Closer To Heaven
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Dos empleados de la Agencia Adventista de Desarrollo y Recursos Asistenciales (ADRA) de la División de Zimbabue han malversado presuntamente 1,4 millones de dólares. Fortune Goredema compareció ante la magistrada regional de Harare, Marehwanazvo Gofa, acusada de fraude. Fue puesto en libertad bajo fianza de 1.000 dólares con estrictas condiciones, entre ellas la obligación de […] Source: https://atoday.org/empleados-de-adra-acusados-malversar-14-millones-de-dolares-a-la-organizacion/
June 16, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 11 – The Exodus Commanded
The Threat of the Tenth Plague – God’s Final Warning to Egypt══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 11 (KJV)1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.
2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.
3 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
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IntroductionAfter nine painful plagues, the turning point has come: God, through Moses, announces the tenth and most severe plague – the death of the firstborn. This is not merely a threat, but the final divine confrontation with Pharaoh’s hardness of heart. Chapter 11 is short but powerful. It prepares the way for Israel’s final departure and highlights God’s power to both judge and protect His people.
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CommentaryGod speaks directly to Moses: “I will bring one more plague.” This shows that God acts with purpose—nothing is random. The tenth plague will break Pharaoh’s resistance. God even promises that Pharaoh will not only release the Israelites but drive them out.
Verse 2: The Israelites are to ask the Egyptians for silver and gold items—a divine form of compensation for 400 years of slavery.
Verse 3: God grants the people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Moses himself has become a highly respected figure, even among Pharaoh’s servants.
Moses now speaks with divine authority: God Himself will go through the land at midnight. The judgment will be devastating:
Verse 5: Every firstborn—from Pharaoh’s son to the slave woman’s child, even among animals—will die.
Verse 6: A great cry will rise throughout Egypt—unmatched in history.
Verse 7: But Israel will be protected: “Not even a dog will bark.” A vivid image of divine peace and the distinction God makes between Egypt and Israel.
Verse 8: Moses proclaims that Pharaoh’s officials will beg him to lead the people out. Then he will go—not in peace, but in holy anger.
God reminds Moses again: Pharaoh will not listen—so that God’s wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.
Even though Moses and Aaron had already performed many signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened—not due to a lack of proof, but due to deliberate resistance.
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SummaryExodus 11 is the dramatic preparation for the final plague: the death of the firstborn. God announces that this will be the definitive turning point. While Egypt will be plunged into grief, Israel will experience divine protection and favor. Moses emerges as a courageous and righteous leader, while Pharaoh remains blind to God’s hand.
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Message for Us TodayGod’s patience is great, but it is not limitless. Continued resistance to His voice has consequences.
God ensures justice: What was taken from His people will be returned—by His command.
God distinguishes His people: Even today, He knows His own and protects them—even amid judgment.
Spiritual hardening is dangerous: It is not the absence of signs, but the condition of the heart that determines whether we recognize God’s work.
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Thought Prompt
Where in my life am I warning others or being warned—and perhaps not taking it seriously enough? Am I experiencing God’s protection in the midst of turmoil or uncertainty? Am I willing, like Moses, to proclaim God’s message boldly and faithfully, even in the face of rejection?
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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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IntroductionAfter 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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Commentary1.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
3.War to Rescue His Nephew: Justice and Nobility
4.Covenant with God: Star-Faith and Sacrificial Ceremony
5.Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change
6.Hospitality and Intercession: From Tent to Prayer
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SummaryAbraham’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 TodaySelfless 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 QuestionSource: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-06-2025-exodus-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/
16.06.2025 | True Greatness – Boasting in the Right Thing | HEART ANCHOR
Let the one who boasts, boast in this: that they know me
Jeremiah 9:23–24⸻
Bible Text“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”
— Jeremiah 9:23–24
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IntroductionIn a performance-driven society, only one thing seems to matter: top grades, follower counts, or impressive achievements. But what if God is proud of entirely different things? In Jeremiah 9:23–24, the Lord turns our assumptions upside down and invites us to redefine our sense of worth.
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DevotionalJeremiah challenges us: everything we achieve in this world—fame, power, or wealth—cannot give us what God desires. The temptation to define ourselves by our intelligence, strength, or material possessions is great—these qualities are visible and measurable. But God’s standard is different: He delights in our “knowing” Him and in the insight that springs from that relationship.
Having insight means recognizing our limits and acknowledging our daily need for God’s grace.
Knowing God is more than Bible knowledge—it’s a living relationship that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Kindness, justice, and righteousness are not abstract concepts but God’s heartbeat for the weak, oppressed, and lost.
When we align ourselves with these values, we discover freedom: no longer pressured by the world’s rankings, but invited to grow in God’s community and participate in His work.
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Story – “Building the Tower in the Youth Basement”In a lively church youth group, the teens planned a big event: they would build a wooden tower taller than anything they’d attempted before. Jonas, Lea, and their friends divided the tasks: Jonas handled the engineering (he excelled in math), Lea secured sponsorships (her contacts were impressive), and others supplied plenty of materials—money and tools were at the ready.
Construction began, and the tower rose quickly. Proudly, they posed for photos in front of the wobbling structure. But the higher it grew, the more unstable it became. With the last plank in place, the whole thing collapsed in a crash. Panic! Splinters flew, tears fell as they surveyed the wreckage of their effort.
In the chaos, Pastor Miriam stepped forward and said, “God isn’t pleased with the tallest tower but with hearts that build Him in love.” Then she suggested they spend the afternoon with the homeless instead: cooking soup together and sharing real stories. Hesitantly, the teens helped—no tower, but genuine warmth and connection. They heard human stories of struggle and shared their own concerns. In that simple meeting, they saw God’s kindness come alive.
By day’s end, no tower stood—but in their faces was a new satisfaction. They realized that true greatness isn’t in grand projects but in the love we put into action.
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ThoughtsKnowledge vs. Relationship: More than being smart—really encountering God.
Strength vs. Humility: More than assertiveness—God’s gentleness toward others.
Wealth vs. Justice: More than money—standing up for those who have nothing.
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What Does This Mean for You?Reflect: On what do you build your self-worth? Grades, muscles, bank balance, or likes? Jeremiah calls you to root your identity in God’s values: insight and relationship instead of self-promotion.
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Impulses for TodayHeart Check: Write down three things you’ve recently boasted about. Then pray, “Lord, take away my pride—give me humility and insight.”
Live Out Encounter: Find someone on the fringes (new in class, shy, different) and offer them an open ear or a kind gesture.
Motto of the Day: Carry a note that reads, “True greatness is knowing God.” Read it before any major decision.
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PrayerLord, you alone are wise, strong, and rich. Remove from me the pressure to define myself by performance. Grant me insight into my limits and a living relationship with You. Teach me to love mercifully, act justly, and share Your righteousness. Let my heart boast in what pleases You. Amen.
In His darkest moment, Jesus fell to the ground in agony, praying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…" but, He didn't stop there—He surrendered, saying, "…yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV). If you’re struggling and the weight of this feels too much, remember this: Jesus understands. He’s been there. Just like He trusted the Father, you can too. Comment "I trust You, Lord" if you’re surrendering your struggles to Him today! Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lAMKCOXNXtY
What does the Bible say about the secret rapture? Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcVzTCGCBWk
Daily Lesson for Monday 16th of June 2025
However much fealty Nebuchadnezzar, impressed by what Daniel had done, at first paid to Daniel and to his God (see Daniel 2:1-49, especially vv. 46–48), it didn’t last.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
The king underscored his defiance of God’s message by constructing a statue made entirely of gold. The message? Babylon will never fall, and Nebuchadnezzar will always be king. And anybody who dared to challenge that idea would be put to death. It serves as a powerful reminder that our human desire for self-determination can quickly blind us to the truth about how the great controversy will most certainly play out.
In some ways, Nebuchadnezzar displays characteristics of Lucifer: he was ambitious, self-important, and prideful enough to rebel openly against God’s authority. In other ways, of course, there are marked differences: Nebuchadnezzar eventually came to faith in the true God, and it is likely that we will meet him in the kingdom he originally fought so hard to defy.
Think how easily these three men could have rationalized their way out of this dangerous situation. After all, were they not being fanatics, willing to be burned alive over merely bowing down? Couldn’t they have just faked it, bowing to tie their shoelaces while praying to their own God? Was it really worth what they were facing? Obviously, they thought so, even though their words showed that they knew that they might not escape with their lives.
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How can we avoid the easy rationalizations that present us with opportunities to compromise on our faith? What does this text say that addresses a similar temptation: “ ‘He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much’ ” (Luke 16:10, NKJV)? |
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June 15, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 10 – Locusts and Darkness – God’s Call to Repentance
When Power Confronts God’s Grace══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 10 (KJV)1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.
3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
6 And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.
7 And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the Lord your God: but who are they that shall go?
9 And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the Lord.
10 And he said unto them, Let the Lord be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you.
11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the Lord; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.
13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
14 And the locust went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you.
17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the Lord your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the Lord.
19 And the Lord turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.
26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither.
27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.
28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.
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IntroductionChapter 10 of Exodus takes us deeper into the confrontation between the God of Israel and the stubborn Pharaoh. After the plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, flies, and hail failed to bring repentance, God intensifies His judgment with two more plagues: locusts and three days of darkness. Yet despite the increasingly severe signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.
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Commentary1.Mission and Purpose (Verses 1–2)
2.Renewed Demand for Release (Verses 3–6)
3.Negotiation and Deception Attempt (Verses 7–11)
4.Execution of the Locust Plague (Verses 12–15)
5.Repentance and Plea (Verses 16–19)
6.Ninth Plague: Three Days of Darkness (Verses 20–23)
7.Final Negotiations and Continued Refusal (Verses 24–29)
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SummaryGod sends the eighth and ninth plagues – locusts and darkness – as climactic signs of His judgment over Egypt. Each plague reveals His power over nature and false gods, sets His people apart, and calls for repentance. Pharaoh’s continued refusal shows that it is not a lack of signs, but a hardened heart, that prevents change.
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Message for Us TodayIn times of crisis – loss, illness, darkness – we too are invited to make a decision. God’s “plagues” often act as wake-up calls, urging us to examine our hearts and turn back to Him.
The decisive factor is not the severity of the trial, but our inner willingness to listen to God’s voice and trust Him.
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Thought Prompt~~~~~
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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IntroductionAfter 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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Commentary1.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
3.War to Rescue His Nephew: Justice and Nobility
4.Covenant with God: Star-Faith and Sacrificial Ceremony
5.Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change
6.Hospitality and Intercession: From Tent to Prayer
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SummaryAbraham’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.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for Us TodaySelfless 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.
═════════════════════════════════════════════
Reflection QuestionSource: https://fulfilleddesire.net/15-06-2025-exodus-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/
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