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Psalms – Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray |
This lesson focuses on the transformative power of the Psalms, particularly how they enrich the prayer life and assist believers in expressing their emotions and experiences before God. From daily reading to the deliberate selection of appropriate Psalms for various life situations, it illustrates the diverse applications. The comments emphasize that Psalms are relevant not only in times of despair but also in joyful moments, providing a comprehensive insight into human experience and divine wisdom.
Memory Text: Luke 11:1 – “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’.”  
Content:
2.1 Fostering the Use of the Psalms in Prayer
The Psalms serve as a rich source for spiritual enrichment in prayer life. Their diversity allows individuals to express themselves in different life situations and address God in various ways. Through simple reading, reflection, and prayer on the Psalms, believers can gain deeper insights, correct false hopes, and discover new motives for prayer. The Psalms offer a timeless connection to human experience and divine wisdom.
2.2 Trust in Times of Trouble
Psalm 44 teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest feelings of suffering and confusion before God. The selective use of Psalms in worship should not deter us from honestly confronting the dark realities of life. Praying the Psalms allows us to freely express our feelings and helps maintain trust in difficult times by looking back on the past and hoping in God’s goodness despite the suffering.
2.3 A Psalm of Despair
Psalm 22 teaches us that the Psalms not only serve to express our prayers openly but also to guide us according to God’s standards. The lamenting words of the Psalm of desperation allow suffering individuals to express their sorrow. Despite the darkness, the psalmist expresses faith in God and declares that he will always praise God, regardless of circumstances. The Psalms lead worshippers to new spiritual horizons, teaching them to look beyond the present situation and demonstrating the transformative power of prayer when suffering is turned into praise.
2.4 From Despair to Hope
Psalm 13 shows a way we can move from despair to hope. The Psalm begins with complaints and grievances that many of us can relate to when we feel forgotten by God. However, the crucial choice is to consciously reflect on God’s faithfulness and love. The Psalm urges us to choose trust in God’s redeeming power, transforming despair into hope. The Psalms are more than words; they are means of change and deepening the relationship with God when we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to act according to their teachings.
2.5 Oh, Restore Us Again
Psalm 60 offers a prayer for difficult times, but even in good phases of our lives, we can benefit from it. The Psalm reminds us that suffering is a part of human life that affects everyone. In times of joy, lament Psalms like this can teach us compassion for the suffering and direct our focus to those going through tough times. These Psalms should inspire in us the desire to help the suffering by sharing the healing power that Jesus has exemplified.
2.6 Summary
This lesson emphasizes the significance of Psalms in prayer life. The focus is on the diverse use of Psalms, ranging from daily reading to selecting appropriate Psalms for personal situations. It explains how praying the Psalms can help express feelings and thoughts before God, from lament to praise. The commentary highlights that Psalms are valuable spiritual companions not only in difficult times but also in joyful phases of life, fostering the development of compassion for the suffering.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-2-teach-us-to-pray-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

A Christ-Centered Mission | Pastor Ted Wilson

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If you’ve ever made a New Year’s Resolution, this video is for you. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference, looks at the ancient Israelites and their resolution at Mount Sinai, reflecting on how, like many modern resolutions, it was short-lived. This January, let’s shift our focus to Jesus Christ as the epitome of a mission-driven life, highlighting a deep understanding of His purpose from a young age that He articulated in Nazareth, using Isaiah’s prophecy.
What challenges did the early Christians face, marked by Satan’s attempts to disrupt and distort the Christian message? Pastor Wilson examines the period of the dark ages, where true followers of Christ’s teachings were forced into hiding and many martyred for their beliefs.
What is the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as described in Revelation 14? The video invites viewers to join in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to carry out this vital mission.
For a detailed look at the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, visit https://www.adventist.org/official-statements/mission-statement-of-the-seventh-day-adventist-church/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/a-christ-centered-mission-pastor-ted-wilson/

Adventist News Network – January 5, 2024

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Adventist News Network – January 5, 2023  |
This week on ANN:  |
In this retrospective episode of ANN, in Mexico, local pastors dialogue and refocus their ministry to increase effective evangelism.  |
The good news of salvation touches the hearts of eight hundred people in India.  |
An ADRA Romania & Moldova conference gathers resources to support Türkiye.  |
Plus, the Peruvian Ministry of Health responds to Seventh-day Adventist worker’s request not to work on Sabbaths.  |
Stay tuned for these top stories from 2023 now.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-january-5-2024/

Psalms – Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms |
The first lesson introduces us to the fascinating world of the Psalms, a collection of poetic expressions that represent the heart and soul of worship in ancient Israel. From their use in worship to their diverse themes and the inspired prayers and praises of the Psalmists, we will gain a deep insight into the meaning and timeless relevance of these biblical texts. This lesson will take us on a journey through the Psalms, exploring their cultural, emotional, and spiritual depth.
Memory Text: Luke 24:44.45 – “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”  
Content:
1.1 The Psalms in Ancient Israel’s Worship
Designed as hymns of praise, the Psalms served both private and communal worship in ancient Israel. In the temple, they were performed as hymns with instruments, melodies, and lead singers. Their use extended from temple dedications to religious festivals and pilgrimages to Jerusalem, with specific Psalms sung on festive occasions. The Psalms were not only an integral part of Israelite worship but also a source of inspiration for prayer and liturgy, as evident in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the early Church.
1.2 Meet the Psalmists
The Psalms provide insight into the diverse experiences of their authors, including King David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Heman, Ethan, Solomon, and Moses. The Holy Spirit inspired these Psalmists, who, despite deep faith, also faced discouragements and temptations. The timeless themes in the Psalms, from needs to joys, reflect human experiences and demonstrate that cries for deliverance and praises of divine faithfulness remain relevant to this day. The Psalms are not only historical testimonies but also sources of hope and expressions of God’s grace amid human challenges.
1.3 A Song for Every Season
The Psalms, as seen in examples like Psalm 3, 33:1–3, and 109:6–15, reflect the diversity of human experiences. From hymns praising God’s majesty to thanksgiving songs for His blessings and lament Psalms earnestly pleading for deliverance, they cover a broad spectrum. Wisdom Psalms offer practical life guidelines, royal Psalms point to Christ as the sovereign King, and historical Psalms recall Israel’s past. The poetic power of the Psalms is enhanced through devices like parallelism, imagery, merism, and wordplay, and the recurring element “Selah” invites reflection. Thus, the Psalms provide an expression of worship and reflection for every life situation and mood.
1.4 Inspired Prayers
The Psalms are not only inspired prayers and praises of Israel but also expressions of a vibrant interaction between God and His people. In personal invocations like “my God” and “LORD of hosts,” the Psalmists actively seek God’s presence. The beauty of the Psalms lies in representing God’s Word in the form of prayers and praises from believers. Romans 8:26–27 emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer, a dynamic also reflected in the Psalms. The versatility of the Psalms, from hope to sorrow, makes them timeless and relevant to people of all cultures and ages. Jesus himself quoted from the Psalms, and their spiritual depth speaks to the diverse experiences and challenges people face in their lives.
1.5 The Words of the Psalms
The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who, as the sovereign Creator, King, and Judge, occupies the center of the Psalmists’ lives. Trust in God extends across all life experiences, and the Psalms emphasize His omnipresence and care. Even in difficult times, the Psalmists remain focused on calling upon and praising God. The worship in which the Psalms were used formed the center of the biblical community’s life, expressing everything within it. The Psalmists grasp the dual attributes of God, both distant and near, in His heaven and amid His people. They understand this tension as an inseparable part of spiritual reality, and their awareness of God’s goodness strengthens their hope for His intervention.
1.6 Summary
The first lesson on the Psalms highlights their diverse use in the worship of ancient Israel, both privately and communally. The Psalms reflect the experiences of various authors, including King David, and offer timeless themes from needs to joys. Their broad spectrum includes hymns, thanksgiving songs, lament Psalms, wisdom Psalms, royal Psalms, and historical Psalms. The Psalms are inspired prayers and expressions of a vibrant interaction with God, with the Holy Spirit playing a central role in prayer. The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who stands at the center of life, emphasizing His omnipresence and care, while the tension between closeness and distance is understood as an inseparable part of spiritual reality.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-1-how-to-read-the-psalms-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

An Abundant Life | Pastor Ted Wilson

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Now, at the end of the year, it is common to look toward January with a hopeful resolve for the New Year. People want to be healthier, stronger, and happier. Pastor Ted Wilson, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has a special message about the abundant life you may have in 2024.
Adventist health practices have been noticed around the world. Scientific studies have shown that those practicing the Adventist lifestyle of a plant-based diet, regular exercise, abstinence from harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking plenty of water, and having adequate rest can significantly increase a person’s life expectancy by several years.
Follow this weekly series with Pastor Ted Wilson to counter the devil’s deception with the truth of God. 
For a detailed look at the healthful lifestyle of Adventists, visit https://www.adventist.org/who-are-seventh-day-adventists/adventist-focus-on-lifestyle

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/an-abundant-life-pastor-ted-wilson/

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