Page 19 - Week of Emphasis Devotional

Daily text: Romans 8:31-39

In this life challenges are common to all regardless of gender, nationality, social or economic
standing.

“God is for us,” declared the apostle Paul, having given His own Son for “us all” (Romans
8:31–32, NKJV). By demonstrating so great a love, nothing, therefore, is able to come between
us and the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:35–39, NKJV). God shows no partiality,
Peter declared in Acts 10:34, which is rightly translated as “shows no favouritism” (NIV). God
is no respecter of persons, and He has an equal care for all the souls He has created. ADRA’s
1
purpose, “To serve humanity so all may live as God intended,” is a reflection of His love and
care for all His children.

ADRA works in remote areas of the world, areas like the community of Chillca, in the Cusco
region of Peru, high up in the Andean Mountains. At 15,500 ft. above sea level, temperatures
drop quickly, and winters bring rain, snow, and blustery high winds that affect the health of
young children and the elderly. ADRA Canada, with the help of a generous Canadian builder,
and in partnership with ADRA Peru, is working to create sustainable, warm, healthy homes by
installing thermal storage walls (known as Trombe walls), renewable energy solar panels, and
efficient stoves.

These low-cost improvements have an enormous impact. They improve the quality of life,
health, and wellbeing of an entire household who can now experience God’s gifts of security,
protection, and efficient shelter.

Questions for reflection/discussion:

1. We live in a world of vast disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Yet we are
told that “to those who were in need He (Jesus) would give a cup of cold water, and would
quietly place His own meal in their hands.” In what ways are you and your household
2
ministering as Jesus did?

2. We are living in perilous times and we believe, given the current conditions, that Jesus is
soon to come. How can we bring this message in a practical way to our churches and the
communities we serve?

3. How can we fulfill these biblical imperatives found in Isaiah 58:6-7? If we turn a blind
eye, will we be held accountable to God?

Quote: “His heart beats in sympathy with suffering humanity and those who suffer most have
most of His pity and sympathy.” -Ellen G. White

Appeal: Will you thank God for the security, protection, shelter, and freedom you now enjoy?
How can we work to ensure others are afforded the same experience?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for purchasing our freedom and being our security, our
shelter, and divine protection. May we do all we can to help restore these God-given rights to
others. May we be sensitive to the pain, the abuse, and the loss that others are facing. May
You help us to do all we can to ensure that others can have not only security, protection, and
freedom, but that peace that comes from knowing You in this world and in preparation for the
world to come! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 The Desire of Ages, p. 639.1 ADRA.ca 17
2 Call to Stand Apart, p. 9.7