Further Thought: Keeping the heart in heaven. “Christians should be careful that they keep the heart with all diligence. They should cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. … Continue reading –>
The book of Proverbs closes with praise for a wife of noble character. Identify the characteristics and qualities that are lauded. Prov. 31:10-31. The woman described is special, and so is the poetry. Each of the verses beginning with Proverbs 31:10 begins with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. One senses from this tribute to … Continue reading –>
In what way does the book of Proverbs sprinkle humor on some of the irritations in domestic living? Prov. 21:9, Prov. 21:19; Prov. 27:15-16. What effect does this humor have? A number of the proverbs consider the ways we treat each other in close relationships. They make their point with a light touch and a flash of wit, like … Continue reading –>
What does Proverbs teach about the importance of discipline and correction of a child? Prov. 10:17; Prov. 23:13-14; Prov. 29:1; Prov. 29:15. Parents sometimes discipline their children to impress upon them what is socially unacceptable behavior, to punish for disobedience, or even to express their displeasure when embarrassed. But what is God’s intention regarding discipline for these young members of … Continue reading –>
Note the character qualities of fathers described in Proverbs that can have long-term consequences for children: Prov. 13:22-24 Prov. 14:26 Prov. 15:1, Prov. 15:18; Prov. 16:32 Prov. 15:27 Prov. 29:17 The characters of fathers have a direct impact on their children and the legacy they pass on to them. Children look to their fathers for support, devoted affection, … Continue reading –>
List the problems and consequences involved with a sexual liaison before marriage or an extramarital affair as depicted in Proverbs 5:3-14. The godly person reserves (if not married) and preserves (if married) his or her deepest affections and sexual intimacy for marriage. Men are specifically addressed in Proverbs, but the same idea as it relates to women … Continue reading –>
Prov. 5:3-14; Matt. 19:5; 1 Cor. 7:3-4; Prov. 13:22; Prov. 14:26; Prov. 17:22; Prov. 23:13; Prov. 31:10-31. Memory Text: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV). Whatever phase of life we are in now, we all, of course, started out with … Continue reading –>
Division President Baptizes Father By Andrew McChesney Samuel Saw, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Southern Asia-Pacific Division, grew up without a relationship with his father. The two never spent time together in their home country of Myanmar. They didn’t talk about things. “He never hugged me”, Samuel said. “I was a boy without a … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: When Alone “In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself at certain periods from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring … Continue reading –>
A young woman named Natalie had been married for seven years when, at the invitation of a friend, she attended an evangelistic series at a local Seventh-day Adventist church. Convicted by what she learned, she surrendered her heart to Christ, had a new-birth experience, and—despite the strenuous objections of her husband, parents, in-laws, even her … Continue reading –>
