When we are hurting, it is very easy to presume that what happens to us is the only thing that matters. But there is a slightly larger picture than just “me” (see Revelation 12:7, Romans 8:22). Read Habakkuk 1:1-4. What did Habakkuk face? You might expect that God would say something like, “That’s really terrible, Habakkuk; let Me come … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Habakkuk 1:1-4, Job 38:1-41:34, Isaiah 41:8-14, Jeremiah 29:1-10, Hebrews 12:1-13. Memory Verse: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5, NKJV). When in church surrounded by smiling people, how easy it is to talk … Continue reading –>
Part 6: Temple Plot Foiled By Andrew McChesney Months passed before Junior and Mother found out why Father had changed his mind and went to Junior’s baptism. Evil spirits had forbidden Father from going to the Sabbath afternoon baptism, so he had turned down his son’s invitation to attend. On the day of the baptism, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Night of Wrestling,” Pages 195-203, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Consecration,” Pages 43-48, in Steps to Christ. “This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to … Continue reading –>
Read the story of Jacob’s wrestling with God (Genesis 32:1-32, NIV). What does this story say to us about perseverance, even amid great discouragement? (Keep the whole context of Jacob’s situation in mind before you answer.) We can know what is right and exercise our wills to do the right thing; but when we are under … Continue reading –>
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30). Dwell on the words of Jesus in the above verse. Would you call His words radical? If so, … Continue reading –>
One of the greatest enemies of our wills is our own feelings. We are increasingly living in a culture bombarded with pictures and music that can appeal directly to our senses, triggering our emotions — anger, fear, or lust — without our realizing it. How often do we think such things as “What do I … Continue reading –>
What is your greatest accomplishment ever? Chances are, whatever you achieved did not happen simply by your rolling out of bed in the morning. If we want to achieve something worthwhile in this life, it takes time and effort. Our discipleship to Christ is no different. Read Colossians 1:28-29. Though Paul talks about God working in … Continue reading –>
Have you ever prayed, “Please, God, make me good!” but little seems to change? How is it possible that we can pray for God’s great transforming power to work within us, but our lives seem to remain the same? We know that God has unlimited supernatural resources that He so eagerly and freely offers us. … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: John 16:5-15; Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 5:29; Genesis 32:1-32. Memory Text: “To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29, NIV). A man and woman sat together on a talk show. Both had experienced the murder of a child. The woman’s son had … Continue reading –>
