Lesson 13: IMAGES OF THE END

13.2 A Work of Repentance
Repentance Changes the Outcome – Even in the End Times

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Introduction

The city of Nineveh—infamous for cruelty, idolatry, and moral decay—was the symbol of a world seemingly abandoned to itself. But God had not forgotten it. He sent Jonah with a serious, seemingly final message:
“Forty more days—and Nineveh will be destroyed.”
No call to repentance, no grace period. Just the judgment.

And yet the unexpected happened: The city repented. Against all odds, judgment turned into mercy. This story raises a profound question: How does God deal with sinners—then and now? And what does Nineveh say about our future in the end times?

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Bible Study – A Work of Repentance – Jonah 3:5–10

Context and Background

Jonah was a prophet with an unusual mission: not to Israel or Judah, but to Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian empire—known for its brutality, idolatry, and oppression. What was astonishing was not only the location but the brevity and bluntness of his message:

“Forty more days, and Nineveh will be destroyed.” (Jonah 3:4)

No invitation to change, no hint of grace—just judgment. A warning without conditions. But God had more in mind.

The City’s Reaction

The people of Nineveh could have mocked him. They could have driven Jonah away or ignored him. But something unexpected happened: they believed the message.
Not because Jonah was charismatic—but because God’s Spirit touched their hearts.

From the common people to the king himself, the city put on sackcloth and ashes—a symbol of humility and repentance. They fasted, prayed, mourned, and hoped—even though Jonah had offered no hope. Nineveh’s repentance was total, public, and sincere. Even the animals were included—a rare expression of complete remorse in the Bible.

This was the work of the Holy Spirit. The city recognized its guilt—not just before people, but before the living God.

The Turning of God’s Judgment

And God? He saw. Not just their rituals, but their actions. The text emphasizes:

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (v.10)

This was not arbitrary. This is God’s very nature: merciful, patient, slow to anger—ready to withdraw even the harshest judgment if true repentance is found.

This reminds us of a deep spiritual principle as described in Jeremiah 18:7–10:
God’s judgment can be averted by repentance.
It is not inevitable if grace is sought. His judgment is never merely punishment—it is an invitation to return.

The Relevance for Our Time

What we see here is a prophetic image for our world.
The end times are like Nineveh: corrupt, godless, and near judgment. Yet God still has His “Jonahs”—men and women who proclaim the message with clarity, courage, and grace: “Repent!”

Even today, the message isn’t always accompanied by hope. But God’s goal is the same:
He wants to save, not destroy.
The message of Revelation 14—God’s final call to humanity—is both a warning and an invitation.

And just like in Nineveh, there are people today who will listen. Who will change their lives. Who will come out of Babylon to follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev 14:4).

The Depth of True Repentance

Jonah 3 shows that repentance is more than regret—it is a concrete turnaround.
The king of Nineveh calls for real change:

“…Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence in his hands.” (v.8)

God looks for action—not just emotion.
Tears without change mean nothing. But every decision to turn around, no matter how small, is a step toward life.

This repentance saved the city—temporarily. Because as history shows, Nineveh returned to sin years later—and was destroyed. Repentance must be lasting, not momentary.
God gives grace—but it must be nurtured.

God’s Attitude: Merciful and Just

Some see this story as a sign of a “changeable God” who changes His mind. But the opposite is true. God is consistent—in His character, His justice, and His mercy.

He announces judgment to call people back.
He grants grace where there is repentance.
That’s not change—it’s faithfulness to His nature. God remains true—to love and to truth.

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Answers to the Questions

Question: Why was the prophecy not fulfilled?

The answer lies in the power of true repentance. When Jonah preached, the people did not respond with mockery or indifference—but with fasting, repentance, and a radical change. From the king to the lowest citizen, public remorse was shown. In verse 10 we read:

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented…”

God’s judgment was not mechanical. It was morally based—dependent on response. His love longed for repentance, not destruction.

Question: Can we expect something similar in the end times?

Yes—and no.

Yes: The end-time message, as described in Revelation 14 and 18, is a global call to repentance. People all over the world hear God’s call:

“Come out of her, my people…” (Rev. 18:4)

Many will respond. They will worship God, keep His commandments, and hold fast to Jesus—just as the people of Nineveh once did.

No: Not every end-time prophecy is conditional. Some events—like the coming of Jesus, the plagues, the mark of the beast—are unavoidable. They will happen whether or not people repent. But: Each individual still chooses which side they will be on.

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Spiritual Principles

• God delights in repentance more than punishment.
  → Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)

• Prophetic warnings are calls to return.
  → They are meant to save, not condemn.

• God looks at actions that arise from genuine repentance.
  → It’s not just about emotion—but about decision and transformation.

• Delay in judgment is not weakness—it’s grace.
  → “The Lord is not slow… but is patient with you.” (2 Peter 3:9)

• Even pagans can hear God’s call and follow Him.
  → God’s people are not limited by geography or religion.

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Application for Daily Life

• Speak the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. Jonah wasn’t popular, but he was obedient. Are you willing to share God’s message even if it provokes?

• Don’t underestimate the power of repentance. If God forgave Nineveh, how much more will He forgive you when you truly turn back?

• Repentance begins with you. Don’t wait for others. Nineveh’s king didn’t wait for the Assyrian army—he humbled himself first.

• Don’t take time for granted. Today is the day of grace. Tomorrow could be too late.

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Conclusion

Nineveh was destined for destruction. It was declared. But a people who sincerely recognized their guilt experienced God’s mercy. This lesson remains forever:

God is not against us—He is for us.
But only if we don’t turn our backs on Him.

His warnings are not the end—they are a door to salvation. The story of Nineveh is not a myth.
It is a call to us. Now.

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Thought of the Day

“God doesn’t change His mind—but He acts differently when we change.”
– Inspired by Jeremiah 18:7–10

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Illustration – “A City Listens”

Berlin was as loud as ever. People rushed through stations, screens flickered in shop windows, and cafés buzzed with talk about stocks, doctor’s appointments, and algorithms. It was an ordinary Tuesday morning. And yet something was different—something invisible but felt.

At the edge of Alexanderplatz stood a young woman holding a cardboard sign. No political slogan. No climate appeal. Just handwritten words:

“Forty more days—then Berlin will be shaken.”

People walked by. Some laughed. Others shook their heads. A few took selfies with her and posted them with the hashtag #ApocalypseWithLatte.
But she stayed. Day after day.

Her name was Lea.

Lea wasn’t a prophet. Not a theologian. She had studied literature and worked in an archive. There, among faded letters and forgotten diaries, she suddenly “woke up”—not physically, but inwardly. One night, it felt like her heart lit up like a bulb—and she didn’t know why. She heard no voice. But there was a pull, a knowing: “Say it.”

At first, she thought she’d gone mad. Who stands in a city of millions with a message that sounds like a threat? But the more she resisted, the more restless she became. So she stood. Every morning. Silent. Just the sign.

After a week, reporters came. After two weeks, strangers started talking to her. Not about destruction—but about life.

A middle-aged banker cried as he said he hadn’t spent a single day with his kids in seven years.
A student confessed she felt empty in her relationships—everything was loud, but nothing was real.
An old man asked her: “What must I do?”

Lea didn’t say much. She listened. Sometimes she quietly read from the Bible. Jonah 3 became her go-to passage, even though she never preached. She wasn’t about fear. She was about truth. About repentance. About waking up before the crash.

After 30 days, the movement had grown. Not through noise, but through effect. People began to fast—voluntarily. They came after work, sat quietly on the plaza floor, prayed aloud or silently. They asked each other for forgiveness. An elderly woman brought a sign: “I forgive my son. After 16 years.”

The media mocked, some warned—but the city began to change. Not mass conversions, no signs in the sky. But something happened: A part of Berlin repented. Quietly. Genuinely. Radically.

On the 40th day, it rained. Lea was soaked, her sign falling apart. But she stood. Next to her, a man held a new sign:

“I was deaf. Now I hear.”

That night, nothing happened.

No fire fell from the sky. No earthquake. No lightning.
Just silence. A strange, deep silence over the city. And many felt: God had waited. Acted. Shown mercy.

Three years later, in a public talk, Lea said:

“The true shaking wasn’t in the streets. It was in the hearts.”

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-images-of-the-end-13-2-a-work-of-repentance-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

June 23, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 18 – Lived Wisdom – When Leadership Is Shared

What we can learn from Moses and Jethro about responsibility, delegation, and spiritual order

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Bible Text – Exodus 18 (KJV)

1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt;

2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

5 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

8 And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them.

9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

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Introduction

Leadership is a challenge—especially when you try to do everything yourself. Moses faced exactly this issue: the entire people of Israel came to him with concerns, conflicts, and questions—from morning till evening. But then came Jethro, his father-in-law, a wise observer with a clear outside perspective. His words and advice are still relevant today—not only for leaders, but for anyone bearing responsibility.

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Commentary

1. Jethro’s Visit (Verses 1–12)

The first part describes Jethro’s visit—not alone, but with Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and their two sons. This family reunion is touching. It shows that even a great leader like Moses was not isolated—family remained central in his life.

Moses shares with Jethro all that God has done—rescue from Egypt, hardships on the journey, divine intervention.
Jethro’s response is worship:

“Blessed be the Lord …” (v. 10)
This reminds us: God’s deeds deserve testimony and shared joy. Faith grows when others recognize and praise God in our lives.

2. Observation and Advice (Verses 13–23)

The next day, Jethro sees how Moses judges the people all day. His assessment is clear:

“What you are doing is not good.” (v. 17)
Not harsh criticism, but wise concern. Jethro sees: Moses is overwhelmed, the people are exhausted—the system won’t last.

Jethro’s solution: delegation.
He advises Moses to appoint capable men to lead smaller groups:

• Over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens

• Qualifications: God-fearing, trustworthy, not greedy (v. 21)
  The goal: Relief and effectiveness—for everyone’s benefit.

Still, Moses remains the spiritual leader—handling difficult cases and teaching God’s ways (v. 20). Jethro doesn’t replace Moses—he strengthens his role.

3. Implementation (Verses 24–27)

Moses listens—and that’s not to be taken for granted. Many leaders might resist. But Moses is humble enough to receive good counsel.

He puts the system into place, selects trustworthy leaders, and reorganizes the structure—and it works.
At the end, Jethro quietly returns home. A man of God helped another—and stepped back.

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Summary

• Moses was overwhelmed—but open to correction.

• Jethro was an outsider—but full of divine wisdom.

• Delegation created a sustainable order that benefited both Moses and the people.

• God remains at the center: through prayer, teaching, justice, and shared worship.

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Message for Us Today

This story is incredibly relevant. In a time when many in leadership—whether in church, family, school, or work—reach their limits, Exodus 18 tells us: You don’t have to carry it all alone.

• Share responsibility.

• Trust others with tasks.

• Focus on spiritual maturity and character when choosing team members.

• Be open to advice—even from the outside.

God blesses structure, humility, and teamwork.

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Reflection Questions

Are you carrying too much alone? What could you delegate or let go of?
Who are your “Jethros”—people who can speak truth to you?
Are you willing to stop doing everything yourself—and let God work through a team?
Do you know someone who might need your wise and loving counsel?

“You will surely wear yourself out … The work is too heavy for you.” (v. 18)
Maybe God is speaking this verse to you today.

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June 22 – 28, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 13

The Test of Faith

Read online here

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Introduction

Abraham – the father of faith. And yet, his faith wasn’t a static possession, but a journey shaped by challenges, doubts, and divine tests. In Chapter 13 of Patriarchs and Prophets, it becomes clear: true faith proves itself not in the easy times, but in the difficult ones.

God tested Abraham with a command that is almost impossible to comprehend: “Sacrifice your son, your only son, whom you love.” This story is not just an ancient tale about a man long ago – it is a mirror reflecting our own journey of faith.

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Commentary

1. The Beginning of Doubt (Hagar and Ishmael)

• Abraham accepts God’s promise – but does not wait patiently.
• Sarah’s suggestion to take Hagar as a wife is a human solution to a divine promise.
• Consequences: unrest, jealousy, brokenness in the family, mockery, and rejection.

Lesson: When we replace God’s timing with our own methods, we create conflict, not solutions.

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2. God’s Promise Stands (Isaac is born)

• Despite human mistakes, God renews His promise.
• Isaac – the child of the miracle – becomes the center of the covenant.
• Ishmael and Hagar are sent away – with divine comfort, but not without pain.

Lesson: God’s plans prevail, even when we take detours. His faithfulness remains constant.

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3. The Great Test – The Sacrifice of Isaac

• Abraham receives the hardest command: Sacrifice your son.
• Inner struggle, silence, prayer – no excuses, only obedience.
• Isaac shows willing obedience – he is not forced, but trusts.
• At the last moment, God intervenes: a ram is sacrificed in Isaac’s place.

Lesson:

• Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
• God tests to strengthen – not to destroy.
• Obedience is rewarded – even when we don’t understand everything.

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4. God’s Covenant and Prophetic Meaning

• God confirms His covenant with Abraham through an oath.
• The ram as a substitute offering prophetically points to Christ.
• Even angels gain deeper understanding of the plan of redemption through this scene (see 1 Peter 1:10–12).

Lesson: This story is a prophetic shadow of Golgotha.

God gave what Abraham did not have to give – His only Son.

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Summary

Chapter 13 shows: Faith doesn’t mean never doubting – it means trusting despite the doubts.
Abraham’s life is a journey from impatience to surrender, from human solutions to divine obedience.

The greatest evidence of his faith was not words, but action. And in that obedience, God’s grace is revealed: He saves – through a sacrifice He Himself provides.

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Message for Us Today

God doesn’t test to destroy, but to strengthen.

True faith is shown in action, not in talk.

Obedience to God may cost sacrifice – but it is never in vain.

God’s timing is better than our own impatience.

Our trust in God often becomes most visible when we understand the least.

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Reflection Question

What would you do if God asked something “incomprehensible” of you?

Are there “Ishmaels” in your life – human solutions trying to replace God’s promises?

How is your obedience shown today – even when no one sees it?

Do you know the God who provides “a ram” for you – the solution, when you are ready to trust?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-06-2025-exodus-chapter-18-believe-his-prophets/

23.06.2025 | You Are God’s Treasure – Chosen and Sent | HEART ANCHOR
What it Means to Belong to God
Deuteronomy 26:18

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Bible Text

“And the Lord has today declared you to be his treasured possession as he promised you, and that you are to keep all his commands.”
— Deuteronomy 26:18

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Introduction

Have you ever felt overlooked? Maybe during a group project at school or in sports, when others get picked – just not you. That stings. It starts to eat away at your self-worth. You begin to wonder: “Am I unimportant? Do I even matter?”

But God thinks differently. In Deuteronomy 26:18, He says to His people – and also to you:

“And the Lord has today declared you to be his treasured possession as he promised you, and that you are to keep all his commands.”

This promise changes everything. It tells you: You are seen. You are wanted. You are set apart – not rejected.

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Devotional

This verse describes a powerful moment. God says to Israel – and through Christ to every believer:
“I choose you. You belong to Me.”

The Hebrew word for “possession” is segullah – meaning a precious treasure, something kept with love.
When God calls you His treasure, He’s not speaking about your outward appearance or your achievements – but your worth in His eyes.

This is exactly what Ellen White affirms when she writes:

“Every human being is chosen by God to be a light bearer in the world. No one is so insignificant that they cannot be transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit.”

This shows that being chosen is not just about belonging – it’s also about a calling. God doesn’t just choose you to bless you – He also chooses to send you as a light into a dark world.

God doesn’t only see what you’ve been – He sees what you can become through Him.
You are not too young, not too weak, and definitely not too ordinary. God sees the potential He Himself placed within you.

But how do we respond?

Deuteronomy 26:18 ends with:

“…and that you are to keep all his commands.”

This is not a deal – it’s a response.
When you know you belong to God – how could you not want to live for Him?
It’s not a burden – it’s an expression of love and trust.

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Story – “Anna: From the Shadows into the Light”

Anna was 16 when, for the first time, she felt that she might actually be valuable – not because of her grades or her looks, but simply because she was.

Before that, she constantly lived in fear of not being good enough. Her parents often compared her to her older sister. At school, she felt invisible.

Then she went to a youth retreat. One of the devotionals focused on Deuteronomy 26:18. The speaker said:
“You are God’s possession – not like an object, but like a treasure. You are no accident. You are wanted.”

Those words hit Anna straight in the heart. She suddenly remembered a quote she once read:

“No one is so insignificant that they cannot be transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. In that moment, she decided:
“I want to carry this light forward. I want to live like someone who belongs to God.”

And in the months that followed, something changed. She radiated more peace, encouraged others, joined the music team at church.
Not because she became perfect overnight – but because she now knew:
“I am God’s treasure. And I’m allowed to shine.”

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Thoughts – What Does This Mean for You?

• God doesn’t just see who you are – He sees who you can become with Him.

• You are chosen – not by chance, but on purpose.

• Your life has meaning, even when you can’t see it yourself.

• You are called to be a light bearer – at school, in your family, among your friends.

• You are not alone. The Holy Spirit is at work in you, empowering and guiding you.

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Practical Steps for Today

Take time to write a letter to yourself – from God’s perspective. What would He say to your heart?
Think: Where can you be a light bearer today? A kind word, a prayer, a quiet act of kindness?
Memorize Deuteronomy 26:18 – read it whenever you feel worthless.
Ask God to show you how to use your gifts in His service.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that I am Your possession – Your treasure.
You have not forgotten me, not overlooked me, but chosen me intentionally.
Thank You that I get to be a light bearer for You – even when I feel weak.
Please work in me through Your Holy Spirit. Change what needs to be changed. Strengthen what is weak.
And send me into this world as a sign of Your love.
I belong to You.
Amen.

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Final Thought to Take With You

God has confirmed you – today.
Not someday. Today.
Walk boldly – you are chosen, blessed, and sent.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-06-25-you-are-gods-treasure-chosen-and-sent-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/