It was a novel idea, and it did sound logical. But it didn’t feel right: “We must love ourselves first, or we cannot love others as Jesus told us to.” The speaker at our dorm vespers explained that, since Jesus told to love others as we love ourselves, we must first love ourselves. As a … Continue reading –>
Like many people I talk to, the story of Joseph is one of my favorite stories. He survives a dysfunctional environment and rises to the throne. His story gives us so much encouragement. For example, I love how Judah illustrates true repentance when he says, And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my … Continue reading –>
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and … Continue reading –>
When I read in Wednesday’s section of this week’s lesson that David’s self-confidence was shattered, it reminded me of a conversation I had years ago with a man who was studying eastern religions. He asked me about my faith; so I told Him I believed in Jesus. “But this faith in Jesus leads you to … Continue reading –>
Jesus was always at peace. According to Mark 4:38, even in a violent storm at sea He was sleeping peacefully in the back of a boat. How do you have that kind of peace and rest even amidst a raging storm? The amazing thing is that Jesus offers us this same peace that allows us … Continue reading –>
Reality is 90% perception, or so they say. I don’t know who comes up with these statistics, but it makes a lot of sense to me. When I was in sales, I led my district one year, but I also went through a three-week drought with no sales at all. So what was my reality? … Continue reading –>
As health-conscious Adventists we put a lot of emphasis on what we eat, while rest also plays a vital role in our physical and spiritual well-being. In 1 Kings 19 Elijah is stressed out, feeling like he is all alone in his spiritual battles. Finally he runs away and then prays an unreasonable prayer, asking … Continue reading –>
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 NLT We’ve all heard it said, parents and teachers cannot be friends with their children. They have to be disciplinarians instead. I saw a meme on Facebook where a mother was telling her child, “I am not your … Continue reading –>
For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 NLT To me, a lot is said in the brief passage above. It tells me no one was ever saved by the Old Covenant. Those who lived and died before Jesus came were never saved by the … Continue reading –>
They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you…. Exodus 16:29 NLT Regardless of our personal stand on wedding rings or wedding watches for that matter, we all understand that in many cultures the wedding ring is a gift symbolizing a relationship. Men will pick out a ring that they hope their … Continue reading –>
