No Longer Alone

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FRIDAY

March 25

Further Study:  

“We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ Ps. 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all who labor for God. Amid the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, the soul that is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. The life will breathe out fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men’s hearts.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 363. “Every ray of light shed upon others will be reflected upon our own hearts. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to supply the necessities of our fellow beings, given or done with an eye to God’s glory, will result in blessings to the giver. Those who are thus working are obeying a law of heaven and will receive the approval of God. The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical health.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 56.

Discussion Questions:

What has prayer and Bible study done for you in your walk with the Lord? Where would you be spiritually were you to cease doing them? Write out a testimony as to what these practices mean to you and why they are so important in your walk with the Lord.     What has been your own experience with your local church community? How can you improve that experience? How can you work with your church to make it a place where all people would feel comfortable coming, where all people could be welcomed, where all people could learn about salvation and the present truth message we have for the world? What areas is your church strong in, and in what areas must it improve?      What has been your own experience in regard to giving and getting forgiveness? What have you learned that could help those who are in need of learning to forgive?      Suppose someone were to come to you and say, “Yes, I believe in God, in Jesus, in salvation, but I just don’t know how to walk in faith. I just don’t know how to trust God.” What practical advice would you give?

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		I N S I D E Story
		No Longer Alone Alima felt lost and alone. Painfully shy, she spent most of her time at home. Often, as she cleaned the family's small house, she would pause at her father's picture and cry, "Why did you leave us? If you loved us, you wouldn't have died!" Only later did her mother reveal that her father had died in a drunken brawl. When Alima realized that alcohol had caused her father's death, she vowed never to touch it. Like many in Mongolia, Alima believed that the deities had drawn her life's destiny, and she must follow the path set for her. But often she pleaded, "Why did you make my path so hard? Why must I go through this suffering?" One day as Alima walked across her small town, she met two foreign women. They smiled and greeted her. They talked for some time, and then they invited her to attend a seminar on healthful living. Alima liked the women and agreed to attend the seminar. Alima found much to agree with in the health seminar—especially the dangers of alcohol. As she learned more about healthful living, she also learned about God. The two Christian women invited her to learn more about Jesus, who hears and answers her prayers. Again, Alima accepted. Alima read the Bible with these two young women and listened to their explanation of God's love. They invited her to evangelistic meetings, and there Alima learned more about this God who loves her so much that He died for her. His love offered her a better life, but He would never force her to follow His plan for her. Alima accepted God's love and took her stand to follow His path. She invited her sisters to attend church with her, and they went. Her mother doesn't yet attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but Alima and her sisters pray that one day she will come. Alima's shyness disappeared as she grew confident of God's love. In its place was born a desire to tell others that they can be free from fears if they follow God's perfect plan for their lives. Alima became a short-term missionary, serving in a large city in Mongolia. "I praise God that He cares enough about a lonely and troubled little girl to send someone to teach me about Jesus. Now I can teach others and bring them hope too." Your mission offerings help establish groups of believers in Mongolia, where just over 2,000 believers share His love with others. ALIMA BATMEN is studying to serve God in Mongolia.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email:   info@adventistmission.org  website:  www.adventistmission.org