Year of the Bible | Seventh-day Adventist Church

July 14, 2021: 24/7

“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!” (Ps. 139:17–18, TLB).

I love this verse because it paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love for me. He truly values me by reminding me that He is always thinking of me, even on the days when I think I am forgotten.

This verse reminds me that I am important, worthwhile and special enough for the God who created all things and made the universe to think of me continually.

July 13, 2021: Take a Stand!

“Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. ... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, NIV).

Israel had witnessed the Lord’s powerful hand at work during their campaign to conquer the idolatrous inhabitants of the land of Canaan. Despite this—and without excuses—they weren’t fully devoted to God.

From the crossing of the Red Sea to the water that gushed from the rock at Horeb to manna that fell daily, they should have viewed each miracle as an opportunity to firm up their allegiance to God. They had witnessed so much of His love, and each instance should have brought them closer to their Lord, solidifying their total devotion to Him.

July 12, 2021: Amazing Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).

Early in my childhood, my mom made decisions that were best for me. She chose warm clothes, healthy food and safe toys. When I was older, my mom chose Desmond T. Doss Academy for me because she wanted me to have a “solid foundation.” I didn’t grow up going to church. My mom taught me prayers and read me stories from a children’s Bible, but she wanted me to know more. I knew who God and Jesus were, but it wasn’t until later that I learned how I could be saved.

July 7, 2021: God’s Adoption Plan

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15, KJV).

My daughter recently adopted a little girl whom she was fostering since she was two days old. It amazes me to see a person have so much love for a child that isn’t biologically theirs.

It took two years and fostering a total of five children until my daughter was able to adopt this girl. During this time, my daughter experienced heartache, sleepless nights, court dates, social workers, parental visitation and more. She battled tremendous emotional upheaval every time she bonded with a child, then had to send him or her back home.

July 6, 2021: Never Forsaken

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer” (Ps. 4:1, NKJV).

When I was 3 years old, my mother left me with family in Guatemala to immigrate to the United States. She wanted to give me a better future. My aunt guided me in the ways of God, but I asked Him why my mother left me. I suffered every Mother’s Day because all my friends hugged their mothers and gave them gifts, and I did not have my mother. I could not tell her about my sufferings. When I felt alone or needed a hug, she was not there.