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| FRIDAY | October 29 |
| “[Abigail’s] words could have come only from the lips of one who had partaken of the wisdom from above. The piety of Abigail, like the fragrance of a flower, breathed out all unconsciously in face and word and action. The Spirit of the Son of God was abiding in her soul. Her speech, seasoned with grace, and full of kindness and peace, shed a heavenly influence. Better impulses came to David, and he trembled as he thought what might have been the consequences of his rash purpose. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ Matthew 5:9. Would that there were many more like this woman of Israel, who would soothe the irritated feelings, prevent rash impulses, and quell great evils by words of calm and well-directed wisdom. “A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go. Abigail was a wise reprover and counselor. David’s passion died away under the power of her influence and reasoning. He was convinced that he had taken an unwise course and had lost control of his own spirit. “With a humble heart he received the rebuke, in harmony with his own words, ‘Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.’ Psalm 141:5. He gave thanks and blessings because she advised him righteously. There are many who, when they are reproved, think it praiseworthy if they receive the rebuke without becoming impatient; but how few take reproof with gratitude of heart and bless those who seek to save them from pursuing an evil course.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 667.  |
 Spouse abuse is a big problem. As a church we have a responsibility to help. That’s why every year, on the Seventh-day Adventist calendar, the fourth Sabbath of August is “Abuse Prevention Day,” which gives us a special opportunity to educate fellow members and create awareness about this problem. What can we do to help those who are suffering from this terrible scourge?  “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9). Drawing on this week’s lesson, what are the characteristics of peacemakers? How can we make peace without compromising our principles? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Saving Grace: Part 2 Gana finally agreed to become the church treasurer. But she didn't want to give anyone a reason to question her honesty, and she was determined not to let one cent escape. As Gana experienced God's grace, her life changed. Her father, who had once been close, drew away from her. Often when he drank, he sought to destroy her Bible and sometimes even threatened her. But she hung on. Gana watched one of her friends share her faith with a boy she knew, and suddenly Gana knew that she too must share God's love. She invited her brother to attend church with her. He wasn't interested in religion, but he went to play basketball with the other young people and to learn to play the guitar. Soon he was attending church as well. One day as the two talked at length about religion, they realized that they had a duty to share their faith with their parents. But how? Older people in Mongolia don't take advice from younger people. Gana and her brother decided they could show them the difference Christ makes in their lives, even if they couldn't speak it. And they began waiting until their parents were asleep and then kneeling near their bed and praying for them. They invited their parents to a special church service. Gana and her brother were overjoyed when their parents agreed to attend. Their mother attended the new believers' class and agreed with what she heard. Their father remained silent, but after church he told Mother that he did not object if she wanted to join their children in attending church. "I know now that it was God's will that I not attend the national university," Gana says. "He protected me from dishonesty and taught me the importance of being faithful in whatever I do. My life is happier now because I failed that exam." The change in Gana's life has affected her entire family. Today her brother is a believer, and her mother attends church and prays. Gana has even seen changes in her father's life, though he still doesn't attend church. The church in Mongolia is growing rapidly. Our mission offerings support new believers as they reach out to others with the love of Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving so that others may hear of God's love. GANA is the accountant for the Seventh-day Adventist English Language School and trea¬surer of her church in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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