Adventist News
- RELATIONSHIP QUALITY EXPLORED AT RMC NEW-IN-MINISTRY MEETING RMCNews – April 16, 2024
Thirteen new-in-ministry pastors joined together at the Rocky Mountain Conference office with Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, and Craig Carr, Mid-America Union Conference ministerial director, for the New in Ministry meeting, March 19-20. These meetings have been held twice a year since 2022 with the purpose of equipping RMC pastors who are new in ministry with the skills for a life of ministry. “The early years of a pastor’s ministry are very important,” commented Mallory. “Since it forms the foundation for the rest of their ministry, it is very important that we provide the tools they need to be successful in life and ministry.” At these meetings, attendees look at one of the seven core qualities it takes to be an effective pastor as defined by the North American Division Ministerial Association: character, evangelism, leadership, worship; management, scholarship and relationship. The focus of this session explored the quality of interpersonal relationships. Mallory remarked, “For pastors to make a difference in their congregations and in their community, they need good people skills.” When asked what these meetings meant to him, Lucas Lujan, head pastor at Colorado Springs South and Woodland Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, Colorado, respectively, shared, “[It means] growth, nurturing, strengthening and maturing. I enjoy the godly fellowship and being able to worship.” “For me, the biggest thing is realizing that I’m not alone,” remarked another participant of the meeting. “There are a lot of other people that are learning just like I am learning and growing in ministry. Being able to learn from their experience is my favorite part.” Liz Kirkland is the RMC communication assistant.
Read more... - Mid-America Union Hosts Alive in Jesus Training for Children’s Ministry Leaders Brenda Dickerson – April 16, 2024
Nearly 50 children’s ministry leaders from across the Mid-America Union territory gathered on April 13, 2024, at MAUC headquarters for a free “train the trainers” event focusing on the new Sabbath school curriculum titled Alive in Jesus being rolled out worldwide in January 2025. Coordinated by Tyrone Douglas, Mid-America Union church ministries director and his team, the event was offered in person by NAD contracted trainers in both Spanish and English. To ensure our children’s ministry leaders are prepared for a seamless transition that replaces the aging GraceLink curriculum, the North American Division and Mid-America Union are currently providing training for the Baby Steps (birth-12 months) and Beginners (1-3 years) curricula. The Kindergarten and Primary trainings are planned for later in 2025, with Junior, Teen and Youth launching in 2026. Bible based curriculum According to the Alive in Jesus web page, this curriculum seeks to equip and empower parents, caregivers, Sabbath school teachers, Sabbath school leaders, and others to model and foster a thriving relationship with Jesus and the children and youth in their spheres of influence. This curriculum also seeks to facilitate a growing love for Jesus and His mission through supporting families and individuals in their daily study of God’s Word. “The mission of the Alive in Jesus Sabbath School curriculum is to make disciples who make disciples. With the Bible as its foundation, the Alive in Jesus curriculum introduces children and youth to Jesus by bringing the wonderful stories and lessons of the Bible into our twenty-first century lives, including a clear Seventh-day Adventist worldview and the 28 fundamental beliefs.” Utilizing multiple intelligences and accommodating special needs of children of all abilities, the Alive in Jesus curriculum focuses on the goals (pillars) with hands-on experiences in every lesson: grace, character development and mission. Hands-on, engaging training Children’s ministry leaders from around the nine-state territory of Mid-America Union stepped up to help train the trainers for each conference. The day began with group singing, led by children’s ministry director for the Minnesota Conference Darnisha Thomas. Joseph’s Other Coat was the title of the opening devotional thought presented by Douglas, with Roberto Correa, MAUC multi-language director, translating. “Joseph’s other coat was the divine favor of his heavenly Father,” said Douglas. “No one can take the invisible coat of divine favor that is upon our children. We’re here today for the specific purpose of learning techniques and strategies so…when the tough times come children will choose to follow the God they learned about in their childhood. May we leave here inspired with the solemn responsibility of teaching our children.” Rocio Rojas, Alive in Jesus coordinator for the three contract training teams that offer workshops in Spanish, English and French introduced the programs and outlined the day’s schedule. Commenting on the quality of the curriculum, one of the children’s ministries training presenters, Phyllis Dyer, said, “I love it. It’s colorful,exciting, diverse and very engaging for children and their parents. It emphasizes the importance of parent/child relationships.” Pastor Samuel Nyarige from the Mount of Blessing Church in Minnesota has been a teacher for many years, but he is looking for new ideas and skills. Many pastors are disconnected with children’s ministries, says Nyarige, but he wants “to connect all the way up” with every age group. This curriculum has been in development by a global team for the past five years. A number of churches, including some in Mid-America territory, have been involved with the pilot program. Mid-America is the sixth union in the NAD to receive the training. To view an introductory video and curriculum samples and download a more extensive brochure, including scope and sequence, features and foci, and teaching framework, visit: sspm.adventist.org/aliveinjesus. Photo credit: Venus Douglas
Read more... - Omaha Memorial Adventist School Undertakes Transformative Journey Saul Dominguez – April 11, 2024
There’s a story unfolding within the walls of Omaha Memorial Adventist School, a tale of transformation, resilience and a shared commitment to nurturing young minds. “You can place a group of people in a boat, and it will drift to somewhere,” says Michael Hoyt, chairman of the OMAS School Board. “If you give those same people oars and a destination, they will make waves. OMAS has placed a firm grip on its oars. Watch for the waves!” That’s precisely what’s happening at OMAS—a tale of collective effort and focused direction. Marilyn Caughlin, a member of the OMAS community, resonates with passion: “We’re a tight-knit family of educators, staff, parents and church, all dedicated to fostering our students’ faith.” This shared dedication has sparked a sense of unity driving the school’s resurgence. The school’s halls now echo with more laughter and bustling energy. Chad Dungan, OMAS lead teacher, smiles as he shares that “Student enrollment has surged from a modest 21 to a vibrant 33. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to the growing faith and trust the community has in OMAS’s transformative journey.” Over the summer, the school underwent a metamorphosis. Its facilities were remodeled, marking the commencement of a three-stage evolution. These changes weren’t merely cosmetic; they were a dedication to creating an environment conducive to holistic growth and learning. Integral to this revival is the presence and support of the Omaha Memorial Church members and leadership. Their involvement underscores a deeper commitment to not just education but also the spiritual well-being of each student. This spiritual touch infuses the learning environment with warmth and guidance. In the midst of this transformation, first grade student Sebastian’s heartfelt sentiment adds a touch of innocence and joy to the narrative “I love my school. It is fun and even smells great.” It’s a simple yet profound acknowledgment of the joy and care that the school brings to its students – a place that’s not just about learning but about showing our children that they belong, and they are deeply loved. Kansas-Nebraska Conference education superintendent Dr. Jeff Bovee’s words encapsulate the essence of OMAS’s transformation: “OMAS has become a mission-driven school.” The decisions, and actions at OMAS are not just about education but are guided by a profound sense of purpose. This year Ana Chong and Janette Lopez joined our team and we are currently operating at full capacity. OMAS is placing its trust in God and His guidance. The school board has made the decision to create a new full-time position and is considering becoming a junior academy soon. It’s an emblem of the institution’s commitment to welcoming and supporting an expanding community of students and families. This is a story of change, not just in structures but in mindset and approach. OMAS’s revitalization isn’t just about numbers; it’s a story of people – teachers, staff, volunteers, parents, and students – coming together to craft an environment where holistic growth can take place. The school stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration, reaching beyond its walls and setting an example for other institutions. It’s a beacon of purposeful education guided by human dedication and dependance in the steadfast influence of the Holy Spirit. In essence, Omaha Memorial School is writing a story of rediscovery – embracing growth and change while anchoring itself in trust, faith. and a shared journey toward nurturing young hearts and minds. Join us! Sandro D Sandoval is lead pastor for the Omaha Memorial Church.
Read more... - 2024 Pastors’ Meeting Focuses on “Committed: Reignited By His Spirit” Central States Conference News – April 11, 2024
On Feb. 11-13 the pastors of the Central States Conference came together for their Winter Workers Meeting at the conference headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas, to be inspired, educated and energized for their task of spreading the everlasting gospel in the heartland of America in 2024. The pastors were able to come together for a time of fun and fellowship on Sunday evening, where they watched the Kansas City Chiefs become back-to-back NFL champions. The come-from-behind victory of the Chiefs led by Pat Mahomes was inspiring. It reminded us that regardless of the challenges and obstacles that we may have experienced in the past, God is able to reignite our passions and commitments to be effective pastors in our churches and communities. Pastors Keith Hackle and Elijah Johnson shared powerful devotional messages on the Central States Conference theme for 2024, “Committed: Reignited by His Spirit.” In addition to being inspired, the pastors were blessed to have Pastor Daniel Hall from the South Atlantic Conference with them, as he shared strategies for soul winning and evangelism based on his Compassion Ministry paradigm. He testified and taught that when we literally engage in “Christ’s Method Alone,” mingling with and meeting the needs of our community, winning their confidence, and then inviting them to follow Jesus, it literally results in people accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Pastor Hall had been blessed to see over 70 and 80 souls come to Christ in two years, back to back, in his two-church district by using this biblical method. He also shared more information on how to retain our new members, by giving examples of fellowship, belonging and discipleship that will help new members not just stay in the church, but also contribute to the mission of the church. Another major highlight of the pastors’ time together was the presence and presentations of James Winegardner, Esq., president of Adventist Risk Management. As he shared the many ways that pastors can be prudent managers of God’s people and properties, everyone came away more knowledgeable regarding how we can be the best stewards of what God has entrusted to us. One of the best ways of learning is listening to the pitfalls of others so that one does not have to experience those pitfalls for oneself. Our pastors are certainly committed, as the Marvin Sapp song says, to becoming stronger, better and wiser. Dr. William Cox, executive director for the Regional Conference Retirement Plan, was another one of our presenters who was able to affirm the blessing and stability of the plan, and allow the pastors to do basic estimates of how much they would be eligible to receive upon retirement. Of course, many young pastors do not always get excited about retirement, as they are in the beginning stages of this ministry journey. However, the reality that they have the potential to retire and receive approximately two-thirds of their highest three years average salary (and when social security is added, they could retire and be able to maintain the identical income and standard of living) had all ears, young and senior alike, paying rapt attention. There were other shorter presentations on minister’s taxes and Adventist Disaster Relief Agency by Pastors George Bryant and Rich Carlson respectively. The two full days flew by quickly, but the intent of the conference administration was to pour in to the pastors as much as possible within that time frame; and then send the pastors back to their spouses before the next day, Valentine’s Day. The conference leadership team highly values healthy marriages and families. Thus, although it was great for them to learn how to create healthy and growing churches, the health of their first church—family—is always the #1 priority. Pastor Craig Carr, ministerial director for the Mid-America Union, cemented the conference’s commitment to healthy pastoral families by attending the meeting and announcing the upcoming pastors and families retreat in July 2024 that will be sponsored by the Mid-America Union. We can’t wait. Thank you MAUC! Cryston Josiah is vice president of administration for the Central States Conference.
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Blogs
- The Teacher’s Notes–Light Shines in the Darkness, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 2Q, "The Great Controversy" The Teacher's Notes – April 13, 2024
Sabbath School Lesson for April 13-19, 2024 Overview of Lesson 3, Light Shines in the Darkness Memory Text: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.’ ” John 12:35 NKJV There’s an expression that’s used to describe two very different things. We say they are as “different as night and day”. As we soon discover in looking at the attributes of good and evil, they, too, are as different as night and day. But, thankfully, as Jesus has told us, the light of God is bright enough to guide us out of our spiritual darkness. Darkness often overtakes us gradually. Even nature’s change from day to nighttime may be a slow process, allowing us some hours before the full darkness arrives. In the same way, sin can seep into our lives unknowingly until we suddenly find ourselves totally in darkness, because we listened to the dark messages of God’s enemy, Satan. In addition to the following topics we explore this week, read chapter 3 of The Great Controversy, called “An Era of Spiritual Darkness”. Sunday: Compromise, Satan’s Subtle Strategy–Knowing God through the Scriptures, aided by the Holy Spirit, is key to avoiding Satan’s cunning deceptions. Monday: Savage Wolves–Heresies, deviations from the truth, cause persecution from within the church. Tuesday: Safeguarded by the Word–The truth in God’s word builds us up and sanctifies us. Wednesday: Human Reasoning Apart From Scripture–Human reasoning through science, or even theologians, can’t always be relied on to show us the truth about God. Thursday: Battle for the Mind–Satan’s principal work is to blind or darken our minds, so we will worship him rather than the Creator of light. Sunday: Compromise–Satan’s Subtle Strategy Jesus defined Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He also identified Satan as a murderer and a liar (John 8:44). We must choose between an all-knowing, loving God–or Satan, the father of deceitful lies and power-grabbing selfishness. But the choice is not as cut and dry as we might hope. Satan uses subtle compromises with the truth that lead us to doubt our confidence in God’s word, and to ultimately abandon our loyalty to God. In the Garden of Eden, Satan used the serpent to persuade Adam and Eve to disobey God’s clear instructions. He has had centuries now to perfect his deceitful strategies and keep his agenda hidden from unsuspecting members of the human race, including those in the church. The Great Controversy, p. 51, points out that the post-apostolic church, for hundreds of years, prohibited the distribution and reading of the Bible, causing most of the laity to accept the pope when he declared himself viceregent of God on earth and gained “authority over church and state”. We are witnessing today many countries combining church and state, in order to push their apostasies and distorted views of the Bible–combining them, of course, with some truth. These unholy alliances between church and governments can only lead to a renewed persecution and death for many of the faithful. Revelation 13:11-18 reveals how this happens in a powerful way at the end of time. Bible Verses: John 14:6 and 8:44 How does the darkness differ from the light? Why are so many deceived into following Satan’s lies? John 8:32 and 17:17 How do the Scriptures protect us from spiritual darkness? Monday: Savage Wolves The apostle Paul warned the churches to be wary of wolves, who like Jesus predicted in Matthew 7:15, would come into the flock in sheep’s clothing. These were actually savage wolves, Paul declared, who would speak perverse, wrong things to draw the sheep to themselves (Acts 20:27-32). It’s startling to think that our greatest danger, our most unbearable persecution, comes from within the church. But this is just how it has happened in the past. Look at the Dark and Middle Ages and you will find that the Roman church was indeed capable of such atrocities. As a matter of fact, Paul, in his time, perceived that the “mystery of lawlessness”, otherwise known as the Anti-Christ, the “man of sin”, was already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). Satan was working to secure his supremacy through pagan and then papal Rome. Even in Paul’s day, compromising doctrines were being formulated by Satan and his cohorts to draw people away from the truth of God’s word. Those perverse doctrines included bowing down to graven images (idol worship), the immortality of the soul with the dead immediately being transported to heaven or hell, and the transfer of seventh-day Sabbath worship to another day, namely Sunday. These compromising measures were justified as a way to include pagans and secure the power of the church leaders. Bible Verses: Acts 20:27-32 How were the churches warned about future apostasy and persecution from within the church? 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 How can we avoid the strong delusions that will assault God’s true believers? Tuesday: Safeguarded by the Word The best way to be protected from “savage wolves”, as Paul calls them, is to immerse ourselves in God’s word, the Bible. It is through the Scriptures that God’s love and will for our lives is most clearly revealed. In addition, it exposes Satan’s strategies and goals, giving us ample information and warning about his deceitfully subtle lies. The middle chapter of the Bible is Psalm 117. It’s also the shortest chapter, just two verses that praise God for His mercy and truth. It is shortly followed by the longest chapter, Psalm 119, where we find repeated references to the importance of God’s Word. See Psalm 119:105, 116, 130, 133, and 160. The New Testament supports the value of God’s word, as our eyes are more fully opened to God’s Son, the embodiment of that word (John 1:1, 14). It is through His Word that we are forgiven, sanctified, and at last glorified on Resurrection Morning, when the Lord, with The Teacher’s Notes–Light Shines in the Darkness, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 2Q, “The Great Controversy”“>Read more…
Read more... - The Teacher’s Notes–The Central Issue: Love or Selfishness?, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 2Q, "The Great Controversy" The Teacher's Notes – April 6, 2024
Sabbath School Lesson for April 6-12, 2024 Remember that Bible texts are hyperlinks to take you to the verses! Overview of Lesson 2, The Central Issue, Love or Selfishness? Memory Text: ” ‘ “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” ‘ ” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV After examining the origin of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, it’s logical to explore the destruction of Jerusalem that was foretold by Jesus while He was on earth. After all, He coupled the prediction of that important event with His prophecy of the last days in Matthew 24. We find in Jerusalem’s destruction in about 70 A.D. a foreshadowing of the attempts of Satan to deceive and destroy God’s people at the end of time. Isaiah 41:10, and many other verses like it, remind us that we don’t need to fear those times, as hard as they may be. God has promised to be there with us during it all. He will strengthen and uphold us just as He’s promised. We will look at the central issue in the controversy by studying… Sunday: A Brokenhearted Savior–Our loving Jesus does all He can to save His people. Monday: Christians Providentially Preserved–The faithful church has survived Satan’s attacks in the past with God’s providential care. Tuesday: Faithful Amid Persecution–The early church of the first century can teach us much about having faith despite hard times. Wednesday: Caring for the Community–New Testament believers were noted for their love for each other and their neighbors. Thursday: A Legacy of Love–The Christian church not only survived, but grew because of their selfless care of others. Read chapters 1 and 2 of The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White. An easy-to-read version in today’s English, called Love Under Fire, is available online at https://media2.egwwritings.org/pdf/en_LF.pdf Sunday: A Brokenhearted Savior Even though “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11), Jesus did everything He could to call His people to repent. He delayed the consequences of their disobedience many times over the years. As Jesus approached God’s city for the last time, His tears flowed freely, showing the love He had for those who would experience the horrific attack upon the city forty years yet in the future. The many people who lost their lives when the Roman general Titus laid siege to Jerusalem was totally the work of Satan. God would have been justified in making it happen immediately after they killed His Son–the final act of their rebellious betrayal. But, out of His mercy, it was delayed another forty years. Christ lovingly gave His followers guidance on how to escape the disaster. By carefully obeying His directive to leave the city as soon as it was totally surrounded, many were able to survive the impending destruction of Jerusalem, which, according to the historian Josephus, killed more than a million people. Bible Verses: Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 23:37, 38, and John 5:40 What do we find here about the character of God, revealed in His Son? Matthew 24:15-20 and Luke 21:20-24 How important were these words to Christians still living in Jerusalem in 70 A.D.? Monday: Christians Providentially Preserved We may wonder how Christians were able to escape the city after they saw that it was surrounded by Roman armies. Some historians tell us that at some point before their final assault on the city, the Romans mysteriously withdrew, causing Jewish armed forces to pursue them, winning a great victory. It must have been during one of the brief pauses in the siege, when the Jews were able to drive back the enemy, that allowed enough time for Christians to get out of the city. Heeding the words of Jesus, some of them fled to Pella, a city just beyond the Jordan River. Hebrews 11, known as the faith chapter, mentions several times when God intervened and preserved His people. But the chapter also reminds us that many have fallen victim to intense suffering and even death for the cause of their faith. Thankfully, despite Satan’s best efforts to erase God’s followers from the face of the earth, they continued to grow in numbers, proclaiming the gospel with enthusiastic voices. Bible Verses: Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 41:10 How does God help us during our trials? Hebrews 11:35-38 and Revelation 2:10 How does God reward the faithful, even those who suffer and are killed? Tuesday: Faithful Amid Persecution One has only to read the first eight chapters of Acts to get a sense of the crushing difficulties of the early church in those years immediately following Christ’s resurrection. They were fiercely threatened and imprisoned, and some were even killed. The death of the first martyr, Stephen, took place only three and a half years after the crucifixion of Jesus, with many others following. This intense persecution, however, led to the spreading of the gospel. Many Christians fled to other parts of the world, carrying with them their supreme desire to share the good news of the Messiah’s coming to anyone who would hear. Because of their fervent preaching, the church in Jerusalem grew by the thousands (Acts 2:41 and 4:4). Many of the Jews, from far and near, were delighted to hear about the Lord’s sacrifice, not just for them, but for anyone who chose to accept His love. The invitation to join God’s heavenly kingdom was more inclusive than they could have hoped for. Those Jews gathered in Jerusalem carried the disciples’ message back to their homelands, planting seeds that later bore fruit for apostles like Paul and Barnabas. Bible Verses: Acts 2:41, 4:4, 31, 5:42 Why did so many respond favorably to these early sermons of the disciples? Acts 4:17, 5:17, 18, 8:1 What kind of trials faced God’s people in the early years after Jesus’ sacrifice and triumphant victory over death? Wednesday: Caring for the Community It wasn’t just The Teacher’s Notes–The Central Issue: Love or Selfishness?, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 2Q, “The Great Controversy”“>Read more…
Read more... - Jonah Comes Around The Shepherd's Voice – April 4, 2024
Jonah knew enough about God to be afraid of success and content with failure, even prepared to die if he could avoid going to Ninevah. His fears of the Ninevites outweighed His fears of God. The Ninevites would torture him or mutilate him and at least God wouldn’t do that. Trouble is, God can be a nag sometimes, more persistent than any human, and that is what Jonah should have feared, God’s persistence, instead of asking to be left alone to drown. Who failed to get the memo here? One of my favorite movies with Paul Newman was Cool Hand Luke. A famous scene in the movie, where Luke, a passive aggressive prisoner that tries to escape several times but fails is called before the warden and the guards. The warden makes a threatening speech. “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” What a line, I get a surge every time I hear it, dripping with understated sarcasm and power. The warden lays down the law, if you inmates won’t listen to what I am saying, you will not last long around here. In a similar fashion, God could say the same thing, maybe with different consequences, of course. He could say, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”, and add, If you fail to hear Me, many will perish. This change in perspectives is key to understanding God’s voice. His plans are not to make me feel safer all the time. His plans are to save more people over time. He’s willing to trade their lives for my discomfort. I admit, God must have been the only one that gave the slightest concern for the Ninevites. By many accounts, they were some of the cruelest people of their time. That’s the thing though, God does care about them. And if He cares about them, just think about who else he cares for. That scares me a bit. You mean God cares about every living soul, no matter how messed up they are? Yea, I guess so. I’m not sure what to do with that except to believe it. Anything else would be “a failure to communicate”. Who does the failure of communication fall upon? You, me, Jonah or God? I think you know the answer to that. Eventually Jonah comes around to God’s plan. He walks into Nineveh carrying his sandwich board, “REPENT or DIE. Can you imagine the attendance at that meeting? What a dream job, walking around shouting gloom and doom to people that would just as soon make sport of you watching you die. My takeaway is simple: Get to know God’s voice and His character behind His voice in the good times. Listen to Him with an open mind when he calls you to serve. Trust him that he has chosen you because He knows what He is doing. Before I showed up for basic training in the army, my father, a WWII and Korean war veteran gave me some advice. “When they call for volunteers, be the first one to step forward.” He survived many missions where he volunteered. I followed that advice for the most part. It never hurt me and as far as I can tell it made me a better leader. The prophet Isaiah had this kind of response, “Here I am, send me.” We don’t always know the difficulties of the mission, but we can know the mission is just and important because we know God has placed a high priority on it as He calls us to fulfill it. Jonah accepts his call, accepts his preaching assignment for 40 days and the people are saved. No failure to communicate in this case. A great success. Jonah may have been hard of hearing, but God got His attention. He knows how to do the same with us.
Read more... - #GriefJourney: My Cup Overflows 88 Days After Loss Home, Church, School – April 3, 2024
What I’m feeling on Day 88: When my husband asks me, “Are you sad today?” I still reply, “I’m always sad.” What I’m learning on Day 88: We can, as humans, experience both peace and pain. We can hold both joy and sorrow. We can be grateful and upset. We can cry out to God in despair and praise Him for His incredible holiness in the same moment, the same prayer. God created us as multi-functional, multi-faceted miracles. While we live, we can do hundreds–thousands–of things at once. While we live, we can love with the very love of God Himself. Like our Heavenly Father, our love doesn’t stop when our loved one dies. It continues on in the way we live, the way we love others, the way we love ourselves. Feelings should not lord over our lives and actions but are part of our miraculous creation. Feelings can be a great gift from the Lord when we lean into them, feel them, and process them. “My cup overflows” doesn’t always mean you’re full of joy and happiness. Sometimes it also means you’re carrying painful experiences as well. Keeping the experience is important. Grief is important, but it doesn’t have to take over. A Prayer for Day 88: Father in Heaven, I have trudged through despair these days and weeks, but I know you are with me now as you have been before. Don’t let me forget your faithfulness to your people throughout history, but also to me, my family, and myself. You are a faithful, loving God Who speaks truth and speaks it into existence. Your Word says, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NIV). I believe Your Word, and I believe joy will come again. I don’t have to wait for Your soon return. I can have joy now. Fill me with Your Spirit today–every day. Through Your Spirit alone, I can endure this and all things. In Jesus’ name, I pray, ask, and believe. Amen. A scripture for Day 88: I invite you to read a passage of scripture that brings peace to my life. Write it out in your own words with pen and paper. In this way, you will own the words. Once you’re finished, underline, circle, or highlight those verses you want to remember today. Here are mine in my own words, inspired by Psalm 34: I looked for God. I called for Him. He heard me and picked me up out of my fears and troubles. He saved me. The angel of the Lord encircles me because I fear and respect Him. He is close enough to save me. Taste and see. Take Him in and see He is good. He watches me, and He hears me. When I cry out to Him, He knows my heart. Because He is close, He knows my heart is broken and will save me from being crushed under it. He has.
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Featured Stories
- THIS WATER Guest Contributor – April 17, 2024
John 4:13: “Jesus answered and said unto her, whosoever drinketh of THIS WATER shall thirst again.” In this verse Jesus mentioned that “this water” will cause her to thirst again, obviously because water must be sought after and the thirst is never quenched. Also water gives only temporary physical life with no lasting or eternal benefits. Jesus is wanting to give this Samaritan woman at the well an eternal value that can’t end, and an endless supply that will spiritually quench her soul. Which would continue to lead her into eternal life, and Jesus used the well-water to illustrate His point. You know, everything that comes from Jesus is not bad, and water is certainly one of them, but Jesus is referring to “this water” as an element that can only quench the physical thirst temporarily. And Jesus plainly tells her that “whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.” This story is so much like all the desirous things this world has to offer, and because the sinful nature naturally craves those things – like a vacuum – the human soul will continually keep trying to quench itself. And even though it’s never satisfied and quenched, it continues to keep trying the next thing that comes along – until like the woman at the well— receives a well of water that springs up into everlasting life within her. All along it was Jesus who knew what would truly quench her human soul. In Mark 8:36 it says; “for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Jesus puts a thirst inside every born-again Christian, and that thirst is a thirst for Him. Some learn this lesson soon and others later in life, but the sooner it’s learned is definitely better. Jesus comes with the good news in John 4:14, and it says; “but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him/her shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be IN him/her a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” If you do drink (Jesus doesn’t force) from the Lord’s well, He gives you the whole well: Jesus Himself! Jesus doesn’t withhold Himself, and it really doesn’t take long to realize that, no other well will do, for salvation can only come through One Name. And that name is Jesus. You can find that in Acts 4:12, which says; “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The disciples realized this important spiritual element as they put their trust in Jesus, and in this next verse you hear Peter proclaim what all Christians must conclude. “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter [speaking for them all] answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68). The disciples realized that the “well” for them was Jesus; there was no other person who had the words that would lead them to eternal life. Psalm 34:8: “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Scott R. Holder is a bible student and occasional writer for OUTLOOK.
Read more... - The Transformative Power of Gratitude Guest Contributor – April 11, 2024
The biblical account of the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19 unfolds a powerful narrative, showcasing the life-changing potential of a thankful heart. While nine of the lepers remain ambivalent, it is the foreigner, a Samaritan, who exemplifies true gratitude. This story, a launchpad for personal discovery, has led to a conviction that gratitude is not just a virtue but an essential spiritual discipline. Gratitude as a Health Benefit Gratitude is not just an emotion; it is an essential component of good health. “Feeling it is only half the equation,” said Philip Watkins, a professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University and the author of Gratitude and the Good Life. Watkins emphasizes that both feeling and expressing gratitude are integral to reaping its full benefits. Studies show that gratitude reduces depression, lessens anxiety, lowers the risk of heart disease, relieves stress and improves sleep. Harvard happiness researcher Shawn Acor even considers gratitude as the number one ingredient in happiness. Gratitude in Spirituality Beyond its health benefits, gratitude is deeply intertwined with spirituality. The book of Psalms is packed with distinct life circumstances where gratitude is owed to God. In chapter 100, we are told to “Enter His gates with Thanksgiving…” The very act of thanksgiving is woven into the fabric of heaven’s culture, and gratitude is viewed as an act of worship. Ellen White highlights the communal impact of one leper’s gratitude: “For the sake of this one man, who would make a right use of the blessing of health, Jesus healed the whole ten” (3T 180). This is wonderful news as when one makes the right use of their blessings, Jesus can expand them tenfold! Consider the exponential impact of fostering gratitude within our church congregations and school classrooms. Gratitude becomes a catalyst for relational development, enriching marriages and fostering a positive community spirit. Have you ever tried to be critical of someone you are grateful for? Danger of Ingratitude Notice in Rom. 1:20-23 how gratitude to God is a theological kingpin and cornerstone. Remove gratitude and the spiritual Jenga tower collapses and comes crashing down. Gratitude and pride are inversely proportionate, and ingratitude is linked directly to the rise of pride. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states, “unwillingness to give thanks to God for His love and goodness toward men is one of the causes of corruption and idolatry. Ingratitude hardens the heart and leads men to forget the Being to whom they are unwilling to express thankfulness” (volume 6, page 479). Gratitude as a Moral Imperative The narrative of the 10 lepers is regarded as a historical event, distinct from a parable. The ratio of ingratitude to gratitude stood at 10:1, a fact that sends shivers down the spine. The realization that 100 percent of “God’s faithful people” were ungrateful is both astonishing and disconcerting. Remarkably, it was a Samaritan who demonstrated gratitude during this historical account. Neuroscientist Glenn Fox has dedicated his life to studying gratitude—How it improves our resilience, lowers stress, and boosts overall health. He is an expert on the ability of gratitude to help us through tough times. His studies state, “The researchers found that grateful brains showed enhanced activity in two primary regions: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These areas have been previously associated with emotional processing, interpersonal bonding, and rewarding social interactions, moral judgment, and the ability to understand the mental states of others.” Fox goes on to explain that gratitude is connected with morality and human dignity. (https://inside-the-brain.com/2018/11/22/this-is-your-brain-on-gratitude-2/) Gratitude becomes a guardrail against apostasy and idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 8. Acknowledging that everything is a gift becomes an antidote to pride, fostering humility and gratitude. A Call to Embrace Gratitude In a world fraught with challenges, the benefits of gratitude are clear: increased happiness, better health, and improved spirituality. The call to embrace gratitude is not just a personal journey but a communal responsibility. As individuals, communities, and even church leaders, the challenge is to foster and express gratitude liberally. In doing so, we fulfill a divine desire for healthier, happier and more faithful interactions. Gratitude, as a transformative force, is an invitation to a more enriched and purposeful life. Cultivating Gratitude in Daily Life Practical ways to cultivate gratitude include: maintaining a gratitude journal, counting blessings, writing thank-you cards, and engaging in prayer meetings with dedicated praise time. N James is the pastor of the Custer / Hot Springs church district in South Dakota.
Read more... - AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Represented in 2024 Rose Parade® AdventHealth – April 11, 2024
For more than 20 years, the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float has inspired people across the country to save and enhance lives with the powerful message of organ, eye and tissue donation. The 2024 Rose Parade® theme, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” illustrates how in a world of different cultures, beliefs, hopes and dreams, one language unites us all — music. AdventHealth Shawnee Mission proudly partnered with Midwest Transplant Network in dedicating a rose vial that was featured on the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float. Each vial features a rose with a message of love to honor organ, eye and tissue donors and recipients as well as their family members. All Rose Parade floats must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. The OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float features each year numerous “floragraphs,” which replicate photographs but are made entirely of organic materials, remembering donors from around the country. This year, parade co-sponsor Midwest Transplant Network’s floragraph float honored Jayme Sue Louque, a 14-year-old organ, eye and tissue donor from Olathe, Kansas. In addition to Louque’s floragraph and that of many others made in memory of other donor heroes from around the country, the float featured many individual roses with unique messages from some of Midwest Transplant Network’s hospital and community partners. AdventHealth Shawnee Mission works closely with Midwest Transplant Network to facilitate organ, eye and tissue donation, and the hospital staff was honored to dedicate a rose vial to donor heroes. “Being a part of the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float is an honor and a privilege,” said Lisa Hays, MD, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “It is our chance to say thank you to all the donor heroes who have provided more than 28,000 lifesaving transplants since Midwest Transplant Network’s inception in 1973.” Although this was the first year that AdventHealth Shawnee Mission was represented in the Rose Parade, the hospital partners with Midwest Transplant Network to honor donors annually in the Kansas City area through their Wall of Heroes program. Each April during Donate Life Month, AdventHealth adds donor names to the Wall of Heroes, a plaque located on the campus of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Hospital staff provide special remembrance gifts to family members and also honor donors through a prayer ceremony. “The Wall of Heroes honors the sacrifice donors and donor families make and celebrates the gifts of life presented to recipients,” said Abbie Weatherley, clinical nurse specialist in the emergency department at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “The event is a true representation of sorrow, remembrance, healing, hope and human capacity for generosity and compassion.” To learn more about AdventHealth Shawnee Mission or Midwest Transplant Network, visit AdventHealthKC.com or mwtn.org. Photo credit: Taylor Brookins, MTN Family Services Manager
Read more... - Why I Financially Support the Seventh-day Adventist Church Guest Contributor – April 4, 2024
Last year I wrote an editorial in which I set forth my conviction that returning a faithful tithe was all about grace—learning to trust God to provide for my material needs, and when He did so, seeing evidence that His grace was all-sufficient for my great spiritual need. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” I received positive responses to the article. What I did not receive—but I know exists—was the response: “Yeah, that’s well and good, but why should I support the church organization with my tithe? The conference can’t even supply my church a full-time pastor! We have to share with another congregation or two. And when the pastor is present, well, the sermon isn’t very good. I think the money is just wasted or spent frivolously. In fact, it seems all the church cares about is money, money, money! I will just give my tithe to _____ ministry. They are doing God’s work and my pastor isn’t doing anything—hasn’t even come to visit me!” Doubt this response? Don’t! Just spend some time on various social media and special interest church-related websites reading editorials and comments. This is a common, and I dare say growing, sentiment. So, let’s spend some time with an event in Jesus’ ministry that Mark recorded. “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44). Now why did Jesus highlight this widow who gave literally everything she had to support a religious/church structure that in many cases was corrupt and even preyed on individuals such as herself? Jesus knew this and even registered His disapproval of it: “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation” (Luke 20:46,47). Yet Jesus does not condemn the widow for supporting a very imperfect system. How can this be? Maybe He should have urged her to redirect her offering as a protest, a cry for justice, or at least a plea to receive her just due of service and support from “the church.” But instead Jesus celebrated her! He drew a sharp contrast between her sacrifice and apparent humility and those who gave very large ( but not sacrificial) gifts, and again, with an apparent lack of humility. Additionally, it seems that Jesus loved her sincere heart. In line with what I wrote previously, the widow was completely committed to experiencing God’s grace—His provision for her very real needs—through the practice of giving to support God’s organized system of worship, marred as it was in human hands. Because Jesus called her out as a shining example, we are still retelling this story thousands of years later. God works through humans But what about the “lousy” organization? Well, it was originated by God Himself. Aaron (Moses’s brother) and his family would be the priests. The tribe of Levite were to serve as religious ministers. Then God set up a financial structure of tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites in their religious ministry. Interestingly, he instructed the Levites who received the tithe to participate themselves through the practice of tithing (Num 18). God puts forth a strong ethic: if a leader receives support from a system they must also participate in supporting the system. So how did this work out? Often, not very well. The divine record reveals that many times the Levites and priests failed in their leadership responsibilities (example: Hophni and Phineas). Nor would we say the Levitical system was “efficient,” at least according to our current culture. There were literally thousands of Levites. Only a handful at a time could serve in the sanctuary services. Those not serving lived in specific towns designated for them. There is no record of them being spread out evenly, providing direct spiritual leadership in every town and village. So what did they do? It’s not entirely clear, and certainly not very accountable by today’s standards. And not all tithe and offerings were for “frontline workers” as there were certainly administrative layers in the system to organize the daily temple services, annual festivals and later, the local synagogues. There were some excellent, godly priestly leaders of course. Samuel, Joshua and the father of John the Baptist come quickly to mind. And God did provide accountability. He intervened directly when two of the first priests drunkenly profaned their religious duties (Numbers 3). He sent prophetic warnings to Eli regarding his sons (1 Samuel 2). Inspired by a copy of the Book of the Law, King Hezekiah called the Levites together and held them accountable to rectify temple worship abuses and neglect, as part of his reform efforts (2 Chronicles 29). Finally, God plainly warned the religious leaders through Jeremiah of dire punishment that would fall; partly because the religious leaders had turned their backs on Him (Jeremiah 32: 28-33). A perfect, organized religious system for mission and governance? No…because God chooses to work through weak and sinful human beings. And it’s the same for the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. Following God’s example, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, called into being by His prophetic word, has organized itself with similar principles. Men and women, called by God, are employed and asked to lead in the making of disciples—the calling of individuals to new and/or deeper relationships with Jesus Christ. This includes preaching, teaching, administrating and coordinating Read more…
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