June 20, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 15 – Praise, Testing, and Provision in the Wilderness

Singing of God’s Victory – Understanding His Ways – Experiencing His Faithfulness

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Bible Text – Exodus 15 (KJV)

1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

6 Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

18 The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.

19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

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Introduction

After the mighty crossing of the Red Sea, the people of Israel stand on the other side—free, saved, and in awe. Chapter 15 is a response to this overwhelming experience: It begins with a song of praise in which Moses, Miriam, and the people exalt God’s greatness. But the joy is quickly followed by the reality of the wilderness: three days without water, and then bitter water at Marah, made sweet by God’s intervention. The shift from triumph to testing reveals much about God’s discipline and leadership.

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Commentary

1. The Song of Moses (Verses 1–18)

• Celebrating God’s victory: Moses begins with a powerful hymn—poetic praise celebrating God’s intervention as warrior and savior. The focus is not on Israel, but on God.

  • “Horse and rider he has thrown into the sea” – The enemy is defeated.

  • “The Lord is my strength” – God is not only deliverer but a relational God.

• Theological depth: The song affirms God’s sovereignty over nature and nations.

  • Enemies sink “like lead,” and waters “stood like walls” – vivid images of divine power.

  • “Who is like you, O Lord?” – A question that expresses awe and exposes the emptiness of idols.

• Prophetic outlook: The final verses look forward—to the Promised Land, God’s sanctuary, and His eternal reign (“The Lord will reign forever and ever”).

2. The Praise of Miriam (Verses 20–21)

• Praise led by women: Miriam, a prophetess and Aaron’s sister, takes a leading role.

• Dance and music: Worship is physical, communal, and joyful. The refrain echoes Moses’ song and reinforces the communal memory.

3. The First Wilderness Test – Marah (Verses 22–26)

• Disillusionment after triumph: Just three days after the great celebration, the people begin to grumble—the water is bitter.

• God’s response: He shows Moses a tree (perhaps a symbol of Christ, or the cross?), which turns the bitter into sweet.

• Spiritual lesson: The miracle is accompanied by instruction—obedience and faithfulness are to shape their journey.

  • “I am the Lord, your healer” – God’s healing touches more than just the physical; it transforms the heart.

4. The Oasis at Elim (Verse 27)

• Blessing after trial: Elim is a place of rest—12 springs (symbolizing the tribes), 70 palm trees (possibly representing elders). God gives refreshment after obedience.

• Resting with God: Elim reminds us that God never leads His people into the wilderness to let them perish.

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Summary

Exodus 15 is a transitional chapter—from the joy of deliverance to the challenges of the desert. It begins with a song of victory—God is praised as mighty redeemer and king. Then comes the first faith test: bitter water, grumbling, divine provision—and a call to trust and obedience. Finally, the oasis—a sign of God’s care. This chapter shows: The God who parts the sea is also the God who provides water.

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Message for Today

God is not only to be celebrated in the moments of great victory. He wants us to trust Him when the water is bitter. Our faith is not tested in the time of praise but in the wilderness. Yet the God who saves is also the God who heals. He sees our needs, hears our complaints—and answers with grace. If we listen to His voice and walk in His ways, He will guide, provide, and preserve us.

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Reflection Questions

Where are you standing today—on the shore of praise or at the edge of Marah?
Is your faith still full of song—or has the water turned bitter?
What if you trusted God to make the bitter sweet again?
Do you believe the God of the victory is also the God of your wilderness?

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June 15 – 21, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 12

Abraham in Canaan

Read online here

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Introduction

After his return from Egypt, Abraham settles once again in Canaan. Wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold, it soon becomes clear: true prosperity requires selfless character and unwavering trust in God’s promises. Abraham demonstrates how faith, kindness, and reverence for God not only shape him, but also influence those around him and his entire legacy.

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Commentary

1.Return, Separation from Lot, and Humble Selflessness

Genesis 13:2–12: Abraham returns home “very rich” and peacefully shares the land with Lot. Although God promised him the entire region, he lets Lot choose first (cf. Gen 13:8–9). Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley, ignoring spiritual dangers. Abraham humbly withdraws to Hebron and builds an altar in Mamre.

2.Patriarch as a Bearer of Light: A Testimony in Canaan

• Genesis 13:13–17: Through his simple shepherd life in the highlands, Abraham exemplifies faith: hospitality, God-fearing conversation, trust in God’s protection. His character exerts a quiet yet powerful influence on the pagan rulers.

3.War to Rescue His Nephew: Justice and Nobility

• Genesis 14:1–16: After Lot is taken captive, Abraham leads 318 loyal men against the mighty Elamites. He rescues Lot and his family, without greedily taking from the spoils (Gen 14:22–23). His actions prove that faith is not cowardice, and that justly won freedom should not be used for personal gain.

4.Covenant with God: Star-Faith and Sacrificial Ceremony

• Genesis 15:1–21: Despite struggling with doubts about having an heir, Abraham shows deep faith: he looks at the stars and believes God’s word that his descendants will be as numerous (15:5–6). In the covenant ceremony, he walks between the sacrificed animals in a sign of unconditional obedience, while God Himself appears as a blazing flame (15:17–18).

5.Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change

1. Genesis 17:1–27: God renews and confirms the covenant, giving Abraham and Sarah new names (“Father of many nations”, “Princess”) and institutes circumcision as an eternal sign of faith (Romans 4:11).

6.Hospitality and Intercession: From Tent to Prayer

• Genesis 18:1–33: In the oaks of Mamre, Abraham honors three heavenly visitors with exemplary hospitality (Heb 13:2). He learns of God’s plan for Sodom and intercedes boldly for the righteous (Gen 18:23–33), until God promises to spare the city for the sake of just ten righteous people.

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Summary

Abraham’s life in Canaan displays the many facets of true faith: generous selflessness (separation from Lot), convincing testimony (as a shepherd), courageous justice (rescuing Lot), steadfast covenant faith (counting stars and circumcision), and passionate intercession (for Sodom). Time and again, he demonstrates that God’s blessing and calling require a life of humility, obedience, and active love.

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Message for Us Today

Selfless generosity creates peace and opens space for God’s blessing.

Testimony through daily life speaks louder than words.

Steps of faith – even in doubt – lead to new promises.

Family and church thrive on visible signs and consistent obedience.

Intercession and hospitality reflect a heart that mirrors God’s love.

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Reflection Question

1. Where can I, like Abraham, selflessly lay down my rights today to bring peace?
2. In what “highland” of my daily habits do I shine as a biblical witness?
3. What step of “star-counting” faith could I dare to take, even when my circumstances seem uncertain?
4. How do I practice genuine hospitality and intercession in daily life, as Abraham did?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-06-2025-exodus-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/

20.06.2025 | Looking for Direction? | HEART ANCHOR
Learning to Live with God’s GPS
Galatians 5:1

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Bible Text

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25:4–5

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Introduction

Do you know the feeling of not knowing what’s next? School, friendships, future, decisions, faith – sometimes life feels like a confusing web of roads with no signs. That’s exactly the kind of moment David faced when he cried out in Psalm 25: “Lord, show me the way!”

This prayer is still so relevant today. Whether you know exactly where you’re going – or feel completely lost – God offers to be your GPS.

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Devotional – Trust Instead of Getting Lost

David, who wrote this Psalm, wasn’t a beginner at life – but he wasn’t a hero without doubts either. He knew failure, fear, and hard decisions. And yet (or maybe because of that!), he prayed: “Lord, show me your ways.”

David doesn’t just ask for help – he asks for guidance:

• “Show me your ways” – Not just any path, but yours, God!

• “Teach me your paths” – I don’t just want to rush ahead; I want to learn how you think.

• “Guide me in your truth” – I don’t want to be led by fake news or opinions.

• “For you are God my Savior” – You save, not me.

• “My hope is in you all day long” – I wait for you, even when you take your time.

These lines show us: Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means knowing whom to trust.

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Story – The Girl and the Compass

Picture this: A girl is on a multi-day hike with her youth group through a forest. She’s enthusiastic but not very experienced. On the third day, she and two friends decide to take a shortcut. They leave the marked trail – and get lost.

Evening falls. There’s no phone reception. Panic sets in. But one of the girls has a tiny compass in her backpack – a gift from her grandpa. With some effort and an old map on a water bottle, they find their way – and hours later, they finally return to the cabin.

The leaders later say, “You got lucky.”
But the girl knows: Without that compass, we would’ve been lost.

God is like that compass in your life: He points you in the right direction when you’re lost. He may not show you the whole map – but He shows you enough to take the next step.

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What does this mean for you?

• Are there questions in your life you don’t have answers to?

• Are there decisions you keep putting off?

• Are your plans falling apart – and you’re wondering, “Why?”

David encourages you: Talk to God. Ask Him for direction.
Not because you’re weak – but because you’re wise enough to trust Him.

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Impulses for Today

• Ask for God’s direction today – not just your own ideas.

• Read a few Bible verses before making big decisions.

• Talk to a trusted Christian if you feel lost.

• Practice waiting – trust doesn’t grow on fast-forward.

• Make God your GPS – not just your emergency contact.

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Prayer

Lord,
you see my heart, my thoughts, my uncertainties.
So often, I don’t know which way to go.
Show me your path – even if it’s different from mine.
Teach me to listen to you, to trust you, and to wait patiently.
Be my compass in the dark, my GPS in the chaos, and my voice in the noise.
I want to follow you – not just when it’s easy.
Thank you that you are the God of my salvation.
Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-06-2025-looking-for-direction-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/