Read Hebrews 12:5-13. What’s the message to us here, and how does it fit in with what we have been studying this quarter? In Hebrews 12:5-13, Paul describes trials in the context of discipline. In the NIV Bible translation of this passage, various forms of the word discipline appear ten times. In the Greek world, this word was the … Continue reading –>
Everyone is looking for hope. But where is it found? For some people, hope is found in the smile of a friend. For others, hope grows from financial security or a stable marriage. Where do you normally look for hope and courage? In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is writing to people who had lost … Continue reading –>
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV). Someone once said, “When God seems far away, who is the one who has moved?” When problems strike, we presume that God has deserted us. The truth is … Continue reading –>
Oswald Chambers writes, “Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is.” — My Utmost for His Highest (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour & Company, Inc., 1963), Jan. 2. What do you think Chambers … Continue reading –>
When we are hurting, it is very easy to presume that what happens to us is the only thing that matters. But there is a slightly larger picture than just “me” (see Revelation 12:7, Romans 8:22). Read Habakkuk 1:1-4. What did Habakkuk face? You might expect that God would say something like, “That’s really terrible, Habakkuk; let Me come … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Habakkuk 1:1-4, Job 38:1-41:34, Isaiah 41:8-14, Jeremiah 29:1-10, Hebrews 12:1-13. Memory Verse: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5, NKJV). When in church surrounded by smiling people, how easy it is to talk … Continue reading –>
Part 6: Temple Plot Foiled By Andrew McChesney Months passed before Junior and Mother found out why Father had changed his mind and went to Junior’s baptism. Evil spirits had forbidden Father from going to the Sabbath afternoon baptism, so he had turned down his son’s invitation to attend. On the day of the baptism, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Night of Wrestling,” Pages 195-203, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Consecration,” Pages 43-48, in Steps to Christ. “This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to … Continue reading –>
Read the story of Jacob’s wrestling with God (Genesis 32:1-32, NIV). What does this story say to us about perseverance, even amid great discouragement? (Keep the whole context of Jacob’s situation in mind before you answer.) We can know what is right and exercise our wills to do the right thing; but when we are under … Continue reading –>
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30). Dwell on the words of Jesus in the above verse. Would you call His words radical? If so, … Continue reading –>
