Closer To Heaven
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How can believers grapple with the reality that extremist ideologies co-opt Christianity in the public eye? Just Liberty is a podcast that explores the history and middle ground of messy conversations around religious freedoms in America. Led by a litigator and Liberty Magazine editor, the episodes dive into Supreme Court cases, history, and the ideology […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventinnovate-just-liberty-podcast/
by Jason O’Rourke | 17 July 2026 | Recently, Conrad Vine—once head of Adventist Frontier Missions, a leader in the Berrien Springs Village Church, and a gadfly to the Michigan Conference, recently preached a sermon entitled “Entropy.” The sermon was widely shared, and cheered by many Adventists who listened to it. Yet there is much […] Source: https://atoday.org/entropy-a-theological-critique-of-conrad-vines-challenge-to-the-adventist-church/
Still awake?
July 17, 2026
God Does Not Forget His Promises
Matthew 1:1–17“This is the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.”
Matthew 1:1
Waiting is not easy.
Waiting for a message.
Waiting for good grades.
Waiting for healing.
Waiting for answers.
Sometimes we ask ourselves:
“Has God forgotten me?”
When Matthew begins his Gospel, he reminds his readers of two names:
Abraham.
David.
God had made great promises to both of them.
But many hundreds of years passed before Jesus was born.
Generations came and went.
Kings were born.
Empires fell.
People died.
And yet…
God did not forget His promise.
Jesus came at exactly the right time.
Perhaps God is also working in your life differently from the way you would like.
Not always quickly.
But always faithfully.
Perhaps you cannot yet see what God is preparing.
But that does not mean He has stopped working.
God’s clock sometimes runs differently from ours.
But it is never wrong.
That is why you can trust Him.
Even while you are still waiting.
Think About ItWhich promise of God are you waiting for right now?
PrayerDear Father,
thank You for never forgetting Your promises.
Help me to trust You even when I have to wait.
Give me patience and a firm faith that You will act at the right time.
Thank You that Jesus is the proof that You always keep Your word.
Amen.
Sleep well.
Your loving Father keeps what He promises.
See you tomorrow.
Are you sure you know what you think you do? Some lies are loud. Others are quiet, disguised as information, concern, even conviction. In our culture of information—where falsehoods travel faster than wisdom—we can be influenced without our knowing. Research says false news spreads faster than accurate, unbiased news. Before facts can be verified, lies cross borders and oceans at lightning speed, because technology maximizes engagement, not truth. Algorithms and clicks are designed for clicks, not understanding.
This model is not new; Satan used it in Eden. Deception borrows the language of truth, just as the serpent did. Our only defense is what God gave us—His Word. Through the Scripture we hold in our hearts and in our minds, we can stop, pause, examine, decipher, before forwarding, sharing, and commenting. God’s truth in the face of news-driven anxiety will win every time. About the series From the Heart is a weekly devotional series in which Pastor Köhler reflects on what it means to be grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission, collectively and individually. Each episode is grounded in the four pillars of the Seventh-day Adventist Church strategic plan: Communion with God, Identity in Christ, Unity through the Holy Spirit, and Mission for All. The series connects biblical faith to everyday life, sharing short reflections and glimpses of how God is at work through the Adventist Church around the world. Subscribe and join us each week as we live out our faith and prepare for Jesus's return. – The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 23 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/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFALmhpKA30
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/
Back to the Source of Life
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?
• Where are you watching from?
• 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. đź””
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
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]
