What it means to be God's children

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We are born again through God's word
James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

1 Peter 1:22-25 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

We become God's children through faith in Jesus
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1 John 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.

John 12:36a
"While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”..

The Spirit of Adoption
Romans 8:14-17
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

What being a child of God looks like
Matthew 5:44-45 ...I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Galatians 4:28-29 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
1 John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 5:2-5 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 John 5:18 (ESV) We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
1 John 3:9 (ESV) No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Hebrews 12:5-7 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

Ephesians 5:8-9  for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
2 Corinthians 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”

Jesus isn't ashamed to call us brethren
Hebrews 2:9-13 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

Jesus' brothers and sisters are those who do God's will
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.

Also see Learn of Him, Know Him, Abide in Him

How to open up to healing

God promises healing
Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

Jesus' ministry involved healing
Acts 10:38
..God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

By His stripes we are healed
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.

God's Word provides healing
Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
John 4:50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

Believers can share God's healing with others
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

James 5:13-16  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

God wants both body and soul to be healthy
3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (see Matthew 9:2, Jesus both healed and forgave the sins of a paralytic)

[A paraphrased version of something Pastor Glenn Coon said]
By faith we can ask for healing to the fullest extent of God's infinite love and wisdom. God may heal us immediately, have us wait until later, or even wait until the resurrection. We do not know what God's timing is, but we should trust that God knows what's best.

Romans 8:23... even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

We should make up our minds to be well 
(notice Jesus healing of the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:6-9)

There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. [Ministry of Healing 246]

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Matthew 8:14-15 Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.

Turn you eyes upon Jesus, remember He said "...lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world”

How to forgive yourself

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.
He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities.
You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.

[Hymn: Blessed Assurance]
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[Hymn: Just As I Am]
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Christ is the wellspring of life. That which many need is to have a clearer knowledge of Him; they need to be patiently and kindly, yet earnestly, taught how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven. When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and energy to the body. [Ministry of Healing, p. 247]

Isaiah 43:1-4
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.

Psalm 103:12-14
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jeremiah 31:34 ....For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.

Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
And I will not remember your sins.

Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

John 16:8 And when [The Comforter] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Psalm 51:10-13
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Hymn: The Great Physician]
The great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.

(Recommended reading: Ministry of Healing 122-124)

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Zachariah 3:1-5
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

Also see, Biblical Principles for Healing

Other relevant verses:

Proverbs 24:16 "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again... "

John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

1 John 3:18-20 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Philippians 3:13b-14 .....one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Relevant Quote

Our past sins will sometimes come to mind, and cast a shadow over our faith, so that we can see nothing but merited punishment in store for us..  To those who, though they have repented, are troubled over their past sins, who are tempted to think that perhaps they are not forgiven, Christ says, “Go, and sin no more.” You have found peace with God; through his grace you have entered upon a new life... Instead of looking inward with regret and despair, look outward and upward in faith. Unless you are constantly fighting the fight of faith, the past will press its shadow over the present. [RH January 13, 1891]

Verses that remind us to keep our minds on the Lord

Isaiah 45:22
Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

How frustrated minds find peace

Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus ministry involved both doing (practice) and teaching (Acts 1:1)

We should be doers and not hearers only (James 1:22)

Jesus offers us peace

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Fix your eyes upon the Lord

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

"When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center. " Education, p. 297

King Jehoshaphat didn't go into orbit around his troubles, he kept eyes on the Lord 

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.

In 2 Chronicles 20, you see that the battle was left in God's hands, people began singing praises, and then God sent ambushes against the enemies of Judah. Instead of having to fight, God made it so their enemies ended up destroying one another.

Keep your trust in Him, don't let your heart be troubled

Jesus said in John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."

In another study we saw "how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven". Forgiveness deals with the spiritual healing of the soul. In the study before that, bible promises for physical healing were quoted. God wants to preserve our entire being (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Now what about our minds?

How to open our minds to healing agencies of heaven

The psalmist in Psalm 16:8, says: "I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."

Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray... It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance.... If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,—the great mercy and love of God,—we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God. [Ministry of Healing 251-253]

Eternal life and peace is found in knowing God and Jesus our Lord

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

Peace with God through Jesus Chris is found in being justified by faith

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms; 

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

(also notice Isaiah 53:5, Christ took our chastisement to give us peace. By His wounds, we're healed)

Peace isn't the absence of trouble

Finding peace in Jesus doesn't mean you will never face anymore trouble {1 Peter 4:12-13). In fact you may face even more troubles, but don't let that discourage you. Keep your mind stayed on the Lord and rejoice in the face of trouble.

James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

(Also notice 1 Corinthians 1:30)

Developing patience in trials

God allows the trials of our faith so we can develop patience. It's only in trusting in God's wisdom that we can know how to react in the face of trouble (see Psalm 25:9). We may not understand why certain things happen, but that's okay because God knows whether it is worth for us to know (Deuteronomy 29:29, John 16:12).

Christ's sacrifice assures us that God will provide
 Remember this: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. Whatever the circumstance, remember this, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We behold, and catch the bright beams in the face of Jesus Christ. We receive as much as we can bear. Let us not stop to quarrel over circumstances, but keep Christ in view. Through the transforming power of the Holy Ghost we become assimilated to the image of the blessed Object we behold. [Ms 26, 1889]

The Cross even guards the angels from apostasy

The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. [Signs of the Times, December 30 1889]

That old, old story is true,

That old, old story is true;

I've found out the reason they love it so well:

That old, old story is true.

Keep looking to Jesus, lest you become weary and discouraged

Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

Keep your focus on Jesus in the last days and rejoice always!

Luke 21:25-28 “And there will be... men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth,... Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

1 Thessalonians 5:4,9-11, 16-18 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief... For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Love casts away fear

1 John 4:17-18  Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Speak the praise of God for His matchless love

Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God. [Ministry of Healing 253]

Cast your cares on Christ

[Christ] has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the load from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon Him; for He carries us upon His heart. [Ministry of Healing, p. 71]

"Cast all your burdens and sorrows on Him who alone can give rest to the weary heart and peace to the troubled soul." [Lt 56, 1874]

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

How to sing your worries away

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.

Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour's presence, we shall have health and His blessing. Ministry of Healing 254

Munching on the promises of healing love
Sent to sick and weary hearts from Christ above
Brought by wings of angels and the Heavenly Dove
Munching on the promises of God

Munching, Munching,
Munching on the promises of God my Savior;
Munching, Munching,
I’m Munching on the promises of God.

Munching on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Munching on the promises of God.

Proverbs 17:22a A merry heart does good, like medicine...
Nehemiah 8:10 ...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

God promises healing and life
Hosea 6:1
Come, and let us return to the Lord;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
1 John 5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

God dwells in the praises of His people
Psalm 22:3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Then let us praise God!

Revive Us Again
With His stripes we are healed
What a blessed redeemer to cure and to shield
Hallelujah, Thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen
Hallelujah, thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen

The following are responses to questions made to Pastor Glenn Coon

Do not be quick to judge other people's faith
While it is true that the teachings of a healing ministry should match up with God's word (see Isaiah 8:20), we shouldn't be so quick to judge (Matthew 7:1). God's word tells us to honor all people, even if we don't agree with them (1 Peter 2:17). We are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...." Psalm 37:7. "...In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15. Pastor Glenn Coon once said that one time someone tried to approach someone else about their difference in beliefs and this the person responded by saying, "Just pray for me and shut up!". Ha ha. It says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 that we should learn how to be quiet and mind our own business.

Glenn Coon also told of how someone had used Psalm 22:26 as a promise for weight loss. Although it seemed like a stretch in his opinion, but he came to agree with this after hearing that one should eat a good breakfast and lunch, then skip dinner to lose weight.

It is impossible for any mind to comprehend all the richness and greatness of even one promise of God. One catches the glory of one point of view, another the beauty and grace from another point, and the soul is filled with the heavenly light. [Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 111]

The blessing of being a blessing to others
One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is the centering of attention upon themselves. Many invalids feel that everyone should give them sympathy and help, when what they need is to have their attention turned away from themselves, to think of and care for others... The darkness will be dispelled from their own hearts as they try to help others. As we seek to comfort others with the comfort wherewith we are comforted, the blessing comes back to us. [Ministry of Healing, p. 256]

Do not point the finger
While it is true that many are afflicted because of their own sins (Psalm 107:17), The 9th verse of Isaiah 58 says we shouldn't point fingers at each other. That doesn't help you or the other person, it only keeps you in the darkness of selfishness and takes your focus away from the light of Jesus. Instead of usurping God's judgment seat, why not be witnesses of His grace as revealed in Jesus? Is that not what we are called to be? There are souls who are sick and in distress, they need to hear God's Word so they may be healed and delivered from destruction. (Psalm 107:19-20)

How The Bible Promises Healing

Healing comes from God

Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

Jesus' ministry involved healing

Acts 10:38
..God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The healing power of God's word

Proverbs 4:20-23 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.
John 4:50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

Jesus is willing to heal us physically and spiritually

Matthew 8:1-3 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

God wants to heal, forgive, and cleanse us from sin

Jeremiah 33:6, 8 Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth...  I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me.

Isaiah 57:18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners.

Hosea 14:4 

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.

Jeremiah 3:22 “Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings.”  “Indeed we do come to You, For You are the Lord our God.

Psalm 103:2-3 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases

The Cleansing Power of God's Word

John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

2 Peter 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God heals our broken hearts and our wounds
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her.”

Healing, forgiveness, and encouragement found in Jesus
Isaiah 53:3-5 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

1 Peter 2:21-24 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Matthew 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” —then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Hebrews 12:2-4 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

We should make up our minds to be well 

There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. [Ministry of Healing 246]

Faith and Obedience
John 5:5-9
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

Preventing Disease

Exodus 15:26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

Fear of God and Health

Proverbs 3:5–8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Music and Emotional Health
1 Samuel 16:23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

A Merry Heart and Wholesome Tongue
Proverbs 17 :22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Health and how we speak

Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Share God's healing with others
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

James 5:13-16  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Isaiah 58:6-9 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ (this passage continues on in Isaiah 58:9-12)

For those who fear dying:

Psalm. 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

Job 13:15
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

Prayer for Healing
Psalm 6:2 ... I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

Psalm 41:4 ...Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.

Also see, Steps to Health

No Trial Wasted

The following is a list of verses, quotes, and thoughts from a sermon 

Hebrews 12:4-6, 11 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;  For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.".. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

How to be trained by our trials:

Don't Murmur at the trial
Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. PP 293

Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high. DA 301

Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory. MH 487

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

God can bring good out of a trial
Genesis 50:19-20 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If we allow it, God can take the broken pieces of our lives and turn them into something beautiful. Sometimes we focus so much on the trial that we lose the blessing of the journey.

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our path, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see." --Corrie Ten Boom

(look at  Esther 4:14, for example)

Earnestly seek to grow by the trial
Moses also had his trial. God chose him to deliver Israel. He had been trained as a general, and he thought that it was by force that he was to deliver the people. One day, seeing an Egyptian smiting an Israelite, he killed the Egyptian. Then he fled to Arabia, and for forty years he kept sheep. There his pride and self-sufficiency were swept away. He became patient, reverent, humble, “very meek, above all men which were upon the face of the earth.” Ms 11, 1903

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Trust God, you're His child
Job 1:21 And [Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:6
For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.

God's chosen Methods of Discipline
Many who sincerely consecrate their lives to God’s service are surprised and disappointed to find themselves, as never before, confronted by obstacles and beset by trials and perplexities. They pray for Christlikeness of character, for a fitness for the Lord’s work, and they are placed in circumstances that seem to call forth all the evil of their nature. Faults are revealed of which they did not even suspect the existence. Like Israel of old they question, “If God is leading us, why do all these things come upon us?”

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13.

It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified.

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. [MH, p. 470-471]

It is because you are being pruned that you can know God loves you. You're not a weed that he's seeking to pull out and destroy, He loves you! That's why he's giving us these opportunities to grow and become more like Him.

John 15:1-5 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

You can overcome the trial
Like Lot's wife of old, we are so focused on the pain that we freeze in our past. She turned around and looked, instead of moving forward, and she froze in her past.God is calling us to go forward, move on from our past.

In John 5:1-9, notice that Jesus wanted the paralytic to make up his mind to be made well. When the paralytic started making excuses for why he couldn't be made well, Jesus didn't respond to them, but instead simply commanded "Rise, take up your bed and walk". As soon as he chose to believe in the power of Jesus' words, he was made well, arose, took up his bed, and walked.

We don't have to make anymore excuses for bad habits of our sin-sick soul when Jesus offers us healing. Jesus knows all about our struggles and asks us if we would like to be made well. If we are really seeking to be made well, then God (by His grace) will work in us "both to will and to do for His good pleasure". He will call us to rise and give us the strength to do so. Through the power of Christ we can say "Yes Lord, I want to be made well. Yes Lord, I want to experience the healing from these trials in my life. Yes Lord, I want to walk forward in faith. Yes Lord, I want to experience that victory in you. Yes Lord, I want to be well."

There is healing at the foot of the cross and Jesus offers that healing to us today. He can turn tragedies into joy. He can the heartache into hope. Jesus can turn these trials into blessings.

Hebrews 12:2-3 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

When trials come before us and we think they're too great, remember to consider Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, because that's where the power is found. Today, by the grace of God, may we recognize that through His power we can overcome the trial. May we see that there are blessings. May we see that it is evidence that we are a child of God and that He's working on our behalf. May we faithfully see the good that can come through the trial.

10 Promises to be thankful for

 1. Forgiveness of the past
Psalm 32:1-2 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

2. The Gift of Eternal Life
Romans 6:23 ….the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Forgiveness (for the present)
1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

4. Acceptance (No condemnation)
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus....

5. Power of God unto salvation
Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

6. Guidance
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

7. Help With Finances
Malachi 3:10
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

8. Solutions To Problems
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

9. Salvation of Others
Isaiah 49:24-25 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children.

10. Promise of being received to glory (heaven)
Psalm 73:24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

Believe

The following is from a sermon of a friend of mine..

How are we saved? The bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31

True belief goes deeper than merely accepting His existence:
"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" James 2:19.

During the beginning of His ministry, Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:20). Announcing who He was wouldn't help anyone to really believe in Him and His mission. Even the disciples didn't really believe:

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:21-23

The Jewish people thought that the Messiah would bring God's kingdom in a political manner and subject the rest of the world to their authority.

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

This is the reason Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone who He was:
Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. John 6:15

His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him. John 7:3-5 

After Peter's confession, Jesus charged the disciples to tell no man that He was the Christ. This charge was given because of the determined opposition of the scribes and Pharisees. More than this, the people, and even the disciples, had so false a conception of the Messiah that a public announcement of Him would give them no true idea of His character or His work. DA 414.4.

From this we see that merely saying who He was wouldn't do any good. Instead He demonstrated who He was by the example of His life. Actions speak louder than words.
What did Jesus, The Messiah, teach those who wanted to follow Him?

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24. 

Why didn't they understand?

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking. The glorification of themselves was the object of their lives. It was this that led them to pervert and misapply the Scriptures, and blinded them to the purpose of Christ's mission. This subtle evil even the disciples of Christ were in danger of cherishing. Those who classed themselves with the followers of Jesus, but who had not left all in order to become His disciples, were influenced in a great degree by the reasoning of the Pharisees. They were often vacillating between faith and unbelief, and they did not discern the treasures of wisdom hidden in Christ. Even the disciples, though outwardly they had left all for Jesus’ sake, had not in heart ceased to seek great things for themselves. DA 409.

Don't trust anyone else, but God and His word for your salvation. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13

Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every man's teaching to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will understand the Scriptures. DA 459.

How do we gain a true understanding of Jesus and His mission today for ourselves?

...the people, and even the disciples, had so false a conception of the Messiah that a public announcement of Him would give them no true idea of His character or His work. But day by day He was revealing Himself to them as the Savior, and thus He desired to give them a true conception of Him as the Messiah. DA 414

We need to spend time with Jesus. We need to develop, through experience, a deep, personal, and living relationship with Him. How? Jesus says to search the scriptures, for they testify of Him. (John 5:39). He also said that if we believe in Him as the Scriptures says, out of our hearts will flow "rivers of living water" (John 7:38). "This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive" (verse 39).

To develop a personal relationship with Jesus...
1. Trust in the Righteousness of Jesus
Jesus calls us to be the "salt" of the Earth and warns us not to lose our flavor.
What does that mean?

All who would present themselves “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1), must receive the saving salt, the righteousness of our Saviour. Then they become “the salt of the earth,” restraining evil among men, as salt preserves from corruption. Matthew 5:13. But if the salt has lost its savor; if there is only a profession of godliness, without the love of Christ, there is no power for good. The life can exert no saving influence upon the world. Your energy and efficiency in the upbuilding of My kingdom, Jesus says, depend upon your receiving of My Spirit. You must be partakers of My grace, in order to be a savor of life unto life. Then there will be no rivalry, no self-seeking, no desire for the highest place. You will have that love which seeks not her own, but another's wealth. DA 439

To lose our flavor is to lose our "first love", that is the love of Jesus (Revelation 2:2-5). 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

…Christ's followers are to be light bearers to the world. God does not ask them to make an effort to shine. He approves of no self-satisfied attempt to display superior goodness…  7T 143

How do we shine without making any effort?

… He desires that their souls shall be imbued with the principles of heaven, and then, as they come in contact with the world, they will reveal the light that is in them. Their honesty, uprightness, and steadfast fidelity in every act of life will be a means of illumination. The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of the soul with Him who is its life. 7T 143
Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed…When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake. DA 439

2. Talk to Him (Prayer)
God says, “Come now, and let us reason together” Isaiah 1:18. God wants us to talk to Him, expressing to Him exactly what's going on in our lives. Talk to Him like you would to a very trusted friend. Poor communication can ruin any relationship. Our hearts need to be open and honest about everything with God because He's a gentleman and won't force Himself into your heart. God invites us, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3. God also promises to guide us: "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Isaiah 30:21.

"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." SC 95.

3. Search the Scriptures
"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.

"Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth." DA 489
Set aside a time to spend time in God's word and to meditate on Him (remember the purpose of reading the Word is to get to know Him better).

"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones." DA 83.

Be sure the place you spend time with God is free from anything that would distract you. Also, remember to pray and sing hymns of praise. We should remember to thankfully count the blessings God already has given us and not only ask for things.

Studying God's Word shouldn't be rushed.

If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times. But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. SC 90.
We must search the Scriptures, not merely rush through a chapter and repeat it, taking no pains to understand it, but we must dig for the jewel of truth which will enrich the mind, and fortify the soul against the wiles and temptations of the archdeceiver. CSW 19

Don't forget the purpose of searching the scriptures is to get to know God as revealed to us in Jesus. The Scriptures testify of Him (John 5:39).

Memorize Scripture and take it with you throughout the day. Make it your "meditation all the day" Psalm 119:97

4. Apply what you learn
For example, consider what the bible teaches us in Hebrews 2:14, 17, 18, 4:15, 5:2. These verses tell us how Jesus took the form of a human being, was tempted like we are, but without sin. With Jesus as our High Priest, we can have full confidence to talk to God about our problems. If you're struggling with temptation, don't worry, He knows how you feel and He can help you overcome.
Jesus became the author of eternal salvation through experience (Hebrews 5:8-9). Christ is the power of salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). God also wants us to share that experience with others.

Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. DA 504

"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:6.

Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians. DA 504.