Closer To Heaven
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by Reinder Bruinsma | 19 June 2026 | This year Pentecost was May 24. In many countries Pentecost is a public holiday, recognized by everyone. Yet it is also true that a major proportion of the population no longer has an inkling about its religious meaning, and those who do only have a vague idea […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventists-uneasy-relationship-with-the-holy-spirit/
Oxford Dictionary's 2025 word of the year was "Rage Bait"—content posted on the internet with the specific intention of making you angry. It is designed to provoke and offend. We live in an ecosystem of manufactured outrage. Every time you open your phone, someone dangles a hook in front of your face. They want you to bite. They want you to lose control. They want to monetize your fury. We see this spirit entering the church. We see the polarization that tears nations apart trying to tear our pews apart. We see brothers and sisters who should be united by the blood of Jesus being divided by the hot blood of an argument on social media. We need to pause and recognize the danger. Rage is not just an emotion. It is a spiritual trap. "For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20, NKJV). When we bite the Rage Bait, we swallow a poison that kills our witness. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9, NKJV). Notice He did not say "Blessed are the ones who win the debate." He blessed the peacemakers. This is our identity. As Seventh-day Adventists, we are people of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a sanctuary in time. It is a day of rest, not a day of rage. How do we respond? First, we must refuse to bite the bait. We need the discipline of silence. Second, we must practice the soft answer. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV). The church must be the noise-canceling headphones for a stressed-out world. When the world screams with hate, we emit the inverse frequency of grace. We are here to lower the volume. We are here to bring sanity back to the conversation. If the world has its Rage Bait, we have the Bread of Life. Be the calm in the storm. Be the grace in the grit. 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=jzn-CVUSObQ
From the beginning, God set apart a day for rest—the seventh day. Six days were given for all work to be done, but on the seventh day, He calls you to come to Him. This call is for each one who is weary and heavy laden. Will you remain in His presence today and let Him fill you with peace as you rest in Him? #HappySabbath #AWR360 Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tXW5Xym2qME
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 20th of June 2026
Image © Pacific Press
Psalms 80:1-19, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Revelation 21:9-27, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4, John 6:44.
Memory Text:
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2, NKJV).
What does the future hold for you? What lies ahead? It might seem daunting, exciting, scary, and wonderful all at once. Know that Jesus is faithful and that His words are true (Revelation 3:14). There will yet be turbulent times ahead (Matthew 24:21-22), but He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He will do exactly what He says He will do—He always has and always will (Hebrews 10:23). And “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV).
Regardless of the number of days left for us on earth, we should fix our eyes on Jesus, looking steadfastly to Him. This is not always easy in a world that clamors for our attention, but may we, like David, say, “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net” (Psalms 25:15, NKJV).
This week, let’s learn about the reward of heaven (Matthew 5:12, Revelation 22:12); what heaven will be like; and ultimately, how incredible it will be to finally be with the One who created us, loved us unto death, has redeemed us from our sin, and is coming back soon. We need to just hold on in faith until then.
Bible verse of the day: "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" — Romans 8:15 (NIV) 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:
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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 Dave Ketelsen 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=KUYdXYk8x2s
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