Meetings, Prayer and Bible Study

We may often find ourselves discouraged amid the trials and tribulations we face. Both indifference and discouragement is the condition in which the enemy wants God's people to find themselves in, in the last days. But we must not lose sight of the struggle we face.

Soldiers are trained in severe conditions. They are pushed to their limits, until their bodies can give no more. The aim is to ingrain the fact that the battle is first fought in the mind.

Therefore, when we feel discouraged, that's when we need more prayer and more Bible reading.

Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification, while he lies in ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who venture upon his ground. Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure. *1

It is possible for humans to obtain more power than Satan? Yes it is, but only if they hold on to Jesus.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7.

Constant Prayer is the source of power that brings us closer to heaven.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.

The study of the Word of God is the source of hope that guides us in our daily living.

Finally, we are called upon to congregate, to come together and fight as God's people for the coming of Jesus is at hand.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25.

When we do not feel the desire to attend church, when we feel exhausted and discouraged, that is when we should assemble together. Perhaps the Lord has words of comfort and hope which we would miss out on by not attending church.

... Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the worshipers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be presented to the people. Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point. The one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business transaction which requires his presence, or will by some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a savor of life unto life. *1 

Maybe because we do not see the forces of evil acting or because the world wants to deceive us by saying that the devil does not exist, we ignore the conflict in which we participate daily.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12.

And so we are recommended to:

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6 :13-18.

Only he who makes this his everyday living will remain standing even if the heavens collapse and the earth is destroyed, for he will have Divine protection.

No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Here are revealed the wiles of the tempter and the means by which he may be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: "Lead us not into temptation." *1

THE LORD IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, LORD JESUS COME!

The Great Controversy, "32. Snares of the enemy ", Elena G. White