As a young man who loved and feared God, Jacob nevertheless stooped to conspire with his mother, Rebekah, to deceive his father and gain his blessing. As a consequence, he started his adult life on the wrong path, having to flee or, perhaps, face an early death. Rebekah told Jacob to “flee thou to Laban … ; … Continue reading –>
When Abram left his homeland in response to God’s call, his nephew Lot chose to go with him on his pilgrimage. Genesis 13:1-18 records that God blessed Abram to the point that he “was very rich in cattle [the primary measure of wealth in that culture], in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Lot also “had … Continue reading –>
God called Abram to leave his homeland and his kinfolk and go to a land that He would show him. Though details aren’t given, Abram had to leave the land of his birth and early years. Surely, it wasn’t an easy decision, and no doubt he gave up some earthly pleasure and conveniences to do … Continue reading –>
It is noteworthy to consider that those who are seeking heavenly treasure are frequently called by God to make major life alterations here on earth. Be prepared to face the same thing, if need be. Read Genesis 6:5-14. What radical changes came to Noah as a result of obeying God? What principles can we find here … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 6:5-14, Hebrews 11:8-13, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Genesis 13:10-12, Genesis 32:22-31, Hebrews 11:24-29. Memory Text: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37, , NKJV). Jesus gave us the world’s best investment strategy when … Continue reading –>
Troubled Boy to Church Elder By Sheron Ndhlovu Edmond was a troubled child in Mzuzu, Malawi. He refused to obey his parents, teachers, or any other adult. At school, he hit the other boys and even the teachers. He gained such a fearful reputation that children and adults alike were scared of him. One day, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: The three-step process of debt elimination is actually found on one page of Ellen G. White’s writings. Emphasis has been added to highlight the points. “Be determined never to incur another debt. Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt. This has been the curse of your life, getting into debt. Avoid … Continue reading –>
Read Deuteronomy 15:1-5. What did the Lord require of His people as revealed in these verses? In harmony with other seven-year statutes (Exodus 21:2; Leviticus 25:3-4), not only the slaves or servants and the land were regulated, but also the lenders. Because the lenders did not want to forgive any debts, the longest anyone could be in debt … Continue reading –>
The Bible is very clear that God does not want His children to become responsible for the debt obligations of others. In the book of Proverbs, the Lord has warned us against surety — that is, cosigning or being guarantor for another person. Read Proverbs 6:1-5, Proverbs 17:18, and Proverbs 22:26. What is the message here? Surety usually … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 22:7. In what sense are we under bondage to the lender? What can be done to escape from this unfortunate phenomenon? If you are in debt, the following outline will help you begin a debt-elimination process. The plan is simple. It has a premise and three steps. The premise is a commitment to God to be … Continue reading –>
