Cedars of Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church

05/23/2026

Before the victory… there’s always a giant.

Join us for “God Doesn’t Give Crowns First — He Gives Giants” inspired by 1 Samuel 17:32–37, a powerful message that will challenge your perspective on the battles, obstacles, and moments that test your faith.

What if the very thing standing in front of you is preparing you for something greater?

Come expecting encouragement, strength, and a fresh reminder that you were built for more than backing down.

-------------------------------------

Join us online or in person. We’d love to see you.
Cedars of Lebanon
1977 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23323

-------------------------------------
Giving: Cedars of Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church: https://adventistgiving.org/ #/org/ANB4CE

Copyright license: 20966486
Streaming License: 20966479

--------------------------------------

05/19/2026

05/16/2026

Unity Day 2026

05/02/2026

Be part of something real.

Step into a powerful worship experience where faith comes alive, hope is renewed, and you don’t have to show up perfect—just present. Whether you’re joining from home or walking through the doors in person, there’s a place for you here.

Come expecting connection. Come ready for a shift. Come as you are—but don’t expect to leave the same.

-------------------------------------
Join us online or in person this week and experience the difference for yourself. We’d love to see you.
Cedars of Lebanon 1977 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23323

-------------------------------------
Giving: Cedars of Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church: https://adventistgiving.org/ #/org/ANB4CE

Copyright license: 20966486
Streaming License: 20966479

--------------------------------------

05/02/2026

Week's Further Thought-

The purpose of Bible study is to know God and to grow in your relationship with Him, for this is what life eternal is—to be forever with the God we love (John 5:39, John 17:3).

Part of any relationship is mutual engagement. We read in Revelation 3:20 that Jesus seeks to have this with us, yet we must realize that, as created beings, we can always learn more about our Creator. Like a miner digging for precious jewels, we should be constantly searching in the Bible. There is always more to glean, no matter how many times we’ve read certain stories or Bible passages. “Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light. As a people, we are called individually to be students of prophecy.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 41.

We also should not try to make the Bible fit into our own human opinions or thoughts. “How shall we search the Scriptures? Shall we drive our stakes of doctrine one after another, and then try to make all Scripture meet our established opinions? or shall we take our ideas and views to the Scriptures, and measure our theories on every side by the Scriptures of truth? Many who read and even teach the Bible, do not comprehend the precious truth they are teaching or studying. . . . Many give the words of Scripture a meaning that suits their own opinions.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 36.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What attitude do you usually come to the Bible with? Is there anything that needs to shift? Why is an attitude of humility and surrender to the Word so crucial?
2. Are there any established opinions that you might need to lay aside to allow Scripture to speak for itself? If so, how can you start praying about them right now?
3. How might originality become a stumbling block in a person’s outward relationship with God? That is, how might the desire to find something new and innovative lead someone astray, especially if they are doing it for selfish purposes?

Summary: Personal Bible study is at the heart of having a vibrant and enduring relationship with God. God’s Word speaks into our twenty-first-century lives in meaningful ways, just as it has during past centuries. In a similar way to keeping any friendship alive, we should look for ways to keep our devotional lives vivid as we abide in Jesus, trusting His promise that His Word “ ‘shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it’ ” (Isa. 55:11, NKJV).

04/30/2026

A PLACE-

Jesus is our perfect example in all things, and when it comes to personal devotions, it is no different. What does Mark 1:35 tell us about Jesus’ time with His Father?

Although Mark 1:35 is just one verse, we can learn so much here from Jesus’ example. Long before the sun came up, He removed Himself to a solitary place of quiet so He could be with His Father. Can you imagine the scene—Jesus, sitting by the Sea of Galilee or on the side of a hill, praying and communing with His Father before the world around Him woke up? Although this verse describes Jesus’ commitment to prayer, we clearly see that it was a priority for Him. No doubt this time was what gave Him strength to face all that He endured. If Jesus needed this to start every day, how much more do we?

God tells us, “ ‘Seek My face,’ ” and He hopes our response will be “ ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’ ” (Ps. 27:8, NKJV).

What does 1 Chronicles 16:11 say about how we should seek His face? CONTINUALLY!

Do you have a place you can go each morning to be with God? Perhaps you can find a chair by a window, a quiet spot outside, or even the kitchen table, where you can come daily to sit at the feet of Jesus to learn from God’s Word. Sitting at the feet of Jesus is the best place to be (Luke 10:39–42). By forming a daily habit of going to a certain place to spend time with God, you’ll be more likely to return there each day. Don’t become discouraged when you miss a day here or there, because emergencies arise, and you may not be able to spend time with God. But try not to let too much time pass without spending time with God. Remember that having an abiding relationship with God is a daily decision, one that you can start again, today, if you choose to.

04/29/2026

T I M E

Have you ever set your alarm a little earlier than usual in order to wake and read your Bible? Have you ever struggled to drag yourself out of bed and then looked at the clock and thought, I have 15 minutes before I need to begin the day. I better hurry! Have you ever gone through the motions of having a brief prayer or skimming a chapter, only to find your conscience appeased but your heart unsatisfied with the result before you rushed into the day?

“There is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 90.

While there are indeed blessings that come from reading the Bible—like drinking from a fire hydrant (lots and fast)—it is possible to read the Bible through quickly and miss so much. God gave us His inspired, precious Word so that we would come to know more about Him (and, in the process, more about ourselves, too). When we take time to see the indescribable, beautiful character of God and the ways He has interacted with humanity throughout history, we can only love Him more. The record of His interactions is right there in our hands—but we must find time, and take time, to know God through reading His Word (Acts 17:11). Consider the following suggestions:

* Ask God to place a desire in your heart for Him. Claim the promises in Jeremiah 29:13 and Psalm 37:4. Invite Him to wake you up earlier than usual or to free up some time in your day to do so.
* Surrender your time to God. Yes, you’re busy, and there are so many urgent things to do. But time with God is invaluable. Go to a quiet place by yourself and read Psalm 46:10. Read the words or sing to God the hymn “I Surrender All.” Think about the areas of your life that may not be surrendered and offer them to God.
* Spend time with God even when you may not feel like it. Just as it takes a conscious choice and an action plan to be healthy (exercise, eat well), it takes a conscious choice to have a close relationship with God. Remember that new habits can take at least 21 days to form, and we can never succeed without the Holy Spirit’s help.