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25.05.2025 – Genesis Chapter 39 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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📅 May 25, 2025

📖 DAILY BIBLE READING

✨ Genesis 39 – Joseph’s Integrity and God’s Upholding

🌍  Service, Temptation, and Testing in Potiphar’s House

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📜 Bible Text – Genesis 39 (KJV)

1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because theLord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.

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🔵 Introduction

This chapter shows how Joseph, despite hardship—slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment—experienced God’s constant presence and guidance. His exemplary service, his steadfastness in temptation, and his unwavering trust in God demonstrate how blessing flows through faithful obedience.

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🟡 Commentary

  1. God’s Blessing in Service (vv. 2–6)

    • Situation: Joseph is placed in charge of Potiphar’s household and experiences God’s blessing in every task.

    • Meaning: When God is with us, He grants success and favor in our work, regardless of our position.

  2. Temptation to Unchastity (vv. 7–12)

    • Situation: Potiphar’s wife daily tempts Joseph to sin with her.

    • Joseph’s Response: A firm refusal, out of loyalty to his master and reverence for God.

    • Lesson: Integrity guards against compromise; the fear of God serves as an inner compass.

  3. False Accusation and Imprisonment (vv. 13–20)

    • Situation: Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph, leading to his imprisonment.

    • Conflict: Injustice strikes the righteous—a recurring theme for biblical heroes of faith.

  4. God’s Preservation in Prison (vv. 21–23)

    • Situation: Even in prison, Joseph is blessed; the warden entrusts all prisoners to him.

    • Conclusion: God’s presence is evident not only in success but especially in trials.

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🟢 Summary

Joseph experiences God’s blessing in Potiphar’s house, remains faithful under severe temptation, and is wrongly imprisoned. Yet there too God’s hand is at work, granting him favor with the prison warden. God’s faithfulness accompanies the believer through every season—both in rise and in fall.

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🔴 Message for Us Today

  • God Sustains Faithful Servants: Whether at work, at home, or in ministry—those who trust God will not be forsaken, even in adverse circumstances.

  • Integrity Pays Off: A life guided by reverence for God and moral clarity prevents regrets over compromised decisions.

  • Trials as a Stage for God’s Work: God’s faithfulness shines not only in success but often most brightly in crises and suffering.

➡ Practical Application:

  • Evaluate every decision by whether it honors God, not by immediate pleasure or gain.

  • Trust in God’s care during difficult seasons and look for opportunities to share His faithfulness with others.

  • Pray like Joseph—for wisdom, steadfastness, and the assurance that God works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

~~~~~ 📚 ~~~~~

📆 May 25 – 31, 2025

📆 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

📖 Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 7

✨ The Flood

📖 Read online here

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🔵 Introduction

In a world once of paradisiacal beauty, deep corruption reigned: idolatry, violence, and moral decay had driven out trust in the Creator. When God saw that “every intent of the thoughts of [people’s] hearts was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5), He announced a worldwide judgment by water—and at the same time provided a means of rescue: Noah’s Ark.

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🟡 Commentary

1.The Earth’s Fatal Condition

    • Corrupted by idolatry and self-deification

    • Adultery, violence, and licentiousness: violations of God’s order for life

2.Noah’s Commission and Preparation

    • 120 years of Ark-building as a living warning

    • Preaching repentance and extending an invitation to salvation

3.God’s Deliverance for Noah and His Family

    • The Ark as a sign of divine grace and obedience

    • The closing of the door: the end of all opportunity for repentance

4.The Day of Judgment in the Flood

    • The bursting of the subterranean springs and the opening of the heavens

    • Destruction of the unrepentant; preservation of the righteous

5.A Type of the Final Judgment

    • Parallels between Noah’s day and the last days (Matt. 24:38–39; 2 Pet. 3)

    • God’s warning and invitation remain in effect until Christ’s return

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🟢 Summary

The pre-Flood generation abused God’s gifts and life itself, denied Him, and forged their own destruction in sin. God revealed His judgment to Noah, yet at the same time offered rescue to him and his family through the Ark. Those who heeded God’s call were saved; those who persisted in rebellion were swept away in judgment. The Flood displays both God’s holy justice and His merciful deliverance for all who believe and obey.

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🔴 Message for Us Today

  • Watchfulness and Repentance: As in Noah’s day, our hearts can easily be seized by selfishness and excess. God’s warning calls us to turn from sin and live holy lives.

  • Obedience as Deliverance: Those who heed God’s voice and walk in His ways find rescue—not by their own merit, but by His grace.

  • Eschatological Parallel: The Flood is a sobering picture of Christ’s coming judgment. Let us prepare by living in faith, shunning sin, and sharing the saving message with others.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-05-2025-genesis-chapter-39-believe-his-prophets/

Allusions, Images, Symbols – Lesson 9.In the Psalms: Part 2 | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley

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Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley  |
Lesson 9. In the Psalms: Part 2 |
Divine Promises and End-Time Perspectives in the Psalms |
In Lesson 9 we dive into the rich world of the Psalms and discover how these ancient songs of praise reflect the central themes of end-time prophecy. We begin with Psalm 46, which assures us of God’s unshakeable help amid chaos, and follow its call to faithfulness and rest in the face of judgmental upheaval. Psalm 47 and Zechariah 14 show us that as Christians we will not only be saved but will reign as co-regents in Christ’s kingdom. With Psalm 75 we learn of God’s justice that topples proud powers, while the blood of the new covenant in Matthew 26 and Revelation 14 brings the decisive turning point. Finally, Psalm 67 exhorts us not to keep God’s light to ourselves but to let it shine out to all nations. This lesson invites us to anchor our hope in God’s sovereign power and to take an active part in His end-time mission.
Content:
9.1 A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble
God Our Rock and Refuge – Confidence in Crisis and the End Times
Psalm 46 presents us with an unshakeable Helper who is our refuge amid earthquakes, warfare, and global chaos. Even if “the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Ps 46:3), we need not fear, for God Himself is our security. This promise applies not only to personal crises but also points to end-time visions in which heaven and earth are shaken (Rev 6:14; 2 Pet 3:12). In Christ on the cross—the true basis of our hope—we see the perfect revelation of God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness. When we “be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:11), we anchor our trust not in temporary turmoil but in the unshakeable promise of a new, eternal peace. Thus this psalm encourages us to stand firm and cling daily to Jesus’s victory over sin and death.
9.2 Hope Amid Turmoil
The Unmoved Throne over a Storm-Tossed World
Psalm 46 and Jeremiah 4 vividly depict a world in total collapse—physically and politically—to prepare the stage for God’s final renewal. Daniel 7 shows how successive, unstable kingdoms rise from the “turbulent sea” of nations, yet none can quell the chaos or solve humanity’s deepest problems. Our true citizenship lies in the kingdom of God, which sits high above all earthly upheaval (Phil 3:20; Ezek 1:26). Christ’s return will mark the moment when these broken powers finally fall, making way for a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 22:1). Until then, we remain steadfast in faith—not clutching foolishly at this world, but confident that God’s promises stand firm (Ps 46:7–8). This prophetic perspective fills us with hope: the last word belongs not to chaos, but to the King whose throne endures forever.
9.3 Under His Feet
Reigning with Christ over the Earth
Psalm 47:2–5 promises that God will make His people inherit the nations and place them under our feet—a picture of our reign in Christ’s kingdom. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, we encounter Christ in the air as He raptures His bride for the heavenly wedding, while Zechariah 14:4 describes His feet standing on the Mount of Olives at the close of the millennial reign. These two passages reveal two interconnected aspects of Christ’s ultimate rule: our union with the exalted Lord in the rapture and our shared reign with Him at the end of the age. Satan once claimed dominion over the earth, but Christ—and with Him His saints—will ultimately hold rightful authority over all kingdoms. The vision of the New Jerusalem’s descent (VSL 607–608) gives us a living hope: we are not mere pilgrims, but future co-regents at Christ’s throne. Without these promises, life in the face of death would be empty and meaningless—but in Jesus we have a living pledge of eternal fellowship and reign.
9.4 Wine and Blood
From the Cup of Judgment to the Cup of the Covenant
Psalm 75 portrays God as the righteous Judge who shatters the “horns” of proud rulers and repays corrupt dominion with the cup of justice (Ps 75:8). In contrast, Matthew 26:26–29 presents the cup of wine as the symbol of the new covenant in Christ’s blood, uniting us with Him in righteousness. Revelation 14:9–12 warns that those who serve the beast must drink the “wine of God’s wrath,” while the saints, through faith and obedience, escape it and look forward to the eternal kingdom. Thus the narrative spans from the proclamation of judgment on self-exalting powers to Christ’s redeeming self-sacrifice. Until God completes His cosmic renewal, the destruction of the present order remains necessary to eradicate entrenched injustice forever. In this knowledge we live with hope—not in a world that judges itself, but in the promise of the cup that brings us eternal life.
9.5 That Your Salvation May Be Known
Radiant Ambassadors of Salvation in a Dark World
Psalm 67 calls us to receive God’s shining face and to make His ways known among all nations. In Revelation 14:6–12 the “three angels’ messages” continue this mission: proclaiming the eternal gospel, warning against false systems, and calling all to worship the Creator. If we coat our hearts with an ultrablack “nanocoating,” we absorb God’s light without reflecting it, failing to carry His salvation to the world. Instead of hiding in a “VIP lounge” of privilege, Christ has entrusted us with the whole earth as our mission field. Our task as church and individuals is not merely to bask silently in God’s glory, but actively to spread His light across the world and invite all to gather on God’s holy mountain.
9.6 Summary
Hope, Reign, and Mission in God’s Grand Design
In Lesson 9, “In the Psalms, Part 2,” key themes of biblical prophecy unfold: Psalm 46 assures us of God’s presence and victory even in the greatest chaos and final judgment. Psalm 47 and Zechariah 14 reveal that in Christ’s kingdom we will not only be saved but will reign as co-regents over the earth. Psalm 75 speaks of God’s righteous judgment on proud powers and contrasts the cup of wrath with the cup of the new covenant in Christ’s blood. Psalm 67 admonishes us not to keep God’s light to ourselves but to radiate His salvation to all peoples. Together, these passages summon us to active hope—grounded in God’s power and goodness—and to carry His promises forward until the new creation dawns.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/allusions-images-symbols-lesson-9-in-the-psalms-part-2-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

The First Step to Better Health | Episode 2 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson

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The First Step to Better Health | Episode 2 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson
Are you ready to take the first step toward better health?
In this episode of The Abundant Life series, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, shares timeless biblical principles and introduces eight natural remedies that can lead to a healthier and more joyful life. Based on John 5 and Ellen White’s The Ministry of Healing, this episode reminds us that better health begins with a decision—and God is ready to walk with you every step of the way.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-first-step-to-better-health-episode-2-abundant-living-with-ted-wilson/

Discover the Bible’s Blueprint for a Healthy Life | Episode 1 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson

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Discover the Bible’s Blueprint for a Healthy Life | Episode 1 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson
Looking for ways to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?
In this first episode of the Abundant Life series, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, introduces a new journey—one that explores how biblical principles can lead to a healthier, longer, and more meaningful life.
This episode features the inspiring story of Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old Adventist physician who still drives, lectures, and shares life-giving health tips. It highlights simple, powerful habits rooted in God’s Word that can transform your daily life.
Join us in discovering God’s plan for your well-being.
Subscribe and tap the bell so you don’t miss any episodes.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/discover-the-bibles-blueprint-for-a-healthy-life-episode-1-abundant-living-with-ted-wilson/

Lesson 8.In the Psalms: Part 1 | 8.7 Questions | ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS | LIVING FAITH

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📘 Lesson 8.In the Psalms: Part 1

8.7 Questions
In the Light of the Sanctuary – The Psalms as Guides to God’s Presence

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🕊📜 Introduction

The Psalms are full of contrasts: exaltation and lament, jubilation and remorse, praise and pleading. They bear the weight of every human experience—and yet they breathe hope. Especially David’s life, which shaped most of the Psalms, shows how God’s grace meets human failure. David, once a shepherd and later a king, stood before God not on his own strength but on God’s promise. He foreshadowed Christ, the only one who kept God’s covenant perfectly—in our place.

These questions bring us to the heart of our faith: How does God save? What does intercession mean? Why is Jesus our only hope? And what happens when a sinful person is lifted up by grace?

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❓💬 Answers to the Questions

🔍 1. In what ways did David prefigure Jesus, who truly fulfilled God’s covenant on our behalf? And why is what Jesus did for us our only hope?

David was called “a man after God’s own heart”—not because he was sinless, but because he depended on divine grace. His sins (adultery, deceit, even murder) were staggering, yet his greatness lay in his reliance on God’s mercy.

The Psalms contain prophetic pointers to Christ. Psalm 22 describes a crucifixion scene centuries before the cross. Psalm 110 portrays the Messiah as both King and Priest, just as Jesus is. David’s life, though flawed, pointed toward the coming Savior.

Jesus did more than teach; He fulfilled the covenant no human could keep. While all of humanity—David included—failed repeatedly, Jesus remained perfectly faithful. Only because He stood in our place can we be saved.

“He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.”
2 Corinthians 5:21

Our hope isn’t our obedience but His. Our security isn’t our feelings but His sacrifice. Our salvation isn’t our promises but His faithful word.

🔍 2. Which sections of the Psalms are most precious or meaningful to you because they reflect experiences you’ve had?

For many, including myself, Psalm 51 is an anchor—it speaks the language of repentance and of hope:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.” (v. 12)

When I was trapped in guilt, believing God had no use for me, these words became my own prayer. David shows that God does not reject a broken heart.

Psalm 23, too, resonates deeply in times of fear—in hospital corridors, at funerals. It’s more than comfort; it’s a reminder that the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep.

🔍 3. Why do the Psalms so often point to the Temple? What can we learn from David’s love for the Sanctuary, and how does that help us appreciate Jesus as our heavenly High Priest “who is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us” (Romans 8:34)?

For David, the Sanctuary was where God met His people—never a cold ritual, but a living reality of divine nearness. He writes:

“I will worship toward your holy temple.”
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!”

David understood: God dwells among His people and is accessible to them. Today we lack a stone temple—but we have Jesus, our High Priest, who entered the true Sanctuary and intercedes for us (Hebrews 4–8). His intercession is not mere metaphor but our lifeline. In weakness, temptation, or doubt, He never stops pleading on our behalf. Because of His prayers, our past is forgiven, our present secure, and our future guaranteed.

🔍 4. What personal experiences have you had of God lifting up “the contrite and humble” after the shame and misery of sin and welcoming them into His family?

I think of Luke, a young man in my congregation who, at 17, was arrested for theft. He was expelled from school, spent time in rehab—and believed God had abandoned him. In that low place, a counselor read Psalms 32 and 51 with him.

At first, Luke prayed in anger—then in tears, and finally in hope. Today he leads a support group for at-risk youth. He often says:

“I’m not proud of my past. But I’m grateful that God didn’t hold it against me; He forgave my guilt.”

Luke was not only lifted up—he was sent out.

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✨ Spiritual Principles

  • Jesus alone fulfilled God’s covenant perfectly.

  • Forgiveness transforms sinners into witnesses.

  • The Sanctuary lives on in Christ, who intercedes for us.

  • The Psalms mirror our souls and open a window to God’s heart.

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🧩 Practical Application

  • Pray the Psalms: Let them give voice to your heart when you lack words.

  • Rely on Jesus’ intercession in temptation—He stands with you.

  • Be honest with God: David was—and he was heard.

  • Embrace your calling: You are not only forgiven—you are sent.

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✅ Conclusion

Human covenants fail, but Jesus kept God’s covenant. The Psalms narrate this tension: sin and grace, shame and restoration, failure and mission. We live within that story—not as bystanders, but as participants. For one who has received grace cannot remain silent; like David, we will say,

“I will teach transgressors your ways.”

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💭 Thought for the Day

The Psalm ends not in lament, but in praise. Grace has the final word.

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🕯📘 Illustration – The Quiet Song of the Covenant

Part 1 – Silence After the Applause
Samuel White stood in a dark concert hall in Zurich. The final piece had just ended, and the audience roared its approval. He had performed in a trance—Bach’s Partitas, psalm settings in modern jazz harmonies, a closing “Dona nobis pacem” with choir.

Yet he felt empty.

He bowed, smiled, and stepped offstage. Behind the curtain, only one assistant congratulated him. The rest was silence. The green room was cold; the mirrors were tired. He sat down, unzipped his case, and stared at his reflection—not in a mirror but in the cello’s polished surface.

There he was: the man who could do anything—and the man who had fallen apart before God.

No one knew what happened four years ago. No one but him, one woman—and God.

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Part 2 – The Psalm in the Subway
Three days later, en route to the airport, Samuel found a discarded Bible on the subway seat. Inside was a slip of paper: Psalm 32, printed in plain type:

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered…
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away…
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and you forgave me.”

His heart pounded. He opened the Bible and read the Psalm. The words struck him like rain after drought. He stepped off three stops early and wandered, Bible in hand, like a thief carrying the world’s greatest treasure.

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Part 3 – The Look Within
That evening in his hotel room, Samuel prayed—tried to pray—for the first time in years:

“God… I blew it. I messed up. I was proud and selfish. I hurt someone’s life and then hid.”

Tears came—not dramatically, but honestly. He turned the pages to Psalm 51:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God…
Do not cast me away from your presence…
I will teach transgressors your ways.”

Suddenly, inexplicable peace filled him—not the kind that says “all is well,” but that says “I know it all, and I remain.”

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Part 4 – The Conversation in the Church’s Shadow
He visited a small suburban chapel and met Anna, a counselor who used Psalms more than formulas. He told her everything—broken, honest, unadorned. She listened quietly, then said,

“Samuel, what you did was wrong. But you recognized you broke the covenant. Do you know what the Bible says? One kept it for you: Jesus. You can stop trying to save yourself. He is your High Priest, and He is interceding for you now.”

Samuel wept—not out of remorse this time, but relief.

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Part 5 – The Invitation
A year later, Samuel performed again—not in Zurich, not for thousands of clicks, but in a youth center in Basel. He played no Bach. He played his own psalms—songs where failure became truth and grace the melody.

Between pieces, he spoke briefly, honestly:

“I broke the covenant. I lost everything. But someone played for me when I could no longer play. Jesus held together what I destroyed on the cross—and He is interceding for me today. That’s why I can play.”

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Part 6 – The Final Chord
After the show, a seventeen-year-old boy approached him:

“Mr. White,” he said, “my dad says there’s no going back. Once you mess up, it’s over.”

Samuel knelt down and handed him Psalm 51:

“He does not despise a broken and contrite heart.”

The boy’s eyes widened. Samuel added,

“He is the covenant-keeper.”

And with that, he played the final notes of the covenant’s quiet song.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-in-the-psalms-part-1-8-7-questions-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

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