This is church and state made simple.
After an explanation of church and state was presented to her, one of my children who enjoys cooking exclaimed, “Oh, I get it! Mix church and state in a bowl, and a beast pops out!”
—Bill Krick, Clovis, California
A few Sabbaths ago Ben, our 5-year-old grandson, and I were traveling to church. Our route took us through a long, hilly avenue where many runners exercise. In order to keep his attention, I asked him to count all the runners. To my surprise, we didn’t see even one.
I asked what he thought about not finding any runners. Ben’s answer was quick and full of childlike faith. “Well, Grandpa,” he said, “today is Sabbath, and they are all getting ready to go to church.”
I never would have thought of that. But right there I silently thanked God and asked for the innocent faith of a little child.
—Dave Swinyar, Ocala, Florida
It is in harmony with God’s plan for the extension of His work in the regions beyond that many are called to leave their native shores for distant lands, to act as leaders and teachers in soul-winning service. It is also in harmony with His plan that those who remain in their home fields shall unite in well-organized efforts to save the perishing multitudes living close by, within easy reach. Every true follower of Christ is a missionary.
—Ellen G. White, “Fields Near at Hand,” Review and Herald, Oct. 22, 1914
“Jesus knows we all have a tendency to do things for selfish reasons. We crave recognition from people because it’s immediate. But it is never enough. Only God’s recognition gives us what we need.”
—John Nixon II, during the October 18, 2014, Sabbath sermon at the Society of Adventist Communicators’ convention, Jacksonville, Florida
Have a prayer need? Have a few free minutes? Each Wednesday morning at 8:15 ET the Adventist Review staff meets to pray for people—children, parents, friends, coworkers. Send your prayer requests and, if possible, pray with us on Wednesday mornings. Send requests to: Let’s Pray, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; fax: 301-680-6638; e-mail: [email protected].
