"It is one thing to treat the Bible as a book of good moral instruction, to be heeded so far as is consistent with the spirit of the times and our position in the world; it is another thing to regard it as it really is—the word of the living God, the word that is our life, the word that is to mold our actions, our words, and our thoughts. To hold God's word as anything less than this is to reject it. And this rejection by those who profess to believe it, is foremost among the causes of skepticism and infidelity in the youth. Ed 260.1"
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of regarding the Bible as the living word of God that shapes our lives, which aligns with John 6:63, where Jesus states that His words are spirit and life.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Both passages highlight the power and impact of God's word. Hebrews 4:12 describes the word as quick and powerful, while the EGW passage emphasizes its role in molding our actions, words, and thoughts. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 . Ed 260.2"
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 46:10 in this passage.
"Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work. Ed 260.3"
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of slowing down and spending time with God, which directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."
"But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Both passages highlight the importance of prioritizing time with God over other activities. Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet is analogous to the 'real communion with God' that EGW describes.
"These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened. Ed 260.4"
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
The concept of waiting upon the Lord for renewed strength in Isaiah 40:31 is directly reflected in EGW's call to 'wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power.'
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Both passages address the weariness and burdens of life and offer rest and refreshment through connection with God. EGW's mention of 'burdened heart will be lightened' is a clear parallel to Matthew 11:28.