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 Wellspring 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 (Messages to Young People, p. 249).
I thank God that even with I start to wither and turn brown, He is there, always ready to
revive me. I just must turn to Him in prayer!
Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes we get disconnected and think we can operate in our
own strength. We forget we need the wellspring of life that only you can provide.
Please change our hearts Lord, that we may desire to abide in You just as the branch
abides in the vine. Also, as we continue praying for our church, we ask that you would
help us as a people to learn what it means to stay connected to You personally. We
know that we are not saved as a church, or as a group, we are saved and revived
individually. So help us to daily spend time at Your feet in prayer that You may pour Your
Holy Spirit upon us in abundance. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Day 27 Spiritual Bodybuilding

Bible Passage for Meditation: Jeremiah 29:10-14
Key Verse: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all
your heart. Jer. 29:13
You shouldve seen Nathan* before the seminary! Bobby said about our mutual pastor
friend one day. He was super scrawny and thin! [*Pastor Nathan, whose name has
been changed to protect privacy, is a very muscle-bound man.]
Bobby continued, However, when he came back to visit recently, I couldnt believe my
eyes. I asked him what had happened during his time at the seminary. He simply
responded, There isnt much to do in Michigan. So I guess he spent all his time at the
gym.
My friend Bobby had no idea, but God used this conversation to set the stage for a
radical change in my Christian walk.
Not long after, my wife and I moved to Andrews University so that I could attend the
seminary. Id already been working as a pastor for a couple years, and I expected to
learn many helpful things, but to be honest, I didnt expect to experience a huge
personal revival. But thankfully God had other plans for me.
While there were many things during my time at the seminary that God used to awaken
me to my need for a deeper personal walk with Him (including prayer partners, prayer
journaling, Bible study and more) one of the things that impacted me most was that
conversation about Pastor Nathan.
Not long after, I told a long-time friend and prayer partner, What if we do the same thing
Nathan did, but instead of hitting the gym, we take extra time and energy to focus on our
personal walk and connection with God? I want to be spiritually buff!
And so began a radical journey as I committed to seek God more earnestly than ever
before.
This commitment forced me to make some changes that werent easy. In high school I
had been willing to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to train intensely, for hours on end, in order to
become the best athlete possible. I had also committed to eating an extremely healthy
diet (vegan and no refined sugar) for several years in order to have energy for a
particular athletic event. But could I make the same sacrifices in order to have extra
energy to get up early and spend hours with my best friend Jesus?
What made it so difficult was that I really liked sleeping in. And I didnt even know how to
keep awake while reading the Bible early in the morning. Also I didnt want to give up
some of the unhealthy food that I really thought I needed. So I simply began crying out
to God to change my heart; To give me a heart to know Him (Jer. 24:7). And I kept
claiming the promise of Jer. 29:13 that says, And ye shall seek me, and find me, when
ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Those following two years, God gave me a desire to seek Him whole-heartedly as Ive
never had before. And when my time at the seminary was over, and my wife and I had
the moving truck packed for our return to California, I was so in awe at what God had
done, that I simply had to kneel down on the ground and thank Him for how He had
changed me in so many ways; ways I didnt even know needed to be changed.
Im still not as spiritually buff as I want to be, but God is working, and I praise Him for His
patience and tender mercy in my life.
Precious Father in Heaven, Thank You that You are always faithful to Your promises. As
we continue praying for our church, please give us a heart that desires to know You
more, for what we desire to see happen in our church must first happen in our own lives.
Lord, we surrender the stuff that is holding us back today. Take away all our small
expectations and give us a heart to truly seek more from You. Please help us to fall so in
love with You that nothing else matters as much as being with You. Amen.
Day 28 Daring to Ask for Even More!

Bible Passage for Meditation: Ephesians 3:14-21
Key Bible verse: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that
we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Eph. 3:20
Alexander the Great was a mighty conqueror and king, and although he lived long
before the time of Christ (around 300 B.C.), his reputation still lives on today.
Besides being a great conqueror, King Alexander was also a compassionate ruler. Every
year he set aside one day that he called compassionate day. As the story goes, on this
special day of the year, he would randomly select different people across his kingdom
whom he would allow to come and make special requests.
Most people asked for food, clothes, money for medicine, and so on. However, one year,
there was a man who dared to ask for more! He asked for a palace, and not just a
palace, but a fully furnished palace, and a large banquet hall to feed all his friends. To
the amazement of all, King Alexander granted the mans request.
When asked why he would grant such an outrageous request, the king replied, This
man is the first man thats really made me feel like the king I am. For only I can grant
such a request!
This story has really affected my life because it reminds me of the great God that we
serve and how little we ask of Him. And its made me wonder why we so often settle for
superficial blessings when we serve the King of the universe. Its made me wonder why
we settle for barely surviving spiritually, when God is longing to give us so much more
richness and depth in our walk with Him. I think far too many Seventh-day Adventist
Christians have settled for being spiritual dwarfs when God is calling us, modern-day
Israel, to become spiritual giants standing in the gap, interceding for the lost.
God is able, and He longs to work in a mighty way, but our lack of faith actually limits His
work in our lives. In fact, we are told, Every failure on the part of the children of God is
due to their lack of faith! (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 657)
Lets not allow our doubts to limit us anymore, but trust the Bible which tells us, Now
unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).
Dear Heavenly Father, As we continue this 100 Days of Prayer, help us to keep daring to
ask for more! Help us to keep daring to ask for more in our own personal walk with You
and help us to keep daring to ask for more on behalf of our church. We need what only
You can give. We need You to work mightily on our behalf. Forgive us for our lack of
faith, and forgive us for praying little prayers. Forgive us for limiting what You want to do
because of doubting Your Word. Thank You Jesus for giving us a new heart and a new
perspective of the greatness of Who You are, not a mere earthly King, but the King of
the universe. We love You! Amen!
Day 29 The Power of My Mothers

Prayer
Bible Passage for Meditation: Psalm 118:14-18
Key Bible verse: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Psalm
118:17
It was December 2003. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was lying there on a
hospital bed feeling like my life was almost over. I could not even move. Every joint in my
body felt like it was on fire. I had never felt so much pain.
I had been battling Dengue fever with temperatures of more than 100 degrees
Fahrenheit (37.7 C) every day for about two weeks. Each day I grew weaker and
weaker. My mom would come early in the morning and would cover my body with towels
dipped in ice-cold water. I was so miserable. And what hurt the most was seeing the
pain in her eyes as she fought back the tears. I saw sadness in my fathers eyes too.
One day, as my mother looked on, my father held my limp body in his arms and begged
me (his only daughter) to fight and not give up. I then heard my mother speak boldly the
Bible promise: You shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord!
There is an inexplicable shift that occurs in the atmosphere when parents intercede on
behalf of their children. I still get goose bumps as I recall this experience. I cant even
explain it, but I felt such hope. I remember praying in my heart, Lord if you dont heal
me for my sake, please heal me in answer to my parents prayers! Jesus, please answer
their prayer.
Ellen White once wrote the following regarding the power of a mothers prayers: It is
impossible to estimate the power of a praying mothers influence. She acknowledges
God in all her ways. She takes her children before the throne of grace and presents
them to Jesus, pleading for His blessing upon them. The influence of those prayers is to
those children as a wellspring of life. These prayers, offered in faith, are the support
and strength of the Christian mother. To neglect the duty of praying with our children is
to lose one of the greatest blessings within our reach, one of the greatest helps amid the
perplexities, cares, and burdens of our lifework.
This quote is long, but its so powerful, so I must let Sister White continue:
The power of a mothers prayers cannot be too highly estimated. She who kneels
beside her son and daughter through the vicissitudes of childhood, through the perils of
youth, will never know till the judgment the influence of her prayers upon the life of her
children. If she is connected by faith with the Son of God, the mothers tender hand may
hold back her son from the power of temptation, may restrain her daughter from
indulging in sin. When passion is warring for the mastery, the power of love, the
restraining, earnest, determined influence of the mother, may balance the soul on the
side of right (Adventist Home, p. 266).
My mother encouraged me that day to ask for Gods healing and she repeated over and
over again in my ears You shall not die but live to declare the works of God! She said
every day afterward until my wounded spirit began to believe and I too began to declare:
I shall not die but live to declare the glory of God!
There is power in confessing the Word of God. And there is power when a mother prays.
My healing in that experience is testimony of Gods grace in answer to the faithful
prayers of my parents.
Father God, Together we want to intercede for all of the parents in our world church
today, especially those parents who have committed their lives in ministry; as leaders,
pastors, administrators, teachers, and missionaries in service. We pray for their
protection and especially the protection of their children. We unite as a church today and
declare that even though some of our children are caught in the snares of the enemy,
that our children shall not die but live to proclaim the mighty works of the Lord! We have
faith that You will honor your promise to contend with he who contends with us and that
You will save our children! (Isa. 49:25). Let your Holy Spirit pour out gifts of strength,
wisdom and grace upon all parents as they seek to shape their childrens lives in
preparation for Your Kingdom. Amen.
Day 30 Our Jesus Getaway

Bible Passage for Meditation: Luke 4:42-5:16
Key Verse: And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. Luke 5:16
Have you ever come to the end of your vacation and found that you were more tired
than you were when it began? I remember thinking at the end of a recent vacation, This
is craziness! Whats the point of taking a vacation when it is just about as exhausting as
work?
With the constant rush, ever increasing stress and overwhelming busyness of our daily
lives, we all are in need of a true get-away, but what type of getaway should we be
seeking? First, we should ask, how did Jesus deal with it all? After all, He had more
pressure, more potential stressors, and greater responsibilities than you or I will ever
face.
In Luke 5:15, we find a glimpse of Jesus exhausting schedule. However, the report
went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear,
and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.
Talk about a time of high stress and incredible opportunity! As a pastor, if the multitudes
were gathering at my church to hear the gospel and to be ministered to, I would feel that
this was the moment to shift into overdrive! Clearly, this would not be the time to
withdraw and get away from the multitudes. Or would it?
The story continues in Luke 5:16, So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and
prayed. Wow! Jesus example reveals the importance of getting away. And for the Son
of God, there was no greater joy, no greater relaxation, and no greater way to meet the
pressing needs around Him, than to withdraw and take some time pray. But, while we all
have things we like to withdraw to when that moment for much needed rest comes, this
seems to rarely be for the purpose of prayer.
Recently, my wife and I decided to try and follow Jesus example literally. We had a few
flexible days in our schedule, and decided to use the time to withdraw and pray. This
was honestly harder to explain to some well meaning friends and family than I imagined.
Its simply not something that we do these days. But I can honestly say, those few days
were some of the most refreshing days I have had in a long time. At the end of the time I
told my wife. Why dont we take vacation time to do this every year?
So I ask the following to challenge you as well as my own heart: What if we really lived
like Jesus? What if our ultimate get-away was to run to God and pray?
Precious Father in Heaven, Forgive us for looking to worldly diversions to renew our
strength rather than to You, the source of all true rest and strength. Forgive us for
forgetting that in Your presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Give us a heart to pray!
Teach us to withdraw from our busy tasks (even ministry labors) for the purpose of
prayer. Increase our faith in Your power to do greater things in answer to prayer than we
can do through our feeble efforts. Please pour out Your Spirit of prayer upon us (Zec.
12:10). Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon our Church. We want to follow Jesus example!
And we want to go home. In Your Precious Name, Amen.
Day 31 New 10-Day Theme:

Consecration that Bears Fruit
Bible Passage for Meditation: Galatians 5:22-26
Key Verse: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,
23
We pray you are being blessed on this journey of prayer as much as we are! For the
next ten days of prayer we will reflect on personal consecration as its displayed
through the fruit of the Spirit.
The main goal we are praying for during this 100 Days of Prayer program is that the
Holy Spirit will be poured out abundantly on us as a church so that we will be equipped
to finish the work so we can go home to heaven. But the work starts with us as
individuals. It starts personally, and in our own homes.
In Acts of the Apostles we are told, Every worker who follows the example of Christ will
be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the
ripening of earths harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel
before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the
presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the days
duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them
to be laborers together with God (Acts of the Apostles, p. 56).
This is what we need daily: that reviving, sanctifying power. Lets pray for that today. And
lets pray that God will continue to show us what practical Christianity and practical
godliness look like in our daily lives. Lets ask Him to give us the fruit of the Spirit, for as
Inspiration tells us, This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest
unto eternal life (Christs Object Lessons, p. 68).
Dear Heavenly Father, as we continue praying through 100 Days of Prayer for our
church, we ask that You take the work deeper into our hearts. Show us what it means to
have the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives. Show us what true love looks like. Show us
what it means to have joy, to have peace, to be longsuffering (even under provocation),
to show godly gentleness, to act in goodness (not our goodness, but Yours), to continue
praying in faith, to respond to others in meekness, and to be temperate. God, we cannot
be any of these things in our own strength. This is a work that only You can do. Please
change us. Make us like You! In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 32 Always in Love

Bible Passage for Meditation: 1 John 4:7-11
Key Verse: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is
love. 1 John 4:7, 8
It never ceases to amaze me how often the Epistles of John speak of love and how
John does not mince words. He goes always to the point, and it is a sharp and
sometimes painful point. In essence, if I dont love, I dont know God. Ouch!
Then I look back at Galatians 5:22. Love is the very first fruit of the Spirit that is listed,
which tells me that it should be the first visible sign of my transformed life. Also in
Romans 12:9 we are told, Let love be without hypocrisy (ASV).
So what kind of love does God expect me to have toward people?
This question has sent me digging through my Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy writings
on multiple occasions, often when I feel chastened by God for the thoughts in my heart
and my tendency to unloving deeds. After all, Im human. Although I desperately long to
be like Jesus, to have His mindset, His deeds, and His actions and reactions, I find that
my selfish human ways often interfere.
Through the power of the Word, God is slowly changing me. When I find that I dont
feel loving toward a person, I reflect upon 1 John. If I truly love God, love will show. No,
it isnt easy, and it doesnt come from my own corrupt heart, but God can change our
hearts. Ive also found that showing love, even when I dont want to, brings a peace that
surpasses all understanding. This doesnt mean that I naturally fit with every personality.
No, some people still tend to get under my skin every time I see them. However, God is
teaching me to love them. They are children of God, and the truth is that I may be the
only face of Jesus they will ever see. So I better act like Him! How does He act? Always
in love!
Gracious Father, we pray for a magnificent outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, that we may
love others as You love us. May we find in our hearts room for all, even those we dont
naturally like. We need Your sweet Spirit, not that we may boast of anything but that we
may look like Your glorious Son to the world. Thank You for hearing this prayer. In Jesus
name we pray, Amen.
Day 33 Love is Power

Bible Passage for Meditation: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Key Verse: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2, NKJV
As I began my studies at Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, I
longed to be so connected with God that I could see His power unleashed in every
aspect of my life, just as it was for early Christians in the book of Acts. So, as Ive
shared before, I began to take more and more time to pray and seek God earnestly
each day.
I wanted to be thick with the Almighty, as it says in Gospel Workers (p. 255), so that I
could have spiritual power. I wanted to be able to preach with Holy Spirit power and see
thousands converted in a day. I wanted to be able to pray in faith and see incredible
miracles of healing, as well as victories for the church. And so I kept clinging to the
promise: Power will come from God in answer to the prayer of faith (Gospel Workers,
p. 255).
God answered my prayer for power. But I didnt recognize it at first. As I spent long
hours with Jesus each morning, I began to recognize the hardness of my own heart. I
realized that I had an anger problem that was hurting a lot of those closest to me. I
realized that I had a lot of pride, a lot of rough edges that needed softening.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2, NKJV).
Wow. That verse is so familiar that its easy to miss the significance. Even if I were able
to do all these miracles in Gods power but still lacked love, it would be absolutely
valueless!
You see, Love is power (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 135). In another place
Sister White writes, God considers more with how much love we work, than the amount
we do (The Youths Instructor, Jan. 13, 1898, par. 9). What an eye-opening revelation.
So the most crucial thing to ensure that my life has eternal value and meaning is for God
to write His law of love on my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of course, I still believe God will fulfill the book of Acts before He returns and that a
power such as weve never seen before will be exhibited in the lives of believers. But Im
thankful that He has first begun to work this most incredible miracle in my own heart.
The miracle of true love!
Dear Father in heaven, we long to do mighty things for You. We long to do mighty things
as a church; however, forgive us for forgetting that the mightiest thing we can do is to
truly love others as You love us. Please break our hard hearts and fill us with Christ-like
love. We cannot do this on our own. Please come, Holy Spirit, and write Your law of love
on our hearts today, that the world may see Jesus in us. Give us a heart of humility that
what might have been in days gone by, will finally be a reality for us today. In Jesus
name, Amen.
Day 34 Loving Fellow Christians

Bible Passage for Meditation: Luke 10:25-37
Key Verse: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27
Some might wonder what thing has been hardest to surrender as Ive chosen to walk
with the Lord. Was it leaving the path of pursuing a career in the world? No! Was it
leaving the lifestyle of the world and the superficial happiness of dancing, drinking, and
partying? No! Maybe it was giving up my intense passion for soccer, since Id won many
awards and trophies in competitive sports? No, once again!
I can honestly say that none of these things, hard as they might seem, come even close
to being a sacrifice to give up. The life God has given me in exchange is not simply a
different life, but it is life more abundant, and I would not trade it for the world.
However, the Christian walk involves struggles that I did not expect, and these
challenges test and try my character the most. These are the things that I continually
struggle to surrender.
Jesus summarized our Christian duty in Luke 10:27: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind;
and thy neighbour as thyself.
You see, the commandment to love the Lordwho never did anything bad to me but
loves me, has saved me, and accepts me just as I amis different from the
commandment to love my neighbor as myself. While it can be a struggle to love people
in the world, my biggest struggle is to respect and accept my fellow Christian brothers,
who often have shortcomings and failures and who sometimes wound me. Yet, the
ability to love as Christ loved is what sets us apart from other religions of the world. And
if we follow Him, we must learn to love those around us (including our Christian brothers
and sisters who fail us) with His unselfish, sacrificial love.
This kind of surrender is not easy, but I praise Him that, as I continually seek to yield my
heart to Him, He keeps giving me that love and acceptance for my fellow Christians.
Dear Lord, help me to see others as You see them. Put Your eye salve on my eyes, for I
am blind and cannot discern Your handwriting in the lives of my brothers next to me.
Instead of seeing the shortcomings, pride, and selfishness of others, help me to believe
and see that You will finish the work that You started in them, just as You are also doing
in me. Help me to be a tool of love that You can use to soften and shape my brothers
hearts. And as we continue this 100 Days of Prayer, may true love for our brothers (who
dont always agree with us) be upmost in our hearts. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 35 The Freedom of Forgiveness
Bible Passage for Meditation: Colossians 3:12-17

Key Verse: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13
A few months into Bible studies with my Adventist friend, I could feel God calling me to
make changes in my life, changes for Him. One change I made was to remove body
jewelry. While I liked my jewelry and thought it looked good, I learned that God didnt
want me to have piercings (Leviticus 19:28).
However, when I took my final stand and the last piece of jewelry was removed, I could
tell Satan was angry, for two days later an old boyfriend showed up at my door wanting
to talk. He claimed that he wanted reconciliation for the past and the chance to make
things right, but actually he had come to gain entrance to my home (which I naively gave
him) so he could assault me.
As a result of this tragic incident, I was angry at God all over again. Here I had just
made a new surrender to Him. How could He allow this to happen to me?
For a time, I was a victim and was determined I would never forgive. Thankfully, Im no
longer a victim to my past, for God has given me a heart transplant. He has given me a
heart of forgiveness toward the one (and ones) who hurt me. My prayer now for those
who have hurt me is that they will be touched by the One who has forgiven me.
Has something hurtful ever happened in your life that you find difficult to forgive? Are
you a victim to something from your past? Forgiveness is not something we can
manufacture. Its a gift that comes from God. But if we hope to go to heaven, we must
have a heart of forgiveness for our fellow manthat includes those who dont know
better, and those who do, such as fellow Christian brothers and sisters who wrong us at
times. Forgiveness is extremely difficult toward this latter group, but Jesus will give us
this heart if we ask. What freedom true forgiveness brings!
Heavenly Father, create in us a clean heart, and take the heart of stone from us.
Although we want to be like Jesus, we are human and so very weak. As we continue
praying for our church, give us forgiveness toward those who have wronged us. You tell
us that if we cant forgive others, You cannot forgive us. So please forgive us for holding
back this gift. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and guide us in the way we should go. In
Jesus name, Amen.

Discover Hope and Peace Through Daily Devotionals

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Discover Hope and Peace Through Daily Devotionals

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Day 1 Introducing first 10 Days

Devotional Focus: Awakening to our

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 2 Called to Sit at His Feet

Day 3 Discovering the One Who Fills

Day 4 God Cares for You

Day 5 From a Broken Heart to

Day 6 I Will Not Let Go Except You

Day 7 Recognizing the Power of the

Day 8 Dare to Ask for More, Today!

Day 9 Unmasked for His Glory

Day 10 I Finally Found My True Home

Day 11 New 10 day Theme: The Bible

Day 12 Planting Seeds of Revival

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 13 The Word: Our Key to

Day 14 What Defines Your Truth &

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 15 His Word Creates and Recreates

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 16 Dont Panic! Dont Stress!

Heart Prayer Challenge:

Day 17 Thy Word Have I Hid in My

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 18 Its More Than Sabbath

Day 19 God Has Not Died Nor Lied!

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 20 The Heavenly Diet

Bible Passage for Meditation: John 6:27-35

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 21 A Revival of Prayer

Day 22 Teach Me to Pray!

Day 23 But I Dont Feel Like Praying!

Day 24 How Fasting and Prayer

Day 25 Learning to Walk Like Enoch

Heart Prayer Challenge

Day 26 A Lesson from My House

Day 27 Spiritual Bodybuilding

Day 28 Daring to Ask for Even More!

Day 29 The Power of My Mothers

Day 30 Our Jesus Getaway

Day 31 New 10-Day Theme:

Day 32 Always in Love

Day 33 Love is Power

Day 34 Loving Fellow Christians

Day 35 The Freedom of Forgiveness

Bible Passage for Meditation: Colossians 3:12-17

Anda mungkin juga menyukai