Closer To Heaven
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by Loren Seibold | 30 June 2025 | The Adventosphere—both the online and personal gossip variety—has been buzzing with questions about who the next General Conference (GC) president will be. I take a minority position: I don’t care. Reasons for diminished interest First, I doubt the selection will be a surprise. Don’t expect a Conclave […] Source: https://atoday.org/why-i-dont-care-who-the-next-general-conference-president-is/
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 1st of July 2025
One cannot understand the book of Exodus without presupposing the teachings of Genesis. The Jews moved to Egypt, and, after a time of great prosperity and peace, they were enslaved.
But God did not abandon His people to their problems, even though it may sometimes have seemed so. No doubt many of the Hebrew people despaired of their plight. Yet, in the time of distress, God comes to help with His mighty hand. Our Lord encourages His followers: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalms 50:15, NKJV).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
No pharaoh has a name in the book of Exodus. They carry the title of “Pharaoh” only, which means “king.” The Egyptians believed that the pharaoh was a god on earth, the son of the god Ra (or Osiris or Horus). Ra was considered the highest Egyptian deity, the sun god himself.
Yet despite all his power, this “god” was not able to force the midwives to go contrary to their convictions. In fact, in contrast to the nameless pharaoh, the two midwives are named, Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15); they are highly esteemed because they feared the Lord. Pharaoh’s wicked command had no effect on them because they respected God more than the orders of an earthly ruler (see also Acts 5:29). Thus, God blessed them with their own large families. What a powerful testimony to faithfulness. These women, regardless of how little they knew of theology, knew not only what was right but chose to do what was right.
When Pharaoh saw that his plot had failed, he commanded the Egyptians to kill all the male babies born to the Hebrews. They were to throw them into the Nile River, probably as an offering to Hapi, the god of the Nile, and also a god of fertility. (This is the first recorded time that Jews are to be killed only because they are Jews.) The purpose of the death decree was to subdue the Hebrews, to annihilate all male descendants, and to assimilate the women into the Egyptian nation, thus ending the threat that Pharaoh believed the Hebrews posed to his nation.
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The midwives not only knew what the right action was to take, but they took it. What’s the obvious message here for us? |
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Ti è mai successo di chiederti… ma che senso ha tutto questo?
In mezzo a guerre, lutti e dolore… c’è ancora una speranza? Nel nuovo episodio della serie, Rebecca Gaisie ci accompagna in una riflessione profonda sul significato della vita… e su ciò che potrebbe esserci oltre. 👉 Uno spunto per continuare a sperare. E osservare con occhi nuovi. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8aMOIVN9SU
"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=eqn3MfOlyGM
“Venga il tuo Regno. Sia fatta la tua volontà qui in terra, come in cielo”. 📖 Matteo 6:10
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💌 Apri la porta del tuo cuore
🗣 Speaker: Nicolas Mosquera Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLOsoXZf_K8
Lesson 1: Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses
1.2 The Historical Background
God’s Faithfulness in History: From Joseph’s Rise to Israel’s Oppression………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionThere are stories so ancient that they sound like legends. And yet they carry truths that shine across centuries into our present day. The story of Joseph in Egypt is one such account – a dramatic sequence of betrayal, suffering, but also of elevation, faithfulness, and divine guidance.
Why is this story so important today? Because we live in a time where many feel forgotten – in pain, in waiting, in doubt. The Bible reminds us: Even when people forget – God never does.
This Bible study invites you on a journey through biblical history, spiritual depth, and modern-day relevance – right into your heart.
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Bible Study
Historical OverviewThe story of Joseph takes place in a very specific historical context:
Joseph was promoted by a favorable Pharaoh to become the second most powerful man in Egypt (Genesis 41:41–43).
Later it says: “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8)
→ This was likely Pharaoh Ahmose I (1570–1546 BC).
Under Amenhotep I, the oppression of Israel began.
Thutmose I issued the decree to kill all Hebrew male infants.
His daughter Hatshepsut adopted Moses.
At the time of the Exodus (circa 1450 BC), Thutmose III was the ruling Pharaoh.
This span of time – about 400 years – is no forgotten detail, but a powerful witness to God’s patience and faithfulness across generations.
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Answers to the Questions
Question: What was the key to Joseph’s remarkable success in Egypt despite such a difficult beginning? (Read Genesis 37:26–28 and Genesis 39:2,21)Answer:
Joseph’s beginning was painful and unjust.
In Genesis 37, his brothers sell him to Ishmaelite traders – out of jealousy and hatred. Joseph is taken away, enslaved, falsely accused, and imprisoned (chapter 39).
And yet, this phrase is repeated:
“The Lord was with Joseph.”
Outwardly, Joseph was humbled – but spiritually, he was lifted up.
Not through his own strength, but through:
God’s presence in his suffering (39:2)
God’s grace in his humiliation (39:21)
His unwavering faithfulness despite injustice
In one sentence:
Joseph’s success wasn’t rooted in his position – but in God’s presence. The key wasn’t career, but character in the crisis.
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Spiritual PrinciplesGod’s presence matters more than outward success.
Suffering is not the end – it’s often preparation.
God works through spans of time, not just moments.
Lost position does not mean lost calling.
People may forget you – God never will.
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Application for Daily LifeImagine being overlooked, dismissed, disappointed, wounded. Everything feels broken. What will you do? Many people retreat – into self-pity, bitterness, or resignation.
But Joseph remained with God.
→ And God remained with him.
What does that mean for you today?
Trust God even without applause.
Serve faithfully even without a stage.
Pray even without immediate answers.
Maybe your own “Egypt” is the place where God is shaping your character – for a future you can’t yet see.
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ConclusionGod never forgets – even when people do.
Joseph walked through the depths – but never alone.
Israel was oppressed – but never abandoned.
God’s faithfulness stretches across generations.
If you’re in a season of waiting, uncertainty, or injustice today:
→ God is not late. He is already there.
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Thought of the Day“Don’t forget – God has not forgotten you.”
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Illustration – “Where No One Looks”It was a gray morning in a city like many others – noisy, busy, and for many people, a place of dreams or disappointments. In a small seventh-floor apartment, 28-year-old Samuel sat on his couch. He stared at the blank screen of his old phone. No messages. No call. No offer. Another day without prospects.
Three years ago, Samuel had been a celebrated young entrepreneur. He developed a promising software solution for digital health records. Investors came. Awards followed. Articles were written: “The Rising Star from the East.” But no one knew that one of his partners had secretly sold off patent rights. By the time legal action began, it was too late. The company collapsed – and Samuel with it.
He became the target of the media. The supposed “fraud.” Friends drifted away. His family didn’t understand. The silence that followed was louder than any scandal.
In his descent, he had stopped praying. “If there’s a God,” he once thought, “then He must have forgotten me.”
But today, a Bible lay on the table. It wasn’t his. He had picked it up from a waiting room at a social welfare office – out of curiosity, or maybe something more. He didn’t know.
He opened it at random. “Genesis 39:21 – But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.”
Joseph. That man who was sold. Betrayed. Imprisoned. Forgotten. And yet – the Lord was with him? Samuel snorted softly. “If that’s true, I’d like to see it.”
He set the Bible aside. That day, he had a job interview. It wasn’t a glamorous position – night shift security in a care home. Minimum wage. No real future. But it was a door. And he was too tired not to walk through it.
At the interview, the director asked, “Why are you applying here, Mr. Kramer? You’re clearly overqualified.”
He shrugged. “I need work. And maybe it’s time to stop living just for myself.”
She looked at him for a long moment. Then she said, “We’re not looking for a technician. We need someone who sees. Who listens. And who stays when others leave.”
That night, he began. The nights were quiet, except for the beeping of machines, a cough, the murmurs of someone dreaming. He had time. To think. To read. Back to the Bible. Joseph walked with him again. And again.
One night he was called to Room 17. Mrs. Ebel, 91, was restless. He sat beside her. She wept softly. “I’m afraid of tomorrow,” she said. “I feel so alone.”
He placed his hand on hers. Without thinking, he said, “The Lord is with you. Even tonight.”
She looked at him, surprised. “My father used to say that. Before the war.” Then she smiled – for the first time.
Samuel didn’t become a hero overnight. But he became needed. And that was new. People started talking to him. His coworkers called him “the pastor in plain clothes.” He never objected.
Two years later, he was coordinator for end-of-life care. People entrusted him with their last words. And he spoke words that weren’t his own – hope, forgiveness, closeness.
One evening, he read his Bible again. Joseph had been freed from prison by then. Pharaoh had lifted him up – not because Joseph forced his way forward, but because God opened what others had closed.
Samuel looked out the window. Below, traffic buzzed. In his heart, there was peace.
He didn’t know where life would take him next. But now he knew one thing: He had never been forgotten.
Echo:
When people forget, deny, or abandon you – God remains.
When your life falls apart – God holds the frame.
When you think you’ve fallen too deep – maybe you’ve just reached the foundation.
“But the Lord was with Joseph.”
And He is with you, too.
June 30, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 25 – The Sanctuary – God Dwells Among Us
God’s Invitation to Fellowship and Holiness══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 25 (KJV)1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,
4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
5 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,
6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
10 And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
11 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
12 And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.
13 And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
14 And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
15 The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.
16 And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
17 And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
19 And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
24 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.
25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about.
26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
28 And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.
29 And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.
30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
34 And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.
35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.
36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.
40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
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IntroductionIn the middle of the wilderness, far from any city, God asks His people to build a sanctuary. Not just any tent – but a place where the living God Himself would dwell. Exodus 25 marks the beginning of these special instructions – the heart of Old Testament worship: the Tabernacle. Here, we encounter a God who desires to dwell among His people.
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CommentaryGod desires a sanctuary – but He does not demand it through force. Each person is to give willingly, from the heart: precious metals, fabrics, wood, oil, spices, and stones. The construction of the sanctuary is a communal act, carried by hearts that love God.
The ark of acacia wood with its golden mercy seat is the heart of the Tabernacle. Between the cherubim, God promises to speak – to Moses, to His people. It is a place of revelation and grace, a place of holy closeness.
The table with the showbread is a reminder: God provides. The twelve loaves symbolize the twelve tribes – all are welcome. It is a sign of fellowship with God, a lasting reminder of His care.
The lampstand is to be crafted from a single piece of gold – a work of art full of light and life. Its seven lamps symbolize God’s perfect light. More than decoration, it expresses divine presence among the people.
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SummaryExodus 25 shows that God has a plan – a detailed plan for His earthly dwelling. He invites His people to actively participate in it. The sanctuary is built with love, devotion, and reverence. It’s more than a place – it’s about God’s presence, His invitation to relationship and encounter.
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Message for Us TodayEven today, God seeks a place to dwell – not made of wood or gold, but in our hearts (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:16). He invites us to make our lives a living temple, where His light shines and His fellowship is experienced.
Just as Israel gave their best for the sanctuary back then, God asks today: Are you willing to give Me the best of your life? Your time, your gifts, your devotion? Not out of pressure – but out of love?
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Reflection Questions
What place does God have in my daily life?
Am I ready to open my heart to His presence?
What “offering” do I want to bring God freely – my time, my faith, my obedience?
“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
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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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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)
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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/30-06-2025-exodus-chapter-25-believe-his-prophets/
Exodus points us to a wonderful conclusion with the Israelites being bound for the Promised Land, hence our theme hymn for the quarter being
We Are Bound For The Promised Land – Hymn 620.
Welcome to the 3rd quarter of Bible studies, with this one being in the book of Exodus. Our Sabbath afternoon introduction to these studies gives us the theme hymn also.
Sunday continues with an overview of Exodus with the positive ending showing “God’s spectacular victory” just as we are able to claim now: 
Hymn 608 – Faith Is The Victory. In this story we also see “God’s peaceful and comforting presence in the tabernacle” which is the total opposite to what happened in the slavery time in Egypt:
Wonderful Peace – Hymn 466. The day’s study concludes with “God is still sovereign and will save His people:
Hymn 85 – Eternal Father, Strong To Save.
We are reminded on Monday that “no matter how bad things seem, God is always there, and we can trust Him”:
Hymn 279 – Only Trust Him.
The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, remained faithful to God at the risk of their own lives, just as we are encouraged to be faithful in
Hymn 602 – O Brother, Be Faithful.
Wednesday reminds again that
We Are Bound For The Promised Land – Hymn 620.
Thursday concludes with the fact that Israel was called to “witness to a world steeped in idolatry”, and we are called today to
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378.
The last wonderful words in this weeks’ study say “That grace is our only hope”:
Hymn 109 – Marvellous Grace.
Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.
To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/
Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-oppression-the-background-and-the-birth-of-moses-singing-with-inspiration/
Comments of the Week June 9-16 “Well done, Jescah Gesare, for carrying through with this case. Too many Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) believe that it is wrong to take those who have wronged them to court, hiding behind the false belief it is ‘unchristian’ to do so. When treated illegally by an employer, it is the […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-june23-29/
30.06.2025 | Handmade by God | HEART ANCHOR
You are wanted, created, and guided
Psalm 119:73⸻
Bible Text“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.”
– Psalm 119:73
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IntroductionHave you ever wondered why you are the way you are? Why you’re good at some things – and not at others? In times when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we need this reminder: You are not a coincidence. You are handmade – by God. Psalm 119:73 reminds us that God is not only our Creator, but also our Teacher and our Guide.
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DevotionalThe verse from Psalm 119 is a prayer. The psalmist acknowledges: “God, you made me. And you know what I need.” This isn’t dry theology – it’s pure hope. Because if God made me, then He also knows my struggles. My fears. My questions.
“Your hands made me and formed me…”
The Hebrew word for “made” doesn’t just mean “created,” but also “shaped,” “designed” – like a potter shapes his vase. God shaped you – intentionally. Your character, your appearance, your gifts – none of it is accidental.
“…give me understanding to learn your commands.”
That’s the second part: God didn’t just “put us into the world” and say, “Now figure it out.” No – He wants to teach us, guide us, shape us. Like a father does with his child.
Ellen White writes:
“Every human being is a work of divine art. When we entrust ourselves to God, He shapes our lives until they reflect His character.”
(Education, p. 18, freely translated)
So you are a work of art – and God is still working on you. But He doesn’t do it without you. The Psalm shows: You may ask God to teach you. You may say: “God, I want to learn what You want for my life.”
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Story – The Unfinished SculptureA famous sculptor worked for many years on a statue. It was meant to be his greatest masterpiece – carved from a huge, perfectly chosen block of marble. But for some unexplained reason, he never finished it. The statue remained in its raw state: a faintly sketched face, a roughly chiseled body.
After his death, the unfinished work was displayed. Many people came – and were fascinated. A child asked his father: “Why didn’t he finish it?”
The father said: “Maybe because the work was never meant to be completed by the artist alone. Maybe it was meant as an invitation – for the viewer to recognize themselves in the form, and to let God finish the rest.”
Our lives are the same: God begins the work – and we are allowed to take part. We may learn, ask, grow – and allow Him to shape us again and again.
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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?Do you truly believe that you are “handmade” by God?
What are the “rough edges” in you that you don’t understand – and where you should ask God: “Teach me!”?
What gifts has God placed in you – that you may still discover?
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Action Steps for Today
Look in the mirror – and intentionally say this sentence: “God, you made me.” Ask yourself: What does God want to teach me today? Am I open to His guidance? Write a list: Things you like about yourself – and thank God for each one.
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PrayerDear Heavenly Father,
you made me – with your hands, with your heart. I thank you for all that I am. But I don’t want to stay the same. Please teach me. Show me how to walk in your ways. Help me to recognize what you’ve placed in me – and how to live it out. Make me into a person who reflects your character. I belong to you. Shape me – anew every day.
Amen.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-06-25-handmade-by-god-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
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