July 2, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 27 – A Holy Place – A Holy Commission

The altar, the courtyard, and the lampstand – God’s order for His presence

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Bible Text – Exodus 27 (KJV)

1 And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.

2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.

4 And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof.

5 And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar.

6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass.

7 And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it.

8 Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.

9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

10 And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.

11 And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

12 And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.

13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.

14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

15 And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

16 And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.

17 All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass.

18 The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.

19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.

20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

21 In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the Lord: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

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Introduction

In Exodus 27 God gives detailed instructions for building the altar, the courtyard, and for preparing the holy oil that keeps the lamp in the sanctuary burning. At first glance these chapters are full of dimensions, materials, and construction details—but they tell a deeper spiritual story: God desires to dwell among His people, and He prepares a place marked by holiness, order, and light.

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Commentary

1. The Burnt-Offering Altar (verses 1–8)

   • The altar stands at the center of the courtyard—made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, with “horns” at each corner. It symbolizes the means of atonement between God and humanity.

   • The sacrifices offered there point prophetically to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

   • The carrying poles show that God’s presence goes with His people, even on the journey.

2. The Courtyard (verses 9–19)

   • A fenced enclosure of linen curtains and pillars defines the holy space. It is the place where people approach God.

   • Every detail—clean white linen, precise measurements, beautiful colors—speaks of purity, structure, and beauty.

   • The entrance curtain of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen points to Christ, who is our access to the Father.

3. The Holy Oil and the Light (verses 20–21)

   • Only the purest pressed olive oil may be used so that lamps burn continually, morning and evening.

   • Light represents God’s presence and truth.

   • Aaron and his sons—the priests—are tasked with maintaining this light. It is an ongoing, faithful service.

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Summary

Exodus 27 may seem technical, but its words carry profound spiritual depth: God prepares an environment of holiness, purity, and order. The altar signifies reconciliation, the courtyard signifies our coming near to Him, and the lampstand signifies His enduring presence. Nothing is left to chance; God cares deeply how He is worshiped and reveals to us how to meet Him.

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Message for Us Today

• Even though we no longer build a physical courtyard or altar, God calls us to the same spiritual posture.

• Jesus is our sacrifice, our altar, and our light.

• God seeks a pure heart that daily has fresh “oil”—spiritual nourishment and connection with Him.

• Like the priests of old, we are called to keep the flame of faith alive in a world often shrouded in darkness.

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Reflection Questions

• Is your “altar” still active? Do you have daily times when you draw near to God?

• Does your light still burn brightly, or has it grown dim from fatigue, distraction, or sin?

• What “materials” shape your life? Is your foundation built on God’s Word or on things that will pass away?

Perhaps today is the day to begin rebuilding your “sanctuary”—in your heart.

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June 28 – July 05, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 14

Destruction of Sodom

Read online here

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Introduction

Sodom was beautiful, wealthy, and cultured—yet it was lost in guilt, sin, and ultimately in God’s judgment.
The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom is more than a historical event.
It is a warning, an invitation, and a mirror for our own time.
Amid prosperity, pleasure, and religious indifference, we still hear God’s voice today:

“Flee for your life! Don’t look back.” (Genesis 19:17)

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Commentary

1. The Allure of Sodom – Outward Wealth, Inward Decay

Sodom was “like the garden of the Lord” (Genesis 13:10)—fertile, beautiful, and convenient. But:

• Abundance led to pride.

• Idleness corrupted character.

• Wealth fueled selfishness and moral decay.

Sodom was prosperous—but spiritually dead.

2. God’s Warning – Grace Before Judgment

God sent angels to rescue Lot.
Lot was righteous, but hesitant.
His family was attached to comfort and possessions.

God’s grace is real—but it has a window of opportunity.

3. Lot’s Wife – A Heart in Sodom

She was on the path of rescue, but her heart looked back.
One last glance cost her life.

It’s not about where your feet are—but where your heart is.

4. The Consequences of Wrong Choices

Lot’s descendants (the Moabites and Ammonites) became enemies of God.
One wrong step led generations into ruin.

Personal decisions can have consequences that span generations.

5. The Contrast: Abraham and Lot

Abraham lived by faith as a stranger and pilgrim.
Lot sought comfort—and nearly lost everything.

Faith chooses what is eternal, even when it is hard today.

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Summary

The downfall of Sodom is:

• a testimony to God’s patience—but also His justice,

• a mirror of today’s moral condition,

• a call to repentance,

• a reminder: wealth without God is dangerous,

• a warning: do not delay when God calls!

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Message for Us Today

We live in a world like Sodom—marked by prosperity, selfishness, and moral relativism.
God’s grace still calls today—not to condemn, but to save.
Don’t delay when God calls—the time of grace is limited.
Your choices affect your family, your descendants, and your eternity.
Seek the better homeland—the city whose builder and maker is God.

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Reflection Question

Where is my “Sodom”? Where do I choose comfort over obedience?
Do I hesitate like Lot—even though I know God’s voice?
Is my heart more attached to possessions, career, and security—or to God’s will?
Do I live like Abraham—a guest in this world, waiting for the heavenly?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/02-07-2025-exodus-chapter-27-believe-his-prophets/

02.07.2025 | Two Voices – One Heart | HEART ANCHOR
Who do you give control over your thoughts?
Romans 8:6–7

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Bible Text

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed it cannot.”
Romans 8:6–7

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Introduction

Do you know that feeling of being torn apart inside? On the one hand you want to do what’s right, yet on the other hand thoughts, feelings, or habits pull you in the opposite direction. Romans 8:6–7 describes exactly that inner struggle—and points us to a path of true peace.

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Devotional

Paul speaks here of two paths, two mindsets, two ways of life. “Setting the mind on the flesh” describes a life led by human desires, selfishness, and one’s own idea of right and wrong. It sounds harsh: “death,” “hostile to God.” But Paul doesn’t want to condemn us—he wants to awaken us!

The second path is “setting the mind on the Spirit.” This means being filled with God’s Spirit—love, peace, patience, and truth. It’s not merely a religious feeling or a nice idea. It’s a lifestyle born from a genuine relationship with Jesus.

Ellen White writes:

“Thoughts must be disciplined, brought into order, and controlled by God. This is a work that requires prayer, perseverance, and daily self-denial.”
(Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 128)

This battle starts in our heads. Our thought life shapes our decisions—and thus our lives. So the question isn’t, “Am I good enough for God?” but, “To whom do I give the daily control of my thoughts?”

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Story – The Battle in Jason’s Mind

Jason was seventeen, athletic, smart—and yet he felt empty. From the outside everything seemed fine: good grades, lots of friends, popular on social media. But the moment he was alone in his room, these thoughts crept in: “You’re not good enough.” “What if you fail?” “Nobody really understands you.”

He had started focusing ever more on himself. His life revolved around looking good. Likes. Comments. Approval. He trained until he collapsed. Studied until he could hardly sleep. Everything had to be perfect—because he thought that would finally bring him peace.

One night he lay awake at 2:43 AM. His phone’s screen glowed, but he had no energy left to scroll through TikTok. Something in him was tired—not his body, but his inner being.
“Why am I so broken even though I’m doing everything right?” he whispered into the dark room.

The next day his classmate Anna asked if he wanted to join youth group. Jason hesitated. Church felt like a relic of childhood. But there was something about her genuine smile that made him curious.
“Okay. I’ll come.”

That evening the youth leader spoke about Romans 8—not rules, not guilt, but the inner battle between “the flesh”—the life we want to control ourselves—and “the Spirit”—the life we let God lead. Jason sat frozen. That was his life: the constant effort to be strong enough on his own—and the quiet, clear realization: I can’t do this alone.

After the talk he asked Anna,
“Can you… really feel that peace? That inner peace?”
She nodded: “Yes. Not always instantly. But if you really give Jesus room, your thinking will change—little by little.”

That night Jason went home, knelt down—for the first time in years—and prayed. Not a big, beautiful prayer. Just,
“Jesus, if you’re real—take over. I’m done trying to handle everything myself.”

From then on everything wasn’t perfect. But something was different. Jason began reading the Bible—not out of obligation, but because he wanted to hear what God thinks of him. He began watching his thoughts—and noticing when he got in his own way again.

Once he read a quote from Ellen White that helped him especially:

“As we fix our thoughts on Christ, the heart is cleansed, the will strengthened, and life begins to resemble His.”
(Steps to Christ, ch. 8)

Since then that’s been his goal: not to be perfect, but to be authentic in Jesus. Today, a year later, Jason himself accompanies young people who feel lost inside. And every time he reads Romans 8, he knows: The battle is real—but peace is stronger.

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Reflection – What does it mean for you?

Perhaps you’ve noticed lately that your thoughts are often negative, critical, or anxious. You feel driven, stressed, or empty. Romans 8 invites you to ask anew: What drives me? Jesus wants to give you new thoughts through His Spirit—thoughts of hope, courage, and love.

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Action Steps for Today

• Thought Check: What’s going through your mind today? Which “wolf” are you feeding?

• Read the Bible: Read one chapter of Romans each day and ask God to speak to you.

• Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind—intentionally each morning.

• Talk: Share your inner struggles with a friend. You are not alone.

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Prayer

Father in heaven,
You see how often I struggle inside. Sometimes I let my feelings, impatience, or selfishness lead me. Please forgive me.
Give me Your Spirit to transform my thinking.
Help me make the right choices—those that lead to life and peace.
Fill my heart with Your love and give me strength to put You first every day.
Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/02-07-25-two-voices-one-heart-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/