Living Today: Finding Spiritual Restoration in a Changing World

Happy Sunday! 📖 It is a blessing to begin this new week studying God's Word together. Today, June 21, we are diving into the first day of our new lesson titled "Living Today." This study focuses on how we should navigate our spiritual lives in the context of the world we see around us.

Sunday: Living Today

The lesson for today highlights that the current global climate—filled with intensifying wars, famines, pestilences, and persecution—is a clear signal that the biblical end times are unfolding Matthew 24:6-11. Because we see these signs, it is more important than ever to cultivate a serious, watchful prayer life and a fortified personal relationship with God 1 Peter 4:7.

Here are the key takeaways for today’s study:

• Life is Fleeting: We must remember that human life is like a fleeting vapor that can vanish at any moment James 4:13-14. This reality should lead us to reject spiritual complacency and seek constant spiritual revivalCH 507.1.

• Our Need for Grace: We have a perpetual need for divine grace and must recognize that our own efforts are never enoughRH November 18, 1909, par. 8.

• ** restoration through Prayer:** By making the petition of Psalm 80 our own and asking for God's presence to be with us, we find true restoration Psalms 80:19.

• Righteousness by Faith: Certainty of salvation in this fallen world comes only by accepting Christ's forgiveness and His credited righteousness through faithARSH January 28, 1890, page 62.5.

Personal Reflection on Psalm 80

A beautiful part of today's lesson involves looking at ** Psalm 80**. We are encouraged to read this chapter and personally apply the plea for restoration. When we feel spiritually weary or distant from God, we can ask the Great Shepherd to quicken our souls and shine His favor upon us Psalms 80:1-3PTUK April 6, 1893, page 98.3.

What does it mean for God to "shine" His face on you?

To have God’s face shine on you is to experience Christ’s righteousness dispelling the darkness of sin and self-meritMYP 142.1. It is not just a feeling, but a transformation of the character and mind that allows you to reflect His glory to othersRH November 7, 1882, par. 6. This light provides a divine connection and peace that is only found when we are clothed in His perfect righteousness16MR 222.1.

Discussion Questions to Ponder:

1. In what ways do you personally relate to the plea for restoration found in Psalm 80 today8MR 46.6?

2. How can you intentionally reject spiritual complacency this week and seek a deeper connection with JesusRH March 4, 1890, par. 10?

Would you like to explore the memory verse for this week or perhaps look ahead at tomorrow's lesson? 🙏😇