The question often arises, and understandably so, about how sin arose in God’s universe. We understand how, at least somewhat. And at its heart, it was because of covetousness. Perhaps covetousness, then, is the ultimate original sin. Read Isaiah 14:12-14. What hints are given there about the fall of Lucifer? How did covetousness play a crucial … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Isaiah 14:12-14, Ephesians 5:5, Joshua 7:1-26, John 12:1-8, Acts 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Memory Text: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15, NKJV). Covetousness has been defined as an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions that really don’t belong to … Continue reading –>
The Cat and the Colporteur By Andrew McChesney Young literature evangelist Simo Vehkavuori stopped at a well-kept house near Turku, Finland’s oldest city and former capital, in the middle of winter, and showed his books to two unmarried sisters who lived there. To his surprise, the sisters quickly ordered a copy of every book. Then … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “No scheme of business or plan of life can be sound or complete that embraces only the brief years of this present life and makes no provision for the unending future. … No man can lay up treasure in heaven without finding his life on earth thereby enriched and ennobled.” — Ellen G. White, Education, p. 145. … Continue reading –>
There are scores of secular money management gurus out there, but God warned us against consulting them for the management of the assets He has entrusted to us. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the … Continue reading –>
Another phase of a “successful” life, the last phase, has the potential to be the most enjoyable — if the decisions of the earlier years have been wise and not ruined by unexpected events. In an ideal situation the parents have raised their children to become independent adults, the home is paid for, the transportation … Continue reading –>
As we have seen, God intended for humans to work in one capacity or another. This part of our life (the working years) is usually about 40 years long. For many people this is the time when children are being brought up and educated and when the home and other major purchases are acquired. This … Continue reading –>
Unless you are independently wealthy, or the beneficiary of a trust fund that Mommy and/or Daddy set up for you so that you would never have to work a day in your life (if you read many stories about these kids, the money, meant to be a blessing, often leads to tragedy for them as … Continue reading –>
Read Ecclesiastes 12:1. What’s the message there for us? As youth matures into adulthood, thoughts will arise about having to provide for basic needs-food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus Himself has told us how to prioritize our needs when He said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Eccles. 12:1; Genesis 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:23-24; Genesis 39:2-5; Proverbs 3:5-8. Memory Text: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24, , NKJV). Most people want to … Continue reading –>
