July 29, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 14 – Cleansing: God’s Path to Restored Fellowship
God’s grace in dealing with impurity, illness, and exclusion

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Bible Text – Leviticus 14 (KJV)

¹ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

² This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:

³ And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

⁴ Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

⁵ And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:

⁶ As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

⁷ And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

⁸ And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

⁹ But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

¹⁰ And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.

¹¹ And the priest that maketh him clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

¹² And the priest shall take one he lamb, and offer him for a trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord:

¹³ And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy:

¹⁴ And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

¹⁵ And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand:

¹⁶ And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord:

¹⁷ And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:

¹⁸ And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord.

¹⁹ And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:

²⁰ And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

²¹ And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;

²² And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

²³ And he shall bring them on the eighth day for his cleansing unto the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord.

²⁴ And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord:

²⁵ And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

²⁶ And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand:

²⁷ And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord:

²⁸ And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering:

²⁹ And the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the Lord.

³⁰ And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

³¹ Even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the Lord.

³² This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.

³³ And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

³⁴ When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

³⁵ And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, It seemeth to me there is as it were a plague in the house:

³⁶ Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:

³⁷ And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;

³⁸ Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:

³⁹ And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;

⁴⁰ Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:

⁴¹ And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:

⁴² And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house.

⁴³ And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plaistered;

⁴⁴ Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house; it is unclean.

⁴⁵ And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the morter of the house; and he shall carry them forth out of the city into an unclean place.

⁴⁶ Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even.

⁴⁷ And he that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes.

⁴⁸ And if the priest shall come in, and look upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plaistered: then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.

⁴⁹ And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

⁵⁰ And he shall kill the one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:

⁵¹ And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:

⁵² And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet:

⁵³ But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean.

⁵⁴ This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

⁵⁵ And for the leprosy of a garment, and of a house,

⁵⁶ And for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot:

⁵⁷ To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean: this is the law of leprosy.

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Introduction

At first glance, Leviticus 14 may seem like a long list of ritualistic instructions—bloody, complex, and far removed from our modern lives. But when we take a closer look, we discover a deep treasure: a divine pathway to healing what is unclean, restoring the excluded, and rebuilding broken community. In the cleansing of a person with leprosy—and even a “diseased” house—we see God’s desire for wholeness: for individuals, for relationships, and for entire living spaces.

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Commentary

1. Cleansing the Leper (Verses 1–32)

In the Old Testament, purity was not merely a medical condition—it had profound religious and social implications. A person with leprosy was not just ill, but isolated, forced to live outside the camp—cut off from both God and community.

The rituals described—two birds, water, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop—are rich in symbolism:

• One bird is killed, the other set free: a powerful image of death and new life

• Cedarwood represents strength and durability

• Scarlet yarn and hyssop symbolize purification and redemption

The priest plays a crucial role—not only performing the ritual, but declaring the person clean, a formal act of reconciliation and restoration.

Remarkably, even the poor could be cleansed—God provided alternative offerings. His law was both just and accessible.

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2. Cleansing of Houses (Verses 33–57)

Even houses could become “infected”—a biblical image for sin, corruption, or spiritual disease infiltrating our living spaces.

The process is similar:

• The priest diagnoses

• A period of observation follows

• Either purification—or total demolition—is carried out if no healing occurs

• A final cleansing ritual follows, involving blood, water, and the living bird

This is about more than hygiene: God’s presence is meant to fill every space of life.

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Summary

Leviticus 14 teaches us:

• God sees disease and impurity—but also the path to healing.

• Cleansing is possible—for body, soul, home, and community.

• The priest mediates restoration and grace.

• No one is too poor to be made clean before God.

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Message for Us Today

We may no longer live under ritual law, but the need for cleansing, reconciliation, and healing is just as real today:

• Sin still separates—from God, from others, and from ourselves

• God still offers healing—through the blood of Jesus, which speaks better than the blood of animals

• Community with God begins with cleansing—and ends with welcome

• Even our “house” (our life, our environment) needs renewal by God

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Reflection Questions

Where is there “leprosy” in your life—things you try to hide, but that truly need healing?

Are you willing to let the “Priest”—Jesus Christ—examine and cleanse you?

What does it mean to you that God wants to renew even your “house”—your personal space and environment?

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July 27 – August 2, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 20
Joseph in Egypt
Read online here

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Introduction

Joseph’s life story is one of the most moving accounts in the Old Testament. It shows how God uses suffering, injustice, and severe trials to shape a young man into an instrument of His blessing — not just for one people, but for entire nations. What Joseph experiences reflects divine education, divine faithfulness — and human choice.

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Commentary

1. Brokenness: Loneliness and Loss (The Beginning of the Journey)

Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, sold, and on his way to a foreign land. His childhood, marked by his father’s favoritism, ends abruptly. He experiences deep emotional wounds and total abandonment. But out of this crisis, something new begins to grow. In his loneliness, Joseph decides to trust God — even when he loses everything else.

2. The Conscious Decision for Faithfulness (Turning Point)

Joseph remembers the teachings about the God of his fathers — and makes a conscious decision: he will remain faithful to God, no matter the cost. This decision becomes the defining turning point in his life. He is no longer a victim of his circumstances but a servant of God — even in slavery.

3. Steadfastness in Temptation (Potiphar’s House)

Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife. The decision lies between secret sin or risky faithfulness. Joseph chooses the harder path and asks:
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
He does not choose out of fear of people but out of reverence for God.

4. Faithfulness in the Dark (The Prison Years)

Joseph is unjustly condemned. Despite deep injustice, he holds firm to his faith. He does not become bitter. Instead of self-pity, he serves others, helps, comforts, interprets dreams. The years in prison become a school of character.

5. The Elevation (At the Royal Court)

God opens the doors at the right time. Joseph is elevated — not by chance, but by divine plan. His wisdom, insight, and faithfulness in small things make him Egypt’s administrator. The former slave becomes Father of the Land (Genesis 41:43). God honors his faithfulness with influence and responsibility.

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Summary

Joseph’s journey takes him from his father’s tent, through slavery and prison, all the way to the Pharaoh’s court. In every phase, Joseph remains faithful to his God — not because it was easy, but because it was right. His strength of character and faith make him an instrument in God’s hands.

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Message for Us Today

God’s guidance is not always visible — but it is always faithful.

Trials reveal our character.

He who honors God in the small things will be entrusted with greater things.

Worldly success is empty without the fear of God — but through reverence for God, success gains lasting value.

Character is shaped in daily life, through small decisions, in the unseen.

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Reflection Question

Where am I right now on my “Joseph journey”? In the pit? In Potiphar’s house? In prison? Or in elevation?

What keeps me from remaining faithful to God under all circumstances?

Is my integrity dependent on external conditions — or on inner conviction?

What “small decisions” today are shaping my character for tomorrow?

LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/

29.07.2025

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Joseph – A Faith That Carries Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character

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4. The Well of Despair
When everything turns dark – and God is still there

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Introduction

The well.
No light. No grip. Just cold and emptiness.

Despair is not a quiet feeling –
it screams in the darkness.
It doesn’t ask politely.
It overwhelms.

It was the same for Joseph.
He didn’t just fall physically into the cistern,
but also inwardly into an abyss.

The voices that betrayed him were still above.
But no one came to pull him out.

No escape. No understanding. No comfort.
Only the well –
and the despair.

And yet:
God was there.
Even there.

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Devotion

Genesis 37:24:
“And they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.”

A pit.
No water – but also no way out.
A place that shows: You’ve hit rock bottom.

Joseph had dreams –
but now he was pushed into darkness.

No ray of light saying, “It will get better.”
No voice calling, “I’m with you.”
Only silence.

Maybe you know wells like that.
Times when you fell –
not because you failed,
but because life pushed you down.

A conversation that changed everything.
A loss that pulled the ground from under you.
A decision made against you, for no reason.

And you sit there –
asking yourself:
“God, are you still there?”

Psalm 88:6:
“You have put me in the lowest pit,
in the darkest depths.”

Psalm 88:14:
“Why, Lord, do you reject me
and hide your face from me?”

These words are in the Bible –
because God knows such times exist.
He doesn’t hide them.
He doesn’t condemn them.
He meets us in them.

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Story – How Elias Met God in the Depths

Elias was 19 when his world fell apart.
His mother – seriously ill.
His father? Long gone.
His only anchor – music and faith.

But one winter, he lost both:
His mother passed away –
and in his grief, he also lost the strength to believe.

Where there used to be worship,
there was now only silence.

He stopped going to church.
He stopped praying.
He shut himself off.

“I can’t go on anymore” – that was his constant thought.
“If you exist, God – why did you allow this?”

Then one evening, he listened to an old recording of his mother.
She had recorded a prayer years ago,
just casually – as a voice message.

“Elias, if you’re hearing this – and I’m no longer around –
remember: God has not forgotten you.
You can tell Him everything.
Even your pain.”

He wept.
For the first time in weeks.
Not because everything got better –
but because he realized: God had never left.

The well was there –
but God was deeper.

Today, Elias says:
“I thought my faith was gone.
But God was never gone from me.
I met Him in the depths.”

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What We Can Learn from This

• Even believers fall into dark wells

• Despair is not a sign of unbelief – but an invitation to be honest

• God is not only on the mountaintops – He’s in the depths too

• The pit is not the end – sometimes it’s the beginning of something deeper

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Reflections – What Does This Mean for You?

Have you experienced times when you felt “trapped” inside?
Were there moments when you didn’t feel God’s presence – and yet hoped He was there?
Can you bring your despair to God – just as it is?

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Practical Steps for Today

Speak your despair honestly in prayer – you don’t have to sugarcoat it
Read Psalm 88 – one of the most honest texts in the Bible
Make space for silence – God often speaks softly
Write down what holds you in the “well” – and what still gives you hope

“The well was empty – but not meaningless.”

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Prayer

Lord,
I don’t know how deep I’ve fallen –
but I know: You are deeper still.

When I see nothing,
You still see me.

When I don’t feel You,
You still hold me.

Today, I bring You my despair.
My questions. My darkness.

Give me hope –
not for a quick way out,
but for Your presence.

Show me: I am not alone.
Not even in the pit.

Amen.

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Takeaway for Today

“God is not only the God of the mountains –
He is also the God of the wells.”

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Blessing to End With

May the Lord bless you –
when you fall,
and no one catches you.

May He be near –
when you cry out,
and no one answers.

May He hold you –
when you feel like nothing holds anymore.

And may He lead you out –
not always quickly,
but always surely.

Because He is there –
even in the well.
Even in the despair.
Even with you.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-07-2025-joseph-faith-that-carries-you-through-4-the-well-of-despair-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/