Manistee Seventh-day Adventist Church

03/25/2026

Devotional Corner
By Jon "Uncle Jon" Clayburn

What lessons can we learn from blind Bartimaeus?

“So Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’” —Mark 10:51
In the story, “The Strange Case of Blind Bart,” Uncle Dan and Aunt Sue share with us the Bible story of the healing of blind Bartimaeus. (“The Strange Case of Blind Bart” is available to on our FREE streaming page 3/8 - 3/14).

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Bartimaeus. We don’t know anything about his home, his family life, or his friends. All we know is that he was named Bartimaeus, that his hometown was Jericho, that he was blind, and that with difficulty he sought out Jesus so that he could be healed. In telling his story, Your Story Hour used imagination to create details of Bartimaeus’ life.

One of the few details Scripture tells us is that Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for mercy when He was traveling through Jericho. When Bartimaeus was brought to Jesus, the Lord asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Given that Bartimaeus was a blind beggar, it might seem obvious that he would be asking to be healed and have his sight restored. But still, Jesus asked the question. Jesus didn’t presume to know what Bartimaeus wanted.

Jesus is the same with us today. We, like Bartimaeus, are in need of Jesus. Some of us have physical ailments and sicknesses that need healing, and all of us need Jesus to mend our lives which are broken with sin. However, sometimes we don’t even realize we have a problem; other times we might resist the healing we so desperately need. Jesus respects our wishes and doesn’t presume our willingness to be healed. Like He did with Bartimaeus, He asks us what we would have Him do for us. Jesus loves us and is willing to help in all areas of our lives. We simply need to recognize our need and allow Jesus to help us.

Share Jesus’ Healing Message
The ministry of Your Story Hour was founded so we could partner with heaven in sharing Jesus’ healing message with the world. It is our honor to share the stories of the Bible and the stories of those whose lives have been touched by the healing power of God.
More in the comments...

03/25/2026

Inside Story for Friday 20th of March 2026

03/25/2026

Help for an Addict

What do you do when the person you love most keeps disappearing behind a habit they can’t, or won’t let go of? Addiction doesn’t show up with a warning label. It creeps in slowly, often disguised as stress relief, emotional escape, or a “one more time” excuse. Whether it’s alcohol, po*******hy, gambling, drugs, or even constant scrolling on social media and secrecy, addiction never stays isolated. The devil has designed all addictions to seep into your emotional safety, financial stability, communication, and spiritual connection. The addicted spouse may not intend to hurt the relationship, but when anything becomes more important than the marriage, love will soon erode. The first step to conquering any unhealthy habit is honesty. Addiction thrives in secrecy, as the devil intended, but healing can begin when brought into the light. If you’re the one struggling, know you are not beyond help, and you don’t have to fix it alone. God offers grace and power through His Spirit, but also through counselors, recovery communities, and spiritual mentors. If your spouse is struggling, anchor your hope in God and pray that He will change their desires to align with His.—Counsels on Relationships, p. 195.2

Read more in Counsels for Youth (A book based on principles from Ellen White's writings written by the Ellen G. White Estate): https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p14804.2002

03/25/2026

The real saint of Ireland was more than you've been told!

03/25/2026

This week, journey through the stories of Jesus’ final days before His crucifixion, discover the inspiring life of Irena Sendler, and enjoy a few adventure stories.

Where's Uncle Dilbert?
True Pearls and False Papers (Irena Sendler Part 1)
Secrets of the Apple Tree (Irena Sendler Part 2)
The Long Train Ride
A Night to Remember
Betrayed
The Trial

Link in the comments below.

03/25/2026

Nearly 500 pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders gathered March 11–15 at Camp Kulaqua Retreat and Conference Center for the Pentecost 2026 Boot Camp, five days of training designed to strengthen evangelism, discipleship, and church planting across the NAD.

Read the rest of the story: https://ow.ly/vg0H50Yxpli

03/25/2026

1 John 1:9 (English Standard Version)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

03/11/2026

Deuteronomy 7:9 (English Standard Version)

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

03/10/2026

1 Peter 3:15 (English Standard Version)

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

03/10/2026

02/26/2026

1 John 4:9 (English Standard Version)

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.