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 –>
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6, NKJV). When we are in the valley or surrounded by enemies, it is sometimes tempting to believe that we have been left alone. It does not always feel as though … Continue reading –>
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV). Throughout our lives, we will inevitably bump into some enemies. How do you deal with them? Have you ever lain awake at night, tossing and turning, dreaming up ways to take … Continue reading –>
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV). It would be nice if the paths of righteousness wound their way only along the grass-covered banks of cool streams. But that is … Continue reading –>
“He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, NRSV). Imagine the “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3) stretching out before you, way out into the distance. You cannot see the end, but you know that at the end of the journey is home, God’s house. As you focus a little closer to you, do you … Continue reading –>
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV). Some children were asked to draw a picture of God. Without exception, each one drew a picture with a heart somewhere in it. When asked why, they declared unanimously that God is love. It was as simple as that. It is easy to have … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Psalm 23:1-6, Romans 12:18-21. Memory Text: “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3-4). Sophie leaned back against her bedroom door and slid to the floor. Tears were welling up fast, and it was only a moment before she was sobbing. “How … Continue reading –>
Praying for 10 Years By Andrew McChesney Winston Crawford, a U.S. volunteer teaching English in Moscow, invited one of his Russian students to the Seventh-day Adventist church on Sabbath. The student, Sasha, did not seem moved by the worship experience. He had been raised in an atheistic family, and he looked downright bored. Winston felt … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Joseph and His Brothers,” in Patriarchs and Prophets, Pages 233-240. “The life of Joseph illustrates the life of Christ. It was envy that moved the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave; they hoped to prevent him from becoming greater than themselves. And when he was carried to Egypt, they … Continue reading –>
