June 29, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 24 – Covenant of Blood and Glory

God invites us to obedience, fellowship – and glory

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Bible Text – Exodus 24 (KJV)

1 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.

2 And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.

4 And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.

6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.

9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

13 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

14 And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

16 And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

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Introduction

How does one approach a holy God?
Exodus 24 describes one of the most powerful moments in human history: God makes a covenant with His people—not only through words, but through blood, sacrifice, obedience, and sacred fellowship. This chapter shows us that an encounter with God changes everything—our hearts, our posture, and our lives.

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Commentary

1. The Invitation to Worship (Verses 1–2)

God calls Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders to come to Him—but only Moses may draw near.
This arrangement reveals God’s holiness and the necessity of calling and mediation.

2. The Covenant Is Proclaimed and Confirmed (Verses 3–8)

Moses reads all the words and laws of God to the people, and they respond in unison with obedience.
Twice, the people affirm:

“All that the Lord has said, we will do.”

Moses builds an altar with twelve pillars, offers burnt and peace offerings, and sprinkles the people with the blood of the covenant.
The blood represents cleansing, commitment, and life—a foreshadowing of the New Covenant in Christ (see Hebrews 9:20).

3. An Unexpected Encounter with God (Verses 9–11)

The elders “saw the God of Israel”—and they lived. Beneath His feet was something like sapphire stone, like a clear sky.
God did not appear in wrath, but in glory. And they “ate and drank”—a sign of communion and peace with the holy God.

4. Moses Ascends Higher – Alone with God (Verses 12–18)

God calls Moses even further up to give him the tablets of the Law.
The glory of the Lord covers the mountain like a cloud—appearing to the people as a “consuming fire.”
Moses stays there forty days and forty nights—a picture of deep communion, patience, and transformation.

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Summary

Exodus 24 marks a sacred turning point:

• God makes a covenant with His people.

• The people declare their obedience.

• Blood and sacrifice confirm the covenant.

• Leaders encounter God—and live.

• Moses receives direct revelation from God’s presence.

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Message for Us Today

God seeks covenant—not just confession.
Faith is more than words. It is a decision to live in obedience and trust.

True obedience starts in the heart—and is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus.
The covenant at Sinai was only a shadow.
The new covenant through the blood of Jesus brings real transformation and access to God’s presence for all (Hebrews 10:19–22).

God reveals Himself when we follow Him.
The elders didn’t see God because they were wiser or better—but because they were called and obedient.
God still wants to reveal Himself—even to us today.

God’s presence requires patience and stillness.
Moses waited six days before God spoke.
Do you want to hear His voice? Then stay—even in the silence.

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Thought Impulse

• Which “words of the Lord” do I know—and am I doing them?

• Am I ready not just to experience God’s nearness but also to receive His commandments?

• Am I someone who says: “All that the Lord has spoken I will do”—and lives it out?

• What does my personal covenant with God look like? Is it real and alive—or only ceremonial?

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June 28 – July 05, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 14

Destruction of Sodom

Read online here

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Introduction

Sodom was beautiful, wealthy, and cultured—yet it was lost in guilt, sin, and ultimately in God’s judgment.
The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom is more than a historical event.
It is a warning, an invitation, and a mirror for our own time.
Amid prosperity, pleasure, and religious indifference, we still hear God’s voice today:

“Flee for your life! Don’t look back.” (Genesis 19:17)

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Commentary

1. The Allure of Sodom – Outward Wealth, Inward Decay

Sodom was “like the garden of the Lord” (Genesis 13:10)—fertile, beautiful, and convenient. But:

• Abundance led to pride.

• Idleness corrupted character.

• Wealth fueled selfishness and moral decay.

Sodom was prosperous—but spiritually dead.

2. God’s Warning – Grace Before Judgment

God sent angels to rescue Lot.
Lot was righteous, but hesitant.
His family was attached to comfort and possessions.

God’s grace is real—but it has a window of opportunity.

3. Lot’s Wife – A Heart in Sodom

She was on the path of rescue, but her heart looked back.
One last glance cost her life.

It’s not about where your feet are—but where your heart is.

4. The Consequences of Wrong Choices

Lot’s descendants (the Moabites and Ammonites) became enemies of God.
One wrong step led generations into ruin.

Personal decisions can have consequences that span generations.

5. The Contrast: Abraham and Lot

Abraham lived by faith as a stranger and pilgrim.
Lot sought comfort—and nearly lost everything.

Faith chooses what is eternal, even when it is hard today.

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Summary

The downfall of Sodom is:

• a testimony to God’s patience—but also His justice,

• a mirror of today’s moral condition,

• a call to repentance,

• a reminder: wealth without God is dangerous,

• a warning: do not delay when God calls!

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Message for Us Today

We live in a world like Sodom—marked by prosperity, selfishness, and moral relativism.
God’s grace still calls today—not to condemn, but to save.
Don’t delay when God calls—the time of grace is limited.
Your choices affect your family, your descendants, and your eternity.
Seek the better homeland—the city whose builder and maker is God.

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Reflection Question

Where is my “Sodom”? Where do I choose comfort over obedience?
Do I hesitate like Lot—even though I know God’s voice?
Is my heart more attached to possessions, career, and security—or to God’s will?
Do I live like Abraham—a guest in this world, waiting for the heavenly?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-06-2025-exodus-chapter-24-believe-his-prophets/

29.06.2025 | Your Actions Speak Louder Than Your Words | HEART ANCHOR
God Knows Your Heart – Live So That It Becomes Visible
1 Samuel 2:3

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Bible Text

“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.”
– 1 Samuel 2:3

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Introduction

In a world where likes, followers, and outward appearances often matter more than what is truly in our hearts, God challenges us to look deeper. He calls us not only to appear good on the outside but to live honestly, humbly, and sincerely. In 1 Samuel 2:3, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, speaks a powerful prayer—a praise to the God who sees differently than we do:

“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.”
– 1 Samuel 2:3

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Devotional

Hannah’s prayer reflects the condition of her heart. She was a woman who had suffered deeply—unable to bear children, mocked, and considered less valuable. And yet, she held fast to God. When He gave her her son Samuel, she praised Him with a humble and powerful prayer.

The verse from 1 Samuel 2:3 is part of this prayer. It reminds us that God doesn’t look at what we say, but at what we do—and the heart behind our actions.

“For the Lord is a God who knows…”
What does that mean?
God knows you better than you know yourself. He doesn’t just hear your words—He sees your motives, your thoughts, your struggles, and your desires.

“…and by him deeds are weighed.”
This means your choices matter. Your behavior shows what’s really inside you. You might impress people, but you can’t fool God.

The message is clear: Don’t speak with pride or arrogance, but live humbly and honestly. Your words are worthless if your actions don’t match.

Ellen White writes:
“One act of obedience, done in faith, is of more value in God’s sight than all the outward forms and ceremonies without faith.”
Steps to Christ, p. 94

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Story – The Boy with the Blank Page

Once there was a boy named Jonas who entered a school competition. Each student was asked to bring a sheet of paper describing what made them special. On the day of the contest, everyone arrived with pages full of achievements, talents, and awards.

But Jonas brought a completely blank page.

The judges were puzzled. They asked, “Why is your paper blank?”
Jonas replied, “Because I don’t want to show who I am with words. I want my classmates and teachers to see it through my actions—whether I’m kind, helpful, honest. Not my words, but my deeds should speak.”

The judges were deeply moved. And Jonas won.

This story reflects what Hannah prayed: Our worth is not measured by our speeches, but by our actions—and the heart behind them.

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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?

Do you talk a lot—or do you live out what you believe?

Are you trying to project an image outwardly that doesn’t match your inner self?

Do you have the courage to be honest with God—and let Him transform you?

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Action Steps for Today

• Reflect: What words do you often use—do they match your behavior?

• Act intentionally: Do a good deed today without announcing it or expecting praise.

• Pray: Ask God to give you a humble, sincere heart.

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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
You know my heart better than anyone else.
You see when I speak without acting.
Please forgive me where my words don’t match my deeds.
Help me to live honestly, humbly, and genuinely—before You and others.
Let my life be a testimony of Your love.
Give me a heart that honors You—not with proud speech, but with sincere actions.
Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-06-25-your-actions-speak-louder-than-your-words-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/

What the Bible Says About a Plant-Based Diet | Episode 7 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson

What we eat matters—not just for our physical health, but our spiritual well-being too. In this episode of The Abundant Life, we explore the powerful connection between diet and discipleship.

Did you know God gave us a specific diet in the Garden of Eden? A plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts was His original plan for humanity. Science is now confirming what Scripture and the writings of Ellen White revealed long ago—plant-based eating reduces the risk of chronic disease, increases longevity, and supports mental clarity.

Join us as we dive into biblical and scientific reasons for choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and discover practical tips on how to get enough protein, stay on budget, and thrive no matter where you live.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/what-the-bible-says-about-a-plant-based-diet-episode-7-abundant-living-with-ted-wilson/

Lesson 13: IMAGES OF THE END

13.7 Questions

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Introduction

When we think about the great images of the end times, it’s not just symbols, timelines, or prophetic events that challenge us—it’s the questions Jesus asks. Questions that pierce the heart. He spoke of Nineveh, of Belshazzar, of the drying up of the Euphrates—not as distant stories, but as mirrors for His church today.

This lesson invites us into deep reflection: What does it mean to live in truth? How do we deal with spiritual heritage? And what truly keeps people—even in the church—from fully surrendering to Jesus?

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: Consider Jesus’ statement that it will be more tolerable for Nineveh in the judgment than for God’s people who have turned away from the truth (see Matthew 12:39–42). What can God’s church learn from this warning?

“The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, a greater than Jonah is here!” – Matthew 12:41

Jesus’ words are striking. He compares repentant, pagan Nineveh to His own people—the religiously privileged. God’s people had more light, more revelation, more closeness to heaven. Yet they rejected it.

What can God’s church today learn from this?

The greatest danger for the church is not a lack of truth—but taking it for granted. When grace becomes routine, we lose our reverence. History teaches us: It’s not the amount of knowledge that saves us in judgment—but how we respond to it.

God’s warning to His church is: “Never lose your awe of grace. For to whom much is given, much will be required.”

Question 2: Note Ellen White’s statement that with each successive kingdom “history repeated itself” (PK, p. 548). What similarities do you see among the kingdoms mentioned in prophecy? In what way did they follow the same prophetic pattern? And how does our modern world follow that same path?

“With every succeeding kingdom, history repeated itself.” – Ellen White, Prophets and Kings, p. 548

What connects the prophetic kingdoms?

Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome—they all followed a pattern:

• Pride over humility

• Human power over divine authority

• Fleeting splendor over eternal values

They often began with sincerity, even divine calling (e.g., Cyrus), but with success came self-glorification. And eventually: the fall.

What about today’s world?

We see the same dynamics:

• Economy over truth

• Control over character

• Systems over meaning

The global order strives for unity—but without God. It’s a modern Tower of Babel—digitally connected, spiritually empty. Just like the kingdoms before, our world is heading toward a point where God will intervene.

Question 3: Consider the idea that it is often not the mind or intellect that keeps people from faith—but the heart. How might this insight shape the way you witness to others?

This is a deeply spiritual truth: Many do not reject faith because of lack of knowledge—but because of inner resistance. The intellect is often willing, but the heart remains closed. Pride, fear, hurt, control—all block faith.

How does this change our witness?

• Fewer arguments, more compassion

• Fewer debates, more prayer

• Not just “What do you know?”—but “How is your heart?”

To witness is not just to teach—it is to love.

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Spiritual Principles

• Knowledge brings responsibility. The more truth we have, the deeper our accountability.

• History is a mirror: Those who don’t learn from it will repeat it.

• Evangelism begins not in the mind, but in the heart.

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Application for Daily Life

• Self-reflection: Do I still respond to God’s Word—or have I become spiritually numb?

• Understanding the times: What parallels do I see between today’s systems and the kingdoms in prophecy?

• Heart-based witness: Meet people not just with Bible verses, but with compassionate presence.

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Conclusion

This lesson calls us to more than knowledge—it calls us to repentance. Like Nineveh. It calls us to humility—as Jonah eventually learned. It warns against pride—as Belshazzar ignored. And it shows hope—through Cyrus and through Jesus.

For the goal is not judgment—but salvation.

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Thought of the Day

Some nations barely know the truth—and repent.
But God’s people know the truth well—and hesitate.
True faith is not about how much you know.
But how deeply you allow yourself to be transformed.

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Illustration – The City of Mirrors

Chapter 1 – The Call in the City’s Heat

It was a hot late summer evening in Frankfurt. The city glowed—not just from the asphalt, but from the pace of life. Between investment banking, artificial intelligence, and political stability, everything seemed focused on progress.

Elisa Wolf, 33, was part of this system. A top-ranking lawyer, internationally active, eloquent, brilliant. Her specialty: constitutional law and religious freedom. Only one thing she had long left behind: the faith of her childhood.

One evening, after a live interview at the ARD studio on “The Future of Values in a Secular Society,” a quiet, older man approached her—white shirt, calm eyes.

“You speak well,” he said. “But do you believe what you say?”

“I speak about facts, not faith,” Elisa replied.

“Then you speak about shells,” he said, handing her a card. Only one word was written on it: Nineveh.

Chapter 2 – The Shadow of Nineveh

She couldn’t shake the card. That night, she dreamed: A golden city—bright, powerful—collapsed. Its towers made of data and law shattered. From the ruins rose one word: Mene, Mene, Tekel…

She found it again in the Bible—Daniel 5. King Belshazzar. The one who drank from holy vessels. The one who knew—but did not obey. Elisa was shaken: He was weighed and found wanting—because he had despised what was sacred.

She kept reading—and came across Matthew 12: “Nineveh will rise against this generation.”
She understood: Nineveh had less knowledge—but more humility. Israel had more light—but remained proud.

Suddenly, she felt exposed.
Was she like Belshazzar?
Had she known truth—and ignored it?
Was she like modern Israel—educated, religiously informed, but spiritually empty?

Chapter 3 – The City of Babel

At a conference center in Brussels, a panel of top lawyers, tech strategists, and ethicists met—theme: “Global Order in the 21st Century.”

Elisa was to speak on religious freedom—in a time when faith was increasingly viewed as a “disturbance.”

But as she read her speech, something in her shifted. Instead of her prepared words, she spoke spontaneously:

“The greatest danger to our freedom is not religion—but our arrogance in believing we can order what only God can sustain.”

A murmur went through the room. Then: silence. And then applause.
But Elisa knew: The applause was empty. Many heard—but none understood.

That night, she saw the city again. But this time, words burned across the sky:

“With every kingdom, history repeats itself.”

Chapter 4 – The Heart of the Matter

Back in Frankfurt, she spoke with her mother—a simple woman, still faithful, quiet, unnoticed.

“You have all the knowledge in the world,” her mother said. “But do you have peace?”

Elisa was silent.

“Faith doesn’t begin in the head. It begins where you finally become honest—before God. And before yourself.”

That night she went alone to a small Seventh-day Adventist church on the edge of the city. No big cross. No show. Just people, Bibles, silence. The sermon text: Isaiah 58.

“If you honor the Sabbath… you will find your joy in the Lord.”

She wept.
For the first time not from pain—
But from clarity.

Chapter 5 – The Answer

She began to keep the Sabbath—on the seventh day, as written. She canceled her Saturday contracts. Her firm didn’t understand. Her network turned away. But she found peace. New. Real.

She studied the prophecies of Daniel, Revelation 14. She realized: We’re not just living in a digital age—but in a time when Babylon is rising again.

• Systems are being built—without God.

• Kingdoms erected—against His Word.

• Truth replaced—by “tolerance.”
  But God will not remain silent forever.

And in the midst of it all, He calls:

“Come out of her, My people.” – Revelation 18:4

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-images-of-the-end-13-7-questions-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/