Closer To Heaven
|
|
|
Jasper Iturriaga built a school in the Philippine jungle, funded entirely through social media. He was moved to act after witnessing the long, risky journeys local children made to attend distant schools. In response, over $20,000 was crowd-funded to build classrooms, hire teachers, and provide housing. To meet the community’s needs, the school uses a […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventinnovate-the-jungle-school/
“Gesù stesso si avvicinò e cominciò a camminare con loro”. 📖 Luca 24:15
—
💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Rebecca Sandu Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXFkA1Niy_E
Key Thought: God takes the initiative to deliver those who trust in Him. He sent Moses to help in redemption, deliverance, and final salvation..
July 5, 2025
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-opression-the-background-and-the-birth-of-moses-teaching-plan/
Dear Sabbath School Net Family,
Maurice and I have presented these challenges before – encouraging everyone to read through the entire book we are studying in the Sabbath School quarterly. With this quarter’s lesson on Exodus, I encourage everyone to read the whole book of Exodus. Many of us have read it before, but there are different ways to approach it that may help you gain fresh insights and new perspectives. For example, you may want to read a different translation than the one you are accustomed to using. After all, every translation has its strengths and weaknesses, including the KJV.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
Another idea is to look for different themes in Exodus. For example, the most obvious is the Gospel and plan of salvation that we find throughout the book. In Exodus 12, we see the shadow of the cross. Now, I am not going to tell you where else we find the Gospel in the book of Exodus; I am going to let you read it for yourself.
Okay, I will give you one more example. In Exodus 15 the children of Israel find an oasis of water, but it tastes bitter. Moses is instructed to place a tree in the water, and suddenly it becomes sweet. Could the tree possibly represent the cross that takes the bitterness out of our lives and makes our lives sweet?
Another theme I would like to suggest watching for as you study Exodus is the theme of discipleship. Moses was a disciple of the Lord. In Exodus 18, Moses learns from his father-in-law about how to make more disciples instead of trying to do everything himself. In Matthew 28 Jesus taught His disciples to make more disciples. In Exodus 32 Aaron gives us a good example of how not to disciple. Aaron and the golden calf give us an example of how the most popular leader is not necessarily the best leader. Speaking of Exodus 32 I just thought of another glimpse of the Gospel that Moses gives us. But I have given away too much already. I will let you discover that one for yourself.
Enjoy reading and studying, my friends! Be sure and share what you discover in comments below or under various lessons.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/a-challenge-to-explore-exodus/
Lesson 1: Oppression – The Background and the Birth of Moses
1.3 The Hebrew Midwives
Courage for the Truth: Faithful Women Against the King’s Command………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionThere are moments in history when faith becomes visible not through words, but through courageous actions. Moments when ordinary people – mostly unnoticed by the world – touch the heart of God because they refuse to serve evil. The story of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, belongs to such sacred moments.
In the first chapter of Exodus, we see the shadow of oppression falling over the people of Israel. The Pharaoh’s fear grows as the people of God multiply – and fear turns into hatred, and hatred into murder. Yet right in the middle of this scenario of political violence, religious arrogance, and systematic destruction, two women act differently. Not because they are powerful – but because they fear God and obey Him more than men.
………………………………………………………………….
Bible Study: Exodus 1:9–21The text describes the increasing persecution of the Israelites by Pharaoh. When forced labor fails to suppress the growing people, he orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all male newborns at birth.
Who are Shiphrah and Puah?
Two ordinary women. No royal status. No theological training.
But they knew God – or rather: they feared Him.
They stand in sharp contrast to the nameless Pharaoh who considers himself divine, yet is remembered as a dark, faceless shadow in history.
“But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them.”
– Exodus 1:17
What did they do?
They disobeyed the command – with courageous wisdom.
They acted out of accountability to God – not to a regime that claimed divine authority.
And God? He blessed them – with descendants, with honor, with an everlasting memory in the Holy Scriptures.
………………………………………………………………….
Answers to the Questions
Question 1: Read Exodus 1:9–21. What key role did the faithful midwives play, and why are they remembered in biblical history?The midwives saved lives when Pharaoh commanded death. They followed God even when it was dangerous. They resisted a godless culture that justified the killing of innocent children as politically necessary.
They are part of biblical memory because their obedience marked the beginning of deliverance. Without them – no Moses, no Exodus, no salvation from Egypt. Their courage was the first crack in Pharaoh’s claim to power.
Question 2: The midwives didn’t just know what was right – they did it. What is the obvious message for us?It’s not enough to recognize God’s will – we must also follow it.
In a time when ethical compromise is the norm, God calls us to obey Him not just with our hearts, but with our whole lives. Courageous obedience may come at a cost – but God sees it, blesses it, and uses it to write history.
………………………………………………………………….
Spiritual PrinciplesGod uses the unseen for visible miracles.
The fear of God protects from the fear of people.
True obedience is revealed not in comfortable times, but under pressure.
Resistance to evil is an act of worship.
Your “no” to sin may be a “yes” to the salvation of many.
………………………………………………………………….
Application for Daily LifeIn the family: Teach your children that truth is more important than comfort.
At work: Follow your conscience, even if it costs you.
In society: Be willing to stand for life, truth, and God’s honor – even if you stand alone.
In faith: Stay faithful, even when you don’t feel God’s presence – He sees you.
In crisis: Know this – sometimes God writes history through small decisions made by faithful people.
………………………………………………………………….
ConclusionTwo women, one empire, one divine plan.
The story of Shiphrah and Puah shows us: you don’t need to be a prophet to do God’s will.
It’s enough to fear Him – and obey.
Their story is a monument of faith:
Simple. Courageous. Unforgettable.
………………………………………………………………….
Thought of the Day“Whoever fears God more than man will shape history – even if they never realize it themselves.”
………………………………………………………………….
Illustration – “Miriam’s Decision”Miriam was a nurse in the maternity ward of a major Western hospital. The clinic was modern, the routine efficient. Every day she saw new life begin – but also decisions she found hard to bear.
One Tuesday morning, wearing her plain white coat, she entered the delivery room as usual. It was the 38th week of a high-risk pregnancy. The child was expected to be healthy – but after a late ultrasound, the family had changed their mind.
“Not viable enough,” the doctor whispered.
“It’s our right,” the mother said firmly.
Miriam stood frozen. She knew the numbers, the diagnoses, the protocols. She knew the forms, the language of ethics boards. But something inside her screamed: “This is wrong.”
She had felt it before – but this time she couldn’t look away.
She prayed silently:
“Lord, give me courage. Show me what’s right – and help me do it.”
Then she spoke. Calm. Clear. Resolute:
“I cannot assist in this procedure. My conscience won’t allow it.”
Silence. Cold stares. The head doctor stepped forward.
“Miriam, this is your duty. It’s legal. If you don’t cooperate, you’re at risk.”
She nodded. “I know. But I don’t just answer to protocol – I answer to God.”
She was reassigned. Later came a disciplinary hearing. Some colleagues avoided her. But in her heart, there was peace – deeper than the world’s applause.
A year later: same clinic. A young mother in tears. She had seen Miriam that day – though Miriam didn’t know it.
Now, with her newborn in her arms, she said:
“I thought I was doing the right thing back then. But your courage changed me. I kept my child. Thank you.”
Miriam swallowed. And smiled. Not because she was admired –
But because she knew:
Obedience bears fruit. And God never forgets a faithful servant.
July 1, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 26 – The Tabernacle: God’s Dwelling Among His People
A Place of Holiness, Order, and Divine Presence══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 26 (KJV)1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
3 The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
5 Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.
6 And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.
7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats’ hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
8 The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.
9 And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
10 And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.
11 And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
13 And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
14 And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers’ skins.
15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.
17 Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
18 And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.
19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
20 And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:
21 And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
22 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
25 And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
29 And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.
30 And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.
31 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
32 And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
33 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
34 And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
35 And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.
36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
37 And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionIn the midst of a wandering nation in the wilderness, God gives His people a remarkable instruction: He wants to dwell among them. Not in a palace, not on a mountaintop, but right in their midst—visible, tangible, and orderly.
Exodus chapter 26 reveals the detailed construction plan for the tabernacle (Hebrew: Mishkan, “dwelling”), a sanctuary entirely centered on God’s holiness, beauty, and presence.
These seemingly technical building instructions are more than architectural details: they reflect a spiritual principle—God loves order, demands holiness, and desires to dwell among His people.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
CommentaryThe tabernacle is made up of artfully woven curtains and coverings. White linen (purity), blue (heaven/divinity), purple (royalty), and scarlet (sacrifice) all symbolically represent different aspects of divine truth. Cherubim—angelic beings guarding God’s throne—are embroidered into the fabric.
God’s presence demands beauty and symbolism.
Several protective layers are placed over the structure: goat hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and durable animal skins. On the outside, the tabernacle appears simple, but its interior is glorious—a picture of spiritual depth behind outward humility.
The structure isn’t random but sturdy and reliable, made from acacia wood—a tough, long-lasting material. The boards stand fitted in silver sockets and are overlaid with gold—symbolizing holiness founded on redemption (silver = ransom). God’s house needs spiritual strength, not emotionalism. It needs structure—and it holds value.
Crossbars connect the boards—symbolizing unity in diversity. In God’s kingdom, no one stands alone—everyone belongs.
The Most Holy Place is separated by a richly embroidered curtain adorned with cherubim. Only the high priest may enter—once a year. Access to God is not to be taken lightly—holiness requires separation.
Another curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle symbolizes invitation—but also distinction. Access to God exists, but only on His terms.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryGod gives Moses detailed instructions to build the tabernacle.
The structure is made of woven curtains, a wooden frame, connecting bars, and two curtains.
Everything holds symbolic meaning—colors, materials, and measurements.
The layout separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—revealing God’s call to reverence, purity, and order.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for Us TodayGod wants to dwell among us—not just symbolically, but truly.
But this God is holy. His presence is not random; it is marked by divine order. This chapter reminds us:
Holiness needs space. And that space needs structure.
Today, we—the believers—are God’s temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).
How are we building our “spiritual tent”?
Is our life orderly, pure, and prepared for God’s presence—or is there spiritual chaos?
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Reflection QuestionsWhat if God said to you today, “I want to dwell with you”?
Would He find a cleansed room in your heart?
Is there a “curtain” in your life—a clear distinction between the holy and the worldly?
Is your inner life precious—or are you only decorating the outside?
The tabernacle shows us: God dwells where He is honored, not just invited.
~~~~~
June 28 – July 05, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 14 Destruction of Sodom Read online here
══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionSodom 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)
══════════════════════════════════════════════
CommentarySodom 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryThe 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!
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for Us TodayWe 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.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Reflection QuestionWhere 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/01-07-2025-exodus-chapter-26-believe-his-prophets/
01.07.2025 | God’s Construction Site – and You Right in the Middle | HEART ANCHOR
How God invites you to be a coworker on His eternal building site
1 Corinthians 3:9⸻
Bible Text“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
– 1 Corinthians 3:9
⸻
IntroductionConstruction sites are everywhere: on roads, in buildings, in apps – or even within ourselves. A construction site means: something is happening. Things are being changed, shaped, created.
But have you ever thought that you yourself are a construction site – and at the same time, a coworker on God’s building project?
Paul writes to the church in Corinth that we are not only God’s property (His field, His building), but also His coworkers.
That’s huge.
God doesn’t need humans – but He wants to work with us.
He doesn’t just want to save you, He wants to shape with you.
You’re not a spectator – you’re part of the plan.
⸻
Devotional: What does it mean to be God’s coworker?In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul paints a picture: God is the builder, Jesus the foundation, and we are building with – through our lives, our choices, our dedication.
What we do plays a role in eternity.
“God calls young people not merely to be spectators, but active coworkers in His great plan of redemption.”
– Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 326
That means: You are needed.
Your faithfulness, your character, your love – all of these are building blocks in God’s plan.
And what you decide today might touch – even save – someone else’s life.
⸻
Story – Joshua’s HammerJoshua was 17 when he started an internship during summer break with a Christian construction firm. They didn’t build skyscrapers, but renovated homes for families who couldn’t afford help.
He wasn’t thrilled. “I want to do media stuff,” he muttered. “Why do I have to stand on a construction site?”
On the third day, he was paired with an older worker – gray-haired, calm. The man handed him a hammer and said:
“Every strike can build a home – or destroy it. You decide how you use it.”
Joshua thought he just meant the wood. But as they worked on a house for a single mom with three children, he began to understand.
He saw how a simple children’s room was being restored – and with it, a sense of safety.
A window was replaced – and light finally entered.
A little girl told Joshua, “I can sleep again now, without fear.”
Joshua began to give his best.
On the last day, the old man said:
“You think you just hammered nails – but you helped build something that counts for eternity.”
⸻
Reflection – What does it mean for you?You are not a passive receiver, but an active builder.
God is building with you – not around you.
Your life is a construction site, yes – but with a divine blueprint.
You are invited to help shape what God is doing in this world.
⸻
Action Steps for TodayWhere am I building?
– In my school, my church, my family?
What am I building right now?
– Words of hope? Acts of love? Or retreat and indifference?
What materials am I building with?
– Paul says: “Gold, silver, precious stones … or wood, hay, straw” (1 Cor. 3:12).
What are your building materials?
What is my foundation?
– No work will last unless Jesus Christ is the solid foundation.
⸻
PrayerLord, my God,
thank You that You not only saved me but also called me to work with You.
Help me realize that my life matters – that my choices, my words, and my time are part of Your great plan.
Let me build on Jesus – on His truth, His love, His grace.
Give me courage to take responsibility.
And when I feel weak, remind me:
You are the Master Builder – and I am a tool in Your hand.
Amen.
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]
