Part 2: Bullied at School By Andrew McChesney Mother was worried about Junior. The usually cheerful 15-year-old boy had become uptight and hostile in their home in Manaus, Brazil. Against her wishes, he had signed up to learn Capoeira, an African-Brazilian martial art. “Eduardo, I don’t like Junior learning martial arts,” she told her husband. … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Effectual Prayer,” in Signs of the Times, Nov. 18, 1903; Ellen G. White Comments, p. 1182, in The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4 “God Permits Trial and Affliction to Purify Me,” p. 92, in My Life Today. “He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some … Continue reading –>
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7, NKJV). There is a big difference between cutting down and pruning. We cut down plants that we … Continue reading –>
“Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will refine them and try them; for how shall I deal with the daughter of My people?’” (Jeremiah 9:7, NKJV). “If the Spirit of God brings to your mind a word of the Lord that hurts you, you can be sure that there is something in you … Continue reading –>
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, NKJV). Everything we do has a consequence. If you stand in the hot sun with ice cream, it will certainly melt. Cause and effect always go together. And no matter how desperately … Continue reading –>
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV). Read the above verse. What’s the message there for us? Ask yourself, “How seriously do I take these words?” What things do you do in your life that show whether you take … Continue reading –>
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, NIV). Surprises, painful surprises, can come in many ways. A car veering across the road into your path. A sudden notification that you’re losing your job. A medical test that gives you … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Peter 4:12-19, 1 Peter 5:8-11, Romans 1:21-32, Jeremiah 9:7-16, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Memory Text: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is … Continue reading –>
Part 1: Possessed at 11 By Andrew McChesney Sweat poured down 11-year-old Eduardo’s face as he raced his skateboard back and forth on the street outside his house on a hot summer morning. “Eduardo Ferreira dos Santos!” Mother called. “Come in and take a shower before lunch.” Perspiring and panting, Eduardo headed straight for the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Missionaries in the Home,” p. 143, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4; “The Divine Shepherd,” Pages 476-484, in The Desire of Ages. “Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of … Continue reading –>
