Closer To Heaven
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13 June 2025 | Two Adventist Development & Relief Agency employees for the Zimbabwe division have allegedly embezzled $1.4 million. Fortune Goredema was brought before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa for fraud charges. He was released on a $1,000 bail under strict conditions, including a mandatory report to the Commercial Crimes Division three times […] Source: https://atoday.org/adra-employee-charged-with-defrauding-1-4-million-from-the-organization/
Are you attending this summer’s General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis? If so, we’d love to meet you in person! Join us for a casual, complimentary vegetarian buffet lunch on Friday, July 11, at the Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection (705 Olive St, St. Louis, Missouri)—just two blocks from the America’s Center. Your hosts […] Source: https://atoday.org/editorial-heading-to-st-louis-for-gc-session-come-have-lunch-with-us/
June 14, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 9 – God’s Power Against a Hardened Heart
Pestilence, Boils, and Hail – when mercy and judgment meet══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 9 (KJV)1 Then the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
2 For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
3 Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
4 And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.
5 And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land.
6 And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
7 And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
8 And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
9 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.
10 And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.
11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.
12 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses.
13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
20 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
21 And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field.
22 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.
23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.
24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
28 Intreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the Lord’s.
30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the Lord God.
31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
32 But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.
33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses.
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IntroductionIn Exodus 9, the battle between God and Pharaoh intensifies. The judgments become more targeted and severe—striking livestock, afflicting flesh, and unleashing devastating hail. Yet Pharaoh’s heart remains stubborn. This chapter powerfully illustrates how God’s authority, patience, and holiness intersect, calling for genuine repentance.
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Commentary1. Fifth Plague – Livestock Pestilence (vv. 1–7)
God’s Warning: Moses is told to demand Israel’s release or face a deadly disease among Egypt’s animals.
Promise of Distinction: Israel’s livestock will be spared while Egypt’s will perish.
Fulfillment: All Egyptian herds die overnight; Israel’s remain untouched.
Pharaoh’s Response: Even witnessing the miracle, his heart stays hardened and he refuses to let the people go.
2. Sixth Plague – Boils (vv. 8–12)
Divine Sign: Moses tosses soot into the sky, causing painful boils on man and beast.
Magicians’ Defeat: Egyptian sorcerers are also struck, and cannot stand before Moses.
God’s Sovereignty: This plague makes the judgment visible and undeniable.
Pharaoh’s Rebellion: Despite the clear demonstration, Pharaoh’s heart remains unyielding.
3. Seventh Plague – Devastating Hail (vv. 13–35)
Escalation: God warns He will unleash all His plagues on Egypt to display His power and name.
Conditions for Safety: Those who fear God bring their servants and livestock indoors.
Hailstorm of Judgment: Thunder, hail, and fire devastate field and forest—unprecedented in severity.
Grace for Goshen: No hail falls on the land where Israel lives, underscoring God’s protection.
Pharaoh’s Temporary Repentance: He admits sin and requests Moses pray for relief—but once the storm stops, he hardens his heart again.
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SummaryExodus 9 reveals God’s dual movement of judgment and mercy. Three escalating plagues strike Egypt’s economy, health, and agriculture while sparing Israel and offering repeated chances for Pharaoh to repent. Yet Pharaoh’s stubbornness persists. The chapter closes with the solemn truth that a proud, unrepentant heart brings its own ruin.
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A Message for Us TodayGod still speaks through life’s “plagues”—illness, loss, natural disasters—urging us to examine our hearts. His judgments are not random but serve as wake-up calls to repent and trust Him fully. True repentance moves beyond crisis-driven prayers to lasting obedience and transformation.
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Thought PromptWhat “plague” in your life is God using to get your attention?
In which areas have you hard-heartedly resisted His voice?
Where is your personal “Goshen”—a place of refuge and closeness to God that you need to return to?
Is your turnaround genuine, or merely a cry for relief?
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June 8 – 14, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 10 The Tower of Babel Read online here
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IntroductionAfter the Flood, Noah’s family was to repopulate the cleansed earth. But soon Shem, Ham, and Japheth revealed distinct character traits that persisted in their descendants. At the center stands the sinful building project on the plain of Shinar: a city with a tower meant to reach the heavens. God’s intervention by confusing their language halted construction and simultaneously fulfilled His plan to scatter humanity across the earth.
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Commentary1.1 The Three Sons and Their Lines
Noah’s blessing on Shem and Japheth versus his curse on Canaan.
Inherited traits: godliness in Shem’s descendants; corruption in Ham’s line.
1.2 Consequences for Their Descendants
Shem: God’s chosen people and heirs of the covenant.
Japheth: Participants in the blessings of the Gospel.
Canaan: Degeneration into pagan idol worship and eventual slavery.
2.1 Reasons for Unity and Building
Desire for security and unity after a shared history.
Fertile land and a false sense of independence from divine threat.
2.2 Architecture as a Symbol of Power and Religion
The city as the center of a future world empire.
The tower as a monument to human wisdom, security, and idol worship.
2.3 Motives and Misbelief
Doubt in God’s promise: “No further Flood will come.”
Quest for scientific “understanding” of the Flood’s causes.
3.1 Confusion of Languages
The relay system of communication collapses.
Complete dispersion through incomprehensible speech.
3.2 Destruction of the Structure and Scattering
A lightning strike as a sign of divine displeasure.
Fulfillment of God’s original plan: distribution of nations and languages.
4. Theological Significance
A warning against human arrogance and estrangement from God.
Demonstration of God’s patience, mercy, and righteous judgment through history.
A foreshadowing of later “Babel” phenomena: unity apart from God’s Word leads to chaos.
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SummaryThe Tower of Babel illustrates how human pride and the attempt to unite independently of God lead to confusion, dispersion, and divine judgment. God’s intervention preserved His original design to fill the earth with diverse nations and languages.
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Message for Us Today“Babel” projects still exist: ideologies that challenge God’s authority and promise unity apart from biblical truth. We are reminded to align our plans with God’s Word and to approach His sovereignty with humility.
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Reflection QuestionWhat “towers” are we building today—in technology, culture, or religion—that draw us away from God? How can we foster genuine unity through obedience to truth?
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June 8 – 14, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 11 The Tower of Babel Read online here
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IntroductionAfter the Babel dispersion and worldwide idolatry, God chose Abraham from Shem’s line to preserve His law and promises for future generations. Born into a family surrounded by pagan superstitions, Abraham faithfully responded to God’s call and thus became the father of the nation from which the Savior of the world would come.
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Commentary1.1 The World after Babel
Idolatry spreads and people turn away from God.
God allows the unrepentant to follow their own paths.
1.2 Shem’s Line and the Preservation of Faith
A continuous transmission of divine revelations from Adam through Noah and Shem.
Abraham as heir of this sacred heritage.
2.1 Promises and Conditions
Many descendants and a great name.
Through him, all nations on earth will be blessed.
2.2 Testing through Obedience
The command to leave his homeland and relations.
Faith described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
3. Abraham’s Responses and Experiences
3.1 Departure for Haran and Canaan
Obediently sets out into the unknown, accompanied by relatives and Lot.
Key stops: Haran as a temporary home, then Shechem and Bethel—each marked by an altar.
3.2 Life and Trials in Canaan
A fertile land occupied by pagans with their altars.
Abraham builds altars to signify God’s presence.
3.3 Famine and Flight to Egypt
A test of humility, patience, and faith.
Abraham’s lapse of faith: presenting Sarah as his sister.
3.4 God’s Protection and Lessons Learned
Pharaoh is afflicted by plagues, then honors Abraham.
Lessons about God’s safeguarding and the consequences of human distrust.
4. Theological Insights
True faith requires leaving behind familiar securities.
Trials serve to purify character and prepare for God’s work.
God’s promises remain steadfast despite human shortcomings.
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SummaryGod called Abraham to leave a pagan environment and follow Him in faith. Abraham obeyed, faced tests in Canaan and Egypt, yet remained faithful despite his mistakes. In doing so, he laid the foundation for the chosen people and revealed God’s protection and patience.
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Message for Us TodayWe too are invited to trust God’s promises and may be called to leave our comfort zones. Trials expose our weaknesses, but they also shape our character and demonstrate God’s faithfulness even in our failures.
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Reflection QuestionWhat “callings” from God in your life might require stepping into uncertainty and making sacrifices? How can you express your faith through obedience and trust in your daily life?
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-06-2025-exodus-chapter-9-believe-his-prophets/
14.06.2025 | True Riches – Finding Wisdom | HEART ANCHOR
How God’s Wisdom Transforms Our Inner Being
Proverbs 3:13⸻
Bible Text“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:13
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DevotionalThis “blessed” speaks of a deep, inner blessing that is independent of grades, bank balances, or popularity. The Bible does not define wisdom as merely clever strategies or smart facts. It refers to a way of life that thinks, feels, and acts from God’s perspective.
Trust over understanding: When we organize our lives solely by logic and performance, our hearts often remain empty. Wisdom invites us to experience God’s faithfulness by entrusting Him with our decisions—not by fixing our gaze on statistics.
Prayer as dialogue: Not “God, I’ll handle this myself,” but “Lord, show me the way.” Throughout the Psalms, David not only cries out for help but also listens for God’s reply. Prayer then becomes a two-way channel: we present our requests—and we receive His guidance.
Silence as fertile ground: In the rush of school, chats, and appointments there’s little room to breathe. Yet even brief moments of silence can work wonders: our hearts lay down their burdens and receive God’s gentle voice.
Acting in love: True wisdom shows itself when knowledge becomes compassion. Jesus didn’t merely say, “Love your neighbor”—He embodied it. Genuine insight always concerns people, not just ideas.
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Story – “The Silent Compass in the Storm of Daily Life”Jonas dreamed big: to work as an engineer on groundbreaking projects, make his family proud, and travel the world. His days were tightly scheduled—early mornings for math drills, full focus in class, afternoon tutoring, evenings with online lessons. He felt like he was on a treadmill speeding beyond his control.
One day in the library, something unexpected happened. Seated at his usual spot, Jonas suddenly couldn’t concentrate. The numbers blurred, panic welled up, and sweat ran down his back. He bolted into the reading room, gasping, “I can’t take this anymore.”
There he met Mrs. Becker, a calm retiree who often sat reading Scripture in the corner. She set her Bible aside and spoke in a soft, warm voice:
“Sometimes our inner compass is off. We chase goals we never truly chose.”
Jonas sat and listened as she described an old practice that had helped her:
Morning breathing moment: Each day she took three deep breaths and silently prayed, “Lord, I need You.”
Daily journal: She kept a small notebook, noting once each day where she sensed God’s voice.
Evening gratitude: Before sleeping she placed a hand on her heart and gave thanks for a moment of God’s nearness.
Intrigued, Jonas tried it the next morning. He felt space open up in place of constant self-optimization. His grades didn’t improve overnight, but he made wiser choices: focusing on topics that truly interested him and taking breaks with friends. His notebook filled with small moments—a classmate’s smile, an insightful comment in religion class, a sudden clarity on a tough formula.
Gradually Jonas learned that true wisdom is a balance of knowledge and trust. He discovered that the words God impresses on his heart are ultimately far more precious than any achievement.
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Thoughts“Blessed”: A blessing reaching our innermost being, not tied to performance.
Finding wisdom: An active pursuit, not passive waiting.
Gaining understanding: More than intellectual grasp—knowledge of the heart.
God’s perspective: A shift in vision that guides us even through crises.
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What Does This Mean for You?Self-reflection: Where are you chasing goals that may not be your own?
Faith practice: What concrete steps do you take to hear God’s voice?
Heart posture: Where in your day could you trust God more instead of leaning on your own strength?
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Impulses for TodayFive-minute silence: Set a timer, pay attention to your breath, and invite God to reveal His presence.
Notebook experiment: Record one moment today when you made a wise decision or felt inner strength.
Heart check: Before any choice—big or small—pause, ask, “Lord, what are You showing me?” and then decide.
Share joy: Offer someone a compliment or a smile. Let wisdom become practical and alive.
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PrayerDear Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all wisdom and love. Thank You for inviting me to pour out my heart before You and receive Your perspective. Grant me courage today to pause, listen, and let my daily life be guided by Your voice. Help me not only to think wisely but to act lovingly—so I may live in Your blessing and pass it on.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-06-2025-true-riches-finding-wisdom-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
On this episode of ANN: A St. Louis arena becomes a mega clinic offering free medical care, Albania’s post-communist church marks 33 years of growth, ADRA Europe trains rapid-response teams, and Pathfinders & Adventurers boost youth evangelism across South America. Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you need to know about what is happening in the church worldwide. For a deeper dive into these headlines, visit https://www.adventist.news ANN is the official news channel of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Follow ANN on social media!
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What’s the one thing your body can’t go more than 3 minutes without?
In this episode of The Abundant Life, we explore the often-overlooked power of fresh air and sunlight for total well-being. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, shares how proper breathing and exposure to sunlight support brain function, immunity, sleep, and emotional health. Subscribe and tap the bell so you don’t miss any episodes. About the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been a global Protestant denomination since 1863, with over 23 million members worldwide. We hold the Bible as our ultimate authority and seek to help people find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church at: https://www.adventist.org Follow us on social media:
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Pastor Darrell Beaudoin’s gentle guitar accompaniment and Lise Beaudoin’s soulful vocals bring their original song “True Love” to life in this intimate music video. Filmed during a candid TV interview in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, the video weaves together their personal journey of finding God-designed love with lyrics that celebrate the divine bond meant for every marriage. Share in their heartfelt tribute to the lasting power of true love and be inspired to discover it in your own life. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gUhbmCpgVk
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 14th of June 2025
Image © Pacific Press
Memory Text:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).
This week, we will look at two more Bible stories that foreshadow last-day events in remarkable detail.
First, we will examine the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which has obvious allusions to the issues portrayed in Revelation 13:1-18. Then we will turn to the New Testament, where we find that the experience of the early Christians also can help us understand what to expect between now and the return of Christ.
Both examples highlight remarkable courage and provide keys to finding peace of mind under the most trying of circumstances.
Again and again, Jesus said such things as “Do not fear,” and “Why do your thoughts trouble you?” It is important to remember that the focus of prophecy is Christ, and, as such, we must be able to find the same counsel throughout the scenes portrayed in earth’s closing moments. “ ‘Let not your heart be troubled,’ ” He taught His disciples, “ ‘you believe in God, believe also in Me’ ” (John 14:1, NKJV).
In other words, yes, last-day events will be difficult and trying for those who seek to stay faithful to God. But ultimately, we should view these events with hope, not fear.
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El presidente de los Estados Unidos cada vez va más lejos en la construcción de un nuevo orden político, comportándose como el faraón egipcio que endureció su corazón, sin misericordia y compasión al prójimo (Éxodo 7:13-14; 8;15, 32). Continúa creando las condiciones para ignorar leyes aprobadas por el Congreso, menospreciando las decisiones de los Tribunales […] Source: https://atoday.org/cronica-de-una-distopia-anunciada/
LANSING, Mich. — Never a conference to shy away from taking a hard line on controversial issues, the Michigan Conference has officially banned sex on Sabbath among its membership. “Not only is sex clearly doing your own pleasure but, quite frankly, it can be real work,” said conference spokesperson Frank Frigid. “That’s a double whammy […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-michigan-conference-bans-sex-on-sabbath-says-its-work/
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]
