We pray for those who can’t find the words. May God's grace reach you even in silence and carry your heart. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qa5ZTFDHQSo
The Plagues – Hit the Mark Sabbath School
Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 4 – The Plagues. It’s the fastest hour of the week!
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/the-plagues-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/
Aunty, are we still the remnant church when our prophet has been dead for over a century?
21 July 2025 | Our church has proclaimed itself the remnant church because we have a prophet. Do we qualify as having a prophet when the prophet has been dead for well over a century? Signed, Still the Remnant? Dear Remnant, While Ellen White was alive, she was a dynamic leader. She corrected the church […] Source: https://atoday.org/aunty-are-we-still-the-remnant-church-when-our-prophet-has-been-dead-for-over-a-century/
Wednesday: Flies, Livestock, and Boils
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 23rd of July 2025
Read Exodus 8:20-32; Exodus 9:1-12. What does this account teach about however great may be the manifestations of God’s power and glory, humanity still has freedom to reject Him?
The Egyptian god Uatchit was the fly god and of swamps and marshes. The god Khepri (of the rising sun, creation, and rebirth) was depicted with the head of a scarab beetle. These “gods” were defeated by the Lord. In this account (Exodus 8:20-24), while the Egyptians were suffering, the Hebrews were protected. In fact, no further plagues affected them.
Again, all this was an attempt by God to let Pharaoh know that “ ‘I am the Lord in the midst of the land’ ” (Exodus 8:22, NKJV).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
Thus, Pharaoh began to bargain. No doubt the pressure was mounting. He was willing for Israel to worship their God and to sacrifice to Him, but only in the land of Egypt (Exodus 8:25). His conditions could not be met because some of the animals were considered sacred in Egypt, and sacrificing them would have caused violence against the Hebrews. Also, this was not God’s plan for Israel.
Meanwhile, the next plague (Exodus 9:1-7) falls on the livestock. Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love and protection, was depicted with the head of a cow. A bull god Apis was also very popular and highly regarded in ancient Egypt. Thus, in this fifth plague, additional principal deities were defeated when the Egyptians’ livestock died.
In the sixth plague (Exodus 9:8-12), the total defeat of Isis, the goddess of medicine, magic, and wisdom, is made manifest. We also see the defeat of such deities as Sekhmet (goddess of war and epidemics) and Imhotep (god of medicine and healing). They are unable to protect their own worshipers. Ironically, now even the magicians and sorcerers are so afflicted that they cannot appear in court, which shows that they are helpless against the Creator of heaven and earth.
For the first time in the story about the ten plagues, a text says that “the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (Exodus 9:12, NIV). However confusing this phrase might be, when understood in the full context, it reveals again that the Lord will let us reap the consequences of our own continual rejection of Him.
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Pharaoh’s problem wasn’t intellectual; he had enough rational evidence to make the right choice. Instead, it was a problem of his heart. What should this tell us about why we must guard our hearts? |
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-04-flies-livestock-and-boils/
God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #1061
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22, NIV).
Tag someone in need of prayer, and kindly share your prayer requests here:
https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM4ZDrivb5k
Mujeres evangelistas animan a la comunidad con ministerios de ayuda
Un grupo de mujeres adventistas de la Iglesia Adventista del Sur de Nairobi, conocido como Sisterhood, está redefiniendo lo que significa crear y construir una comunidad entre mujeres. Sus métodos son aparentemente sencillos. Dos veces al año, un miembro del grupo se ofrece como voluntaria a alguna de sus hermanas adventistas, que acoge al grupo […] Source: https://atoday.org/mujeres-evangelistas-animan-a-la-comunidad-con-ministerios-de-ayuda/
La iglesia de Santa Lucía se recupera de un devastador incendio
El martes 17 de junio de 2025 se incendió la iglesia adventista del séptimo día de la Misión de Santa Lucía. Según un relato: Las unidades del Servicio de Bomberos de Santa Lucía y del Servicio de Policía de Santa Lucía respondieron rápidamente y trabajaron sin descanso para contener el fuego, que se propagó rápidamente […] Source: https://atoday.org/la-iglesia-de-santa-lucia-se-recupera-de-un-devastador-incendio/
Nearly 700 Baptized in Zimbabwe—Even in the Dead of Winter | AWR360°
In the heart of winter, nearly 700 souls were baptized in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This is not just revival—it is full reformation. God is moving powerfully. Join the mission at https://awr.org/missiontrips #AWR360 #BroadcastToBaptism Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2zMXHohwQCE
Lesson 4.The Plagues | 4.3 The First Three Plagues | EXODUS | LIVING FAITH
Lesson 4: The Plagues
4.3 The First Three Plagues
God Exposes the Gods of Egypt – Three Plagues, Three Revelations
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Introduction
The ten plagues in Egypt were not mere catastrophes or divine punishments – they were deliberate revelations of God.
They were not only directed at Pharaoh but also at Egypt’s religious system, which was built on many gods. Each plague confronted one of these gods, revealed their powerlessness, and at the same time unveiled the true God, the Lord of heaven and earth.
But this was not only about Egypt. The people of Israel also learned who God truly is through this confrontation. In the midst of it, God revealed Himself as a patient teacher, but also as a righteous judge.
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Bible Study – The First Three Plagues (Exodus 7:14–8:19)
Introduction to the Biblical Context
The confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh was not a regular political negotiation – it was a spiritual conflict of cosmic dimension.
At its core stood the question: Who is the true God?
God had already told Moses that Pharaoh’s heart would be hard and that he would resist God’s will (Ex. 7:14). Yet God did not give up – instead, He began to demonstrate His power through signs, so that both Egypt and Israel would know who the Lord is (Ex. 7:5).
The plagues were not random natural disasters, but targeted challenges to Egypt’s religion, culture, and worldview.
First Plague: The Nile Turns to Blood (Exodus 7:14–25)
Historical and Religious Background
The Nile was the lifeline of Egyptian civilization. All life in Egypt depended on the Nile: agriculture, drinking water, transport, and economy. Naturally, the Egyptians deified it – personified in the god Hapi, whom they thanked for the annual flooding that brought fertility.
Divine Action
God told Moses:
“Take your staff and strike the water of the Nile, and it will turn into blood” (Ex. 7:17).
The water became undrinkable, all fish died, and the river stank, defiling the land.
Symbolic Meaning
The source of life became a symbol of death – a direct attack on the religious heart of Egypt.
God was declaring:
“Only I am the Creator of life. No idol, no river, no human belief can provide or sustain it.”
Response
Egypt’s magicians could imitate the miracle – but not reverse it.
This shows: Demonic power can imitate, but not redeem.
Pharaoh remained unmoved.
Second Plague: Frogs Cover the Land (Exodus 7:26–8:11)
Symbolism of Frogs
Frogs were considered sacred animals in Egypt, especially connected to the goddess Heket, the deity of birth, fertility, and renewal – often depicted with a frog’s head.
Divine Action
By God’s command, frogs came “from the Nile” and overran every part of Egyptian life: homes, beds, kitchens, even ovens.
What was once revered became disgusting.
A Divine Satire
It’s as if God says:
“You worship frogs? Fine – have them in abundance!”
What was sacred becomes a plague.
God exposes the absurdity of idolatry: Those who trust in false gods won’t be blessed – they’ll be burdened by them.
Pharaoh’s Reaction
Pharaoh begged Moses and Aaron to pray to God to remove the frogs – recognizing only God had power.
Moses let Pharaoh choose the timing – another display of God’s control.
But once the frogs died, Pharaoh hardened his heart again.
Third Plague: Gnats from the Dust (Exodus 8:12–15)
The Setup
Without any warning, the third plague came. God commanded Moses to have Aaron strike the dust of the earth – and from it came gnats (or lice or mosquitoes – the Hebrew word kinnim is unclear).
Religious Connection
This plague targeted Geb, the god of the earth. Dust, considered life-giving in Egyptian belief, now brought suffering.
An Echo of Creation
In Genesis 2:7, God formed man from the dust and breathed life into him.
Here, the opposite happens:
Dust becomes a plague.
Life becomes torment.
God showed He alone has power over creation – not Geb, not magic, not the earth.
Magicians’ Reaction
For the first time, Egypt’s magicians gave up.
They admitted:
“This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:15).
This confession was pivotal: they acknowledged a power beyond them – the living God.
Yet Pharaoh remained hardened.
Summary of the Three Plagues
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First Plague – Against Hapi, god of the Nile: Life-giving water turns to blood – symbol of death.
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Second Plague – Against Heket, goddess of fertility: Frogs, once sacred, become repulsive.
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Third Plague – Against Geb, god of the earth: Dust brings affliction, not life.
In each case, a central pillar of Egyptian religion was challenged, exposed, and overthrown – not through force, but through the sovereignty of the Creator God.
Theological Conclusion
The first three plagues make it abundantly clear:
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God is not one god among many – He is the only One who acts, speaks, judges, and saves.
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Idolatry is not neutral – it leads to chaos, suffering, and spiritual blindness.
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God’s judgment is always an invitation to repentance – each plague came with a chance to respond:
“Let My people go, so that they may serve Me.”
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Answers to the Questions
Question 1: What happened during these plagues? (Exodus 7:14–8:19)
The first three plagues clearly show how God dismantled the false gods of Egypt:
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Plague 1 – Water to Blood:
Against Hapi, god of the Nile. The river becomes death, not life. Only God can give life. -
Plague 2 – Frogs:
Against Heket, goddess of fertility. Frogs, once honored, become disgusting. God alone governs creation and fertility. -
Plague 3 – Gnats:
Against Geb, god of the earth. Dust brings torment, not blessing. The magicians admit:“This is the finger of God.”
Question 2: What lessons can we learn from repeatedly rejecting God’s promptings?
Pharaoh’s heart grew harder with each act of resistance. It began with one conscious “No”, and developed into spiritual deafness.
The Bible shows a spiritual principle:
Those who reject light lose the ability to perceive it.
God’s patience is great – but those who ignore it walk toward self-hardening.
This lesson still applies today.
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Spiritual Principles
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God’s judgment is revealed light – each plague was also a call to awareness.
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Idolatry degrades people – what we worship ends up ruling over us.
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Resistance to God has consequences – the heart doesn’t harden by chance.
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God gives many opportunities to turn back – but He doesn’t force.
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True power is not shown in magic or politics, but in truth and the Creator’s authority.
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Application for Daily Life
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Are there modern idols in my life? Success, safety, health – things I rely on more than God?
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How do I react to God’s correction? With resistance – or with humility?
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Am I willing to let go of false security to give God full space?
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Do I take God’s voice seriously the first time – or wait until it hurts?
God’s goal is not to frighten us – but to save us.
The sooner we respond, the softer our hearts remain.
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Conclusion
The first three plagues make it clear:
God is not a distant observer – He acts, speaks, judges, and saves.
He enters history – not to destroy, but to reveal truth and invite repentance.
Pharaoh was not hard by accident.
He chose rejection – again and again.
That same warning applies to us:
Whoever constantly says no to God may eventually lose the ability to say yes.
Yet repentance is simple:
A humble “yes” to God can change everything.
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Thought of the Day
“It is not God’s power that hardens our hearts – but our resistance to His truth.”
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Illustration – The River of Control
Chapter 1: The CEO
Marc Bender was a successful CEO of a global water utility company.
He didn’t believe in God – only in numbers, strategy, and influence.
To him, water was not a symbol of life, but a resource, a means of power.
In recent years, he had pressured many communities – raised prices, bought out small providers, redirected rivers.
Then, one Wednesday in October, something unusual happened:
An entire region’s water turned red.
Chapter 2: The Report
Lab tests showed: no poison, no chemicals, no technical failure.
The water looked like blood. No fish survived.
Panic spread.
Marc was furious – he blamed sabotage, conspiracy.
Everyone but himself.
A Christian employee whispered:
“Maybe it’s a sign…”
Marc laughed in his face.
Chapter 3: The Frogs
Days later, frogs appeared in the company’s high-tech facilities.
Hundreds. Thousands.
They clogged pipes, server rooms, and production lines.
Nothing could stop them.
Plants shut down. Partners pulled out.
Marc raged:
“How is this possible? Who’s behind this?!”
But at night, he began to dream:
A man at a river, saying:
“Let My people go.”
Marc woke up sweating.
Chapter 4: The Gnats
Soon after, swarms of gnats appeared on company grounds. No one knew from where.
They bit workers, jammed machines, invaded IT servers.
The technicians gave up.
The board panicked.
An analyst told Marc:
“This isn’t explainable anymore. I think… it’s like the Old Testament. The finger of God.”
Marc exploded:
“Fairy tales? I control the water – not some invisible being!”
Chapter 5: The Voice
After collapsing, Marc was taken to a clinic.
In the quiet, he heard the voice again:
“What you control – you did not create.”
“What you manage – is not yours.”
He began to read – first in secret – then openly: Exodus. The plagues. Pharaoh.
He saw himself.
Pride. Control. Refusal.
Chapter 6: The Turnaround
One night, Marc entered a tech room alone.
He placed his hand on a pipe and prayed:
“God… I surrender. You are greater than me. I want to listen. I want to obey.”
The next morning – no red water. No frogs. No gnats.
The systems worked.
He knew: Not because he solved it – but because God had waited.
Chapter 7: The New River
A year later, Marc founded a nonprofit for clean water access.
He stepped down publicly, gave leadership to a young engineer, and joined a small home Bible group.
At the opening of a village well, he said:
“I’ve learned: Whoever tries to control life will lose it. But whoever gives it to God – will be truly free.”
Moral of the Story
Like Pharaoh, God’s signs are clear – but our response decides whether they lead to repentance or judgment.
Marc wasn’t a tyrant – just a man who thought he could control the source of life.
Only when he let go did he discover what true life is.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-plagues-4-3-the-first-three-plagues-exodus-living-faith/
22.07.2025 – Leviticus Chapter 7 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
July 22, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 7 – Sacred Order and Voluntary Obedience
The Sacrificial Laws and Their Spiritual Significance
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Bible Text – Leviticus 7 (KJV)
1 Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy.
2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar.
3 And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,
4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:
5 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a trespass offering.
6 Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy.
7 As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it.
8 And the priest that offereth any man’s burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering which he hath offered.
9 And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest’s that offereth it.
10 And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one as much as another.
11 And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord.
12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
13 Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.
14 And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the Lord, and it shall be the priest’s that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.
15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.
16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
17 But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.
18 And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.
19 And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.
20 But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
21 Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the Lord, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
22 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
25 For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.
26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.
27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
28 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the Lord shall bring his oblation unto the Lord of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
30 His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the Lord.
31 And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.
32 And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.
33 He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part.
34 For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.
35 This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the Lord made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the Lord in the priest’s office;
36 Which the Lord commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations.
37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;
38 Which the Lord commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai.
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Introduction
Leviticus chapter 7 concludes the detailed instructions regarding sacrifices. It is not just about outward rituals but about deep spiritual principles: holiness, gratitude, responsibility, and divine order.In a world where sacrifice is often rejected and worship made individualistic, this passage reminds us that God defines how we may approach Him. Each offering reveals something about His nature.
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Introduction
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The Guilt Offering (verses 1–10)
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A most holy thing. Like the sin offering, it reveals the seriousness of guilt. Blood is sprinkled, fat is burned – symbols of purification and atonement.
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Priestly rights: Only male priests may eat it – an expression of sacredness. The priest who performs the burnt offering receives its skin.
→ Spiritual principle: God distinguishes between clean and unclean, guilty and justified.
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The Thank and Fellowship Offering (verses 11–21)
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Unleavened and leavened bread accompany thank offerings – not for sin, but for gratitude, a voluntary act.
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Timely consumption shows that God values fresh and sincere devotion.
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Purity is required: Eating while unclean brings exclusion.
→ Spiritual principle: Gratitude is sacred and requires purity of heart.
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The Prohibition of Fat and Blood (verses 22–27)
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Fat is dedicated to the Lord.
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Blood is the life-force.
→ Spiritual principle: Life belongs to God and cannot be handled carelessly.
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Portions for the Priests (verses 28–36)
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The breast and right shoulder are designated for the priests as wave and heave offerings.
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God sustains His servants through the offerings of the people.
→ Spiritual principle: Worship is not a solo act – it’s a holy cycle of giving and receiving.
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Conclusion of the Sacrificial Laws (verses 37–38)
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Recap of all offerings:
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Burnt Offering – Dedication
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Grain Offering – Service
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Sin Offering – Cleansing
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Guilt Offering – Restoration
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Ordination Offering – Calling
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Thank Offering – Joy & Communion
→ Spiritual principle: All was revealed at Sinai – not human invention but divine design.
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Summary
Leviticus 7 shows the depth and variety of biblical sacrifices. Behind every regulation is a spiritual message:
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Guilt requires atonement
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Gratitude demands purity
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Holiness must not be defiled
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Divine order brings provision
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Sacrifice is not performance – it’s relationship with the Holy God
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Message for Us Today
Even without animal offerings, God still calls for:
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A pure heart
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Genuine gratitude
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Reverence for His Word
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Sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15–16)
We are now His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), bearing spiritual responsibility.
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Reflection Questions
What do I offer to God today – freely and wholeheartedly?
Is my praise fresh? Is my gratitude sincere?
Where might I need to be purified again to serve with a clean heart?
“God doesn’t want old offerings – He wants a surrendered heart.”
~~~~~ ~~~~~
July 20 – 26, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 18
The Night of Wrestling
Read online here
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Introduction
The story of Jacob is a story of hope for everyone who has ever wrestled with guilt, fear, or doubt. Jacob, who once gained the birthright through deceit, returns after years of exile—marked, repentant, but changed. Before him lies a confrontation with his brother Esau—a man who would have every reason to seek revenge.
On the night at the river Jabbok, the decisive turning point comes. There, Jacob wrestles—not just with an angel, but with his past, his guilt, and his God.
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Commentary
1. Jacob’s Return: Between Promise and Fear
Jacob follows God’s call back to the Promised Land, but fear of Esau paralyzes him. Despite divine promises, he wrestles inwardly with the guilt of his past.
“Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” – Genesis 32:7
He does everything humanly possible: sends messengers, prepares gifts, divides his flock. But he knows: it’s not enough. He needs God’s intervention.
2. The Night at Jabbok – Wrestling with God
In solitude, Jacob does not flee—he prays. He longs to meet God. Then a mysterious opponent appears—an all-night struggle begins.
No words, just physical wrestling.
But soon it becomes clear: this is more than a man—it is a heavenly being—the Angel of the Covenant, Christ Himself (cf. Malachi 3:1).
Jacob holds on—despite the wound to his hip—and clings to the angel, not asking for power, but for blessing.
“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Genesis 32:26
What began as a physical struggle becomes a spiritual victory: Jacob confesses his guilt, pleads for grace, and receives a new name—Israel.
3. The Morning After – From Fear to Reconciliation
Jacob meets Esau—not as a deceiver, but as one marked by God. He limps, but his face shines. And Esau? Instead of anger, he shows grace.
“But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” – Genesis 33:4
God’s grace touched two hearts: Jacob’s—and Esau’s.
4. A Prophetic Image – Jacob’s Time of Trouble
Ellen White interprets Jacob’s night of wrestling as a foreshadowing of the end time:
God’s people will go through a time of trouble (cf. Jeremiah 30:5–7).
Satan will accuse them, pressing them down with guilt.
But like Jacob, they will cling to God’s promises—despite fear, despite weakness—and God’s grace will carry them.
“Those who, like Jacob, hold fast to God’s promises, will find them fulfilled.” – Patriarchs and Prophets
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Summary
Jacob wrestles with God—and is blessed.
From deceiver to overcomer: Israel—“he who struggles with God and prevails.”
God’s grace overcomes guilt—not to separate, but to reconcile.
Jacob’s story is also our story: fear, struggle, forgiveness, and new identity in Christ.
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Message for Us Today
Is there something that separates you from God? Jacob shows: genuine repentance is heard.
In the troubles of your life: don’t rely on people, but on God’s promises.
The faith that wrestles through will not be disappointed.
God blesses not the strongest—but those who hold on to Him.
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Reflection Question
What are you wrestling with today? Fear, guilt, doubt?
Are you willing not to let go of God—even if you are wounded?
What promise holds you when everything else falls apart?
“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Let these words be your prayer today.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
July 20 – 26, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 19
The Return to Canaan
Read online here
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Introduction
Jacob’s return to Canaan is marked by fulfilled promises, inner renewal—but also by the tragic failures of his sons. The matured patriarch experiences both God’s grace and the consequences of past mistakes within his family. In this chapter of his life, we learn how closely divine blessing is tied to personal responsibility.
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Commentary
1. Gratitude and Worship in Shechem
Jacob arrives “safely” in Shechem—a testimony that God has kept His promise. He buys land, builds an altar, and publicly confesses: “God is the God of Israel.” His faith is seen in daily life through worship, sacrifice, and gratitude.
2. Dinah’s Tragedy and the Massacre at Shechem (Genesis 34)
The incident with Dinah reveals how dangerous it is to open oneself to the influence of a godless culture. The brutal revenge carried out by Simeon and Levi brings shame upon the family. Jacob perceives the moral decline of his sons and is deeply shaken. This episode marks a dramatic setback on their spiritual journey.
3. Purification and Return to Bethel
God calls Jacob back to the place of promise. But before reaching Bethel, Jacob leads a spiritual reformation in the camp. Idols and foreign jewelry are buried—a symbol of renewed consecration. In Bethel, God appears to him again and renews the covenant.
4. Tragedies Along the Way: The Deaths of Deborah and Rachel
The final stages are marked by loss. Rachel dies during Benjamin’s birth—a profound sorrow for Jacob. Her love had shaped his life. The death of Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, stirs up old memories. At the same time, God calls Jacob again to faithfulness.
5. Return to Hebron – Reconciliation with Esau
Jacob meets Isaac again and cares for him in his final years. A peaceful reunion also occurs with Esau. However, the brothers live separately, as their life paths have grown too different.
6. The Legacy of Parenting: Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37)
The effects of jealousy, favoritism, and a polygamous family structure are now painfully visible. Joseph is the child of hope—sensitive, God-fearing—but also the target of his brothers’ hatred. His sale into Egypt becomes the next phase of God’s redemptive plan.
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Summary
Jacob returns under God’s protection to the Promised Land. He experiences God’s faithfulness but also faces family conflicts, sin, and painful losses. His sons reveal deep character flaws—especially in their betrayal of Joseph. Yet amid the chaos, God’s plan begins to unfold through Joseph, whom He will save and elevate.
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Message for Us Today
God’s promises are fulfilled—even when our path leads through guilt and suffering.
Families need spiritual leadership and purity—compromise comes at a high cost.
Repentance, cleansing, and returning to God bring a new beginning.
Our choices affect generations—for blessing or pain.
What people intend for evil, God can still turn to good.
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Reflection Question
Are there “foreign gods” in your life—things that crowd out your devotion to God?
Where is God calling you back to a “Bethel moment” of renewal?
Is your home a place where God is worshipped—daily, visibly, together?
Are you letting God shape you—even through your past mistakes?
“God never turns away anyone who returns to Him in sincere repentance.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-7-believe-his-prophets/
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