Closer To Heaven
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Short answer: No. We don’t believe skipping meat makes anyone holier or earns extra favor with God. Seventh-day Adventists have promoted a plant-based diet for over 150 years, guided by biblical principles and the health message from co-founder Ellen White. We see the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, so caring for it […] Source: https://atoday.org/do-adventists-think-its-holier-to-be-vegetarian/
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The Prayer That Changes the Heart
7. As We Also Forgive Our Debtors“…as we also forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12 — second part
A Story — the Unpayable DebtA man stood before the king. The situation was hopeless. The debt he had accumulated was so great that there was no possibility of repaying it. It was no longer a sum that could somehow be settled; it was a burden beyond all measure.
The king summoned him, and when the man stood before him, it became clear what would follow: sale, loss, and consequences. Everything seemed decided.
But then something unexpected happened.
The man fell to his knees and pleaded for patience. He asked for time, for a chance. And the king responded differently than anyone would have expected. He did not merely let him go; he forgave the entire debt.
Completely.
The man walked away free.
But shortly afterward, he met another man who owed him a comparatively small amount. He seized him, pressured him, and demanded what was owed. When the other man pleaded for patience, he showed no mercy. He had him thrown into prison.
When the king heard what had happened, he had the man brought back. The words he spoke were serious:
“Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?”
(Matthew 18:33)
The story does not end quietly. It reveals a tension that cannot be ignored.
Forgiveness That ContinuesAfter Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness, He adds something that is not secondary. He connects the forgiveness we receive with our willingness to pass it on.
This is not an additional thought. The two belong together.
Anyone who experiences forgiveness faces a decision: What will happen to what they have received?
Ellen G. White describes this connection in the following way:
“The forgiveness we receive from God is not meant to stop with us. It changes the heart and enables us to forgive others as well. Whoever truly understands God’s grace will pass it on.”
(Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, chapter “The Lord’s Prayer”)
She continues:
“A heart that is unwilling to forgive closes itself to the experience of divine forgiveness. For forgiveness is not only a gift, but also an attitude that shapes the whole of life.”
(Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, chapter “The Lord’s Prayer”)
Why Is Forgiveness So Difficult?Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things in life. It does not require us to approve of wrongdoing, but it does call us to release what keeps us bound.
We often hold on—to what happened, to words, and to wounds. Sometimes because holding on makes us feel protected. Sometimes because we do not know how to let go.
But this is precisely where the tension arises. A heart that clings to hurt remains bound.
This request in the prayer brings us to this point: Just as I receive forgiveness, I am invited to pass it on.
Forgiveness Changes Our PerspectiveForgiveness does not mean that everything is forgotten. Nor does it mean that trust is restored immediately. But it changes our inner perspective.
It breaks the bond that ties us to the wrong and opens a space for freedom.
Ellen G. White writes:
“When a person becomes willing to forgive, a change takes place within. Bitterness loses its power, and in its place comes a peace that does not arise from human strength.”
(Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, chapter “The Lord’s Prayer”)
This change often does not happen all at once, but step by step.
The Sabbath as a Place of ReconciliationThe Sabbath is not only a day of rest, but also a day on which God desires to heal our relationships. He invites us to pause and open our hearts, not only before Him, but also toward those around us. True fellowship with God cannot be separated from a life that is willing to seek peace.
When we pray, “…as we also forgive our debtors,” the Sabbath leads us into a special school of grace. On this holy day, we remember how much God has forgiven us. The more deeply we recognize His mercy, the more our view of those who have hurt us begins to change.
The prophet Isaiah describes the Sabbath as a day of joy and fellowship with God (Isaiah 58:13–14). Wherever God is present, the willingness to seek reconciliation also grows. His love opens our hearts to paths that we often could not walk in our own strength.
Ellen G. White writes:
“Whoever enters the presence of Christ recognizes not only the greatness of divine grace, but also the personal calling to become an instrument of peace. The love God gives urges us to show love and mercy to others as well.”
Especially on the Sabbath, we may ask ourselves: Are there relationships that need healing? Are there words that were never spoken, wounds we have carried for years, or bitterness that weighs heavily on our hearts? God does not remind us of these things in order to condemn us, but because He desires to lead us into freedom.
Forgiveness does not mean that wrongdoing never happened or that every relationship can be restored immediately. Some wounds need time, and some boundaries remain necessary. Forgiveness means placing our desire for revenge into God’s hands and leaving judgment to Him. We free ourselves from the power of bitterness and trust that God will act justly.
The Sabbath gives us space to begin this journey consciously. Without the pressure of everyday life, we may examine our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to show us the people for whom we should pray, those we need to forgive, or those with whom—when possible—we should seek peace. Not every reconciliation happens in a single day, but every journey of reconciliation begins with a first step.
The Sabbath also reminds us of the future. The Bible promises a kingdom in which sin, separation, and pain will have no place. Every Sabbath points toward that perfect fellowship. When we forgive today, we already reflect something of that coming kingdom. We live according to the principles of heaven in a world still marked by wounds.
Perhaps this is one of the deepest invitations of the Sabbath: not only to find peace with God ourselves, but to become people of peace. Whoever receives God’s forgiveness again and again gradually becomes able to pass it on to others.
In this way, the Sabbath becomes a holy space of reconciliation—a place where God’s love softens hardened hearts, begins to heal old wounds, and teaches us anew to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.
InvitationTake time today to be honest. Ask yourself where you are still holding on and where you find it difficult to let go.
You do not have to resolve everything immediately. But you can take the first step.
PrayerFather,
You have forgiven me more than I can fully understand.
And yet I find it difficult
to forgive others.
You see my wounds,
my thoughts,
and the things I continue to hold on to.
I ask You:
change my heart.
Help me let go
of what keeps me bound,
and give me the strength to forgive.
Not through my own strength,
but through Your grace.
And lead me into a freedom
that I cannot reach on my own.
Amen.
“`
This Sabbath, remember that God made you and is still working in your life. Rest in His care, and let His presence bring peace to your heart. What does the Sabbath mean to you, personally? Share in the comments. #HappySabbath #AWR360 Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/20fIY85IR9E
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 18th of July 2026
Image © Pacific Press
1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Corinthians 2:5-10, 1 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9.
Memory Text:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV).
Our brains are like sponges: whatever is brought to them, via our senses, stays in them. We might not be conscious of most of what comes in (we’d be unable to think clearly if we did remember everything), but it’s all there, and, to some degree, impacts what we think, feel, and do.
That’s why it’s so easy for us, even as Christians, to be impacted by all the bad things around us. The Christian church, from the start, has struggled with this problem. Where, for instance, did Sunday keeping come from? Did the church just pull it out of the air? Of course not. It came from the culture around it.
And we can see this principle unfolding here in Corinth. After an appeal against factionalism (1 Corinthians 1:1-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21), Paul now turns to issues related to sexual immorality, lawsuits, prostitution, marriage, and singleness (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-40). The standards of the world affected them extensively. The factionalism portrayed in 1 Corinthians 1:1-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 opened the door for the moral behavior denounced in the ensuing chapters. How does Paul seek to address this sin in the church, and what lessons can we take from what he wrote?
God's Word gives clear guidance about the foods He created for us to eat and the animals He declared clean and unclean. Throughout Scripture, God instructs His people to avoid pork and other unclean meats, not as a burden, but for their good. Choosing to follow these biblical health principles can support better well-being while also honoring God's wisdom and care for our lives. When we trust His guidance, we recognize that the One who created our bodies knows what is best for them. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Uk1ugi7mA
Bible verse of the day: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." — Matthew 24:14 (NIV) Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting!
Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting!
This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
• How can we pray for you today?
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• What are you thankful for? How has God answered your prayers?
Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and love—one prayer at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a prayer. 🔔
Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pr Isaac Outerbridge The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theadventistchurch
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/adventistchurch 👉 Want more prayer moments?
Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh Day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDe6q4k7gL4
It started by asking, "What can I do to make church more impactful and more relevant to other people?" In the fourth episode of the Pentecost 2025 web documentary series, we see how a pastor with a burden to build community lead to classes teaching skills such as engine rebuilding and furniture upholstering — all geared toward mingling and making friends then sharing Christ. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXI0JCieyY8
Anche la nostra vita ha bisogno di essere alimentata ogni giorno. Gesù ci invita a rimanere vicini a Lui per ritrovare forza, speranza e pace. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SHWKciubacI
From mocking God to praying desperate prayers, from Led Zeppelin to It Is Written, Ern Brake’s story is filled with providential moments that reveal how deeply God cares for the searching soul. #conversion #atheism #christianity #savedbygrace #godsgrace Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N7Nd8wn20as
The Biblical Person of the Day
Barak – the military leader who needed encouragement
Profile
Short StoryBarak lived during the period of the Judges, a time when Israel was repeatedly oppressed by its enemies. In his days, the people suffered under the rule of Jabin, king of Canaan, and Sisera, the commander of his army.
The oppression was severe, because Sisera had a powerful army with many iron chariots. To Israel, this force seemed threatening and almost impossible to defeat.
In this situation, the prophetess Deborah spoke to Barak. She reminded him that God had called him to lead the people against Sisera.
Barak heard the command, but he did not want to go alone. He told Deborah that he would go only if she accompanied him.
This response shows that Barak was willing to take responsibility, but he needed encouragement and support.
Deborah went with him, although she announced that the glory of the victory would not belong to Barak alone. In the end, Sisera was defeated by Jael.
Barak’s story shows that God also uses people who are not completely fearless. It makes clear that courage sometimes grows through encouragement.
The Decisive MomentBarak obeys God’s command, although only with Deborah’s support, and still leads Israel to an important victory.
Seven Special Facts About Barak
Strengths and Weaknesses
obedient
courageous after receiving encouragement
willing to take responsibility
able to learn
hesitated at first
needed Deborah’s visible presence
The Mistake That Shaped His LifeBarak hesitated to accept God’s command on his own and made his participation dependent on Deborah’s presence.
His story shows that God can also use hesitant people, but their trust needs to grow.
Key Verse“If you go with me, I will go; but if you do not go with me, I will not go.” (Judges 4:8)
Life LessonCourage does not always mean being without fear; sometimes courage means taking the next step despite uncertainty.
Application for TodayNeeding encouragement is not a sign of complete weakness. What matters is that, despite your uncertainty, you face the right calling.
A Question for YouIn what area do you need encouragement today to take a step that has been before you for a long time?
ContextBarak lived during the period of the Judges, when Israel was threatened by the Canaanites.
ConnectionBarak worked closely with the prophetess Deborah and led Israel against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army.
Barak shows that God also uses people who need encouragement, as long as they are willing to respond to His calling.
See you tomorrow with the next biblical person!
His Life Story The Life Story of Barak – Courage That Grows Through Encouragement 
A Time of OppressionBarak lived during a difficult period in Israel’s history. Once again, the people had fallen under the rule of foreign powers and were suffering under the pressure of the Canaanites.
Jabin, king of Canaan, and Sisera, the commander of his army, had severely oppressed Israel. Sisera’s iron chariots made the threat especially great and caused Israel’s military situation to appear almost hopeless.
In this atmosphere of fear, pressure, and helplessness, Barak was called to a task greater than his own strength.
The Call Through DeborahDeborah was a judge and prophetess in Israel. She listened to God’s direction and spoke clearly during a time when the people needed guidance.
She sent for Barak and reminded him of God’s command. Barak was to gather men from Naphtali and Zebulun and march against Sisera.
This calling was not only difficult from a military point of view, but also spiritually challenging. Barak had to decide whether he would trust God’s word more than the visible superiority of the enemy.
Between the Calling and UncertaintyBarak heard the command, but his response revealed his uncertainty. He was willing to go, but only if Deborah went with him.
This reaction makes him relatable and human. Barak was not a hero who moved forward without hesitation. He needed the presence of someone who had clearly heard God’s word.
His hesitation was a weakness, but it did not stop him completely. He did not remain motionless; instead, he accepted the encouragement he received and finally set out.
The Road to BattleDeborah accompanied Barak, just as he had asked. Together they gathered the men of Israel, and Barak led them to Mount Tabor.
From a human perspective, the battle against Sisera was risky. Israel did not possess the same military strength as the enemy, and Sisera’s iron chariots represented superiority and intimidation.
But the victory would not come through human strength, but through God’s intervention.
God’s InterventionWhen the battle began, Sisera’s army was thrown into confusion. The power in which Sisera had trusted could not save him.
Barak pursued the enemy army, and Israel experienced a victory greater than its own strength.
This moment showed that fulfilling God’s calling does not depend on the size of the visible obstacles.
The Honor Goes to a WomanDeborah had announced to Barak that the glory of the victory would not belong to him alone. Indeed, Sisera fled and met his death at the hands of Jael.
For Barak, this meant that his hesitation had consequences. He was able to participate in the victory, but the special honor did not belong to him alone.
His story shows both realities: God used him, but his trust was not perfect.
A Song of VictoryAfter the victory, a song was sung celebrating the deliverance God had accomplished. Deborah and Barak are both connected in it with Israel’s liberation.
The song reminds us that this victory was not simply a military achievement, but a sign that God had not forgotten His people.
In this way, Barak remained part of a story in which God’s faithfulness was greater than human weakness.
The Lasting Message of His LifeBarak shows that courage sometimes needs to grow. His story makes clear that God does not use only completely fearless people, but also those who need encouragement and still decide to move forward.
It reminds us that hesitation does not have to be the end, as long as a person is willing to face God’s calling despite it.
Closing ThoughtBarak was not a hero without weaknesses. He heard God’s calling, but felt his uncertainty and asked for Deborah’s company.
Nevertheless, he did not remain paralyzed by fear. He went, fought, and became part of a great victory for Israel.
His life story shows that God can use even hesitant courage when it finally decides to move forward.
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