In the world today, many of us live within parts of the world that are experiencing the effects of an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. It is a world which has created opportunities for fast travel between distant places, and virtually instant connections with other people worldwide via the internet. Within such a world, it is easy
In the first article in the series, we saw how Nehemiah had a desire and vision. In the second part, we see the beginning phases of his planning and the development. Let’s look at some other key components that lead to his success in rebuilding the physical and spiritual walls and gates of Israel. Nehemiah Rallied the Remnant Then said I unto them
I was 15 when I was introduced to Adventism. The sweetness of finding Jesus and learning about the wonderful, liberating truths to which I was once oblivious are two things I will never forget. What caught me with striking surprise was the reality that I could partner with the God of the universe on amazing missions of mercy, and in the building up
Sincerely Stirred What stirs you? I wish I could ask you this question in person. There must be something. I know I get stirred about many things, but near the top of my list is when I see someone treated unfairly. Anger builds, and it’s difficult for me to stay silent – even if it’s prudent to do so! Just like you and I, Bible characters would get
Worry is when you take God's problems and make them your own. It's when you personalize (make them all about you) and internalize your problems (i.e. take them personally, as if God has done something against you). If you really believe that you have made it to where you are by God's grace alone, why is it that when things turn negative, you leave
Oftentimes it is hard to pray. Sometimes, I just don’t feel like it and have a weak desire. I want to pray, but my burdens discourage it. My thoughts lack clarity, and it can be difficult to organize them to make sense. Circumstances encircle me. I feel stuck and unable to speak to God. These are the times I let the Psalms pray for m
I have a scrapbook full of all the ticket stubs, program notes, pressed flowers, and museum brochures that I collected while my husband and I were dating. Each slip of paper or withered petal reminds me of a particular moment, a place and time etched in my memory, tinged with all the happiness and excitement of romance. Sometimes I look over all th
At the conclusion of his second epistle, Peter asserts that his fellow apostle Paul has written some things that are “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:15-16). Though the Apostle Peter may have lacked the scholarship and rhetorical complexity of the Apostle Paul, his writings are nonetheless provocative and full of deep theological insights. Looking a
I have been struggling to find my purpose in life. I think it has something to do with being a young MA graduate, recently relocated to a strange new town, overwhelmed by the task of finding a job in a much larger pond. The struggle has impacted my devotions. I needed to read something reassuring that still related to my present state of cha
The Spirit of God will not abide where there is disunion and contention among believers in the truth. Even if these feelings are unexpressed, they take possession of the heart and drive out the peace and love that should characterize the Christian church. They are the result of selfishness in its fullest sense. This evil may take the form of inordi
