22.06.2025 | When Obedience Takes Courage | HEART ANCHOR
How genuine faith gives us the courage to swim against the current
Acts 5:29

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Bible Text

“We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29

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Introduction

What do you do when everyone is against you? When you know what is right, but the majority sees it differently? When your friends, teachers, even your family ask something of you that doesn’t align with your faith?
In Acts 5:29, we find a sentence that sounds simple—but changes everything:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

Peter and the other apostles said this when they were thrown into prison for their faith. They were interrogated, intimidated, and warned to stop speaking about Jesus. But they remained firm. Why?

Let’s dive deeper.

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Devotional 

The apostles had just experienced an incredible time: healings, conversions, miracles.
But then came opposition—religious leaders felt threatened. The apostles were arrested, thrown into prison, and strictly warned not to preach in the name of Jesus again.

But instead of being afraid, they replied with these bold words:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

This wasn’t arrogant rebellion. It was deep obedience. A faith willing to accept the consequences.

Today, the pressure looks different:

You’re not imprisoned for being a Christian.
But you might be mocked for skipping sports practice on Sabbath.
Or lose friends when you stand by your values.
Maybe you’re excluded because you refuse to lie or gossip.

And then the question comes:
Who do I want to please—people or God?

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Story – “Sina’s Decision”

Sina was 17 and in the middle of her apprenticeship. Her workplace was large, modern—and highly performance-oriented. Everything revolved around success, speed, career. Sina was ambitious, kind—and a believer.

One day, her supervisor announced a “special project”: a weekend of workshops and team-building. Mandatory. The catch? It began Friday evening and ran through Sunday.
Sina knew: The Sabbath is God’s day. Rest. Worship. Time with Him. No mandatory programs.

She politely explained she couldn’t participate after Friday evening because of her faith.

The reaction? First confusion. Then pressure.
“This is the real world, Sina. You can’t expect everything to revolve around your beliefs. If you refuse, you can forget about a permanent position.”

She went home. Cried. Struggled. Prayed. And decided:

“I will obey God rather than people.”

On Monday, she informed her boss she would keep the Sabbath. Someone else took over the project. And yes—she wasn’t offered a job.

But three months later, she got a call. Another company had heard about her decision.
“We’re looking for people with backbone,” the woman on the phone said. “Not just skills—but values. Would you like to join us?”

Sina said yes. Her decision wasn’t easy.
But it was right.

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Thoughts

Courage doesn’t mean having no fear—but doing what’s right despite fear.
Obeying God isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always worth it.
Choosing God may close doors—but often opens better ones.
What would you do when your faith becomes inconvenient?

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What Does Acts 5:29 Mean to You?

It’s an invitation to clarity: Who truly has my loyalty?
It’s a call to courage: Put God first—not out of defiance, but out of love.
It’s a reminder: God stands with you when you stand with Him.

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Practical Steps for Today

Reflect: Are there situations where you’d rather please people than God?
Write down areas where you want to live your faith more clearly—even if it takes courage.
Talk to God about your fears. Ask Him for strength to walk the right path.
Find someone you trust—and share your decision with them.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,
You know my heart. You know how often I feel uncertain when others pressure me.
Help me to clearly see Your will—and give me the courage to obey You, even when it’s hard.
Give me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
I don’t want to conform—I want to be faithful.
Thank You for walking with me—every day.
Amen.

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Thought to Take With You

Whoever learns to obey God in the small things today will stand strong in the big trials tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-06-25-when-obedience-takes-courage-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/

What to Avoid for Better Health | Episode 6 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson

Did you know that what you put into your body directly impacts your physical, mental, and spiritual health?

In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explores how harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can negatively affect our health, and why God calls us to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/what-to-avoid-for-better-health-episode-6-abundant-living-with-ted-wilson/

The Healing Power of Air and Sunlight | Episode 5 | ABUNDANT LIVING | with Ted Wilson

What’s the one thing your body can’t go more than 3 minutes without?

In this episode of The Abundant Life, we explore the often-overlooked power of fresh air and sunlight for total well-being. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, shares how proper breathing and exposure to sunlight support brain function, immunity, sleep, and emotional health.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-healing-power-of-air-and-sunlight-episode-5-abundant-living-with-ted-wilson/

Lesson 12: Precursors

12.7 Questions

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Introduction – When Faith Goes Through the Fire

The final events of earth’s history are drawing near. For some, it sparks curiosity; for others, fear. What will happen? Will it affect us personally? Will we be ready?

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes to his young disciple something that holds more relevance today than ever:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

These words are like a shield for anyone who looks to the future with anxiety. God does not call us into dark prophecy, but into living hope. The world’s story—revealed in Daniel and Revelation—is not a reason to panic, but a call to prepare.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: How can we overcome the spirit of fear—especially regarding prophetic persecution?

Prophecy speaks openly about difficult times: persecution, deception, the mark of the beast. Anyone honest feels at least a sense of concern—perhaps even fear. Yet Paul calls us to live by a different spirit.

• The “spirit of power” reminds us that God’s strength surpasses all worldly forces.

• The “spirit of love” reassures us that Christ walks with us through every trial.

• “Sound mind” helps us avoid being driven by panic or fanaticism.

Biblical example:
The three men in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) had no Plan B. They said, “Our God can save us—but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow.”
They had no guarantee—just trust. And that was enough.

Spiritual truth:
It’s not information that saves us—but trust. Fear paralyzes, but faith acts.
Prophecy doesn’t only reveal danger—it reveals hope:
God is with us—in fire, in prison, even in death.

Question 2: Why should we base our faith not on events, but on God’s Word?

The world changes overnight. Who could’ve imagined, just a few years ago, that global pandemics, wars, and political chaos would reshape our lives so drastically? The Sabbath may not seem to be at the center of global controversy yet—but how quickly could that change?

Those who base their faith on current events will be tossed like a ship in a storm.
But those who anchor their faith in God’s revealed Word will stand like a rock.

Biblical example:
In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus compares faith to a house.
Whoever hears His words and does them builds on rock.
The storms come—and the house stands firm.

Spiritual truth:
Prophecy is not a breaking news ticker—it’s a divine navigation system.
It guides us through the dark, even when the map ahead seems blank.

Question 3: Which kingdom is still to come—and how can we be sure it will?

Daniel 2 outlines four world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome—and then divided nations. All of that happened exactly as foretold. But the image doesn’t end with Europe—it ends with a stone.

This stone, not cut by human hands, strikes the image and becomes a mountain that fills the earth: God’s eternal kingdom.

Daniel 2:44:

“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed…”

Why are we certain it will come?

• Because earlier prophecies were fulfilled with precision.

• Because Jesus Himself spoke of His return (Matthew 24).

• Because the longing for justice, peace, and truth is written in every human heart.

Spiritual truth:
We are living in the feet of iron and clay.
The stone is on its way.
Christ will return—not as a baby in Bethlehem, but as King in the clouds.

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Spiritual Principles

• God’s Word is reliable—faith should not be based on headlines, but on promises.

• Fear is not a godly advisor—faith walks by promises, not by sight.

• Faithfulness in small things prepares us for bigger tests.

• God writes history—we are not victims of chaos, but participants in His eternal plan.

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Application for Daily Life

• Read prophecy daily—not to create fear, but to build trust.

• Practice faithfulness today—in the small decisions of everyday life.

• Walk in love—even under pressure. The fruit of the Spirit shines brightest in storms.

• Speak openly about your hope—the world desperately needs clarity.

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Conclusion

Lesson 12 has led us through prophetic milestones:
From Babylon to the furnace. From the statue to the mark. From persecution to the return.

What remains is not fear—but a call to choose:
Will you be a spectator—or a part of God’s story?

Don’t trust what you see today.
Trust the One who sees it all.

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Thought of the Day

“If you want to stand firm against the winds of the world, plant your roots deep in God’s Word.
Only those who are faithful in the small things today will stand in the great tests tomorrow.”

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Illustration – “The Empty Conference Room”

It was Monday, 8:00 a.m. The lights in the conference room at AegisTech Europe were bright. Clara, 32, a compliance manager, was the first to arrive. Outside, the world spun on—war, inflation, climate panic. But today wasn’t about politics. It was about principles.

On Friday, she had been handed a new workplace directive.
All employees were now required to participate in flexible “crisis readiness shifts” on Saturdays—officially for emergencies, of course. But Clara knew better. She had seen too many quiet compromises before.

Today she would respond.

The room filled. The manager—professional, polite—spoke of team spirit, of adaptability. Then he turned to Clara.

“Clara? Your shift this coming Saturday is critical. We’re counting on you.”

Silence.

Clara stood. Her voice was calm.

“I respect the company. But I cannot agree. I keep the Sabbath—not out of tradition, but out of loyalty to my God.”

Some looked confused. Others amused.

“Clara… It’s the 21st century.”

“I know,” she said quietly. “That’s why my decision matters more than ever.”

She left the room. She lost her job.
But not her peace.

Three months later—she had a new job. A smaller company. Less pay.
But Sabbath-free.
And more than that: her story became a testimony. Colleagues began to ask. One conversation led to another.

God’s kingdom didn’t come with trumpets.
But with a quiet “No. I will not bow.”

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-precursors-12-7-questions-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/