3. Spiritual/Devotional Blessings

Following the counsels God has given us through Ellen White results in positive lifestyle blessings. Let me start with some spiritual/devotional examples.LSS 4.7

Some years ago the North American Division conducted a church growth survey. One of the survey questions asked about the extent of one’s regular study of Ellen White’s books. From their answers, 2,848 were classed as “readers,” and 5,375 as “non-readers.” Later the data was re-analyzed to see what impact regular reading of Ellen White exhibited in the lives of members. ^{1. Roger L. Dudley and Des Cummings, Jr., “Who Reads Ellen White?” Ministry, October, 1982, p. 10.}LSS 4.8

Let me share some of the findings with you.LSS 4.9

Subject Readers Nonreaders *Strong relationship with Jesus Christ 85% 59% *Assurance of being right with God 82% 59% *Daily personal Bible study 82% 47% *Give regular financial support to local soul winning 76% 46% *Engaged in witnessing during past year 73% 49% *Have daily family worship 70% 42% *Held Bible studies with non-Adventist during past year 5% 26% *Meet regularly with small study fellowship group 40% 20%

There were eleven other categories. In every single one, those who read Ellen White regularly ranked considerably higher than did the non-readers. So another reason why I find Ellen White’s writings valuable in my own life—as was borne out by the survey results—is that my walk with the Lord and my experience as one of His followers will be the richer for having spent time with God’s counsels as given through Ellen White. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I need that!LSS 4.10