Personal Questions for All by J. M. Cole

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 9, 1914

Personal Questions for All

By J. M. Cole

Answers From the Bible and From the "Testimonies for the Church"

J. M. COLE

Do we take time to pray?

"Take time to talk with God." "Pray in faith." "Pray, believe, rejoice." "Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties." "There needs to be among us a great deal more prayer."

Do we read the Word for personal, spiritual help?

"We are to meet every thrust of the enemy with the Word of the living God."

"'It is written,' was Christ's never-failing weapon."

Do we know that God loves us and has a personal interest in us and our work?

"Christ's laborers are very near his heart of love." "He desires to perfect his household through the perfection of his ministers." "In his sustaining power men and women become strong to resist evil."

Do we love this message as we do our own lives?

"Nothing else in this world is so dear to God as his church. Nothing is guarded by him with such jealous care."

Are all our minutes properly used?

"We cannot afford in the few days we have here on earth to spend our time in trifling and nothingness." "There is a time coming when those who have wasted their time and opportunities will wish they had sought him." "It is by neglecting your daily opportunities that you become fruitless and withered."

Do we constantly seek God to give us the spirit of harmony?

"As laborers together with God, they should seek to be in harmony with one another." "We cannot afford to spend the time working at cross-purposes with God." "Those who are truly converted will press together in Christian unity." "The words are ringing in my ears, 'Draw together, draw together!' The solemn, sacred truth for this time is to unify the people of God."

Are we seeking daily to be like him who was meek and lowly of heart?

"We must seek the Lord earnestly every day, . . . to be cleansed from every feeling of superiority." "Let there be no divisions in the church of God, no unwise authority exercised over those who accept the truth. The meekness of Christ is to appear in all that is said and done." "The desire for pre-eminence must die. One subject of emulation must swallow up all others,—who will most nearly resemble Christ in character? Who will most entirely hide self in Jesus?"

Do we know that the center of S-I-N is I?

Paul said, "Take heed unto thyself."

Do we know that some men are "marvelously helped" by the Lord, so that wonderful things are accomplished by them for the advancement of God's people?

Do we know the history of the men who were "marvelously helped" by the Lord, and forgot God because their "names were" spread far abroad?

Read carefully again and again the record God caused to be written for us "upon whom the ends of the world are come." In 2 Chron. 26:4-23, it is said of Uzziah:—

"He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord;" "he sought God;" "as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper;" he "made war with mighty power;" he was "marvelously helped;" "his name spread far abroad;" "he was strong."

"But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up;" "he transgressed against the Lord;" this caused "his destruction."

He then became presumptuous; God's servants "withstood" him; "he was wroth with the priests;" "they thrust him out from thence;" "he was cut off from the house of the Lord;" "he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper."

"Bring into your ministry the power of God, remembering that the Lord is behind you. Let his love shine through all you do and say. Let the truth shine out in full brightness. Humble self before God. Christ will be your efficiency." "Guided by our Heavenly Father's hand, let us go forward, improving every opportunity to extend the work of God."

Please do not put these questions and answers aside after reading them over. May they find a place in our hearts, and be seen in our lives, is the earnest prayer of the writer.

Wellington, New Zealand.