"The Prayer of Faith shall save the sick..."

Please Join us in Prayer for:

Sharon Foster and Atonte Myers

Sharon, our fellow friend and sister from Advent Hope, has been fighting a difficult battle with Cancer for some months now and is currently receiving treatments. Susy and friends are hosting a special prayer session this Sabbath, March 7, at Susy's home (11480 Loma Linda Dr). This will start at 11am after regular Sabbath services. Please join if you are able. Sharon will be there, and your presence is sure to encourage her and, more importantly, demonstrate how gracious is her Heavenly Father in answering her request for strength and healing. To contact Susy, call: 909-435-1687

Pastor Ivor Myers and his wife Atonte have been speakers for Restoration here in Loma Linda, and they also host the show "Battles of Faith" on 3ABN. Atonte has recently been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and we'd like to gather people to pray for Atonte as well as the ministries that she and her husband represent. The devil is not letting up his attacks on God's people, and we cannot let go of our hold on God in these times! Despite the seriousness of the disease, the Myers are determined to overcome through the power of prayer and not let this hinder their work for the Lord. Please pray for them, that God will heal and restore. If you'd like to help the Myers as they seek "Natural medical attention" please contact Calvin at: chksda@yahoo.com

"Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry, let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord...

And the prayer of FAITH shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:13-16

New Study on Romans starting...

Come to our weekly Advent Hope Prayer Meeting each Wednesday at 7pm (Burden Hall) to be part of a new study on Romans that Norman McNulty is leading. There will also be time for testimonies and prayer together!

More times of prayer...

"Kneeling at the Cross, man has reached the highest place to which he can attain..."

God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. RH, April 29, 1902

Had another beautiful evening of prayer with Advent Hope friends - Praising God and interceding! What a beautiful thing fellowship with prayer can be.

We are just realizing more and more, time is short, this isn't the time to be goofing off or playing around. Jesus is coming soon...and He's coming for a people that are serious about Him! Serious about getting in His Word and serious about staying on their knees in prayer!!

It seems that people shy away from long periods of prayer together though, because they don't really understand what united prayer is about. They are afraid they'll get stuck praying for all the people around the world that they don't know about, or that they'll be reciting some prayer that doesn't have any pertinence to their lives...maybe they are afraid they'll get bored and fall asleep...

But true united prayer is none of the above...it's personal, it's practical, and it's about seeing God work in the daily issues of our life and the lives of those we love! It's a coming together to pour out our hearts to God...about daily specific request, and to draw together in unity of the faith, humbling our hearts to intercede and seek His presence. And when you pray in such a manner...God hears...and He answers!!

If you couldn't be part of this evening of prayer, please plan your own, or join us in the future! Let's get a "Prayer circle" going that spans our community, and the globe! Let's get ready for Jesus to come!!*

*To be inspired like you've never been before, listen to Pastor Jay Gallimore as he shares about "Faith and Prayer." As soon as you hear this incredible message, you'll be falling on your knees begging for God to make you a man or woman of prayer!

Spending all Night in Prayer...and Welcoming in the New Year!

This year started on a beautiful note at Advent Hope as a group of us gathered together to spend all night in prayer! (Yes, you heard right!) Instead of hosting a "New Year's Eve" party, we felt convicted that we should spend the night welcoming in the New Year with prayer. Amazingly, over 25 people came and went (and many stayed) during this incredible night of prayer as we lifted our hearts to God in praise, testimony, confession, and prayers of Intercession. In fact, we didn't even complete the schedule we put together to pray through over the night... Isn't that incredible?? When it's God's idea, it's always better than you thought possible!!!

What was especially exciting (besides the actual prayer time) was the fact that a couple members of the group (people that didn't know AH members) had been praying for just such a event and just heard about it at the last minute. So the evening was an answer to prayer all in itself to these individuals! God is soo incredible!! All He longs for is us to turn to Him....and surrender....and He will lead and bless in ways never thought possible!

The evening was such an inspiration and blessing to so many of us, that we hope to continue this beautiful time, on a more regular basis....and I am excited, because we need it sooo desperately!! I think God knows we need it too...and maybe He's calling you too...to be a part of a prayer movement like never before!!

~ HEART CHALLENGE for the NEW YEAR ~

• In John 15:7 - It says, "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." Abiding in God and having His Words in our heart seems to be a prerequisite for His answering our prayers. Have you really learned to "abide." Ask Him to help you learn to abide...really abide even more. Not just with the big decisions or on certain days, but every day, every moment, and with every thought.
• 
  We are told that "Prayer should be like opening our heart to a friend." So stop and think about how you talk with God. Do you really see God as your Savior and friend...or just a big "gene" in the sky that you always run to when you need something? He longs to hear our hearts, our thoughts, everything we are...He also longs to hear our praise!
• 
  There are many examples through scripture on Jesus walk with God and prayer. If He had such a need to communicate with His Father, what about us? If He stayed up all night praying, shouldn’t we be willing to do the same?? How about going outside your comfort zone and asking God to help you be willing to make a sacrifice for prayer....not just a normal sacrifice....but an extra-ordinary sacrifice. Even if it cost you some extra sleep, giving up some social time with friends, or something else...(and it will cost) but only in eternity will we realize the smallness of our sacrifice!
• 
  All great men of faith are known for spending hours on their knees in prayer. Why are we sooo reluctant when we are told that "Prayer is the key in the hand of faith that unlocks Heaven’s storehouse"? Pray that God will help you to be willing to be a great man or women of faith....and prayer!
• 
  God advanced His work of salvation in amazing ways on the day of Pentecost after His disciples had spent 10 days "with one accord in prayer and supplication." Acts 2:14 We are told that the events of the day of Pentecost shall be repeated with even greater power in the future. Do you want to be part of this event?? Are you willing to consistently find other Christians to pray with for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Latter Rain in God's Church?*

*This Heart Challenge was taken from the devotional shared on "Inspirational Prayer Weekend" in the talk "Praying with Holy Spirit Power."

Reflecting on Advent HOPE's "Prayer Inspiration Weekend"

This past Prayer weekend went beautifully, and God really blessed. Our main speaker, David Steward, is a former Advent HOPE member who left his career as an Attorney to work full time for God this past January. He has since attended AFCOE and is now working with Amazing Facts. Friday evening he began our weekend with a talk on "Faith in Prayer." Sabbath morning he shared testimonies and stories as he talked about "Pentecost and the Power of Prayer." Then in the afternoon, we had a packed house as we met at Hani and Grace's home for more Inspiration, prayer time and fellowship. The weather was beautiful and itself an answer to prayer, as rain had been predicted. The evening ended with an "Agape Banquet" and testimony time.

For those of you that missed out or want to hear the messages again from this inspiring weekend, please click on the following audioverse link: "Prayer Inspiration Weekend Talks"

Thanks to the great team that made this weekend happen! Dave, Carlos, Carolyn, Valerie, Elizabeth, Claudio, Jolene, Dafne, Wendy, Angie, Joelle, Kaya, Gemalli, Stephanie, Caleb, Ken, and especially Hani and Grace for so graciously opening their home! What a blessing to work as a team. Now let's remember the challenge we've recieved and PRAY as a team as well!

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jer 33:3

Come join us for a Weekend of Prayer & Inspiration!!

On the outside, life may often seem calm and peaceful...yet...is it? Are things really as they appear?? No!! We are in a battle and a war! The biggest WAR of all time...the WAR for our souls!! It's not a battle between family members or coworkers, or even our angry boss at work.

It's a battle between the powers of darkness and the Power of light!! (Eph 6)

Where are you in this battle? Do you need some encouragement and inspiration for your journey? Do you need some weapons to help pull you through??

"Prayer is the KEY in the hand of faith to unlock Heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence." SC pg94

Come join us at Advent HOPE Dec 5th & 6th as we learn how to use the weapon of PRAYER more effectively!!

Prayer Meeting - Nov 19th - Obedience in Our Witness

This week Melody continued the "Vital Signs of Life" series, talking about our Obedience and why that is soooo important to God!

God's will for our life is our SANCTIFICATION...not just outwardly, but inwardly...because He wants to save us!! (Read I Thes 4:3-7) And not only does He want to save us, but also the world around us...So rightfully, we could talk about Witnessing and the many great techniques and ways to win souls! But ultimately, unless we are obeying God in our own personal walk and lives...our Witness is null and void!

Ultimately, Our Obedience IS our Witness!!

So the challenging question: How's your witness??

To hear the entirety of this talk, click on this link: "Obedience in our Witness"

Prayer Meeting - Nov 12th - Building a Faith that Endures

This evening, Mel officially picked up on the "Vital Signs of Life" theme that she's talked about on and off over the last 6 months. Her topic this evening was on building a FAITH THAT WILL ENDURE. During this talk, she shared not only personal stories and testimonies, but also many verses and words of encouragement! (To hear the talk click on this link: "Faith that Endures")

"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay and hunger. A faith that will not faint though severely tried. A period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize long and hard before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621

Life doesn't always make sense...bad things happen! But can God still be trusted?? Even when we don't understand??

Yes, God can be trusted!! And if we are going to stand for God through the trials ahead....we have to learn to stand NOW!!!

"In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world!" John 16:33

Prayer Meeting - Oct 29th - It's Decision Time

This evening we were priviledged to have Brian Neumann with us. He's a traveling speaker from South Africa and has a wealth of experiences and Biblical knowledge. And he shared a challenging message with us about getting our lives and priorities in line with God's Word.

To listen to this inspiring talk, click the AudioVerse link: "It's Decision Time"

Thanks Brian, for coming to share with all of us!

Prayer Meeting - October 22nd - Remembering 1844

Tonight Norman shared a thought provoking talk about our past...where we came from and where we are going! Please take some time out to listen to this great talk on Audioverse!!

"Remembering October 22nd, 1844"

Thanks Norman for sharing!!

The World is standing at our door...Will we open the door??

Prayer Meeting - October 8th - God's heart in Bangladesh

This evening Melody and Janine took turns sharing about their experience in Bangladesh. They, along with Curits and the CCBN cameras, were able to go one week ahead of the Loma Linda University Medical team and see the poverty and heart-ache of Bangladesh first hand. They also got to work with Dr. Moskala teaching in his schools in the slums. What a impacting experience. (To read more about Dr. Moskal's work - click on the link here: "Smiles to the Destitute.")

The Medical portion of the trip itself was not discussed in detail, as this was shared at Advent HOPE a few weeks later. (Click this link to hear this exciting report: "Bangladesh Sharing")

However, after the Medical team left Bangladesh, Melody stayed on to volunteer at the Bangla Hope Orphange in Northern Bangladesh. This also had a profound effect on her life as she taught the staff and children at the Orphange. (To read more about the experiences shared at Prayer meeting, you can visit Mel's blog: "Back from the Other Side of the World")

Challenging question: With a world that is starving without a Savior, what are we doing to feed God's children and share the light??

Prayer Meeting - Sept 10 - Sharing time

Tonight we took time to share what God is doing in our lives and to pray for specific prayer request. It is sooo wonderful to have such a great group of believers to fellowship with each week!

"Prayer meeting is the pulse of the church body. A prayer meeting will always tell the true interest of the church members in spiritual and eternal things. The prayer meeting is as the pulse to the body; it denotes the true spiritual condition of the church. A lifeless, backslidden church has no relish for the prayer meetings.--Selections from Testimonies to the Managers and Workers in our Institutions" {PaM 183.2}

Urgent prayer request for Trent!!

Urgent Prayer request from Chuck Robison: His son, Trent, is in a San Clemente hospital with a apparently stable C2 fracture. I did not have the opportunity to ask more questions, but the impression I got was that it did not appear to be a spinal cord injury, but not sure. Apparently Trent was surfing this am and hit his head on the sand somehow.

Chuck has requested prayer from all who can join in!

Thank you!

Prayer Meeting - Aug 13th - Rescuing the Drowning...

This week we talked not just about the work that is being accomplished in saving souls, but rather in the GREAT WORK there is yet to do!!! It is painfully sobering...

We took turns reading through the inspirational quotes below, then we took time to reflect on the picture shown above, as we asked ourselves the question....

"Where do we fit in this picture?"

Are we American Seventh-Day Adventist Christians sooo occupied with the good things of life, eating great food at awesome vegetarian restaurants.....(You know they have everything now days!), pampering our vanity with this luxury or that, saving up for a new outfit, car, computer, or expensive toy, enjoying peaceful vactions or entertaining amusements (do you know that 25-30,000 children die every day from starvation and poverty? How many more still alive are starving for a Savior??), going to Christian concerts or conferences where we talk about reaching the lost but rarely go home to actually reach the lost (hey I'm guilty - I do it too!!), negotiating important business deals (after all, we give our money to the Lord's work), working hard to pay off our debts or provide for our family....(none of these activities are bad, you know)! Or maybe we're just buried in our studies, trying to get through school or trying to raise our family!!

But have we gotten sooo preoccupied with our lives, that we have FORGOTTEN that THE WORLD AROUND US IS DROWNING WITHOUT A SAVIOR?!!

God commands us to give to the poor...and anyone who doesn't know Christ is poor... So, as you read through the following quotes - ask yourself...

"Where do I fit in this picture? What do the priorities of my life reflect?"

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18,19

"And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather [every] grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God." Luke 19:10

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:." Duet 15:7

"I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out." Duet 29:16
"Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?" Duet 30:25

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Jam 4:17

"Only in eternity can we rightly estimate the loss of a single soul." 4SP 457

"By all that has given us advantage over another, be it education and retirement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience, we are in debt to those less favored, and so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak." Ministry of Healing 29

"Are we as a people asleep? Oh, if the young men & young women in our institutions who are now unready for the Lord’s appearing, unfitted to become members of the Lord’s family, could only discern the signs of the times, what a change would be seen in them! The Lord Jesus is calling for self-denying workers to follow in His footsteps, to walk and work for Him, to lift the cross, and to follow where He leads the way." Maranatha 138

"[Context] God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama - Satan coming as Christ.....Transgression has almost reached it’s limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise!" 8T 28

"The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless, He will punish, and that speedly. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." 5T 209

"Said the angel, 'Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died.' I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it." Early Writings, Page 64.

"The people of God should be wide awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but wholly in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. . . ." 3SM 414

"We Are Nearing the Crisis.--We are nearing the most important crisis that has ever come upon the world. If we are not wide awake and watching, it will steal upon us as a thief. Satan is preparing to work through his human agencies in secrecy. . . ."3SM 414

"It is not excitement we wish to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as eternity." Letter 102, 1894

"The signs are rapidly fulfilling, yet it would seem that but few realize that the day of the Lord is coming, swiftly, silently, as a thief in the night. Many are saying, "Peace and safety." Unless they are watching and waiting for their Lord, they will be taken as in a snare. . . ." 3SM 408

"The Lord calls for volunteers who will be self-denying, who will endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross of Christ. He calls for workers who are willing to be laborers together with Him....The last great battle in behalf of truth and righteousness is to be fought, and God would have His soldiers go forth in faith. Christians, do you discern the signs of the times?" ST, June 21, 1899 par. 10

"Religion, pure, undefiled religion, is intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, wholehearted labor will avail in the saving of souls." Letter 43, 1902. CM 77

"When we labor diligently for the salvation of our fellow men, God will prosper our every efforts." 9T 86

And finally, the ultimate challenge...

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Matt 19:21

So where do YOU fit in this picture?!

Jesus came to seek and SAVE the lost!!

Prayer Groups continue...

There's been lots of activities going on within Advent Hope and our prayer circle...but unfortunately, this summer has been a very busy one and our blog posting has fallen rather behind. The task of seeking to catch up, is soo daunting, that we decided to pick up where we are...and go on, one day at a time!

There continues to be a group that meets together for PRAYER several times a week....stay tuned or watch the newsletter mailing for details (or e-mail us at Prayer@Advent-Hope.org for more details!) Also, continue to send in your request as we are praying for you!!

Time is short...let's be in the WORD and on our KNEES pleading for more of His Holy Spirit!

"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

Prayer Meeting - June 4th - The Key in the Hand of Faith...

For prayer meeting this week, we once again gathered in a circle, shared praises and prayer request, and then prayed. What a special time it was. Oh, if only God's people would worry less and pray more, talk less and listen to God more, work less and be on their knees more...

"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer.

Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be "instant in prayer," to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Romans 12:12

Selection from Steps to Christ pages 93-97

Prayer Meeting - May 28th - The value of One soul...

At this week's Prayer Meeting, Mr. Paul Raj reminded us of the infinite value of a soul. He shared with us how all of heaven was emptied for all of humanity; yet even for one would Christ have died. One author stated that the heart of the Gospel is Christ, and the heart of Christ is man. If Christ gave up everything to redeem us, then we also need to seek those around us who are lost. Each and every individual on this planet is worth any sacrifice we make. If God places so much value on us, should we not also have value for those in our homes, our churches, our communities, and around the world?

In a letter to WC White dated June 11, 1883, Ellen White gives us this charge: "One man, when the church in Scotland was making some resolutions to compromise the faith, to concede their staunch principles, was determined never to yield a jot or tittle. He went upon his knees before God and thus pleaded, 'Give me Scotland or I die.' His importunate prayer was heard. Oh, that the earnest prayer of faith may arise everywhere, Give me souls buried now in the rubbish of error, or I die! Bring them to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.

"We must carry the burden of souls upon our hearts; every selfish consideration must give way to this. The cost of the blood of Christ shows the value of the soul."

Prayer Request for Spanish GYC

There is now a new GYC (Generation of Youth for Christ) event specifically for the Spanish speaking community taking place for the first time May 23rd-26th at Andrews University!

God has already answered many prayers in increasing the registered attendees from 117 to over 300! Let's continue to pray that many more will come and that many lives in the Hispanic community will be inspired, challenged, and motivated to greater service for our Lord!!!

Prayer Request from Javier

I would like to request prayer for my friend Nathaniel. He lives in Aulstralia and is currently doing his clinicals in Physical Therapy and it has been really tough for him.

Thank you!

Prayer Meeting - May 21st - Talk Faith

For this weeks prayer meeting, we took turns sharing personal testimonies and faith building promises and experiences. Sharon was with us and testified to us that her C.T. scan shows that her cancerous tumor has shrunk considerably! What a miracle!!!! We've been praying for her for quite some time, so just praise the Lord for His healing power. (We'll continue to pray for her complete healing.) Others shared of miracles that have been taking place in their lives as well! It was truly an uplifting and encouraing time that you could only experience the full effect of in person.

We closed our time together by kneeling in the middle of the circle to pray for those in special need and praise God for the answers to prayer that He has already given. Then, still on our knees we sang "There's a sweet sweet spirit"! It truly seemed like we could hear the angels singing with us....it was sooo beautiful!

"It is our duty to encourage faith, to talk faith that we may have faith. If we talk doubt and encourage doubt we shall have abundant doubt, for Satan will help us in this kind of work. We need sanctified hearts and sanctified lips. We need to breathe in the rich, bracing atmosphere that comes from the heavenly Canaan. . . . Why should we fill the gallery of the mind with gloomy scenes of doubt? Why not let the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine into the chambers of heart and mind, and dispel the shadows of unbelief? Turn to the Light, to Jesus the precious Saviour." That I May Know Him - EG White pg 228

Prayer Meeting - May 14th - A new look at an important Parable...

For this week's Prayer Meeting, Dave Smith shared with us interesting insights and inspiration on the “The Secret of the Soils” from the Parable of the sower from Matthew 13.

Here are some highlights:

1. Parables are “an (earthly) story with a (heavenly) meaning”.
2. NKJV Psalm 25:14 “The (secret) of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.”
3. In the heart of the wayside hearers the truth finds (no response).
4. With the stony-ground hearers the truth produces nothing more than a (momentary impulse).
5. With the thorny-ground hearers the response (begins) well but (withers) in the face of difficulty and opposition.
6. But in the hearts of the good-ground hearers the response is (on-going) and (effective).
7. The secret of the soils is the condition of the (heart).
8. God is seeking your permission to allow Him to sit on the (throne) of your heart (see Ezek. 36:26-27).
9. Before God sets up his (visible) kingdom on earth, He first establishes his (invisible) kingdom in the hearts of his believers.

What type of SOIL does the CONDITION OF OUR HEART REFLECT???

“Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfishness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of its guilt. This class may be easily convinced, and appear to be bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion.” (COL 46)

"Men may profess to believe the gospel; but unless they are sanctified by the gospel their profession is of no avail. If they do not gain the victory over sin, then sin is gaining the victory over them.” (COL 50-51)

“Many of the things that attract the thorny-ground hearers and absorb their attention may not, in and of themselves, be harmful. But such persons become so absorbed in this world that they have no time to prepare for the next.” (SDABC, Vol. 5)

"The word of God often comes in collision with man's hereditary and cultivated traits of character and his habits of life. But the good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God's word." {COL 60.3}

"God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures." {COL 60.1}

Dave finished his sharing time with the sobering quote:

“Either Christ is Lord of all, or else He is not Lord at all.” ~ David Watson

Thanks Dave, for sharing!

Prayer Meeting - May 7th - The Priviledge of Prayer

For this Wednesday's Prayer Meeting, we joined those on their knees praying for GLOBAL RAIN and the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit.

In the chapter*, "The Priviledge of Prayer" it says:

"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.

Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, "in all points tempted like as we are;" but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love.

What a wonder it is that we pray so little!

God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God's heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer.

Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation."

*Steps to Christ pg 93-95

Pray, Pray, Pray - We need to Pray some More...

Operation Global Rain is currently under-way once again. To be part of a group of the Advent Hope believers praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit here in Loma Linda, please attend the nightly meeting of Prayer at Danielle's Hall at 7pm - May 1st-10th! (6:30 pm on Tuesday the 6th)

Also - keep abreast of what is happening at the "Operation Global Rain" website!

Most importantly though...don't just think about prayer, read about prayer, and be inspired about prayer.... Let's get on our knees and do MORE PRAYING!!!!

Healthy Heart Challenge #6

1. What are the most important desires of your heart? (These are usually evidenced by what you spend time thinking & worrying about, wishing for, or praying for!) Is it to finish your education so you can have a secure future? Is it to find a safe place to retire? Is it to get a better paying job so you can get the things you want? Is it to find a marriage partner that will fulfill your dreams? Is it just trying to "get by" and "survive" the daily grind? Maybe it’s to get another "ministry project" accomplished for God? Or...is it seeking to have such a daily personal and surrendered walk with your Lord that nothing in life can disturb your peace. And whatever God asks of you, you are willing!! How does your daily life reflect your ETERNAL priorities? Matt 6:33 - "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." Ps 27:4 - "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..."
2. As you search your heart, what are the things that come between you and your having QUALITY time with God in prayer? Could it be your sleep habits? Your work habits? Could it be the distractions of your e-mail account or Internet Surfing habits? Could it be lack of faith and trust or some sin you hold on to in your heart? Could it even be all the tasks that you are seeking to do for the Lord? Ask God...if you don’t know, He will show you! Jer 29:13 - "And ye shall seek me and find me when ye search for me with all your heart." Matt 7:7 - "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find..."
   
3. The miracles of the out-pouring of God’s spirit that we hear stories of... Why don’t they happen more often today here in our midst? Could we be doing something wrong??? Are we sleeping?? Should we be praying more?? II Chron 7:14 - "If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways..."
   
4. Are you willing to make some drastic changes in your life...even if those changes are uncomfortable or require giving up some pleasure (sleep, entertainment, "your agenda your way")? Is Heaven really worth the cost?? Matt 6:21- "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also..." IS HEAVEN WORTH THE SACRIFICE????

Prayer Meeting - April 30 - There is Power in Prayer

This week, as we prepare for another round of "Operation Global Rain" where we are interceding for God to heal our hearts, our land, and pour out His Holy Spirit, we once again focused on the incredible power of Prayer.

Melody read excerpts of powerful stories from the book, "The Kneeling Christian." Below are just a few:

A lady in India was cast down through the failure of her life and work. She was a devoted missionary, but somehow or other conversions never resulted from her ministry. The Holy Spirit seemed to say to her, “Pray more.” But she resisted the promptings of the Spirit for some time. “At length,” said she, “I set apart much of my time for prayer. I did it in fear and trembling lest my fellow-workers should complain that I was shirking my work. After a few weeks I began to see men and women accepting Christ as their Savior. Moreover, the whole district was soon awakened, and the work of all the other missionaries was blessed as never before. God did more in six months than I had succeeded in doing in six years. And,” she added, “no one ever accused me of shirking my duty.” (Page 31)

Another lady missionary in India felt the same call to pray. She began to give much time to prayer. No opposition came from without, but it did come from within. But she persisted, and in two years the baptized converts increased sixfold! God promised that He would “pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication upon all flesh” Joel 2:28 How much of that Spirit of “supplication” is ours? Surely we must get that Spirit at all costs? Yet if we are not willing to spend time in “supplication,” God must perforce withhold His Spirit, and we become numbered amongst those who are “resisting the Spirit,” and possibly “quenching” the Spirit. Has not our Lord promised the Holy Spirit to them that ask? Luke 11:13 (Page 31)

Many of us will recall the wonderful things which God did for Korea a few years ago, entirely in answer to prayer. A few missionaries decided to meet together to pray daily at noon. At the end of the month one brother proposed that, “as nothing had happened,” the prayer-meeting should be discontinued. “Let us each pray at home as we find it convenient,” said he. The others, however, protested that they ought rather to spend even more time in prayer each day. So they continued the daily prayer-meeting for four months. Then suddenly the blessing began to be poured out. Church services here and there were broken up by weeping and confessing of sins.

At length a mighty revival broke out. At one place during a evening service the leading man in the church stood up and confessed that he had stolen one hundred dollars in administering a widow’s legacy. Immediately conviction of sin swept the audience. That service did not end till 2 o’clock on Monday morning. God’s wondrous power was felt as never before. And when the Church was purified, many sinners found salvation.

Multitudes flocked to the churches out of curiosity. Some came to mock, but fear laid hold of them, and they stayed to pray. Amongst the “curious” was a brigand chief, the leader of a robber band. He was convicted and converted. He went straight off to the magistrate and gave himself up. “You have no accuser,” said the astonished official, “yet you accuse yourself! We have no law in Korea to meet your case.” So he dismissed him.

One of the missionaries declared, “It paid well to have spent several months in prayer, for when God gave the Holy Spirit, He accomplished more in half a day than all the missionaries together could have accomplished in half a year.” In less than two months, more than 2,000 heathen were converted. The burning zeal of those converts has become a byword. Some of them gave all they had to build a church, and wept because they could not give more. Needless to say, they realized the power of prayer. Those converts were themselves baptized with the “Spirit of supplication.”

In one church it was announced that a daily prayer-meeting would be held at 4:30 every morning. The very first day 400 people arrived long before the stated hour — eager to pray! The number rapidly increased to 600 as days went on. At Seoul, 1,100 is the average attendance at the weekly prayer-meeting. Heathen people came — to see what was happening. They exclaimed in astonishment, “The living God is among you.” Those poor heathen saw what many Christians fail to see. Did not Christ say, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them”? Matt 18:20. What is possible in Korea is possible here. God is “no respecter” of nations. He is longing to bless us, longing to pour His Spirit upon us. (Pages 33-34 of the "Kneeling Christian.")

She then shared some of the following powerful quotes on Prayer from the Great Controversary.

"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay and hunger. A faith that will not faint though severely tried. A period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer." GC 621

"All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as Jacob did and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as He succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize long and hard before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will NOT obtain it... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how FEW cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621

"As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness will be severely tested." GC 618

"The same compassionate Savior lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among men. It is part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask." GC 525

"Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock Heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence." Steps to Christ 94

"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him, you cannot weary Him. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He upholds the worlds. He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice..." Steps to Christ 100

We closed with a time of solemn prayer...

Prayer Meeting - April 23 - Stories of the Power of the Holy Spirit

This week, for prayer meeting, we had visiting guest speaker - Jim Ayer. Pastor Jim has been working with Amazing Facts and loves Evangelism. He had multiple stories to share of incredible miracles and how the Holy Spirit is alive and working today...all over the world.

(Stay tuned for a more detailed report from one attendee that was very inspired!)

Prayer Meeting - April 16 - Prayer in scripture...

For Prayer meeting this week, we had a general sharing time and Bible study on different aspects of Prayer covered in scripture. Some even shared testimonies of answered prayers in their lives. Then we took time to separate into small groups, and pray over the following:

~ Healthy Heart Challenge #5 ~

• That God may open our eyes, to see our true condition of sin & to see His mighty power to deliver us. (II Kings 6:17)
• That God will forgive our sin & heal our land...our home, our relationships, and our life. (II Chron 7:14)
• That we will recognize temptation and turn away from it. (II Cor 13:7)
• That we will have spiritual life and that those we pray for will have spiritual life. (Gen 20:7)
• And finally, that the God and His Word will have FREE COURSE in our lives and hearts. (II Thes 3:1)

Prayer Meeting - April 9th - Practical Christianity

This week's Prayer Meeting, Ben shared with us an inspiring article on what Practical Christianity should be. You can read excerpts below....

January 28, 1904 Practical ChristianityMrs. E. G. White

"I have been impressed with the subject of the influence of the church--what this influence should be. By earnest prayer the members are to obtain power that will make their influence a savor of life unto life. What is needed today is practical Christianity, not merely for a day or a year, but for a lifetime. The man who professes to be a Christian, and yet reveals in his life no practical godliness, is denying Christ. Opposite his name in the books of heaven are written the words, Unfaithful steward. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 1}

How is the world to be enlightened, save by the lives of Christ's followers? You profess to believe in Christ, to be a follower of his. Do you do his works? Can the world see plainly that you have been with Jesus, and learned of him? How are unbelievers to know that you belong to Christ if you show no zeal in his service, but instead cherish worldly ambition and follow worldly plans? Christ declares, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 2}

God can not prepare for the day of trial before us those who are careless and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot he has nothing to do. "I would thou wert cold or hot," he says. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 3}

There are many whose lives are but a pretense of godliness. They are a law unto themselves, and they always will be, unless the grace of Christ subdues their hearts. They lift up their souls unto vanity, and God has no use for them in his service. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 4}

The Will of God Concerning You Our sanctification is God's object in all his dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we might be holy. Christ gave himself for our redemption, that through faith in his power to save from sin, we might be made complete in him. In giving us his Word, he has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we shall receive eternal life. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 5}

As Christians we have pledged ourselves to fulfil the responsibilities resting on us, and to show to the world that we have a close connection with God. Thus, through the good words and works of his disciples, Christ is to be represented and honored." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 6}

Prayer Meeting - April 2nd - God's Word Internalized

For this week's Prayer meeting, Melody started a series called "The Vital Signs of Life" and shared some of her personal testimony. Her focus was "Scripture memorization" and how that has impacted her life! Her goal was to challenge and motivate those in attendance to seek to make "Scripture Memorization" a solid part of their devotional walk with God. "The goal is Complete Sanctification right?" she challenged? "So how is that developed?"

"Sanctify them through thy truth....thy word is truth!" John 17:17

Below are a few highlights from her notes shared during Prayer Meeting

There are FOUR THINGS that I think Satan attacks the hardest in our own lives!

ONE: Satan employs every possible device to keep us from deep meditative study of the Bible!

"Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions." GC 593

Now you know, Satan doesn’t care so much if you know a lot of Bible facts, just as long as they don’t change your life! But He will work at all cost to keep you from studying the Bible with a surrendered deep desire to Know God and to follow His every word. All we have to do is look at our own lives and we can see how he seeks to do this!

TWO: He employs every possible device to keep us from deep soul-searching prayer!

"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience." In Heavenly Places pg 83

What happens if we don’t breath? We die....so it happens spiritually!

THREE: He employs every possible device to keep us from Praising God in our trials and from growing in faith...

"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried....Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621

FOUR: And He employs every device possible to keep us from being obedient in our lives and witness!

"Heaven with its attractions is before you, an eternal weight of glory, which you may lose or gain. Which shall it be? Your life and your character will testify the choice you have made. I feel the more anxious because I see so many indifferent upon the subjects of infinite importance. They are always busy here and there about matters of minor importance, and the one great subject is put out of their thoughts. They have no time to pray, no time to watch, no time to search the Scriptures. They are altogether too busy to make the necessary preparation for the future life. They cannot devote time to perfect Christian characters and in diligence to secure a title to heaven." Our High Calling page 44

We'll be talking about all FOUR areas over the next couple months, but tonight we're going to zero in on Number One - Diving into God's Word, not only in study, but also by learning to put His Word in our hearts!

Briefly let's look at 5 powerful ways that Scripture Memory will bless our lives.

1: Scripture Memorization helps us to really Know our Faith

II Tim 2:15
I Cor 2:5
I Tim 3:16,17
John 5:39
Acts 17:11
Isa 8:20

2: Scripture Memorization Enables us to Answer for our Faith

Isa 43:10
I Pet 3:15
Ps 119:42,46
Luke 21:14-15
John 14:26

3: Scripture Memorization enables us to gain Victory in daily battles

II Cor 10:13
II Pet 1:4
Matt 4
Rom 15:4

4: Scripture Memorization enables us to Prepare for the Time of Trouble ahead

Eph 6:10-18
I Pet 5:8
I Cor 16:13
Ps 27:5
Matt 24:35,13

5: Scripture Memorization adds Power to our Prayer life and Relationship with Jesus

Rom 8:26-39
John 15:7
Eph 3:20
Rom 4:20
Phil 4:6

Closing Thoughts:

We live in a quick-fix, do-it-yourself society...but that mentality isn't going to work when it comes to building a faith that will last til the end.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death..." Prov 16:25

Memorizing lots of Bible verses does not save us any more than doing other good works.... It is having a surrendered and committed relationship with Jesus Christ...so that when He comes back.... He can say, "I know you!"

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast...." Eph 2:8-9

However, scripture memory draws us closer to the goal of knowing Christ personally....it helps us think like He thinks, love as He loves, and hate what He hates!!! And that’s our goal - complete surrendered sanctification!!!

"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God...." Rom 12:1,2

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:1,12

Resources for Scripture Memory Programs

http://www.fast.st/
1-800-501-4024

http://www.thywordcreations.com/
1-800-347-WORD

http://www.sealingtouch.com/
580-661-3837

Important Prayer Request from Terry

Hello fellow Advent HOPE folks!

Just looking for your prayers for "Finish the Work CORE program." There's an important City of Redlands meeting on Thursday April 3rd. We ask for your prayers for God's guidance in the very important meeting to establish the Bible center.

Thank you!

Terry Lawson

Prayer Meeting - March 26th - Vertical & Horzontal Support Systems

This Prayer meeting, we were privileged to have Carlos Moretta share with us.

He began with the verse in Isa 51:4 that says:

"The Lord GOD hath given me 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."

Then he sought to encourage and motivate us to reach out even more to those around us...to bear the infirmities of the weak. Many times, even though truth is being taught, people don't hear the truth unless they also feel the love and care of those preaching it. As the old adage goes, "Don't tell me how much you know until I know how much you care."

"All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us be channels through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion.

In all our associations it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that day by day weaken courage, confidence and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels...

Be coworkers with God. While distrust and alienation are pervading the world, Christ's disciples are to reveal the spirit that reigns in heaven. Speak as He would speak, act as He would act. Constantly reveal sweetness of His character. Reveal the wealth of love which underlies all His teachings and all His dealings with humanity. The humblest workers, in cooperation with Christ, may touch chords whose vibrations shall ring to the ends of the earth and make melody throughout eternal ages." Ministry of Healing 158,159

He then went on to talk about Vertical (with God) and Horizontal (with man) accountability and support. Ideally, we need to have an active and healthy "Vertical support system" before we can be successful in the Horizontal realm...yet most people look for the reverse. So he admonished us, "Use the talent's God has given you...build bridges...be a people and a church that helps those around you get a glimpse of what a relationship with God really is suppose to be."

Our goal: Not to make man whole (That's God's job!), but to introduce the hurting to their Savior!

Prayer Meeting - March 19th - Scriptures as a Safeguard

For Prayer meeting this week, we took turns reading the chapter in Great Controversary titled "Scriptures as a Safeguard." It was a powerful refreshing reminder of the urgency with which we need to be studying our Bibles...

Below are a few powerful quotes from this inspiring chapter:

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.

Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God's immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?

But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms.

It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.

We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan's enchanted ground.

~ Healthy Heart Challenge #4 ~

• We are told that Satan employs ever possible device to prevent us from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible, for it’s plain utterances reveal his deceptions. (GC 593) What are the ways that Satan is using to try to keep you from sincere deep study of the Bible?? What are the roadblocks he’s seeking to throw across your path? Could it be: Not making enough time in your daily schedule, or maybe going to bed too late at night to have energy to really study your Bible in the morning? Could it be relationships that are more entertaining or time consuming and important than God? Could it be Internet, Television, movies, books, or other sources of mind occupying matter that are more amusing? Let’s ask God to show us what our "roadblocks" are and to move them!

• We are told that multitudes do not want Bible truth because it interferes with the desires of sinful, world-loving hearts. (GC 595) Is there something that God has spoken to you about in His Word that you are fighting against because it goes against the desires of your heart? Maybe the desires for attention or approval from others, maybe the desires for a secure future, maybe the desires to have fun in the way you want? Let’s ask God to show us where we are still clinging to our own selfish agenda and sins!
  

• Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in place of God...instead of searching the scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. (GC 595) Is there a belief, a prejudice, a standard (or lack thereof) that you hold today because you were "trained" to think that way, your parents thought that way, people you respect act that way, or those you love have influenced you that way? Let’s ask God to remove those obstacles from our eyes and help us to be influenced and stand only for Him!
  

• Many congratulate themselves upon the wrong acts that they do not commit, and forget to enumerate the good and noble deeds that God requires of them. (GC 601) Maybe we don’t do the filthy acts of sin that are so frowned upon in society, but are there personal sins in our own lives and hearts that would make God sad? How do we talk to our husband or wife, our roommate, best friend, or parents? What do we do with our time when no one is looking? Are we constantly seeking to be recognized and applauded for our good deeds, is pride at home...or are we faithful at the smallest task even when no one is looking? Let’s pray that God would enable us to serve and be faithful in every letter of the law and to honor him even behind closed doors where the world doesn’t see!

Prayer Meeting - March 12h - Time of Personal Testimony and Sharing

Finally...we are back together again! After 3 weeks apart for the Restoration meetings, we have begun our weekly Prayer meeting once again. This week we took time for personal testimonies and sharing....specifically in relation to how God had worked in the hearts of people during Restoration. It was a real blessing and encouragement to hear.

If you missed out on Restoration, you can still hear some of the powerful messages from this years meetings...or better yet you can view them online. Just go to audioverse.org (audio) or videoverse.org (video).

For next week's prayer meeting, please bring a Great Controversary, if you have one, as we'll be focusing on some very inspirational reading and thought!

Prayer Request from Doris

Please pray for our family. Last night my last uncle passed away, a son-in-law is sick and we do not know what is wrong. We have a daughter that is in the hospital out of state and is very ill. (She had surgery for acid reflex and ended up with a hole in her esophagus, an infection and is kept sedated. Unfortunately, she managed to pull the NG tube, may have to cut into the chest to drain. She's on 3 antibiotics.) We have two other daughters that are in crisis. I am leaving next week to be with them. Pray that God can use me to be a blessing to them.

Doris*

*A Pseudonym

Prayer Request from MeM

Missionary friends, Jeff and Fawna Sutton, working with David Gates in Bolivia are struggling with the possibility of birthing their second child at 27 weeks. After a uneventful pregnancy, Fawna's water broke several days ago and she has been transported down bumpy roads and by jungle plane to the hospital in Santa Cruz. She and baby are stable, but need our prayers!

*Note - to hear the testimony of Jeff about their journey of faith, click here!

Prayer Request for Malawi

The Jimenez Family have been missionaries in Malawi for quite a number of years and they are currently starting an evangelism training school in Malawi. There have been Bibles collected in New Hampshire for this cause, and they need to find a cost-effective way to ship them to Malawi ASAP. Please pray that God will continue to open doors in this endeavor.

For more information, you can contact them directly at jimenez5952@yahoo.com

Prayer Request from Laura

Please pray that the Jefferson Academy (in Jefferson TX) as well as the surrounding community would be drawn more closely to Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit as a special "Week of Prayer" series is in progress.

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." II Thes 3:1

No Prayer Meeting Again til March 12th

Due to the nightly Restoration meetings, our weekly Advent Hope Prayer meeting will be suspended until March 12th when we will reconvene and share what God has been doing in our lives. Please join us again then!!

In the mean time, please pray for Restoration, and encourage your friends and associates to attend. Let us see what Great things our God will do!

"For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone." Ps 86:10

Report from missionaries Jared & Tonya Wright

After a wild start to their mission experience, Jared & Tonya report that things have smoothed out a bit and they are doing well. They are already studying Nepali and building relationships. Currently they are living with fellow teammates the Lovitts, while they look for an apartment. (Please pray that they will find just the right place to call home!) They want to thank the Advent Hope members that have been praying for them!

To read Jared's article about their trip to India in the lastest AFM Magazine - Click here: "The choice is Mine"

Prayer Request from Zithelo

I have nothing, but I am seeking to live by faith. Please pray for me, that God will provide tuition money for this quarter and for the coming year.

Prayer Request from Katie

Pray for a single mid-40 year old battling non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for years and now facing surgery for colon cancer. Has maintained a beautiful attitude. But pray that she will sense God's presence and love and experience God's healing power according to His will.

Prayer Meeting - Feb 13th - Man in the Gap

This week, we were blessed and inspired as Michael Tuazon shared with us and challenged us. His key verse...Ezek 22:30

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."

"Who will be the man in the Gap?" Mike challenged.

We then read from Isaiah 6:1-8, where we catch a glimpse of Isaiah's vision of the Lord on His throne, and Isaiah's realization of the Lord's holiness and his own uncleaness. As Vs 3-5 says:

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

First, and foremorest, we need to see the Lord for being Holy! Next we have to see ourselves as an unclean thing. "Our righteounsess is only filthy rags." Isa 64. Next, we have to ask the Lord to change us and believe that He will change us.

Continuing with vs 6-8

"Then flew one of the seraphins unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the alter: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, lo, this hath touched thy lips: and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

Now we must answer His call...and be willing to be used by God!

"To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, "Here I am; send me." Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic,-- the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end." Ministry of Healing, p. 148.

Isa 58:12 "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."

Michael concluded with the powerful story of the Centurion that sought for Christ to come and heal his servant. (Found in Matthew 8:5-10) He then brought out how that Centurion probably would not have known Christ, had faith in Him, or looked to Him, without the witness of his servant.

And so he ended with the challenge... "Are we being a faithful servant and witness for Christ? Are we willing to be the man or woman that stands in the gap for God and His people that still do not know?"

AS RESTORATION DRAWS NEAR, LET'S PRAY ESPECIALLY THAT GOD WOULD GIVE US STRENGTH TO STAND AND BE WITNESSES FOR HIM, AND TO STAND IN THE GAP!

~ Healthy Heart Challenge #3* ~

Isa 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Our Righteousness without Christ is filthy in the site of God"

Challenge 1: Pray that our own righteousness be taken away

Psalms 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me."

We need to ask for a new Heart. God will only perform open heart surgery to those that want a heart transplant.

Challenge 2: Pray for New Heart

Dan 9:4-5 "And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets."

We need to Pray not only for ourselves, but pray for the church corporately, to ask forgiveness for not heading to God’s commands or following the instructions of the prophets.

Challenge 3: Pray for the condition of the church, that we can be revived corporately.

Isaiah 6:8: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

Let us pray that especially during Restoration we can be used to witness to people in every and any capacity.

Challenge 4: Pray for the Willingness to Go where God wants me to Go. The Courage to DO what God wants me to DO and the Humility to Be what God wants me to Be

Luke 17:5 "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith."
Rev 14:12 "Here is the patience of The Saints Here are they that keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus"

Challenge 5: Pray that God increases our Faith, and that we can have the Faith of Jesus

*Prepared by Michael Tuazon

Prayer Request from MeM

Please pray for:

• That our hearts will be open and receptive to the coming Restoration meetings, and that our lives will be forever impacted and changed for God!
• Charlotte* - that she will be able to find child care so she can attend the Restoration meetings.
• Ashley* - that she will open her heart to God. She's in the midst of a child custody battle, and everything it seems is going wrong in her life. (Of course God knows the end from the beginning and is seeking to woo her heart!)
• That the Cambodia mission team will have good success and return safely.
• That God will give me wisdom with how to use my time most efficiently these next couple weeks as we have extra filming tasks with the Restoration meetings.

*pseudonyms

Prayer Meeting - Feb 6th - Building a Shield of Faith

In Eph 6:16 we are encouraged:

"Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked."

Do we have a SHIELD built to LAST???

"The Season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger. A faith that will not faint though severely tried. A period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time.

Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it.

Wrestling with God - how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble because they have never made it a habit to trust God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises!!" (Great Controversy 621-622)

"The more you talk faith, the more faith you will have. The more you dwell upon discouragement, talking to others about your trials, and enlarging upon them, to enlist the sympathy which you crave, the more discouragements and trials you will have. Why mourn over that which we cannot avoid? God is inviting us to close the windows of the soul earthward and open them heavenward that He may flood our hearts with the glory which is shining across the threshold of heaven." (The Voice in Speech and Song - "Talk Faith" Chap 32)

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD." Rom 10:17

Tonight at Prayer meeting, we each took turns sharing Bible Promises that would help us build a stronger shield of faith. The promises shared are listed below:

1. Rom 4:21 - What God promises, He is able to perform and do!
2. Ps 121 - We are to lift up our eyes to the Hills & the strength God promises
3. Ps 37:3-6 - God promises not only to feed us but to give us righteousness
4. Prov 30:5 - God's words are pure & He is OUR SHIELD!!
5. Rom 5:1 - We can have peace as we are Justified in God's sight
6. I John 1:9 - He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us
7. Ex 14:14 - We must hold our peace, for God will fight for us
8. Prov 3:5,6 - He will direct our paths - He knows best
9. II Cor 4:5-11 - Power is of God and not us... "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in dispair. Persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."
10. Desires of Ages pg 490-493 - Victory already obtained at Calvary
11. Phil 1:6 - He that began a good work in us will complete it!
12. Rom 8:28 - All things work together for good to them that love God
13. John 14:14 - We can ask anything in God's name
14. Isa 41:10 - We have nothing to fear, for He has redeemed us!
15. II Cor 12:9,10 - His grace is sufficient in our weakness
16. I John 5:4 - If we are born of God, we can claim victory through Faith
17. John 6:37 - No one is cast out who comes to God - just COME!
18. Jude 24 - He is able to keep us from falling!
19. Ps 84:11 - God is a sun and shield and will not withhold anything that is for our good
20. Ps 103:13-14 - God knows our frame...it doesn't matter, He still invites us to come!
21. Ps 18:30 - His Way is perfect...we can trust Him!
22. Phil 4:19 - God doesn't promise to supply all our wants, but He promises to supply needs
23. Rev 22 - He is coming quickly - all we suffer here on earth will be worth the reward of Eternal Life!

LET'S PRAY THAT WE CAN TRUST WHAT GOD SAYS IN HIS WORD AND KEEP BUILDING A STRONGER SHIELD OF FAITH!

~ Healthy Heart Challenge #2 ~

• Are you willing to lay aside your doubts and fears (in whatever specific area that they are seeking to control your life) and REALLY take God at His Word?? Either we must learn to WHOLLY trust God and ALL that He says, or we will perish. (Num 23:19 & Prov 16:25)
  


• Are you willing to allow God to build your shield (through learning to talk faith, pray faith, share faith, build faith, and live by faith) rather than trying to build your own shield through your own "good works" and efforts? (II Cor 3:5, Heb 10:38 & Heb 11:1-40)
  


• Rather than looking at the current trials in your life as excuses to feel sorry for yourself or complain to God, are you willing to see them as windows of opportunity (a time of probation that God has given you) to learn how to grow in faith and trust God more fully??? (James 1:2-6 & Ps 119:71)
  


• Are you willing to allow God to examine your inner heart and thoughts? What prompts you to speak words of doubt or discouragement to yourself or those you love? When you fail or fall...what path does your mind take? Is God truly in control of all your mind...or does the devil still have a strong hold, seeking to keep your faith imprisoned within his walls of deception? (Phil 2:5 & Matt 4:1-11)
  James 5:16 & Eph 3:20
  


• Are you willing to allow God to build your faith in Him TODAY? If you are, watch out...because if you are not currently in a trial, one is probably on the way! Yet God challenges us to try Him and to Prove Him...and He promises to be faithful!!! How will we have the faith to trust Him in the end times if we can’t trust Him with today’s times...?? (Jer 24:7, Mic 3:8, II Chron 16:9, Isa 41:10, Jer 9:23,24 & Rev 14:12)

Prayer Meeting - Jan 30th - Where the REAL battle lies!

"Preach full sanctification, preach it definitely, preach it explicitly, preach it strongly, preach it where ever you have opportunity. Insist upon it everywhere..." (Excerpts from a quote by John Wesley)

It seems often in our quest for understanding of more complex Biblical issues, that the simple truths of the gospel are lost sight of or forgotten. Justifcation/Sanctification...what are they and why are they so important to our practical every day lives???

Quick review - JUSTIFICATION
- Title for Heaven - Can’t do anything to earn it or attain it! It’s given to us and accepted by FAITH!
- The act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin. Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8).

Rom 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Eph 2:8-9 "For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourself. It is the gift of God, not of works lest any many should boast."

Quick Review - SANCTIFICATION
- Fitness for Heaven - An active cleansing from sin, by faith and complete dependence upon Christ, so that we will be fitted for companionship with a Holy God.
- To make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate. To purify or free from sin.

Sanctification involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit and is carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration. Starting from the transformation of heart through complete surrender, it extends to the whole man, reshaping him to be like Christ. (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10)

Eph 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto Good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Rom 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Scripture goes on to say, not only are we to be transformed, but the ultimate goal is to be "perfect" just like Christ. (Matt 5:48) Hmmm.....that's a pretty high ideal! Yet, why would God put that command in scripture if it wasn't to be fulfilled?

Even though we all know we can't save ourselves by our own works...yet how much of our lives do we spend seeking to make ourselves perfect...trying to be good enough, trying to muster enough self-control to do this or not do that? But that's not where the battle lies...

While Justification is a state of being that Christ made possible for us at the cross, and Sanctification is an ongoing process of purification, they both involve "action" - it is an action of Faith! The battle is learning to YIELD which leads to OBEDIENCE!

Rom 6:12,13 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither YIELD ye your members as instruments of unrightouesness unto sin: but YIELD yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

I Sam 15:22 "And Samuel said, hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams..."

Sacrifices...effort...good works...smiling faces at church...all these are important! But they don't count a lot in God's eyes if He doesn't have our complete and totally surrendered hearts!

I Sam 16:7 "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord....he looketh on the
heart."

Ps 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me..."

Prov 23:26 "My son [my daughter], give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."

So the real issues? Our hearts!! He knows if He has our hearts....He will have all of us. And the results will be a Sanctified, Christlike life...lived out practically each and every day!

LET'S PRAY THAT WE WILL LEARN TO MORE FULLY YIELD!!!

~ Healthy Heart Challenge #1 ~

• Is there anything in your heart or life that may still be deceiving you to think that you are worthy of being saved.... "After all, I’ve done this and this and this...and I’m not that bad of a person, really!!" (Look at Isa 64:6 if so...)

• Are you willing to allow God to strip you of everything that might cause you to think that you have saved yourself by your own strength? (Judges 7:2) Until we come to the realization that we are nothing (apart from Christ) and we deserve nothing, we don’t realize what a great gift has been given us! (Titus 3:5)
  

• Are you willing to yield to the power of God....and whatever way God desires or indicates in your own personal life...are you willing to allow Him to cleanse and sanctify your heart? (Eph 5:25-27)

• Are you willing to allow God’s searchlight into your heart and inner life? Not to expose just the extreme things, but to expose even the small irritated looks, the rolling of the eyes, the snide remarks, the gossipy talk, the bad attitude, the selfish looking after your own desires rather than that of your husband/wife/family members or those around you. It is the small spiritual failures that prepare the way for the larger failures, just as it is the small victories that prepare the way for the larger victories! (Luke 16:10)
  
  

• Are you willing to let go of your "agenda" and your "to do list" and allow God to guide, mold and direct each step of your day...knowing that He alone knows the end from the beginning! And He alone knows what path would be best for you to walk this day...even if it’s not the easiest path! (Isa 30:21)

WELCOME PRAYER PARTNERS!!

This website (aka Advent Hope Prayer blog) is to be dedicated specifically to sharing praises, prayer request, and answers to prayer...as well as a healthy "Heart Challenge" from our weekly prayer meeting and inspiration PRN!

We are encouraged:

"Talk faith, live faith, cultivate love to God; evidence to the world all that Jesus is to you. Magnify His holy name. Tell of His goodness; talk of His mercy, and tell of His power." Our High Calling, chapter 14

As we share, let us keep this aim and motto before us that not ourselves, but Christ may be glorified!

Please use the comment section to encourage your fellow prayer partners in their praises or request. Also, you can use the comment section to make updates about a prayer that you may have submitted.

Remember, if we don't have specific prayers, how do we know if we got specific answers? And when answers come, share them...that God may be glorified and that your fellow prayer partners may be encouraged!

Once again, to submit a Praise, Prayer Request, or Answer to Prayer, e-mail: Prayer@Advent-Hope.org