Lesson 4.The Plagues | 4.7 Questions | EXODUS | LIVING FAITH
Lesson 4: The Plagues
4.7 Questions
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Introduction
There are moments in life when truth stands unmistakably before us. It calls, it knocks, it warns. And yet… people repeatedly choose to turn away. Not because they didn’t know. But because their heart—like Pharaoh’s—is hardened.
This hardening doesn’t happen all at once. It is a process—a path along which one gradually becomes deaf to God’s voice.
Pharaoh’s story is not merely a tragedy from ancient times. It is a mirror: for modern people, churches, leaders, and young believers. It asks us a crucial question:
What do I do with the truth when it makes me uncomfortable?
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Answers to the Questions
Question 1: Examine more closely why Pharaoh took it upon himself to be so hard‑hearted. Why, despite what was obviously the right decision—“Let my people go!”—was he so resistant? How does one come to deceive oneself like that? We really can become so calloused in sin that we make absolutely disastrous choices, even when the right decision and the right path have been before us all along. What warnings should we draw from this? Which biblical figures made the same kind of mistake? Think, for example, of Judas.
The hardening of the heart is no accident but the result of conscious choices:
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Pride and demand for authority: Pharaoh saw himself as a god. A god does not bow to another “god.” The demand to let Israel go was an attack on his authority.
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False security: He was surrounded by magicians, wealth, and military strength—this blinded him to his own vulnerability.
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Callousness through habit: Repeated rejection of the truth leads to insensitivity to God’s voice.
“Sin is like a fire alarm you ignore too often—eventually you stop hearing it.”
Modern parallel:
People today listen to sermons, read the Bible, and “know” what is right. But when the heart resists change, even the clearest call of God is rendered ineffective.
Question 2: At a certain point, in the midst of the devastation Pharaoh had brought upon his land and people, he admitted: “This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong” (Exodus 9:27). Even though that was a wonderful confession of sin in that moment—how do we know it wasn’t genuine?
At first glance it sounds sincere:
“I have sinned … the LORD is right … I am guilty.”
But biblical repentance bears fruit—real change. With Pharaoh we see:
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No true turning: As soon as the threat passed, he returned to his old behavior.
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Relief sought, not insight: He wanted an end to the plague—not a new relationship with God.
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Lack of humility: Despite all the losses, his heart remained proud and controlling.
True repentance springs not from fear of consequences but from grief over separation from God (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10).
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Spiritual Principles
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God is patient—but he forces no one to repent.
Everyone is given chances to hear God’s voice. But if we ignore them, our heart grows numb. -
Hardening happens in small steps.
It starts with little compromises—until we no longer hear God’s call. -
True repentance is shown in change.
Words alone aren’t enough. It requires a movement of the heart—visible in obedience. -
Each person faces the same choice—like Pharaoh.
Grace or resistance? Humility or self‑deception?
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Application for Daily Life
This story should not only alarm us—it should awaken us. Let us ask ourselves:
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Where do I ignore God’s voice, even though I clearly hear it?
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Am I willing to acknowledge my guilt—even without external pressure?
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Are there areas where I have become inwardly “hardened”—for example, toward people, toward truth, toward change?
Repentance is not a feeling. Repentance is a decision to concede that God is right—and to turn back to Him.
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Conclusion
Pharaoh’s story shows us:
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Pride and repeated rejection lead to the hardening of the heart.
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False repentance sees only the punishment—not the guilt.
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God’s patience is great, but not unlimited.
Lesson for us:
Do not delay true turning back. A soft heart hears— a hard heart loses itself.
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Thought of the Day
A soft heart recognizes God’s voice—a hard heart hears it only when it’s too late.
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Illustration – The Contract He Never Signed
A modern parable about grace, pride, and a hardened heart
Chapter 1 – The Offer
Julian Becker was the CEO of a successful company. A doer. A visionary. Tough. His decisions were final—and nobody dared to contradict him. He was neither a believer nor an atheist. Religion, he said, was for the weak. For people who needed hope.
One day at a business reception he ran into an old school friend—Simon, now a pastor. “Julian,” he said, “you have everything money can buy. But what about what money can’t buy?” Julian just laughed. But Simon left him a small, unassuming book: A modern parable about King Pharaoh.
Julian never read it.
Chapter 2 – The Warning
Months passed. First there was a broken contract. Then a scandal. Then the sudden death of an employee—a heart attack. His company’s image collapsed; the press descended on him.
One night—alone in his office—his gaze fell on the small book. Curious, he opened it. It was no sermon. It was a story—his story. A person who, despite every sign from God, would not listen.
Julian swallowed hard. He couldn’t explain it, but it felt like a personal warning. He was on the verge of breaking his pride. Almost.
But then a new investor came. A new chance. “I’m not done yet,” he told himself. The book went into the trash.
Chapter 3 – The Point of No Return
A year later. Julian was publicly rehabilitated—but inwardly empty. Relationships broken, his son wouldn’t speak to him, his wife lived separately.
One evening—in his hotel room—he opened the Bible lying there. He read: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).
He felt it again. That tug. That voice. One more time.
But then there was a knock at the door. Room service. Life went on. And Julian never returned.
He never officially said “No.” But he never said “Yes,” either.
And his heart grew silent. And hard.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-plagues-4-7-questions-exodus-living-faith/
26.07.2025 – Leviticus Chapter 11 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
July 26, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 11 – God’s Standard for Purity
Learning to distinguish between what pleases God—and what defiles us
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Bible Text – Leviticus 11 (KJV)
1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
13 And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;
15 Every raven after his kind;
16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,
19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
20 All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
23 But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
24 And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
25 And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
26 The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.
27 And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.
28 And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.
29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.
31 These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.
32 And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.
33 And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
34 Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.
35 And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean and shall be unclean unto you.
36 Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.
37 And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.
38 But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.
39 And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
40 And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
43 Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
44 For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
45 For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
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Introduction
Leviticus chapter 11 may at first glance look like an outdated list of dietary rules. But on closer inspection we see that God here reveals His holiness and His desire to set His people apart from all that is unclean. These regulations had both health and spiritual significance—and they show us today how seriously God takes purity of life.
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Commentary
1.Distinguishing clean from unclean (vv. 1–23)
God draws a clear line between animals that may be eaten (clean) and those that must be avoided (unclean). The criteria (e.g., chewing the cud and having split hooves) are objective, not arbitrary.
Lesson: Not everything that exists is good for you.
2.Handling carcasses and impurity (vv. 24–40)
God lays down rules for dealing with dead animals. Even touching a carcass renders one unclean—it requires washing, waiting, and separation.
Application: Sin works the same way—its touch contaminates, not just its consumption.
3.Spiritual significance of purity (vv. 41–47)
Here we find the key verse (v. 44):
“For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.”
God calls for a holy people who adopt His standards rather than the world’s. Purity begins in the heart but shows itself in every aspect of life—diet, hygiene, daily conduct.
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Summary
Leviticus 11 is not merely a chapter about dietary laws—it is a chapter about discernment, holiness, and accountability before God. He instructs His people how to live apart, not to elevate themselves, but to bear His presence. This purity served not only the body but expressed a spiritual posture:
“I will allow nothing into my life that separates me from God.”
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Message for Us Today
Although many Old Testament dietary laws are not binding under the New Covenant (cf. Acts 10), God’s call to live as a pure, consecrated people remains. Today that means asking not only, “May I do this?” but, “Does this draw me closer to God—or push me away?”
God still calls:
“Come out from among them and be separate!” (2 Corinthians 6:17)
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Reflection Questions
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What do I allow into my life that defiles me—through my eyes, my ears, or my daily routines?
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Am I willing to obey God even in seemingly “small” matters?
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Purity is not old‑fashioned—it is the key to intimacy with God.
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July 20 – 26, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 18
The Night of Wrestling
Read online here
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Introduction
The story of Jacob is a story of hope for everyone who has ever wrestled with guilt, fear, or doubt. Jacob, who once gained the birthright through deceit, returns after years of exile—marked, repentant, but changed. Before him lies a confrontation with his brother Esau—a man who would have every reason to seek revenge.
On the night at the river Jabbok, the decisive turning point comes. There, Jacob wrestles—not just with an angel, but with his past, his guilt, and his God.
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Commentary
1. Jacob’s Return: Between Promise and Fear
Jacob follows God’s call back to the Promised Land, but fear of Esau paralyzes him. Despite divine promises, he wrestles inwardly with the guilt of his past.
“Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” – Genesis 32:7
He does everything humanly possible: sends messengers, prepares gifts, divides his flock. But he knows: it’s not enough. He needs God’s intervention.
2. The Night at Jabbok – Wrestling with God
In solitude, Jacob does not flee—he prays. He longs to meet God. Then a mysterious opponent appears—an all-night struggle begins.
No words, just physical wrestling.
But soon it becomes clear: this is more than a man—it is a heavenly being—the Angel of the Covenant, Christ Himself (cf. Malachi 3:1).
Jacob holds on—despite the wound to his hip—and clings to the angel, not asking for power, but for blessing.
“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Genesis 32:26
What began as a physical struggle becomes a spiritual victory: Jacob confesses his guilt, pleads for grace, and receives a new name—Israel.
3. The Morning After – From Fear to Reconciliation
Jacob meets Esau—not as a deceiver, but as one marked by God. He limps, but his face shines. And Esau? Instead of anger, he shows grace.
“But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” – Genesis 33:4
God’s grace touched two hearts: Jacob’s—and Esau’s.
4. A Prophetic Image – Jacob’s Time of Trouble
Ellen White interprets Jacob’s night of wrestling as a foreshadowing of the end time:
God’s people will go through a time of trouble (cf. Jeremiah 30:5–7).
Satan will accuse them, pressing them down with guilt.
But like Jacob, they will cling to God’s promises—despite fear, despite weakness—and God’s grace will carry them.
“Those who, like Jacob, hold fast to God’s promises, will find them fulfilled.” – Patriarchs and Prophets
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Summary
Jacob wrestles with God—and is blessed.
From deceiver to overcomer: Israel—“he who struggles with God and prevails.”
God’s grace overcomes guilt—not to separate, but to reconcile.
Jacob’s story is also our story: fear, struggle, forgiveness, and new identity in Christ.
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Message for Us Today
Is there something that separates you from God? Jacob shows: genuine repentance is heard.
In the troubles of your life: don’t rely on people, but on God’s promises.
The faith that wrestles through will not be disappointed.
God blesses not the strongest—but those who hold on to Him.
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Reflection Question
What are you wrestling with today? Fear, guilt, doubt?
Are you willing not to let go of God—even if you are wounded?
What promise holds you when everything else falls apart?
“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Let these words be your prayer today.
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July 20 – 26, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 19
The Return to Canaan
Read online here
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Introduction
Jacob’s return to Canaan is marked by fulfilled promises, inner renewal—but also by the tragic failures of his sons. The matured patriarch experiences both God’s grace and the consequences of past mistakes within his family. In this chapter of his life, we learn how closely divine blessing is tied to personal responsibility.
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Commentary
1. Gratitude and Worship in Shechem
Jacob arrives “safely” in Shechem—a testimony that God has kept His promise. He buys land, builds an altar, and publicly confesses: “God is the God of Israel.” His faith is seen in daily life through worship, sacrifice, and gratitude.
2. Dinah’s Tragedy and the Massacre at Shechem (Genesis 34)
The incident with Dinah reveals how dangerous it is to open oneself to the influence of a godless culture. The brutal revenge carried out by Simeon and Levi brings shame upon the family. Jacob perceives the moral decline of his sons and is deeply shaken. This episode marks a dramatic setback on their spiritual journey.
3. Purification and Return to Bethel
God calls Jacob back to the place of promise. But before reaching Bethel, Jacob leads a spiritual reformation in the camp. Idols and foreign jewelry are buried—a symbol of renewed consecration. In Bethel, God appears to him again and renews the covenant.
4. Tragedies Along the Way: The Deaths of Deborah and Rachel
The final stages are marked by loss. Rachel dies during Benjamin’s birth—a profound sorrow for Jacob. Her love had shaped his life. The death of Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, stirs up old memories. At the same time, God calls Jacob again to faithfulness.
5. Return to Hebron – Reconciliation with Esau
Jacob meets Isaac again and cares for him in his final years. A peaceful reunion also occurs with Esau. However, the brothers live separately, as their life paths have grown too different.
6. The Legacy of Parenting: Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37)
The effects of jealousy, favoritism, and a polygamous family structure are now painfully visible. Joseph is the child of hope—sensitive, God-fearing—but also the target of his brothers’ hatred. His sale into Egypt becomes the next phase of God’s redemptive plan.
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Summary
Jacob returns under God’s protection to the Promised Land. He experiences God’s faithfulness but also faces family conflicts, sin, and painful losses. His sons reveal deep character flaws—especially in their betrayal of Joseph. Yet amid the chaos, God’s plan begins to unfold through Joseph, whom He will save and elevate.
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Message for Us Today
God’s promises are fulfilled—even when our path leads through guilt and suffering.
Families need spiritual leadership and purity—compromise comes at a high cost.
Repentance, cleansing, and returning to God bring a new beginning.
Our choices affect generations—for blessing or pain.
What people intend for evil, God can still turn to good.
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Reflection Question
Are there “foreign gods” in your life—things that crowd out your devotion to God?
Where is God calling you back to a “Bethel moment” of renewal?
Is your home a place where God is worshipped—daily, visibly, together?
Are you letting God shape you—even through your past mistakes?
“God never turns away anyone who returns to Him in sincere repentance.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/
26.07.2025 | JOSEPH – FAITH THAT CARRIES YOU THROUGH | 1. Big Visions – Simple Hearts | HEART ANCHOR | Youth Devotional
July 26, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Carries You Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character
1. Big Visions – Simple Hearts
God sees your potential, even when others see only your youth
Bible Text
July 26, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Carries You Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character
1. Big Visions – Simple Hearts
God sees your potential, even when others see only your youth
Introduction
He was his father’s favorite son, the wearer of a colorful coat, and the owner of two strange dreams: Joseph, the seventeen‑year‑old who saw things others did not.
But his dreams did not make him popular—instead, they made him the target of mockery, hatred, and eventually betrayal.
One thing became clear: Joseph had big dreams—and a simple, faithful heart.
Devotional
Genesis 37:5
“And Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.”
Joseph was young, passionate, and transparent. God granted him two prophetic dreams—visions in which his family bowed down to him. He did not seek to exalt himself. But what he saw was divinely inspired.
Here lies the tension:
God gives great visions—but not everyone understands them.
Ellen White writes:
“God often uses young people as instruments to reveal His will. Yet they must learn to grow in humility and patience before they can carry great tasks.”
—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 209
Joseph was faithful—but not yet ready for what lay ahead. The dreams were real—but the journey to fulfill them was long.
What we see today:
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God calls young people
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God shows them great things
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But character must be able to bear the dream
Story – The Boy with the Notebook
Lukas was sixteen when he began writing his dreams in a small black notebook. Not dreams in sleep—but visions for his future: becoming a missionary in Africa, opening a Christian café, starting a music project with street children.
He shared his ideas in youth group. Instead of enthusiasm, he heard:
“That’s unrealistic.”
“You’re too young.”
“Wait until you have real life experience.”
Lukas felt misunderstood. Yet he did not give up. He continued praying. Learning. Serving. And by age twenty‑one he was indeed in Africa—not with every detail he had imagined—but with a matured heart that had learned to trust God’s timing.
Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?
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Have you ever received a dream from God—something bigger than yourself?
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Were you laughed at or criticized for it?
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Are you willing to let God prepare you before the dream becomes reality?
Action Steps for Today
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Write down what God has placed in your heart—no matter how big it seems.
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Talk with God about it in daily prayer.
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Ask Him for humility, patience, and faithfulness in small things.
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Don’t be discouraged if others don’t understand.
“For the vision awaits its appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.”
—Habakkuk 2:3
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You know my dreams—the true, deep longings You Yourself have placed in me.
Help me to remain faithful, even when others do not understand.
Give me a heart like Joseph’s—simple, yet open to the great things You have planned.
Teach me patience, trust, and courage, so that my character may be ready to bear what You have in store.
Amen.
Today’s Takeaway
“God gives you big dreams—but first He shapes your heart.”
Blessing
May the Lord bless you with courage to hold fast to your dreams,
with humility to wait on His timing,
with wisdom not to give up when others don’t understand,
and with a heart like Joseph’s—simple, faithful, and ready to bear great things.
May God accompany you on your journey—step by step, day by day.
Lesson 4.The Plagues | 4.6 Summary | EXODUS | LIVING FAITH
Lesson 4: The Plagues
4.6 Summary
God Reveals Himself as Lord Over All Gods
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Introduction
The plagues in Egypt were not merely historical disasters—they reflect the spiritual battles still occurring today. They reveal how God exposes false securities, calls people to repentance, and demonstrates His sovereignty. But what happens when hearts harden and grace is refused? This lesson invites us to read between the lines of ancient history—and to hear God’s voice in the present.
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Bible Study
God vs. gods (4.1)
The struggle in Egypt was not just political—it was spiritual. God confronted an entire system of religious deception and revealed Himself as the true King.
A Hardened Heart (4.2)
Pharaoh’s hardened heart was no accident—it was a choice. God respects human freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility.
The First Three Plagues (4.3)
Water, earth, and fertility—supposed gods lost their power. God used the plagues to reveal truth and shake false securities.
Gnats, Livestock Disease, Boils (4.4)
Despite physical affliction, Pharaoh’s heart remained cold. Knowledge without repentance brings no change—only deeper hardening.
Hail, Locusts, Darkness (4.5)
Even light and life obey God—not idols. The separation between light (Israel) and darkness (Egypt) testified clearly to God’s sovereignty.
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Spiritual Principles
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God’s judgment serves to reveal His truth
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True worship allows no compromise with idols
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Hardening is a process—not a moment
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Humility is the key to spiritual renewal
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God’s power is revealed most when human control ends
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Application for Daily Life
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What are our modern gods? Influence, self-realization, money, health, control?
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How do I react when God sets boundaries for me?
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Am I willing to hear God’s voice—even when it challenges me?
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Do I live spiritually sober—or am I intoxicated by “the wine of this world”?
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Is my heart open to correction, or do I prefer to justify my behavior?
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Conclusion
The plagues are more than ancient stories. They are warnings and mirrors. God fights for the hearts of people—with patience, truth, and sometimes disruption.
The big question is: How do I respond when God knocks at my door?
Scripture shows: there comes a point when judgment begins—when one repeatedly and consciously rejects the truth.
But God’s ultimate goal remains: salvation, not destruction.
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Thought of the Day
A soft heart hears God’s voice even in disruption—a hard heart goes deaf even to miracles.
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Illustration – “Until the Light Breaks Through”
Berlin. Late summer. 9:40 PM.
A night like many—golden light, honking cars, voices on the sidewalk. People rush by. But in one of the glass offices on Kurfürstendamm, a light still burns.
On the 12th floor, Alexander Thom, 39, CEO of a tech company, stands in front of the window wall. Behind him: a row of monitors, awards, a wine cabinet—pure prestige. Before him: the city; beneath him: the world.
He had won. Or so he thought.
The past weeks had changed something. It started small: a server crash. A firing. A divorce. Then came the headlines: Whistleblower accuses VAYRON Technologies.
A media storm. Investors pulled out. The stock dropped 50% in three days.
And in the middle of it: Alexander—cool, controlled, authoritarian.
“I’ll handle it. I am the god of this company,” he had said.
But tonight, his hands trembled. Not from fear. From realization.
Three weeks earlier.
An email from his sister: “When everything shakes, only HE remains.”
He had deleted it. God? Religious stuff for the weak.
He wasn’t weak. He was Pharaoh.
Then came his personal plagues.
Week one: Power outage in his apartment—he shrugged it off.
Week two: His youngest brother hospitalized—unclear, mysterious.
Week three: His vision flickered—diagnosed with retinal inflammation, stress-induced.
He ignored it all. Blamed the world. “Just bad luck. Bad timing. Pressure.”
Then came the night.
The Ninth Plague.
Darkness—not external, but internal.
Alexander woke at 3:10 AM. No light. No thought. Only one sentence echoed in his soul:
“You rejected My word—now you only hear your own echo.”
He walked through the apartment. The power was on. But he saw nothing. No vision. No purpose. Only emptiness.
In the morning—pale, wrinkled shirt—he called Lina, his sister. The one who prayed. The one he used to mock.
“I need… I don’t know what. But not this.”
She paused, then said,
“Then come.”
A Journey into Silence.
They left the city. Left his mind behind.
A weekend at an old farmhouse. No Wi-Fi. No appointments. No glass walls.
In the small guest room lay an open Bible. Alexander read. Slowly. Searching.
He came to Exodus 10–12.
The plagues.
The pride.
The hardness.
The grace.
It was as if the story stared back at him.
Not as a threat—but as a mirror.
“How many disasters do you need before you recognize Me?” – as if God Himself were asking.
Alexander wept. For the first time in decades.
Not because he had lost—but because he realized he had never truly won.
One year later.
The company is sold. Alexander lives in Leipzig, leading a nonprofit helping young people break free from consumerism.
He earns less. Holds less power. But carries more light.
In his living room hangs a framed quote:
“God didn’t break my heart—He softened it.”
What Remains?
Some hearts open through words. Others only through plagues.
But God’s purpose is always the same: salvation, recognition, relationship.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-plagues-4-6-summary-exodus-living-faith/
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