Closer To Heaven
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27 August 2026 | Adventism emerged from the Millerite movement as intensely cerebral: a faith centered around doctrines, including the correct Sabbath and the imminent second coming of Christ. Publication of journals (and later bound books) was seen as an efficient way of communicating the urgent message. As printing technology advanced through the nineteenth century, […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-michael-scofield-visualizing-the-advent-message-when-words-arent-enough/
Katmandú, Nepal | 27 de agosto de 2026. — La Agencia Adventista de Desarrollo y Recursos Asistenciales (ADRA), brazo humanitario de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día, se encuentra movilizada ante la emergencia provocada por la devastadora riada que golpeó el norte de Nepal, mientras organismos nacionales e internacionales despliegan recursos para atender a las […] Source: https://atoday.org/adra-activa-ayuda-humanitaria-tras-devastadora-riada-y-deslaves-en-nepal/
Do you actually know the Holy Spirit, or have you just heard about Him? From Creation to the Latter Rain, some of these truths will catch you off guard. Tell us in the comments: have you ever studied the Latter Rain? Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HTwHbi50uUg
The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End
August 28 – Ripening for the Harvest: Christ Completes What He Has BegunMonthly Theme: Sanctification and Character Development – Being Ready When Jesus Comes
2026 Annual Theme: “Soon the King Will Come – Hope Beyond the End”
Central Bible Text for the Day“For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
— Mark 4:28–29
Devotional for the DayJesus describes the kingdom of God through the image of a field in which grain is growing. First comes the blade, then the head, and afterward the full grain in the head. Growth does not happen all at once. It involves stages, seasons, processes, and hidden developments. God works in the character of His children in the same way. Sanctification is not an outward coating that can be applied quickly, but the profound growth of Christ’s life within the heart.
This image inspires both patience and seriousness. It inspires patience because God does not work superficially, and spiritual maturity requires time. It inspires seriousness because the purpose of growth is the harvest. God does not shape character without a goal. He is preparing a people who will be ready when the Lord comes. The fruit must not merely become visible; it must ripen. Faith must not merely begin, but grow to maturity.
Many Christians long for transformation, but they become discouraged when they realize that growth takes place slowly. They still see weaknesses, struggles, setbacks, and imperfect reactions. Jesus, however, shows us that spiritual growth often begins in hidden ways. A seed appears small, but life is contained within it. A blade is not yet a full head of grain, but it is evidence that God’s work has begun. Those who remain connected to Christ may trust that God will continue His work.
Ripening for the harvest does not mean becoming independent of Christ. On the contrary, the more mature a Christian becomes, the more deeply that person recognizes their dependence upon Jesus. True maturity does not make us proud, but humble. It does not make us harsh, but loving. It does not make us self-confident in our own abilities, but steadfast in our trust in God’s grace.
Being ready when Jesus comes therefore means not hindering God’s work within our hearts. The Holy Spirit desires to bring love, purity, patience, faithfulness, humility, and faith to maturity. He desires to transform a superficial profession into a living character. He desires the fruit of Christ to become visible in our daily lives until the day of harvest arrives.
God Brings Growth to MaturitySpiritual maturity does not arise through human pressure. A farmer cannot shout at the seed and make it grow faster. He can cultivate the soil, remove weeds, and wait patiently, but life itself comes from God. In the same way, we may do what God has shown us: pray, receive His Word, live obediently, avoid temptation, seek forgiveness, and remain in Christ. Yet it is God who produces the deepest growth.
Ellen G. White wrote:
“Only those who are becoming more like Christ can stand when He appears.”
(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 413)
Christlikeness is the maturity God seeks within His people. It is not an outward appearance, religious routine, or mere knowledge, but a character that grows in the likeness of Jesus and reflects His life.
Maturity Is Revealed Through FruitA mature head of grain bears fruit. Spiritual maturity is likewise revealed in everyday life. It is not demonstrated merely by how much someone knows or how long they have believed, but by whether Christ can be recognized in their conduct. Maturity is revealed through patience when events do not unfold as planned, humility when we are corrected, faithfulness when no one is watching, love when people are difficult, and peace when circumstances remain unsettled.
God does not seek artificial piety, but genuine fruit. This fruit grows where the heart remains connected to Christ each day. Sometimes it appears small at first, but it is precious. A gentler word, a more honest decision, a more humble prayer, a more forgiving attitude, or a faithful step taken in secret—all these are signs that God’s life is working within the heart.
Ready for the Day of HarvestAt the end of the parable, Jesus speaks about the day of harvest. The harvest reminds us that the history of this world will not continue endlessly. The coming King will appear, and God will complete His work. Character development is therefore not a secondary matter; it belongs to our preparation for eternity.
This preparation, however, does not take place in fear. God does not force the fruit to appear. He invites us to remain in Christ so that His life can grow within us. When we fall, He lifts us up. When we become weary, He strengthens us. When we need correction, He gives it with faithful love. When we must wait, He nevertheless continues to work.
The coming King desires to produce within us a maturity that grows out of our connection with Him. We may therefore pray today: Lord, do not allow my life merely to appear religious, but cause it to bear genuine fruit. Bring my character to maturity through Your grace. Complete what You have begun until the day of Your harvest arrives.
PrayerDear Father in Heaven,
cause my character to grow toward maturity through Your grace.
Help me to be patient with Your work while remaining earnestly connected to Christ.
Remove from my heart whatever hinders Your growth, and allow the genuine fruit of the Spirit to become visible.
Shape me so that my life does not merely appear Christian outwardly, but truly reflects Christ.
Prepare me for the return of Jesus and complete within me what You have begun.
Amen.
Thought for the DaySpiritual maturity grows where Christ works within the heart and His fruit becomes visible in everyday life.
Personal Application
Closing Verse“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6
By Amiel Tapeceria | 27 August 2026 | NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA — Nearly a decade after walking away from a promising television singing career in the Philippines, Seventh-day Adventist singer Jeramie Sanico Heitmann found herself back under the television lights this year, this time on one of Australia’s biggest singing competitions, The Voice Australia. […] Source: https://atoday.org/faith-under-the-spotlight-jeramie-sanico-heitmann-shines-on-the-voice/
Inside Story for Friday 28th of August 2026
By Kathie Lichtenwalter
“Even though as a boy I’d read all of Eric B. Hare’s* stories, I don’t think it ever occurred to me that I could be a missionary myself,” says Myron Iseminger, a missionary serving in Lebanon.
In the late 1970s, Myron’s sister declared she was taking a year off to volunteer as an English teacher in Japan. After a year in college as a theology major, Myron proposed his own volunteer experience to the Middle East. It was a decision that would steer the rest of his life.
“I thought it would be really neat to experience the Bible lands,” Myron says. “Besides, I thought it would give me some helpful ministerial experience. But I received much more. That year, my worldview began changing. I saw another culture, another way of thinking. I went to my students’ homes and listened to their stories, saw their personal grief. I began understanding life from another person’s perspective. I realized it’s easy to judge groups of people until you meet them one-on-one and come to love them.” Myron began sensing the call to long-term service for God overseas.
At the time, cross-cultural pastors didn’t appear to be in high demand, but Myron concluded if the world church budgeted funds for mission, finance officers would be needed to manage those funds. When he returned to college, he added a second major in business. It was another critical turn that would determine the direction of his life.
The advice a church leader shared with Myron also weighed on his mind: if you want to serve in a foreign country, make sure the woman you marry shares that same vision! Myron’s wife, Candace, had never been outside the United States when they married. “But she was willing,” Myron says. Together, they waited for a job opportunity overseas.
One day, a General Conference officer told Myron there was an opening in the Middle East for a treasurer. Soon, Myron and Candace were settling into an apartment in the Egypt Field office. It was hard work but rewarding. “I enjoyed being on the frontline of mission,” Myron says. “I liked contributing where there were limited resources. I enjoyed seeing the difference I could make, even though it was challenging.”
Myron would later serve in a variety of church offices.
It all seemed impossible to a little boy captivated by Eric B. Hare’s stories, but he can testify, “If we’re open to wherever God needs us, He works out our life direction much better than we could ever plan it.”
Your generous and systematic mission offerings help support the ministry of missionaries. Please give during Sabbath School.
Daily Lesson for Friday 28th of August 2026
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “The Message Heeded,” Pages 323–334, in The Acts of the Apostles.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carry the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protecting love. Such ones are living proof of the tender care of God.”—Ellen G. White, God’s Amazing Grace, p. 122.
“A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go.”—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 122.
“The apostle Paul found it necessary to reprove wrong in the church, but he did not lose his self-control in reproving error. He anxiously explains the reason of his action. How carefully he wrought so as to leave the impression that he was a friend of the erring! He made them understand that it cost him pain to give them pain. He left the impression upon their minds that his interest was identified with theirs.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1094.
Discussion Questions
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Coffee on Sabbath morning still triggers more tension in some Adventist circles than the actual sermon. The old arguments arrive on cue: Ellen White called it a stimulant that dulls the mind and weakens the will. The health message means something. Fair enough. Those warnings were not invented for drama. Yet the same church that […] Source: https://atoday.org/should-adventist-churches-serve-coffee-on-sabbath-morning/
"I’ll Never Turn Back No More" is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. With rich harmonies and joyful conviction, Les Chanticleer bring this spirited anthem to life, celebrating the decision to follow Jesus—no matter the cost. 🎶 This energizing performance from the General Conference Session is a testimony. Press play and be inspired to stand firm in your faith, moving forward with courage and never looking back. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyb6btQCYE
In this special episode of Unlocking Bible Answers, we explore the biblical gift of prophecy with Dwain N. Esmond, a leading scholar from the Ellen G. White Estate. With decades of expertise in studying the gift of prophecy and Ellen White's ministry, Esmond brings authoritative insight to common questions about what prophecy is, how to recognize true prophets, and Ellen White's role in Adventist faith and history. If you have questions, drop them in the comments below. Our team will do their best to respond. In this video, we explore key questions like: * What is the gift of prophecy according to the Bible?
* Is prophecy only about predicting the future, or does it have other purposes?
* What biblical tests can help us determine whether someone's prophetic ministry is genuine?
* What distinguishes a true prophet from a false prophet?
* If someone's predictions do not appear to come true, does that automatically make the person a false prophet?
* What is the difference between prophecy, inspiration, and ordinary spiritual guidance?
* Who was Ellen G. White, and what role did she play in the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
* Did Ellen White describe herself as a prophet?
* How do Seventh-day Adventists understand the relationship between Ellen White's writings and the Bible?
* Why do some people question Ellen White's credibility, and how should those concerns be examined fairly?
* According to Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:17–18, should we expect God to continue using the prophetic gift today and before Christ's return? Want to go deeper? Watch these related videos: Is Ellen G. White a Modern Prophet? – https://youtu.be/qtYFjOWBL_Y Gift of Prophecy [What is It?] – https://youtu.be/xdPLmZ7K4sQ Prophecy in the End Time [Should You Be Afraid of It?] – https://youtu.be/sumixb1fIqs Unlocking Bible Prophecies (Series) – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo8tgzOLsPqMwfAHSwFHU-Xx Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7PARtXl_7U
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
