As we saw yesterday, submission to God’s will can be undermined as we rely on our own strength. It also is possible to rely on other substitutes for God. When some people feel depressed, they go shopping for something to make them happy. When some feel inadequate, they pursue fame. When others have difficulties with … Continue reading –>
When Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, it wasn’t simply because she doubted God’s word. At the heart of the problem was her belief that she had enough wisdom to decide for herself what was good and right. She trusted her own judgment. When we rely on our own judgment as opposed to trusting … Continue reading –>
“The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’” (1 Samuel 3:10, NIV). Have you ever heard that still small voice of the Holy Spirit but ignored it? Consequently, everything went wrong, and you thought to yourself later, Oh no, why didn’t I … Continue reading –>
Many Christians sincerely seek to know God’s will for their lives. “If only I could know God’s will for my life, I would sacrifice everything for Him.” But even after promising God this, we still may be confused about what His will is. The reason for this confusion may be found in Romans 12:1-2. Paul is … Continue reading –>
Read Philippians 2:5-9. What important message is there for us in these verses? Contemporary culture urges us all to demand and assert our rights. And all this is good and is often the way it should be. But as with Jesus, the will of God may ask us to give up our rights freely in order … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Lesson: Philippians 2:5-9; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Samuel 2:12-3:18; 1 Samuel 13:1-14; Zechariah 4:1-14. Memory Text: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24, NKJV). Jesus’ picture of a kernel of wheat dying is a … Continue reading –>
Part 11: The Final Attack By Andrew McChesney Two weeks before Father’s baptism, he inexplicably grew angry after guests left the house following a small group Bible study in Manaus, Brazil, on Friday evening. He announced that he would sleep in the living room. The night was darker than usual. Electricity went out in the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Anointing of David,” Pages 637-642, in Patriarchs and Prophets. God’s plan for us may require that we do a lot of waiting, and this really can feel like a crucible. Learning patience during this time can happen as we focus on the person of God and trust that He is … Continue reading –>
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, NRSV). Psalm 37:4 is a wonderful promise. Imagine getting what you have always wanted. But getting the desires of our hearts hinges on having a heart that takes delight in the Lord. So what does it mean to “take delight … Continue reading –>
The showdown on top of Mount Carmel had ended (1 Kings 18:1-46). Fire had come out of heaven, all the people had acknowledged the true God, and the false prophets had been put to death. God had been vindicated. You would have thought that Elijah had been growing in spiritual strength as the day went … Continue reading –>
