by Alvin Masarira | 03 June 2020 | Ellen White wrote in 1875: “Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves” 3T 445. However, the church leaders then were reluctant to produce a book of rules […] Source: https://atoday.org/the-church-manual-in-crisis/
Sharing Scripture for June 6, 2020
This is a tool for you to use if you lead a Sabbath School (SS) class or small group. It is keyed to the Bible texts used in the current week’s Adult SS Lesson and includes a brief story from current news you can use to introduce the discussion and then a series of discussion […] Source: https://atoday.org/sharing-scripture-for-june-6-2020/
Be a Faithful Householder
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Matthew 13:52.
Truth constantly enriches the receiver. The minds of those who receive the truth increase in activity. As they exercise their talents, seeking to improve every capability, their mental and spiritual powers strengthen, for where there is spiritual life, there is development and growth. There is no possibility of the treasures of the householder diminishing, if rightly used.
Mighty truths have been buried beneath the sophistry of error, but they will be found by the diligent searcher. As he finds and opens the treasure house of the precious jewels of truth, it is no robbery, for all who appreciate these jewels may possess them, and then they too have a treasure house to open to others. He who imparts does not deprive himself of the treasure, for as he examines it, that he may present it in such a way as to attract others, he finds new treasures.
The treasures of truth in our possession must be given to the world, that they may have opportunity to learn the value of truth. The necessities of those who are suffering from spiritual poverty must be relieved. And not only will the minds of those helped be impressed, but the mind of him who is doing the work will be quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the cooperation of the power that comes from God alone, he will be enabled to make the truth so plain that it will vibrate in other minds….
Christ died for the whole world, yet how few fill the place God has assigned to them as householders. The talents lent us in trust are to be used to benefit and bless others. They are lent to be improved. Their value is in themselves. Whether or not the one to whom they are entrusted realizes their value, they remain the same. But, if he does not appreciate them, they are of no value to him.
Money may be locked up in various ways. It is still money, but it is of no special benefit to anyone. But money wisely invested brings money in return, which may be used to gain more money. Thus it is with the householder’s treasure—the Word of the living God. The use made of the gems of truth determines their value to the possessor. They are to be used to help and bless and save those for whom the Lord gave His only begotten Son. Then they are of the highest value to us, and in this way our talents increase constantly. We add jewel to jewel.—Manuscript 88, July 10, 1898, “The Parable of the Householder.”
The Upward Look p. 205
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Prayer Requests
—-Max needs your prayers. He will be going to the hospital this Wednesday for a 4 to 5-hour-long surgery. He has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma-cancer on his face involving the parotid gland. After a month of recovery, he will be starting radiation treatment 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Samantha
—-My friend Gayle is dying she hasn’t eaten for two weeks or had nay liquids and her husband just asked me to put his nephew on the prayer chain he is in his 20′ and was rushed to the hospital he had a heart attack. his name is Harley . thank you .M.
—-Pray for churches everywhere that have been closed due to the pandemic. Jane
—-Please pray for my post open heart patient for healing. Emerson
—-Prayers for me and family my dad just died. Arlene
—-Prayers for my family. 5 are Covid-19 positive. Ana
—- I need your prayers. Every time I fall asleep the enemy attacks me really hard. The enemy is attacking me really hard right now and I am so oppressed that I can’t pray. So please pray for me for protection and deliverance and a breakthrough in my situation and that I can pray and fast. Please pray that God protects me while I sleep. Please pray that God protects my mind and heart in Christ Jesus. Ricardo
—-I need extra prayers today for a stressful situation. LS
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Dear Friends,
Before the pandemic, our plans were that Ronnie Jay and Wanangwa would drive out her for a week for my birthday. Sadly, that will not happen as his state has a travel ban on. I feel so disappointed and sad. We are hoping that things will be open by his birthday in August, but no one is sure.
Our Dear Heavenly Father is even more homesick for us than I am to see my son. With longing desire He is waiting until Jesus comes to take us to His Heavenly Home. (John 14:1-3; 1 Thes 4:16-18; 2 Peter 3:9-14) How He yearns to have a relationship with us that is nearer and dear than any earthly ties. Indeed, He wants first place in our heart and it is right that He should. He is our Creator, our Redeemer, our Re-creator. He “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world.” Gal 1:4 He assures us, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jer 31:3 In that last great prayer on the way to Gethsemane , Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” John 17:21 Blessed privilege!
How may we have that oneness for which Jesus prayed? By listening to His voice as He speaks to us through His Holy Word and allowing His Spirit to change us into what He would have us to be. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” verse 17 Jeremiah declared, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jer 15:16 David adds, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.” “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Ps 119:9-12, 18
When we read God’s Word, we listen to His voice. Our Dear Saviour is listening for our voice as well. He desires to be the center of our life. He longs for us to share with Him all our sorrows, all our joys, all our perplexities, everything. Paul advises, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17 God asks, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer 33:3
Think of it! The Great King of the Universe wants to have an even closer relationship with us than I want with my children. He longs to hear our voice uplifted in prayer to Him even more than we long to hear from our children. Through this daily communion, “our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3 David sang, “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. . . . thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. . . .Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Ps 139:1-17
May we listen to our Master’s voice as we daily read God’s Word. May our heart and mind be uplifted in prayer to our Dear Saviour as we go about our daily duties. May we be so filled with His Spirit, that others will be drawn to the One Who loves us so.
Rose
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/X5MTwomeO-4/be-a-faithful-householder.html
New Wilson Message Mentions George Floyd by Name
1 June 2020 | On May 30, General Conference President Ted Wilson issued a lengthy statement condemning a “global rise in evil.” The official issued another statement hours ago, specifically condemning racism and naming recent victims of racist violence. Wilson’s May 30 statement proved to be polarizing, provoking angry reactions from many that felt the […] Source: https://atoday.org/new-wilson-message-mentions-george-floyd-by-name/
Does the Book of Revelation Bring Good News for Judgement Day? ⚖️ 🤔
This will be a masterclass on Revelation 14. We have seen polarizing politics, increased hate crimes, hunger for power, and the oppression of the poor. Is there a lasting solution to all of these problems? The Warning provides a framework for understanding that there is a day of reckoning and how you can be safe. The book of Revelation presents the Gospel message being the good news of Jesus' saving grace. That good news also comes in the form of a somber warning that there is an end coming where the world will be judged. God calls for each of us to be ready. This is the third episode in the AWR masterclass series called Unlocking Bible Prophecies. You can follow the series and interact LIVE at: http://awr.org/bible Ten years ago, Cami Oetman had a real encounter with God that would change her life forever. She was a successful entrepreneur at the time, and the transition wasn’t easy. However, the truth Cami will share in this series was so compelling that she knew every human being in the world should experience the love of Jesus as she had. Within three years, she had preached 350 Bible presentations. Today, as a vice president for Adventist World Radio, Cami travels the world documenting the miracles that take place when people give their hearts to Jesus.
It may seem difficult to imagine yourself understanding Bible prophecy. Cami couldn’t either. She had spent two decades in the modeling world — in front of and behind the camera. She had also used her master’s degree in social work to care for hospice patients. She then started a successful retail business. But no one can predict how they will react when they have a real experience with God! THE WARNING Do you seek relief from the things that you’ve done wrong? Are you searching for peace in place of anxiety and fear? You’re not alone. In this look at what God says about the end of time, you’ll leave your fears behind and find new hope in God’s love for you! God has often sent warnings before disasters strike. Inspired by God, Noah warned of a worldwide flood that destroyed the earth just as Joseph forewarned Pharaoh of a devastating famine. And God has sent another warning to you and me to prepare for the end of time. In Revelation 14:6-9, we find this final message of warning. The good news is that it is wrapped in God’s love for us. It is known as the “everlasting gospel.” A message reminding us that God willingly let His only son be put to death to pay for our sins. How encouraging! Though we must face God’s judgement, He has provided a way to ensure our forgiveness through Jesus! And this forgiveness also opens the door for eternal life with Him in heaven! The first angel gives the warning to “fear God” and to “give glory to Him.” These instructions show our need to obey God’s law and to follow His teachings for how to live our lives. (See Ecclesiastes 12:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:31) Next, the angel turns to the issue of worship. You see, we live in an age where millions reject God as our Creator. In this message of warning, God is calling the world to worship him as our Creator God. Why is this message so important? The angel says that “the hour of His judgement is come.” This indicates that God is doing the judging now. A time of investigation is taking place before Jesus comes so that He will know who gets the reward of eternal life. (See Revelation 22:12) Could it be that we are living in this time of judgement? Is our future being decided by the choices we make today? This can be scary to think about, right? The good news is that God has warned us ahead of time. We don’t need to be afraid. He wants us to be ready and has opened the way for us to have everlasting life! The second and third angels focus on truth and error. Many people are being misled by following the false teachings of men rather than listening to God’s Word. The warnings of these two angels are some of the most serious in all of the Bible. Don’t worry. In upcoming videos, we will look into the meaning of Babylon and the Mark of the Beast. Just remember that God’s Word is our source of safety and of truth! (See John 17:17) The key takeaway from this final warning is that you can be prepared to stand before God in this judgement. Through the messages of the three angels, God has provided a way for the world to be ready when He returns to earth. God is preparing a group of people who will worship Him as Creator. They will obey Him because they love Him. And this group of individuals will stand up for Jesus no matter what happens. Have you come to a place where you want to give your life to God? Do you want forgiveness, peace, and the assurance of God’s love? Take this moment and give Him your heart! Have questions? Need prayer? Visit us at awr.org/bible Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6eCtwncaHI