Advent HOPE Prayer Meeting & Prayers

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

2009-03-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-03-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

"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!

2009-01-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

2009-01-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

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"

2008-12-09T18:26:00.001-08:00

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!!

2008-11-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

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??

2008-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-09-06T22:22:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-08-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

2008-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

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?!

2008-08-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Jesus came to seek and SAVE the lost!!

Prayer Groups continue...

2008-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-05-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-05-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

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:

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