EGW WritingsLuke 11

Prayer

“After this manner therefore pray ye.” Matthew 6:9.

Pr 289.2

The hearts of the listening disciples were deeply moved. They had marked how often He spent long hours in solitude in communion with His Father. His days were passed in ministry to the crowds that pressed upon Him, and in unveiling the treacherous sophistry of the rabbis, and this incessant labor often left Him so utterly wearied that His mother and brothers, and even His disciples, had feared that His life would be sacrificed. But as He returned from the hours of prayer that closed the toilsome day, they marked the look of peace upon His face, the sense of refreshment that seemed to pervade His presence. It was from hours spent with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now, as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 35—To the Workers in Southern California

9T 278.3

“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1. The prayer that Christ gave to His disciples in answer to this request is not made in high-flown language, but expresses in simple words the necessities of the soul. It is short and deals directly with the daily needs.

That I May Know Him

Acceptable Prayer, September 11

TMK 260.1

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.

This Day With God

The Power of Transforming Grace, October 3

TDG 285.1

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.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“After this manner therefore pray ye.”—Matthew 6:9.

MB 102.2

The hearts of the listening disciples were deeply moved. They had marked how often He spent long hours in solitude in communion with His Father. His days were passed in ministry to the crowds that pressed upon Him, and in unveiling the treacherous sophistry of the rabbis, and this incessant labor often left Him so utterly wearied that His mother and brothers, and even His disciples, had feared that His life would be sacrificed. But as He returned from the hours of prayer that closed the toilsome day, they marked the look of peace upon His face, the sense of refreshment that seemed to pervade His presence. It was from hours spent with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now, as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Well-Balanced Leadership

3TT 425.2

“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1. The prayer that Christ gave to His disciples in answer to this request is not made in high-flown language, but expresses in simple words the necessities of the soul. It is short and deals directly with the daily needs.

From the Heart

The Model Prayer, January 7

FH 19.1

Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 340, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 340, 1907, par. 5

“And it came to pass as Christ was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” [Luke 11:1.] The prayer that Christ gave to His disciples in answer to this request is not made in high-flown language, but expresses in simple words the necessities of the soul. It is short and deals directly with the daily needs. Every soul has the privilege of stating to the Lord his own special necessities and to offer his individual thanksgiving for the blessings that he daily receives. But the many long and spiritless prayers that are offered to God, instead of being a joy to Him, are a burden. We need, O so much, clean, converted hearts. We need to have our faith strengthened. “Ask, and ye shall receive,” the Saviour promised; “seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] We need to educate ourselves to trust in this Word and to bring the light and grace of Christ into all our works. We need to take hold of Christ and to retain our hold of Him until we know that the power of His transforming grace is manifested in us. We must have faith in Christ if we would reflect the divine character.

Our High Calling

Learn How to Pray, May 4

OHC 130.1

Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1.

OHC 130.2

Christ did not give this prayer [the Lord’s Prayer, Luke 11:2-4] for men to repeat as a form. He gave it as an illustration of what our prayers should be—simple, earnest, and comprehensive.6Manuscript 23, 1899.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 12—Asking to Give

COL 139.1

Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.

COL 140.1

Christ’s disciples were much impressed by His prayers and by His habit of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord, they found Him absorbed in supplication. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were deeply moved. As He ceased praying, they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

COL 140.2

In answer, Christ repeated the Lord’s prayer, as He had given it in the sermon on the mount. Then in a parable He illustrated the lesson He desired to teach them.

COL 140.3

“Which of you,” He said, “shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.”

COL 140.4

Here Christ represents the petitioner as asking that he may give again. He must obtain the bread, else he cannot supply the necessities of a weary, belated wayfarer. Though his neighbor is unwilling to be troubled, he will not desist his pleading; his friend must be relieved; and at last his importunity is rewarded, his wants are supplied.

COL 140.5

In like manner the disciples were to seek blessings from God. In the feeding of the multitude and in the sermon on the bread from heaven, Christ had opened to them their work as His representatives. They were to give the bread of life to the people. He who had appointed their work, saw how often their faith would be tried. Often they would be thrown into unexpected positions, and would realize their human insufficiency. Souls that were hungering for the bread of life would come to them, and they would feel themselves to be destitute and helpless. They must receive spiritual food, or they would have nothing to impart. But they were not to turn one soul away unfed. Christ directs them to the source of supply. The man whose friend came to him for entertainment, even at the unseasonable hour of midnight, did not turn him away. He had nothing to set before him, but he went to one who had food and pressed his request until the neighbor supplied his need. And would not God, who had sent His servants to feed the hungry, supply their need for His own work?

COL 141.1

But the selfish neighbor in the parable does not represent the character of God. The lesson is drawn, not by comparison, but by contrast. A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself.

COL 141.2

Christ declares, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

COL 141.3

The Saviour continues: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?”

COL 141.4

In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God our Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might not think it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it again and again. He desires us to become familiar with the appellation.

COL 142.1

God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the heavenly King. He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. Parents love their children, but the love of God is larger, broader, deeper, than human love can possibly be. It is immeasurable. Then if earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more shall our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

COL 142.2

Christ’s lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration brings to view principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer.

COL 142.3

Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give. The principle of Christ’s life must be the principle of our lives. “For their sakes,” He said, speaking of His disciples, “I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” John 17:19. The same devotion, the same self-sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants. Our mission to the world is not to serve or please ourselves; we are to glorify God by co-operating with Him to save sinners. We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by imparting. We cannot continue to receive heavenly treasure without communicating to those around us.

COL 143.1

In the parable the petitioner was again and again repulsed, but he did not relinquish his purpose. So our prayers do not always seem to receive an immediate answer; but Christ teaches that we should not cease to pray. Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring us into harmony with God. When we make request of Him, He may see that it is necessary for us to search our hearts and repent of sin. Therefore He takes us through test and trial, He brings us through humiliation, that we may see what hinders the working of His Holy Spirit through us.

COL 143.2

There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “keep My commandments.” “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.

COL 143.3

Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would dishonor His own name.

COL 144.1

The promise is “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. And John declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.

COL 144.2

One of Christ’s last commands to His disciples was “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Do we obey this command, or are we indulging sharp, unchristlike traits of character? If we have in any way grieved or wounded others, it is our duty to confess our fault and seek for reconciliation. This is an essential preparation that we may come before God in faith, to ask His blessing.

COL 144.3

There is another matter too often neglected by those who seek the Lord in prayer. Have you been honest with God? By the prophet Malachi the Lord declares, “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:7, 8.

COL 144.4

As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we possess. This is His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation of His gifts. But if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we claim His blessing? If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of unanswered prayer.

COL 144.5

But the Lord in His great mercy is ready to forgive, and He says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, ... if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field.... And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-12.

COL 145.1

So it is with every other one of God’s requirements. All His gifts are promised on condition of obedience. God has a heaven full of blessings for those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises.

COL 145.2

But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied.

COL 145.3

God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40.

COL 145.4

But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God’s willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before the Lord.

COL 146.1

Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.

COL 146.2

Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.

COL 146.3

When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of the unerring, infinite God.

COL 146.4

You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you.

COL 146.5

Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.

COL 147.1

There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, a steadfastness of principle, and a fixedness of purpose that neither time nor toil can weaken. “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30, 31.

COL 147.2

There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. 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.”

COL 147.3

We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit “maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20.

COL 147.4

Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.

COL 148.1

The rainbow round about the throne is an assurance that God is true, that in Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned against Him, and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into our lips that most wonderful of pleas, “Do not abhor us, for Thy name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory; remember, break not Thy covenant with us.” Jeremiah 14:21. When we come to him confessing our unworthiness and sin, He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us.

COL 148.2

Like Aaron, who symbolized Christ, our Saviour bears the names of all His people on His heart in the holy place. Our great High Priest remembers all the words by which He has encouraged us to trust. He is ever mindful of His covenant.

COL 148.3

All who seek of Him shall find. All who knock will have the door opened to them. The excuse will not be made, Trouble Me not; the door is closed; I do not wish to open it. Never will one be told, I cannot help you. Those who beg at midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls will be successful.

COL 148.4

In the parable, he who asks bread for the stranger, receives “as many as he needeth.” And in what measure will God impart to us that we may impart to others? “According to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7. Angels are watching with intense interest to see how man is dealing with his fellow men. When they see one manifest Christlike sympathy for the erring, they press to his side and bring to his remembrance words to speak that will be as the bread of life to the soul. So “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. Your testimony in its genuineness and reality He will make powerful in the power of the life to come. The word of the Lord will be in your mouth as truth and righteousness.

COL 149.1

Personal effort for others should be preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune with Christ. At the throne of heavenly grace obtain a preparation for ministering to the people.

COL 149.2

Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised.

COL 149.3

Let the glorious conceptions of God possess your mind. Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 54, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 54, 1895, par. 11

An appointment was out for me Monday evening, but Brother and Sister Corliss filled my appointment, for he thought that was his only chance. They returned with the trap Tuesday; we left in the afternoon, and I spoke in the evening. The house was full, and all listened as for their lives. I spoke from Luke 11:1-13. “Ask and ye shall receive,” etc. [Verse 9.] The church was only a few steps from the house, so I could return home easily. The weather was beautiful—cool and sunshiny—and the air was fragrant with the bluegum trees.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 31, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 31, 1898, par. 1

“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.” In answer to this request, Christ taught His disciples the prayer appropriate to offer to their heavenly Father. “He said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins: for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” [Luke 11:1-4.]

13LtMs, Ms 31, 1898, par. 2

“And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come unto me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer, and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as much as he needeth.” [Verses 5-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 31, 1898, par. 3

By this illustration Christ sought to inspire His disciples with trust and confidence in God. A man goes to his friend at the unseasonable hour of midnight, asking, “Friend, lend me three loaves.” From within the answer comes, “Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.” [Verses 5, 7.] But the petitioner is asking that he may give again, and he is determined not to be repulsed. He must obtain the bread, else he cannot supply the necessities of the weary, belated wayfarer.

13LtMs, Ms 31, 1898, par. 4

Christ sought to teach that the one making supplication to God is not to be repulsed. He would have us persevere in asking. We must not cease to intercede with our heavenly Father; for unless we receive grace and spiritual food, we have nothing to give. “I say unto you,” He said, “Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Verse 8.]

13LtMs, Ms 31, 1898, par. 6

“Feed my sheep;” “feed my lambs;” was enjoined upon Peter. [John 21:15-17.] Great is the love of the heavenly Father for every soul for whom Christ has died. He never slumbers nor sleeps. He hears the prayer of the humble suppliant, and freely grants His blessing. He never turns away unblessed those who seek Him with the whole heart. In the parable the request of the one who asked was for a time refused; “but I say unto you,” said Christ, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask an egg, shall he offer him a scorpion? 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.” [Luke 11:9-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 23, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 23, 1899, par. 1

“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.” And Jesus taught them to pray in the words of the Lord’s prayer. “When ye pray,” He said, “say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” [Luke 11:1-4.]

14LtMs, Ms 23, 1899, par. 4

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?” [Verses 5-13.]

14LtMs, Ms 23, 1899, par. 16

The Lord is always the same. He keepeth truth forever, and there is no unfaithfulness in Him. We have confidence in our fellow men; then why are we so apt to distrust the promises of God? Christ declared that heaven and earth should pass away, but not one word of God should fail. Why then do we not honor the Lord by believing His Word, which is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus? Why do we express our wants to men, and thus say, I can trust my fellow men, but I cannot trust the Lord? Why do we not come to our heavenly Father as a child comes to an earthly parent, and ask Him for the things we need? Christ says, “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.” [Luke 11:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 111, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 3

“And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine in his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Luke 11:1-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 4

With earnest importunity this man pleads for bread, that he may give to the weary, belated traveler. But he is told, “I cannot rise and give thee.” “I say unto you,” Christ says, “though he refuses to give on the ground of his friendship yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Verses 7, 8.]

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 5

This is a lesson for us. This parable is for our learning. This persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. “I say unto you,” Christ says, “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be open.” [Verses 9, 10.] When you pray, know that he who has invited you to ask will not disappoint you if you will press your petitions. The promise of His Word is that if you knock the door will be opened unto you.

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 6

“If a son shall ask bread of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Verses 11-13.]

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 7

In this last verse the whole precious assurance is bound up and specified. We are assured that the greatest gift that can be given to men will not be withheld. Christ says, “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?” [Verse 13.] But ask in faith, nothing doubting. It is because of unbelief that so many of our church members are weak. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wilt believe, thou shall see the salvation of God.” [See John 11:40.]

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 15

This parable illustrates those who are not in a position to give spiritual strength and light to those who are in need. Then as professed followers of Christ, begin just where you are and work to the point. Bread, the Bread of life, you must have if you would give to the spiritually hungry souls around you. Then beseech the throne of grace with a perseverance that will not give up. Plead for the Holy Spirit. Keep saying from the heart, “I present thy word: ‘If ye then, being evil, know how to give gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.’” [Luke 11:13.] Urge your petition. Press it in the name of Jesus to the Father, for this name, the name of the Lord Jesus, is signed to your check, and the bank of heaven will acknowledge it. Let us all bear in mind that it is not common matters that we are handling, but sacred things, which mean everything to us. We are dealing with eternal realities.

Life Sketches Manuscript

Some Erroneous Theories

Luke 1:202 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18John 16:151 Peter 1:5-7Acts 2:4, 429-311 Thessalonians 3:8Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24Mark 15:17, 18Colossians 2:6-8John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8 Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12 Mark 1:23-25Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15 Romans 8:38, 39Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32 Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 51 Peter 1:22Philippians 3:20John 13:34, 35James 5:7, 82 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 3:211 Corinthians 3:10-13Revelation 14:14-17Acts 20:28-30Hebrews 4:9Galatians 1:6-9Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5Luke 12:3-7; 10, 11

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 40, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 2

At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to some one for examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of Theophilus to the record of Christ’s life as given in the book of Luke which had also been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. He says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Prayer

“When ye pray, say Our Father.” Luke 11:2.

“When ye pray, say Our Father.” Luke 11:2.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“When ye pray, say, Our Father.”—Luke 11:2.

“When ye pray, say, Our Father.”—Luke 11:2.

To Be Like Jesus

Approaching God With Reverence, January 3

BLJ 10.1

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.” Luke 11:2, NKJV.

Prayer

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.” Luke 11:4.

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.” Luke 11:4.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.”—Luke 11:4.

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.”—Luke 11:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 56, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 56, 1898, par. 39

The prayer that Christ taught His disciples was, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” [Luke 11:4.] Will the Lord lead us into temptation? Never. Then what does this mean? The sincere soul who presents this petition to God in faith will be given clear, sharp discernment. He will be on guard as a faithful sentinel. He will not sit on the stool of temptation, doing nothing but criticize those who are doing what they can, or pondering over the abuse he thinks he has suffered. The man who stands ready to criticize every action that does not agree with his own experience and perverted ideas places himself at the mercy of Satan and invites his temptations. Does the Lord lead such a soul into peril? No; the human agent placed himself in the channel of darkness, tempting the devil to tempt him; and unless he sees his peril, he will never again stand in the clear light of truth. The truth is no longer his anchor.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1409—Jots and Tittles II

19MR 319.1

Prevailing Prayer—Our Lord watches over His sheep and lambs by day and by night, and it is not the will of our heavenly Father that even one of His little ones should perish. The work was enjoined upon Peter, Feed My lambs; feed My sheep. Great is the love of our heavenly Father for every soul for whom Christ has died. In the parable [Luke 11:5-8] the one who asked was for a time refused, but afterward he was given as much as he needed. But the Lord says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find.” You need not fear an improper hour. His eye never slumbers nor sleeps. He always hears the prayer of the humble suppliant and grants His blessing. He never turns away unblessed those who seek Him with the whole heart.

Homeward Bound

The Science of Prayer, May 3

HB 144.2

Christ’s lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration [of the friend at midnight, Luke 11:5-8] brings to view principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 17, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 17, 1892, par. 10

Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately. Sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things that we need, our cases [are] illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and shall say, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I can not rise and give thee. I say unto you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Luke 11:5-8.]

7LtMs, Lt 17, 1892, par. 11

This lesson means much more than we imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate response to our prayers. “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Verses 9, 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 93, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 3

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” [Luke 11:9, 10.]

13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 23

In both these parables we are taught perseverance and entreaty. Again, Christ said: “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mind in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut: and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Luke 11:5-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 25

Selfish indifference is here revealed. He will not rise and give his neighbor because he is his friend; but he becomes weary of such persistent entreaty for the friend who at midnight had sought hospitality. “I say unto you,” Christ said, “though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Verse 8.]

13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 26

In order to make plain the fact that God’s ways are not our ways, Christ makes an application of the parable. There is a decided contrast between our heavenly Father and the friend who made excuses. Christ would encourage altogether different ideas concerning Him who is our best Friend. Human nature is often found to be as represented in the parable, selfish, indifferent, or positively unjust. Men will accede to the request made, not because they have a heart to help when there is an opportunity, but to save themselves annoyance. Christ draws the contrast, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be open unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” [Verses 9, 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 18

In connection with the parable of the importunate solicitor for bread, the words are written, “He from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” [Luke 11:7, 8.]

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 19

These words mean more than we realize. Sometimes the answer to our prayer comes suddenly, sometimes we have to wait, still continuing to present our requests. If we do not receive an immediate response to our requests, we are to keep asking. “I say unto you,” Christ declared, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Verse 9.] We need divine enlightenment, that we may know how to ask for the things we need. If our petitions are indited by the Lord, they will be answered.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]

MR No. 224—Ellen G. White Letters to Young Christians

4MR 164.2

I gave myself to Jesus when I was not as old as you now are. I sought my Saviour with my whole heart; and how deeply I regretted that I had not before yielded my will, that I might be drawn to Christ. I found peace in Jesus, believing that He heard my prayers, and that He would do in my behalf just what He had promised in His word, “Those that seek Me early shall find Me” (Proverbs 8:17). I laid my Bible open before the Lord and said, “There, Lord, is Thy pledged word, ‘him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’ (Luke 11:9).”

Atlantic Union Gleaner

September 23, 1903

AUGleaner September 23, 1903, par. 12

Look upon Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that the Lord will lay his hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

He Will Supply Our Necessities

3TT 193.5

Look unto Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that the Lord will lay His hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 12, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 12, 1889, par. 2

I gave myself to Jesus when I was not as old as you now are. I sought my Saviour with my whole heart, and how deeply I regretted that I had not before yielded my will, that I might be drawn to Christ. I found peace in Jesus, believing that He heard my prayers and that He would do in my behalf just what He had promised in His Word, “Those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17. I laid my Bible open before the Lord and said, “There, Lord, is Thy pledge word, ‘him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out’ John 6:37. ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’ Luke 11:9.”

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

MR No. 175—Materials Requested for White Estate Use

3MR 212.3

I gave myself to Jesus when I was not as old as you now are. I sought my Saviour with my whole heart; and how deeply I regretted that I had not before yielded my will, that I might be drawn to Christ. I found peace in Jesus, believing that He heard my prayers, and that He would do in my behalf just what He had promised in His word, “Those that seek Me early shall find Me.” (Proverbs 8:17.) I laid my Bible open before the Lord and said, “There Lord, is Thy pledged word, ‘him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’ (Luke 11:9).”

Prayer

Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer

Pr 28.5

Pray as Never Before—Look unto Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that the Lord will lay His hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:214.)

Selected Messages Book 2

Messages to Others Whose Lives Would Soon Close

2SM 255.1

We can sympathize with you, although at a distance from you. I would say, Do not give up hope, but cling to the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Luke 11:9). Yet do not feel discouraged if He who can do the work of healing, He who knows the end from the beginning, permits His child to die, to rise in the morning of the resurrection. Say, “Not my will, but Thine, O God, be done.”... If your wife falls under the affliction, remember that there is a future life. The last trump will call forth all who have received Christ, believed in Him, and trusted in Him for salvation.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 42—Faith and Courage

7T 214.2

Look unto Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that the Lord will lay His hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee

DA 495.3

Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples. The parable of the importunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new force to His words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. And often their wavering faith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said, “Shall not God do justice for His elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will do them justice speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8, R. V., margin.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 10—Teachings of Christ

SJ 61.4

God is more willing to give us His Spirit than parents are to give good things to their children. His promise is, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9; Matthew 7:7. All that hunger and thirst after righteousness “shall be filled.”

Counsels on Health

Faith and Works

CH 380.1

In praying for the sick, it is essential to have faith; for it is in accordance with the word of God. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. So we cannot discard praying for the sick, and we should feel very sad if we could not have the privilege of approaching God, to lay before Him all our weaknesses and our infirmities, to tell the compassionate Saviour all about these things, believing that He hears our petitions. Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately; sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things that we need, our cases being illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight,” etc. This lesson means more than we can imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate response to our prayers. “I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.

Prayer

Chapter 11—Answered Prayer

Pr 111.1

Keep Asking, Even if the Answer Does Not Come—Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately; sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things that we need, our cases being illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight,” etc. This lesson means more than we can imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate response to our prayers. “I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.

Prayer

Chapter 22—Prayer for the Sick

Pr 234.1

Persistence in Prayer is Necessary When Praying for the Sick—In praying for the sick, it is essential to have faith; for it is in accordance with the word of God. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. So we cannot discard praying for the sick, and we should feel very sad if we could not have the privilege of approaching God, to lay before Him all our weaknesses and our infirmities, to tell the compassionate Saviour all about these things, believing that He hears our petitions. Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately; sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things that we need, our cases being illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight,” etc. This lesson means more than we can imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate response to our prayers. “I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.

To Be Like Jesus

Repent Today, and Receive Christ’s Robe of Righteousness, December 5

BLJ 357.1

So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9, 10, NRSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 56, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 56, 1895, par. 1

On Sabbath, May 25, we had a most precious meeting in the hall where our people meet at North Fitzroy. For several days before the meeting, I knew that I was expected to speak in the church on Sabbath; but unfortunately I had a severe cold, and was quite hoarse. I felt inclined to excuse myself from this appointment, but as it was my only opportunity, I said, “I will place myself before the people, and I believe the Lord will answer my earnest prayers and remove the hoarseness so that I can present my message to the people.” I presented to my heavenly Father the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened ... 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?” [Luke 11:9, 10, 13.] Again Christ says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 29, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 29, 1898, par. 19

My brother, looking unto Jesus, communing with Jesus, you will become one with Christ. “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you when if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone; or if he ask a fish will he give him a serpent? ... If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:9-11, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 42, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 42, 1907, par. 17

“I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? ... 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?” [Luke 11:9-11, 13.]

Christian Education

Chapter 16—The Necessity of Doing Our Best

CE 127.2

Nearly all persons can speak loud enough to be heard in ordinary conversation, and why should not the same voice and talent be used when they are called upon to bear testimony or offer prayer? When speaking of heavenly and divine things, why not speak in distinct tones, in a manner that will make it manifest that you know what you are talking about, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as though you had a conscience void of offense, and could come to the throne of grace in humility and yet with holy boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your face as if there were something that you desired to conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ your Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers as fragrant incense, mingled with his own merit and spotless righteousness. You are invited to come, to ask, to seek, to knock, and you are assured that you will not come in vain. Jesus says “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” He illustrates the willingness of God to bless by presenting before us the willingness of a father to grant the request of his child. He asks, “If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone, or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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? [Luke 11:9-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 65, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 25

We have every evidence that the humble contrite prayer offered to God is regarded as precious in His sight. Not one is lost. The promise is: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? or if he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 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?” [Luke 11:9-13.]

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 26

This invitation is for all. The Saviour seeks to impress the truth by an illustration. Will the father whose child asks for bread, give him a stone? If he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? This is presented as an impossibility. Drawing the contrast between the heavenly and earthly parent, Christ adds, “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?” [Verse 13.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 984—The Matchless Christ Offers His Spirit to the Humble and Contrite

12MR 297.2

The psalmist prayed: [Psalm 141:1-3, quoted]. We have every evidence that the humble, contrite prayer offered to God is regarded as precious in His sight. Not one is lost. The promise is: [Luke 11:9-13, quoted].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1465—True “Higher Education” Is Obtainable Only From the Master Teacher

20MR 198.2

We have every evidence that the humble, contrite prayer offered to God is regarded as precious in His sight. Not one is lost. The promise is: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?” [Luke 11:9-13].

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 18—Special Appeals in Public Ministry

1SM 147.5

On Sabbath, May 25 [1895], we had a precious meeting in the hall where our people meet at North Fitzroy. For several days before the meeting, I knew that I was expected to speak in the church on Sabbath; but unfortunately I had a severe cold and was quite hoarse. I felt inclined to excuse myself from this appointment; but as it was my only opportunity, I said, “I will place myself before the people, and I believe the Lord will answer my earnest prayers, and remove the hoarseness so that I can present my message to the people.” I presented to my heavenly Father the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.... 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?” (Luke 11:9-13)....

True Revival

An Outstanding Experience in Australia

TR 89.3

On Sabbath, May 25 [1895], we had a precious meeting in the hall where our people meet at North Fitzroy. For several days before the meeting, I knew that I was expected to speak in the church on Sabbath; but unfortunately I had a severe cold and was quite hoarse. I felt inclined to excuse myself from this appointment; but as it was my only opportunity, I said, “I will place myself before the people, and I believe the Lord will answer my earnest prayers, and remove the hoarseness so that I can present my message to the people.” I presented to my heavenly Father the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. ... 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?” (Luke 11:9-13). ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 88, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 88, 1894, par. 9

The heart in which Jesus makes His abode will be quickened, purified, guided and ruled by the Holy Spirit, and the human agent will make strenuous efforts to bring his character into harmony with God. He will avoid everything that is contrary to the revealed will and mind of God. The Lord says to us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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.” [Luke 11:9-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 44, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 44, 1895, par. 18

What shall be done to meet our responsibilities? How shall we make proper use of the opportunities presented? There must be prayer, earnest, humble prayer; there must be determined wrestling with God for the endowment of His Holy Spirit. “Put me in remembrance:” saith the Lord, “let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” [Isaiah 43:26.] Take your Bibles and present the promises of God before the throne of grace. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you. ... For every one that asketh receiveth. ... If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?” [Luke 11:9-13.] Believe that the Lord does just as He said He would. Go to work in faith. Hold fast to every point of vantage ground gained. However strong the opposition may be, there must be no weakening. Hold fast by faith. Work and pray, watch and wait, hope and trust, leave everything to God. He can thresh mountains with a worm.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 10, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 10, 1889, par. 12

Remember, the ear of the Lord is open to our prayers. “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find.” “If ye being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [John 16:24; Luke 11:9, 13.] Then why not take God at His word? Why not believe with all the heart and mind and soul? Why not by faith take hold of the divine nature? It is our privilege. All things shall be done for him that believeth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 3

Jesus hath said, “I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:23. We should be thankful that the Lord knows our circumstances and experiences. Jesus is near, close to us, and He has given the precious promise, “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?” Luke 11:13. What reason we have for encouragement! We are assured that the Lord hears our prayers. The promise is, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 14

Have you touched Christ? When the woman in the crowd touched Christ, He said, “Who touched me?” “Why,” Peter exclaimed, [“the multitude throng thee.”] Mark 5:27; [Luke 8:45]. Jesus said, “Somebody hath touched me.” [Verse 46.] The woman that was purified turned toward Him and told her pitiful story. She was made sound in a moment. Does He save you this day? Seek Him that is mighty. Choose between the Prince of Life and [the] prince of darkness. Study the words of Christ. There is no “guess so” there. “Ask and ye shall receive, Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” “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 ....” [Luke 11:9, 13.] Thank God for that.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 60, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 60, 1894, par. 15

I am alarmed concerning our brethren and sisters who seem to have but a nominal faith. If they have the love of God, they do not reveal it, and it is certain that if they did have it they would manifest this love by letting it flow out to bless the souls who need the exhibition of divine compassion. God will not occupy a divided heart, or reign from a divided throne. Every rival that holds the affections and diverts them from the God of love must be dethroned. The Lord demands all that there is of us, and there must be no reserve. Christ has purchased us; we are His heritage, and we are to be honored by being co-laborers with Jesus Christ. Wear the yoke with Christ, and daily walk with God. How shall we do this? by laying hold upon the help which God has provided. The Lord has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” [Luke 11:9, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 52, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 52, 1894, par. 2

God depends upon you, the human agent, to fulfill your duty to the best of your ability, and He Himself will give the increase. If human agents would but cooperate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them and make them more than conquerors. When two or three are met together to unite their counsel and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them, “Ask and it shall be given you: seek and ye shall find: knock and it shall be opened unto you.” “If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” [Luke 11:9, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 77, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, par. 18

There are those who are not learned, and who have not a large endowment of gifts, but they need not become discouraged because of this. Let them use what they have, faithfully guarding every weak point in their characters, seeking by divine grace to make it strong. There is no man living that has any power or ability which he has not received from God, and the source from whence [it] came is open to the weakest human being. If he will draw near to God, the unfailing Source of strength, he will realize that God fulfills His promise. But in this work, we need not call men thousands of miles to give us aid, for Christ has promised, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find.” [Luke 11:9.]

11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, par. 25

The Word of the Lord to us is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?” [Luke 11:9-13.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 971—Counsels on Soul Winning

12MR 240.1

When two or three are met together to unite their counsel, and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them, “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you” [Luke 11:9]. “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” [verse 13]. The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in His name, there will He be in the midst. Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need of several Christians’ meeting together, to unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, and the love of souls is deepened in the heart and the Spirit puts forth His mighty energies, that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost. Jesus ever sought to show how worthless were formal ceremonies, and strove to impress upon His disciples that the Holy Spirit must enlighten, renew, and sanctify the soul.—Manuscript 52, 1894.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Greatest Work on Earth, June 1

YRP 161.3

God depends upon you, the human agent, to fulfil your duty to the best of your ability, and He Himself will give the increase. If human agents would but cooperate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them, and make them more than conquerors. When two or three are met together to unite their counsel, and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9). “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?” (verse 13). The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in His name, there will He be in the midst. Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One.—The Review and Herald, June 30, 1896.

The Upward Look

Courage in the Lord, September 9

UL 266.6

Let there be more earnest prayer in seeking the Lord. “Every one,” said Christ, “that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth” (Luke 11:10). I am enjoined to urge upon every teacher of the gospel the need of multiplying and enlarging their conceptions of what Christ will be to them in carrying responsibilities. Capabilities increase wonderfully under the Holy Spirit’s power....

Ye Shall Receive Power

Always Growing, February 28

YRP 67.3

The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the measure of our desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall make of the light and knowledge that shall be given to us. We shall be entrusted with the Holy Spirit according to our capacity to receive and our ability to impart it to others. Christ says, “Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth” (Luke 11:10).

YRP 67.4

He who truly seeks for the precious grace of Christ will be sure not to be disappointed. This promise has been given to us by Him who will not deceive us. It is not stated as a maxim or a theory, but as a fact, as a law of the divine government. We can be assured that we shall receive the Holy Spirit if we individually try the experiment of testing God’s Word. God is true; His order is perfect. “He that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (verse 10). Light and truth will shine forth according to the desire of the soul. Oh, that all would hunger and thirst after righteousness, that they might be filled!—The Review and Herald, May 5, 1896.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 16, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 5

When we exalt the love of God as it is, then we shall have that trust, that confidence in God that a child has in its earthly father. We read, “If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?” [Luke 11:11.] If an earthly parent will do these good things for his child, how much more will your heavenly Father do these things for you because you ask Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 16, 1886, par. 11

If we are overcomers at last, there are battles for us to fight, and we will find that the flesh warreth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. It is for us to say which will triumph. But our carnal hearts will not submit to God’s will, but refuse to obey. Christ said, “I have kept My Father’s commandments” [John 15:10], and He is our example in all things. What shall we do when trials come? We must flee to the Mighty Helper. Christ never leaves us to fight these battles alone. He came into this world of darkness to fight with the prince of darkness, and when He cried out, “It is finished,” there was joy in heaven. [John 19:30.] “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15.] Then what are we to do? Come to Christ as a child would to its earthly parents and believe that He will hear us. He says, If thy son asks bread, wilt thou give him a stone? and if he asks a fish, wilt thou give him a scorpion? [Luke 11:11, 12.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

In Prayer

CT 242.2

Christ illustrates the willingness of God to bless by the willingness of a father to grant the request of his child. He says, “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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? Luke 11:11-13.

Prayer

Chapter 20—Praying In The Name of Jesus

Pr 219.4

Christ illustrates the willingness of God to bless by the willingness of a father to grant the request of his child. He says, “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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? Luke 11:11-13.

Christ Triumphant

The Value of a Living Faith, February 17

CTr 54.1

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? Luke 11:13.

The Upward Look

Pray for the Holy Spirit, May 9

UL 143.1

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? Luke 11:13.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”—Matthew 7:7.

MB 132.1

If ye, then, being human and 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?” Luke 11:13. The Holy Spirit, the representative of Himself, is the greatest of all gifts. All “good things” are comprised in this. The Creator Himself can give us nothing greater, nothing better. When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our distress, and to guide us by His Holy Spirit, He will never turn away our prayer. It is possible even for a parent to turn away from his hungry child, but God can never reject the cry of the needy and longing heart. With what wonderful tenderness He has described His love! To those who in days of darkness feel that God is unmindful of them, this is the message from the Father’s heart: “Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:14-16.

Ye Shall Receive Power

In Times of Trial, May 2

YRP 131.4

He says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). He will make a man precious by abiding with Him, by giving unto him the Holy Spirit. He says, “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?” (Luke 11:13).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Human Work Made Effective by the Spirit, June 23

YRP 183.1

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? Luke 11:13.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Asking for the Gifts, July 29

YRP 219.2

Those who ask because they wish to impart to others will not be disappointed. God will reward those who come to Him in earnest faith. He assures us that the thought of His majesty and sovereignty should not keep us in fear. He will do much more graciously than we suppose if we will come to the footstool of His mercy. He urges His sovereignty as a reason for His great and merciful bountifulness in supplying the demands upon Him. He pledges Himself to hear our prayers, declaring that He will hear them. He condescends to appeal from the instinct of parental tenderness to the infinite benevolence of Him whose we are by creation and by redemption. He says, “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” (Luke 11:13). The needy and soul-hungry never plead with God in vain....

From Here to Forever

Biblical Sanctification

HF 293.4

Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Jesus says: “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?” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Romans 8:32; Luke 11:13; John 14:14; 16:24.

From the Heart

Pray for God’s Spirit, October 23

FH 308.1

How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Luke 11:13.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Direct Access to God

GrH_c 29.5

Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Jesus says: “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?” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Romans 8:32; Luke 11:13; John 14:14; 16:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 20, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 20, 1885, par. 17

Sister Martha Bourdeau, Jesus loves you. Why gather about your soul the clouds of darkness? Why walk in a fog of unbelief? Come into the clear light, where there is no darkness, no shadows. Come just as you are, helpless and hopeless. He says that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. [Luke 11:13.] When the promise is so ample, why do you stand in the shadow? Christ says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 11:25[; 14:6]. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:13-18.

God’s Amazing Grace

Ask for It, July 30

AG 219.1

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? Luke 11:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 83, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 83, 1891, par. 1

Text: Matthew 7:1-7. Are there any “if’s” in this matter? There is no “if” except “if ye ask.” There is no condition of the mind that exclude us from asking. If only you desire those things for which you ask. [There are] no conditions spiritually. So if we desire the things of God we must comply with the condition of seeking them. Verses 8-11. “Good things,” according to Luke, is the Holy Spirit [Luke 11:13]; and that is what we want, to thirst after godliness. [Matthew 7] Verse 12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1891, par. 6

I attended the morning meeting, and bore my testimony in regard to faith, pleading with all present to believe the promises of God as they read. “Ask, and ye shall receive;” He says; “seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh, findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7, 8.] I presented this Scripture to them, dwelling especially on the following verse, “If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give good things (or the Holy Spirit) to them that ask him?” [Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13.] These gifts are freely given to us by God’s own glory and virtue.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 11, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 11, 1893, par. 23

God is behind every promise, and we cannot dishonor Him more than to question and hesitate, ask and then disbelieve and talk doubt. If you do not immediately receive all that you desire, will you go on sullen and unbelieving? Believe, believe that God will do just as He has promised. Keep your prayers ascending. Watch, wait, work, and pray. Fight the good fight of faith. Say to your heart, “God has invited me to come. He has heard my prayer. His word is pledged that He will receive me, and He will fulfill His promise. I can trust God, for He so loved me that He gave Jesus to die for me. The Son of God is my Redeemer. ‘Ask and ye shall receive.’ [John 16:24.] ‘If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.’ [Luke 11:13.]”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 39, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 2

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things”—the Holy Spirit—“to them that ask him.” [Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 106, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 106, 1893, par. 7

There is great lack of the diligent searching of God’s word which he has enjoined. If men were not so content with the surface truths of revelation; if they would make earnest investigations of God’s word, giving no weight to human customs or traditions, thousands who are now in error would come to the knowledge of the truth. We are to take the Bible alone, and by earnest, prayerful study, seek for the truth as for hid treasures. As the miner finds rich veins of gold and silver hidden in the earth, so we shall discern the precious things of God if we will but sink the shaft deep in the mines of truth. And Jesus has promised us a guide in our research. The Disciples of Christ failed to understand many things that he desired to teach them, and before he went away he promised to send them the spirit of truth, which he said, “shall lead you into all truth.” [John 16:13.] His promise to them is a promise to us also, and we are to pray for its fulfillment. Jesus says, “If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit unto them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.] And under the guidance of the Spirit of God, through the grace of our Saviour, we may understand our duty from his word.

In Heavenly Places

The Promise Is for Us, November 23

HP 334.1

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? Luke 11:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 49, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 23

“I am at your right hand,” says Jesus Christ, “to help you.” [Isaiah 41:13.] He wants them to pour out the soul troubles to Him. You need not study to have eloquence in your prayers; you need not study to have it all framed in set words and have a long prayer. No. You can come with a broken heart and with a contrite spirit, and you can tell Jesus all about it. And then what does He say? “If ye 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?” [Luke 11:13.] Is not that promise good for anything to you? God wants us to show that we trust Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 31b, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 31b, 1895, par. 13

One thing we can be assured of in our missionary work. The Holy Spirit is to come to the aid of every true seeker, for God has said He is “more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him than parents are to give good gifts to their children.” [Luke 11:13.] Under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit, self will not be made prominent. The natural temperament should not be strengthened into selfishness. We should keep the eye steadily fixed upon Jesus, that we may know best by studying and contemplating his character how to work in Christ’s lines.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 95, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 4

Our Saviour addresses the parents, and says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] “If ye being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” [Luke 11:13.] O what love, what matchless love, has God our Father shown to us His children! In full assurance of faith we may call Him Father. He would have us believe that He has a special care for us, for has not the rich fountain been flowing down to us in richest currents of love and pity and tenderest compassion? His love is immeasurable. Parents may love their children, but the love of God is larger, broader, deeper than human love possibly can be. The Father hath an inexhaustible fountain of love. He loves you, dear sister. He loves your husband. He loves your children. He loves your parents. The Lord Jesus is your Redeemer, your Restorer. Only have faith. Trust Him just now.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 181, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 181, 1897, par. 2

I feel so distressed over the matter of Elder Olsen going on and on in the face of so great light. How he can be excusable I cannot define. He has acted like a blind man, like a man dazed. There can be no spiritual union between a man who puts his entire trust in God and a man who is walking contrary to God. Their hearts, their sympathies and feelings cannot sympathize upon the most momentous of all topics, the Holy Spirit’s manifestation. “Ask and ye shall receive.” “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?” [John 16:24; Luke 11:13.] The Lord was anxious to do more, much more, for His people than they could conceive of, in His benevolence toward man, His unexampled love as opposed to their limited conceptions of His goodness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 198, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 198, 1898, par. 24

James 1:5. If any one thinks he is to be upbraided, he will stand off and not ask, but there is nothing of this kind. There is something else, though. Let him ask in faith. You are not to ask and then go right along as though you did not expect anything. You are not to ask to use for your own pleasure. No! No! We are to be sober, to put solid timbers into our lives. We are to enquire at every step, Is this what Jesus would have me do? We need not be swayed this way and that, for He is more willing to give us power to remain steadfast than we are to ask. Matthew 7:7-11. In another place it says, “How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 33, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 17

In the prayer Christ gave His disciples, the request is made for daily bread. “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things,” Christ said. [Matthew 6:32.] “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?” [Luke 11:13.]

Lift Him Up

The Bread of Life and the Robe of Righteousness, April 3

LHU 107.2

“If ye ... 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?” (Luke 11:13). The Holy Spirit, the representative of Himself, is the greatest of all gifts. All “good things” are comprised in this. The Creator Himself can give us nothing greater, nothing better. When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our distress, and to guide us by His Holy Spirit, He will never turn away our prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 121, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 121, 1906, par. 2

We do not use the provisions God has made for us, as it is our privilege to do. Pray with souls. Ministers, you will gain in this act a most blessed experience. And this is the work of soul-saving that we must do, if souls are to cut loose from their bondage to sin and Satan and come back to Christ. Ask, and ye shall receive. “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?” Luke 11:13. This Holy Spirit is a gift, a donation, to the world. Oh, may the Lord give us understanding how to receive these gifts. With our own hearts softened and subdued, we can melt our way into the hearts of the children and into the hearts of our brethren. You can melt your way into the hearts of out-and-out sinners much more easily than you can into the hearts of those who have a knowledge of the truth, but do not bring the truth into their daily lives, to be sanctified through the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 278, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 278, 1908, par. 2

You know how much joy it gives to bestow good gifts on your children. The Saviour says, “How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” [Luke 11:13.] The Father is much more willing to bestow His grace than we are to ask for it. “If ye shall ask anything in My name,” He says, “I will do it.” “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name,” Christ declared, “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:14, 26.] Whatever we ask in Christ’s name, and in accordance with His will, will be given us.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 581—Relationship of Prayer to Soulwinning

8MR 190.1

God depends upon you, the human agent, to fulfill your duty to the best of your ability, and He Himself will give the increase. If human agents would but cooperate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus, that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them and make them more than conquerors. When two or three are met together to unite their counsel, and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7.) “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.” (Luke 11:13.)

Our High Calling

Spirit Given on Condition, May 25

OHC 151.1

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? Luke 11:13.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC 477.1

Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill His requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. The Father gave His Spirit without measure to His Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says, “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?” Luke 11:13. “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 14:14: 16:24.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC88 477.1

Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” [Romans 8:32.] The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says: “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?” [Luke 11:13.] “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [John 14:14; 16:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 78, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 1

“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out of him, the dumb spake, and the people wondered, but some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.” [Luke 11:14, 15.] This charge against Christ was blasphemy. Had the Jews not been convicted, their sin would not have been so great. But they had seen the great power of God. They had felt the converting power of the Holy Spirit, and had braced themselves to resistance. They had been given sufficient evidence to convince them that Jesus was the Son of God, but hey charged Him with working through satanic agencies.

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 2

Jesus, “knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against itself falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the [kingdom] of God is come upon you.” [Verses 17-20.]

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 3

By a parable Christ made known to His hearers the subtlety and deceptive working of Satan, who holds the bodies and minds of men by his power. “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are at peace; but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoil.” [Verses 21, 22.] How true is this parable, showing what man is under the guardianship of Satan.

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 5

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,” Christ continued, “he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he said, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” [Luke 11:24-26.] Christ shows that there can be no such thing as neutrality in His service. The soul must not be satisfied with anything short of entire consecration—consecration of thought, voice, spirit, and every organ of mind and body. It is not enough that the vessel be emptied; it must be filled with the grace of Christ.

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 8

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” [Luke 11:23.] He who is with Christ, maintaining His unity, enthroning Him in the heart, and obeying His orders, is safe from the snares of the wicked one. He who unites himself with Christ will gather to himself the graces of Christ, and will give strength and efficiency and power to the Lord by winning souls to Christ. When Christ takes possession of the citadel of the soul, the human agent becomes one with Him. By co-operation with the Saviour, He becomes the instrument through which God works. Then when Satan comes and strives to take possession of the soul, he finds that Christ has made him stronger than the strong man armed.

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 9

The garnished house represents the self-righteous soul. Satan is driven out by Christ. But he returned, in the hope of finding entrance. He finds the house empty, swept, and garnished. Only self-righteousness is abiding there. “Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” [Verse 26.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 592—The Open Door

8MR 241.1

During the entire life of Christ He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and had to endure the contradiction of sinners against Himself. His own nation was the most embittered against Him. The chief priests and the elders had the most to say. It was they, the most professedly pious, who declared, “He cast out devils through Beelzebub the chief of devils.” (Luke 11:15.) But they could not through their opposition stop Him in His work. Evidences multiplied daily of His divine power as He wrought in curing the sick and raising the dead. They then assigned these mighty works to the power of a demon. Can I expect any better lot than the divine Son of God? Shall I complain? God forbid. If my work does not stand in God, let it come to naught. If it be of God, man’s hatred and opposition cannot overthrow it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 56, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 56, 1902, par. 8

The priests and rulers eagerly watched to find some accusation against Christ, so that they might not only warn the people against Him, but create a prejudice against His work. His miracles they could not deny; but they tried to lead the people to regard them as having been accomplished through the working of Satan’s power. They declared, “He casteth out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.” [Luke 11:15.]

Christ Triumphant

Christ Refused to Argue With Satan, July 2

CTr 190.1

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. Luke 11:21.

God’s Amazing Grace

No Place for Idleness, October 27

AG 308.1

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 4, 1866

1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, par. 7

You are now my main dependence. You stand manfully by my side, breast the storm with me,—your poor, stricken and afflicted mother. Be true to noble, elevated principles. Do not be persuaded to do one mean act to be registered in the books in heaven. May God impress your heart and may you have no rest until you lay all your burdens and cares upon the Burden-bearer. Seek first the favor of God. Seek the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness and all things shall be added. If I see you fortified with religious principles, I mean to give you every advantage in my power. But first I must know that you will not abuse the privileges granted and that your acquirements will not be used or turned to scatter from Christ. “He that gathereth not with me scattereth.” Luke 11:23. Use the influence you have for good to others. Let your principles appear plain as you have been taught and you will be respected and honored, notwithstanding some may appear to scorn and despise your conscientious scruples. Be in a position where at all times you can say “No” to any pleasant companionable tempter. Never let Satan decoy you into his trap. Don’t spend your evenings in the society of others. Be in your room at an early hour and may God bless you. May angels guard.

Our Father Cares

Enjoyment of the Truth, April 3

OFC 105.3

It is not enough for us to hear the truth only. God requires of us obedience. “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 214, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 214, 1906, par. 6

What must we do to inherit eternal life? The answer is, Keep the commandments. To the question, Who are the blessed? Christ answers, “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “Without are dogs, and sorcerers,” “and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” [Revelation 22:14, 15.]

Our High Calling

Enjoyment of the Truth, January 27

OHC 33.3

It is not enough for us to hear the truth only. God requires of us obedience. “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 8, 1873

2LtMs, Lt 8, 1873, par. 20

Oh, my dear sister, shall Jesus Christ have died for us in vain? Oh, no, no. Come to Jesus just as you are, come, all helpless, poor, and broken. Cast yourself just as you are in His arms. He is ready to accept you now, and record your name in the Lamb’s book of life. Say with your whole heart, I will walk in Thy truth. Every resolution expressed in the fear of God will give strength to purpose and to faith. It will tend to stimulate and to humble, to strengthen and confirm. “I will walk in thy truth.” Psalm 86:11. Truth deserves our confidence nonetheless because the world is flooded with fables. Because error and counterfeit are in circulation it only evidences the fact that there is truth, genuine truth, somewhere. How slow of heart are we to believe all that the prophets have spoken. The weight of evidence, you can but admit, is on the side of truth that we as a people hold. It is not enough for us to hear the truth only. God requires of us obedience. “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 17

Christ said, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] The bread of life alone can satisfy the hungering soul. The water of life alone will quench the thirst of the thirsty soul. The minds of the disciples were often excited by curiosity, but instead of gratifying their desire to know things which were not necessary for the proper conduct of their work, He opened new channels of thought to their minds. He gave them much needed instruction upon practical godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 10a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 19

Christ said, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] The bread of life alone can satisfy the hungering soul. The water of life alone will quench the thirst of the thirsty soul. The minds of the disciples were often excited by curiosity, but instead of gratifying their desire to know things which were not necessary for the proper conduct of their work, He opened new channels of thought to their minds. He gave them much needed instruction upon practical godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 40, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 40, 1896, par. 14

In His lesson Christ said, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] This is the work devolving upon all. All are to hear the Word of God and keep it. If we do not do this, we are not serving God. “He that is not with me,” said Christ, “is against me, and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Christ came to our world to live the law of God in humanity, and this we can do only through the grace of Christ. What are we doing on this school ground? Are any of us here to gather to ourselves more money? Are we here to add our weight to the burden of others? Are we here to instill the poison of disaffection into the minds of new comers, to make them suspicious, to cause them to lose confidence in their brethren? This root of bitterness owes its growth to selfishness, to the depravity of the heart. “The love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” [1 Timothy 6:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 9, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 9, 1898, par. 4

The Word of God is made the principal book of study in our school. In the communication of Christ to His disciples in the sixth chapter of John is opened before us that which constitutes “higher Education.” “Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] If we can educate the children and youth in the understanding of the words of Christ, we shall be doing a grand work, for they perceive more quickly than do older persons.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 21, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 21, 1898, par. 1

“Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” [Hebrews 4:1.] “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 166, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 4

Nothing can take the place of obedience to a “Thus saith the Lord.” Knowledge that does not lead to a practice of self-denial and self-sacrifice of Christ, but to self-exaltation and self-sufficiency, is opposed to practical godliness. God calls for obedience. Self-sufficiency in a family or an institution means great injury to the work of God and to those who cherish it. True faith leads away from the selfish plans and self-pleasing that is contrary to God. Obedience, in order to be acceptable to God, must be the obedience that Christ ever offered to the Father. In response to the question, Who shall enter the kingdom of heaven? Christ says, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 7:21.] What must we do to inherit eternal life? The answer is, Keep the commandments. To the question, Who are the blessed? Christ answers, “Blessed are they who hear the word and do it.” [Luke 11:28.] “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “Without are dogs and sorcerers ... and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” [Revelation 22:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 12, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 12, 1893, par. 22

We want you to sense these things. We want you to understand the working of the Spirit of God. Ephesians 1:17-23. Let us put our mental powers to the strain. Christ came to this world to establish Himself as the Center. Luke 11:31. We can say as Christ said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:3.] We want you to see what Christ is and what God is. We believe [we] have the most wonderful truths that men ever knew, and yet many allow a dish of fables to be the man of their counsel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 317a, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 317a, 1905, par. 12

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thine whole body is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body is full of darkness.” [Luke 11:33, 34.]

20LtMs, Lt 317a, 1905, par. 13

“Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give light.” Luke 11:35, 36.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 317, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 317, 1905, par. 12

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye; therefore when thine eye is single, thine whole body is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” [Luke 11:33-36.]

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Heart Changed, February 9

YRP 48.4

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light” (Luke 11:34). If the eye is single, if it is directed heavenward, the light of heaven will fill the soul, and earthly things will appear insignificant and uninviting. The purpose of the heart will be changed, and the admonition of Jesus will be heeded. You will lay up your treasure in heaven. Your thoughts will be fixed upon the great rewards of eternity. All your plans will be made in reference to the future, immortal life. You will be drawn toward your treasure. You will not study your worldly interest; but in all your pursuits the silent inquiry will be “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).—The Review and Herald, January 24, 1888.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 89, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 89, 1900, par. 5

We are to trust the Lord with all our heart. We have proved the Lord. We have the sure Word on which we shall rely. Christ assures us, “I am the light of the world.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] “When thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light.” [Luke 11:34.] Praise the Lord, I have verified His promise! Since I was a youth eleven years old I have believed the promise. I will cast my helpless soul upon the One who has bought me with the price of His own blood.

That I May Know Him

Facing the Light, July 3

TMK 190.1

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. Luke 11:35, 36.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4, 1898, par. 1

“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light: but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” [Matthew 6:22, 23; Luke 11:35, 36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 35, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 35, 1902, par. 17

“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness.” “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” [Matthew 6:22, 23; Luke 11:35, 36.] In Him is no darkness at all.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Resistance of Truth

TM 75.2

How God bore with the Jewish nation while they were murmuring and rebellious, breaking the Sabbath and every other precept of the law! He repeatedly declared them worse than the heathen. Each generation surpassed the preceding in guilt. The Lord permitted them to go into captivity, but after their deliverance His requirements were forgotten. Everything that He committed to that people to be kept sacred was perverted or displaced by the inventions of rebellious men. Christ said to them in His day, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” And these were the men who set themselves up as judges and censors over those whom the Holy Spirit was moving to declare the word of God to the people. (See John 7:9-23, 27, 28; Luke 11:37-52.)

Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church

Resistance of Truth

PH154 16.2

How God bore with the Jewish nation while they were murmuring and rebellious, breaking the Sabbath and every other precept of the law! He repeatedly declared them worse than the heathen. Each generation surpassed the preceding in guilt. The Lord permitted them to go into captivity; but after their deliverance, his requirements were forgotten. Everything that he committed to that people to be kept sacred, was perverted or displaced by the inventions of rebellious men. Christ said to them in his day, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” And these were the men who set themselves up as judges and censors over those whom the Holy Spirit was moving to declare the word of God to the people. (See John 7:19-23, 27, 28; Luke 11:37-52.)

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 180—To S. N. Haskell

1888 1552.1

How God bore with the Jewish nation, while they were murmuring, rebellious, breaking the Sabbath and every other precept of the law. He repeatedly declared them worse than the heathen. Each generation surpassed the preceding in guilt. The Lord permitted them to go into captivity, but after their deliverance, his requirements were forgotten. Everything that he committed to that people to be kept sacred was perverted or displaced by the inventions of rebellious men. Christ said to them in his day, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” And these were the men who set themselves up as judges and censors over those whom the Holy Spirit was moving to declare the word of God to the people. See John 7:18-23, 27, 28; Luke 11:37-52.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 38, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 37

How God bore with the Jewish nation, while they were murmuring, rebellious, breaking the Sabbath and every other precept of the law. He repeatedly declared them worse than the heathen. Each generation surpassed the preceding in guilt. The Lord permitted them to go into captivity, but after their deliverance, his requirements were forgotten. Everything that He committed to that people to be kept sacred was perverted or displaced by the inventions of rebellious men. Christ said to them in his day, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” And these were the men who set themselves up as judges and censors over those whom the Holy Spirit was moving to declare the Word of God to the people. See John 7:19-23, 27, 28; Luke 11:37-52.

Selected Messages Book 2

A Caution Regarding Extreme Positions

2SM 319.3

Now we read in the Bible of a good conscience; and there are not only good but bad consciences. There is a conscientiousness that will carry everything to extremes, and make Christian duties as burdensome as the Jews made the observance of the Sabbath. The rebuke which Jesus gave to the scribes and Pharisees applies to this class as well: “Ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God” (Luke 11:42). One fanatic, with his strong spirit and radical ideas, who will oppress the conscience of those who want to be right, will do great harm. The church needs to be purified from all such influences.

Ye Shall Receive Power

More Charity, October 29

YRP 311.4

Christ has identified His interest with that of suffering humanity; and while He is neglected in the person of His afflicted ones, all our assemblies, all our appointed meetings, all the machinery that is set in operation to advance the cause of God, will be of little avail. “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Luke 11:42). “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 244, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 244, 1906, par. 8

“Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the market. ... Woe unto you also, ye lawyers, for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.” [Luke 11:43, 46.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 921—Ellen White’s Concern for Doctor Kellogg

12MR 5.3

“Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto Him, Master, thus saying Thou reproachest us also. And He said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers” (Luke 11:45, 46).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 319, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 319, 1905, par. 17

“Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto Him, Master, thus saying, Thou reproachest us also. And He said, Woe unto you, lawyers; for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.” [Luke 11:45, 46.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 200, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 200, 1903, par. 3

Such a scene of confusion was presented to me. One stood with the reading of the papers to secure their [signatures]. (Luke 11:45-47, 52 quoted.) There are formulated papers, said my Instructor, that are drawn up in such a way that there is no surety that those who sign their names to these productions know what they are attaching their names to. A deceiving power is placed in the hands of men that, if they choose, they can take advantage of the ones who have received their means. And then the outcome was presented to me: great confusion, disappointment, [and] loss of faith in men who they supposed were true as steel. I forbear to say more now.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 53, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 53, 1903, par. 10

The Lord’s people are not to follow the customs of worldly men, taking advantage of circumstances to gain advantage for themselves or for the work which they represent. Neither are they to follow an unfair course of action. Christ said: “Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. ... Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge; ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” [Luke 11:46, 52.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 136, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 136, 1899, par. 20

“Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute; that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple; verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. ... And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things; laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.” [Luke 11:46-51, 53, 54.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 31

The Jewish nation is before us as an example of the termination of God’s long forbearance. In the destruction of Jerusalem the destruction of the world is typified. The lips of him who ever pronounced blessings upon the penitent and spoke encouragement to the poor and suffering and brought gladness to the humble, pronounced a curse upon those to whom he had presented light which they would not appreciate or accept. Those who sought to evade the clear, distinct word of God and cherish manmade traditions, he declared would be found guilty of all the blood of the prophets which had been slain from the foundation of the world. [Luke 11:50.] Again and again God had arrested the Jews in their wicked course by severe chastisement; but they provoked him by their wicked works, casting away the law of the Lord of hosts, and finally refusing to reverence his only begotten Son. Each century of transgression was treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath. Jesus bade the stubborn and impenitent nation to fill up the measure of their iniquity. Their wicked works were not forgotten nor overlooked; for when the time of retributive judgment was fully due the mandate was sent forth from the sacred place of the Most High for the vindication of God’s honor and the magnifying of his law. In these last days the history of the Jewish nation is being repeated in the Christian Church. Notwithstanding the fact that they have before them the example of the Jewish nation in rejecting light, they are doing as they did, and doing despite to the Spirit of Grace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69, 1896, par. 11

The Jewish nation is before us as an example of the termination of God’s long forbearance. In the destruction of Jerusalem the destruction of the world is typified. The lips of Him who ever pronounced blessings upon the penitent, and spoke encouragement to the poor and suffering, and brought gladness to the humble, pronounced a curse upon those to whom He had presented light, who would not appreciate or accept light. Those who thought to evade the clear, distinct Word of God, and cherish man-made traditions, He declared would be found guilty of all the blood of the prophets which had been slain from the foundation of the world. [Luke 11:50.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 52

On one occasion Christ’s lips, that had ever been opened in blessing and in encouragement to the poor, the suffering, and the humble, pronounced a curse upon those who had light presented to them but did not appreciate the light, and sought to evade the clear and distinct Word of God for man-made traditions. He declared that the blood of all the prophets which had been shed from the foundation of the world would be required of that nation He addressed. [Luke 11:50.] Long had God borne with the Jewish nation. He had arrested them again and again by His chastisement, but they provoked God by their wicked works, casting off God and refusing Jesus Christ. Each century was treasuring up wrath. Jesus bade the stubborn and impenitent to fill up the measure of their iniquity. Their wicked works were not forgotten nor overlooked, and when the mandate went forth from the sacred place of the Most High, it was because the time had come for God’s retributive justice to vindicate His honor and magnify His law, and present it as honorable, sure, and steadfast forever.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 70, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 70, 1905, par. 14

I hope the denunciation, “Woe unto you, lawyers,” will not come to any one who is professedly a believer in the truth. [Luke 11:52.] If our lawyers permit things to come in that will undermine in any way the trust of God’s people in the medical missionary work or the ministry, so surely will God take them in hand. It is a perilous work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 70a, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 70a, 1905, par. 19

I hope the “woe unto you lawyers!” [Luke 11:52] will not come upon anyone that has professedly unbelief of the truth; for if these lawyers will permit the things to be woven in that will undermine in any way the truths of God’s people in the medical missionary work or in the ministry, just as surely will God take them in hand. It is a perilous work. We may go to lawyers entirely outside of our people—there are lawyers that are straightforward—and put the whole thing right into their hands; but do you think we want to do that? Do you think we want to expose a great bundle of forgeries and one thing and another that have taken place. No; we do not want to do it. We do not want to do it. We want that the thing should be healed, if possible. But let every man that has mind and brains see where he is going. That is what we want. We do not want Dr. Kellogg to destroy himself; nor we do not want any of those that are associated with him, because he has been an unbalanced man for a long time upon these subjects,—and we do not want that they should help him down to the last step in his ruin. I have told him the truth, and I have written page after page, and page after page, warning, entreating, and imploring him. But he came to the position where he said he would surrender, and sent a letter at Melrose. I took it to Brother Nicola. Said I, “Brother Nicola, what shall I do with this? Here Dr. Kellogg said he would surrender; but he has not written a single scratch what he will surrender. I do not know what he surrenders.” He said, “I have surrendered.” He made a confession before the students, and before the nurses I think it was, in the gymnasium hall, and he told them that he has been wrong, etc. But he kept right on in the same course. He did not change. I wanted to know how he was changed. Some say he is an entirely changed man. I would like to have them tell me where. The light that God has given me, it is no such thing. It is a false testimony; and in the name of the Lord, I want, if you can save the man, to save him. But do not justify him in the course of underhand grasping that has been carried on for years, that this should have to appear before the world. We do not want it to appear; but we want that everyone should come to the position that they will stand by the truth, that they will advocate the truth, and stand as men of war. The light that was given me was that the battle would come to the point where it seemed as though that the devil would have the victory, and then God would work and sway it back. Then it would come again, and it was three times I think that the battle came in that way, and we had to press and press against an influence that was satanic in its tendency. And it is time for me to call things by their right names.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 197, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 197, 1905, par. 2

Lawyer Arthur is to beware, for he must not engage in any enterprise that leaves a shade of dishonesty upon his Christian profession. We are all under supervision of God and He, the Lord, is making His account in the books of heaven. Mistakes have been made in dealing unjustly, in dealing with brethren, members of the Lord’s family. Whatever their calling—as lawyer, as minister, as physician—they are dealing with the workmanship of God. Whatever their calling, they have to meet their accounts traced in the books of heaven. But there is one that is doing his best to make it appear that unrighteousness is justice. Dr. Kellogg has done much that he will wish in that day when the case comes up in the heavenly courts that [he had not done]. He would be glad if he could begin over again and present a different record. So also will Judge Arthur. Being a lawyer, if he has the fear of God before him in all his cases which he has to handle, he receives his reward in the effort to [do] justice and equity in every case. But he has listened to an adviser and his judgment and justice have been perverted. Strong lawyer fees were exacted to be met on the great day of final accounts. The judge, the lawyer, may have acted their part shrewdly, but it will be at a greater expense than any lawyer or accountant had calculated when the word is heard, “Woe unto you lawyers.” [Luke 11:52.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 367, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 367, 1905, par. 1

I have a message during the past night for you. I have hoped and hoped in vain that Dr. Kellogg would break from the snares of Satan. His only hope for his soul is that he does now the work of repentance. But you are in this snare and you have permitted yourself to come under the rebuke of God, “Woe unto ye lawyers.” [Luke 11:52.] The forbearance and charity that you have been exercising in the specious and determined efforts of Dr. Kellogg have brought the spell of Satan’s delusive reasonings upon you. Break this spell now before you go one step farther.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 63a, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 63a, 1906, par. 13

Men are in need of being learners as well as workers. He who is calm, truthful, and loving will handle difficult problems after Christ’s order and bear no signs of Satan’s intrigue and deceptive, disguised working. Often prompt, determined measures, under Christ’s leadership, will bear away the victory. All who have been truly converted will advance as Christ leads the way. But when men think that through false movements and through the aid of lawyers’ documents they can carry their own way, the Lord Jesus saith to them, as He said to the lawyers when upon this earth, “Woe unto you, lawyers!” [Luke 11:52.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 156, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 156, 1907, par. 6

I am passing through trials of mind, and my soul is distressed in me since the camp-meeting in St. Helena. There is a special work to be done for the Lord’s people that but few realize. The Lord is sending warnings to His people in the developments that shall come from the trying of the cases of fraudulent, guilty actions that have taken place with men in some connection with San Francisco and Oakland. This is to awaken the people to see that humanity without the law of God in the heart does not obey its principles. Man is trying his fellow man to bring in a supposed new order of things, but the heart is corrupt and utterly unreliable. God saith, “Woe unto you, lawyers!” [Luke 11:52.] There is not one of them obeying God’s law that He came from heaven to make known, precept after precept.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

Warnings Against Jealousy and Misjudging; A Defense of Dr. Kellogg

12MR 373.2

The Lord is willing to bestow great light upon those who open their hearts to its divine rays. Those who have marked out a certain course in which the light must come will fail to receive it, for God works in His own appointed way. It will be said of some here, unless they quickly change their present attitude, “Ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in, ye hindered” [Luke 11:52]. The church needs earnest and persevering labor.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Warnings Against Jealousy and Misjudging; A Defense of Dr. Kellogg

1888 95.2

The Lord is willing to bestow great light upon those who open their hearts to its divine rays. Those who have marked out a certain course in which the light must come will fail to receive it, for God works in His own appointed way. It will be said of some here, unless they quickly change their present attitude, “Ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in, ye hindered” [Luke 11:52]. The church needs earnest and persevering labor.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

A Call to a Deeper Study of the Word

1888 166.5

We are to be ever searching for the truth as for hidden treasures. I entreat you, close not the door of the heart for fear some ray of light shall come to you. You need greater light, you need a clearer understanding of the truth which you carry to the people. If you do not see light yourselves, you will close the door; if you can you will prevent the rays of light from coming to the people. Let it not be said of this highly favored people, “Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered” (Luke 11:52). All these lessons are given for the benefit of those upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Results of Criticizing the Bible

2TT 316.4

We need never expect that when the Lord has light for His people, Satan will stand calmly by and make no effort to prevent them from receiving it. He will work upon minds to excite distrust and jealousy and unbelief. Let us beware that we do not refuse the light God sends, because it does not come in a way to please us. Let not God’s blessing be turned away from us because we know not the time of our visitation. If there are any who do not see and accept the light themselves, let them not stand in the way of others. Let it not be said of this highly favored people, as of the Jews when the good news of the kingdom was preached to them: “Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” Luke 11:52.—1889, Testimonies for the Church 5:728.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 21, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 21, 1888, par. 22

The Lord is willing to bestow great light upon those who open their hearts to its divine rays. Those who have marked out a certain course in which the light must come will fail to receive it, for God works in His own appointed way. It will be said of some here, unless they quickly change their present attitude, “Ye took away the key of knowledge; ye would not enter in yourselves, and those who would enter in, you hindered.” [Luke 11:52.] The church needs earnest and persevering labor.