p. 22 | Devotional Meetings

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 3, 1909

_Devotional Meetings_

May 19, 6 A. M.

THE willingness of our Heavenly Father to grant us grace sufficient for the duties of the day, was impressively set forth by Elder M. C. Wilcox, the leader of the devotional service. The assurance, “Ask, and it shall be given you,” is for us here this morning. “Seek, and ye shall find,” the Saviour declares even to-day; “knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Our Father is willing to give good things to them that ask him.

It is not ours to seek for some great power to use to-morrow or in days to come. This morning we have the privilege of praying for power sufficient to enable us to do aright the work of the day. As Paul has pointed out in the first of Ephesians, it is God’s purpose that his children shall be “to the praise of the glory of his grace;” but the blessings of heaven are bestowed “in all wisdom and prudence.” Increasing needs call for the bestowal of additional power.

The speaker dwelt for a moment upon the amazing transformations of character taking place in our world at the present time. There is that in the power of grace that can take the base, and so transmute it that in all ages to come, human beings shall be looked upon as monuments of God’s mercy and glorious handiwork.

Following an earnest season of prayer, many testified of the power of God, and of blessings received.

May 20, 6 A. M.

“Good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,” was the sentiment that pervaded the minds of all assembled in the big pavilion at the early morning hour. Prayer was offered by Elders R. F. Andrews, G. W. Amadon, and Wm. Covert. The leader, Elder Covert, read some precious promises, and exhorted the large congregation to be courageous and of good cheer, in view of the wonderful provisions God has made in behalf of his children.

For several mornings, many have not had opportunity to testify, for lack of time, and so the leader spoke for only a few moments, and gave the full hour to those who were eager to express their gratitude to God for his mercies toward them, and for the wondrous way in which he is leading his people. Many spoke of their determination to seek God daily for a preparation for efficient service in his cause in days to come. As Sister Edmed, of Natal, South Africa, suggested, it seems as if the message God is giving to his people at this time, “Seek ye my face,” is responded to by every worker with the heartfelt declaration, “Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Benediction by Elder Wm. Ostrander.

May 21, 6 A. M.

The central thought of the morning lesson was the privilege of the Christian to glorify God in the little things of daily life. The leader, Elder F. M. Wilcox, in a few earnest words clearly outlined our great need of learning to live with God in every-day life; of trusting him in the little experiences; of yielding ourselves so fully to him that even our impulses will be under his control; and when we speak without previous thought or planning, or under the stress of circumstances, we shall speak that which his Spirit dictates. With the apostle Paul, we should be able to declare: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2: 20.

With some, there is a tendency to long for the mysterious and the miraculous; but before we see these unusual manifestations of the mighty workings of God, we shall have to experience the power of the Spirit in our own lives—in our words and acts when in daily contact with men and women. We shall have to see, first, the power of God enabling us to be earnest, practical Christians in the home-life.