A Work of Preparation

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 28
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A Work of Preparation

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6.

There is an earnest work of preparation to be done by Seventh-day
Adventists if they would stand firm in the trying experiences just
before them. If they remain true to God in the confusion and temptation
of the last days, they must seek the Lord in humility of heart for
wisdom to resist the deceptions of the enemy. . . . 

Ever are we to keep in mind the solemn thought of the Lord's soon
return, and in view of this to recognize the individual work to be done.
Through the aid of the Holy Spirit we are to resist natural inclinations
and tendencies to wrong, and weed out of the life every un-Christlike
element. Thus we shall prepare our hearts for the reception of God's
blessing, which will impart to us grace and bring us into harmony with
the faith of Jesus. For this work of preparation great advantages have
been granted to this people in light bestowed, in messages of warning
and instruction, sent through the agency of the Spirit of God.

Because of the increasing power of Satan's temptations, the times in
which we live are full of peril for the children of God, and we need to
learn constantly of the Great Teacher, that we may take every step in
surety and righteousness. Wonderful scenes are opening before us, and at
this time a living testimony is to be borne in the lives of God's
professing people, so that the world may see that in this age when evil
reigns on every side, there is yet a people who are laying aside their
will and are seeking to do God's will-a people in whose hearts and lives
the law of God is written. There are strong temptations before us, sharp
tests. The commandment-keeping people of God are to prepare for this
time of trial by obtaining a deeper experience in the things of God and
a practical knowledge of the righteousness of Christ. . . . Not to
unbelievers only, but to church members the words are spoken, "Seek ye
the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isa.
55:6). . . . 
Let your daily lives witness to the faith you profess.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares p. 167.