May 7, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 21 – Isaac’s Birth, the Expulsion of Ishmael, and Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech

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Bible Text – Genesis 21 (KJV)

1 And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
24 And Abraham said, I will swear.
25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.

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Introduction

Chapter 21 marks a turning point in Abraham’s story: after a long wait, Isaac is born and God’s promise is finally fulfilled. Yet with Isaac’s arrival comes tension in the family, as Hagar and Ishmael are sent away—and Abraham again negotiates peace with Abimelech, this time by covenant.

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Commentary

1. The Birth of Isaac (vv. 1–8)

• Fulfillment of the Promise: God acts faithfully “at the set time” (v. 2).

• Significance of the Name: “Isaac” means “laughter,” reflecting both Sarah’s joy and God’s miraculous provision.

2. The Expulsion of Ishmael (vv. 9–21)

• Threat to the Inheritance: Sarah fears Ishmael’s mockery (v. 9) and urges Abraham to protect Isaac’s line (v. 10).

• God’s Compassion for Ishmael: Though He instructs Abraham to obey Sarah, God also promises to make Ishmael a great nation (vv. 12–13).

• Mercy in the Wilderness: Hagar’s despair turns to hope when God provides water and reassurance through an angel (vv. 15–19).

3. The Covenant with Abimelech (vv. 22–34)

• Recognition of God’s Blessing: Abimelech acknowledges that “God is with thee” (v. 22).

• Sealing the Treaty: Abraham and Abimelech exchange gifts and swear an oath over a newly dug well, naming the site Beersheba (“Well of the Oath”) (vv. 27–31).

• A Sign of Peace: Abraham plants a grove and calls on “the everlasting God,” symbolizing lasting fellowship (v. 33).

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Summary

Genesis 21 vividly portrays God’s faithfulness: Isaac’s birth vindicates His promise, while the drama surrounding Ishmael underscores both judgment and mercy. Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech reaffirms his status as a peacemaker in the land.

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Message for Today

• Patience in Promise: God’s timing may seem slow, but His purposes never fail.

• Trust and Letting Go: True faith sometimes requires releasing what we love, trusting God to care for all involved.

• God’s Presence in Desolation: Even in our wilderness moments, He sees, hears, and provides (v. 17).

• Peace and Gratitude: A life of faith includes planting seeds of peace and calling on the name of the Lord.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

May 4–10, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 3

“The Temptation and the Fall”

Read online here

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Introduction

Following the perfect account of Creation in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 recounts the most tragic turning point in human history: the Fall. Amidst perfection, peace, and communion with God, the first human pair chooses disobedience. This single act unleashes a cascade of consequences—guilt, separation from God, suffering, and death. Yet even here, God’s mercy shines through: He does not abandon humanity but promises redemption.

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Commentary

1. Satan’s Purpose and Deception
   • Driven by envy, Satan seeks to lure humanity away from obedience to God.
   • He selects the most beautiful creature—the serpent—as his instrument.
   • Eve departs from Adam and the safety of their fellowship, taking the first step toward temptation.
2. Attack on God’s Word
   • Satan questions the very words of God: “Did God really say…?”
   • He lies: “You will not surely die”—the first great deception.
   • His aim: sow doubt, distrust, and rebellion against God’s character and commands.
3. The Fall
   • Eve listens to the serpent, sees the fruit, takes and eats.
   • Adam likewise eats, out of love for Eve—a tragic, deliberate choice.
   • Immediately they feel shame, fear, and guilt—they recognize their nakedness.
4. Divine Judgment
   • God seeks them: “Where are you?”
   • Adam shifts blame onto Eve—and indirectly onto God.
   • Eve blames the serpent.
   • The consequences: a curse on the serpent, pain for the woman, hardship for the man, and exile from the Tree of Life.
5. First Promise of the Gospel (v. 15)
   • The Proto-Evangelium: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
   • The first announcement of the Redeemer—victory over Satan is assured.
6. Mercy Amid Judgment
   • God clothes Adam and Eve in garments of skin.
   • The Garden is barred—not merely as punishment but to prevent eternal life in sin.
   • A hope remains for restoration in the “new Eden” (Revelation 21–22).

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Summary

The Fall marks the beginning of all human suffering but also the moment when God’s mercy appears. Adam and Eve’s decision to transgress God’s command was no minor slip—it was a fundamental breach of trust and obedience. Yet God speaks not only judgment but also grace, promising a Savior.

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Application for Today

• God warns and protects but never forces—true love grants freedom.
• Sin often begins with small steps: moving away from God, doubting His word, and yielding to curiosity.
• Despite our failures, God does not give up on us. He still calls, “Where are you?”
• Jesus is the promised offspring who crushed the serpent’s head. In Him we find hope, restoration, and new life.
• Our obedience today reflects our love for God—not as a work to earn His favor, but as a response to His grace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/7-05-2025-genesis-chapter-21-believe-his-prophets/

May 6, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 20 – Abraham’s Encounter with Abimelech: God’s Protection in Human Failure

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 Bible Text – Genesis 20 (KJV)

1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister”: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.”
4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, “Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
5 Said he not unto me, ‘She is my sister’? and she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother’: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.”
6 And God said unto him in a dream, “Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.”
…
14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.”
16 And unto Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.”
17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.

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Introduction

In Genesis 20, Abraham again resorts to fear-driven deception, claiming Sarah as his sister. Yet God intervenes—warning King Abimelech in a dream, vindicating Sarah’s honor, and safeguarding His covenant promises. This chapter reminds us that even our failures cannot thwart God’s protective plan.

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Commentary

1. Abraham’s Fear and Compromise (vv. 1–2)
   • Fearing for his life, Abraham repeats his “she is my sister” half-truth (cf. Gen. 12).
   • This expedient shows human weakness under threat.
2. Divine Intervention through a Dream (vv. 3–7)
   • God appears to the pagan king Abimelech in a midnight vision.
   • He rebukes him for taking another man’s wife, yet acknowledges Abimelech’s innocence: “I withheld thee from sinning against me.”
3. Abimelech’s Righteous Response (vv. 8–16)
   • At dawn, Abimelech confronts Abraham and demands an explanation.
   • He restores Sarah without reproach, compensates Abraham, and invites him to sojourn anywhere in his land.
4. Abraham’s Intercession and Restoration (vv. 17–18)
   • Abraham prays for Abimelech’s household; God heals them and opens their wombs.
   • This confirms that God honors intercession and mercy restores blessing.

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Summary

Though Abraham’s fear leads him to deception, God’s faithful intervention preserves Sarah’s dignity and the integrity of His promise. Abimelech’s integrity stands out under divine correction. Ultimately, Abraham’s prayer brings healing and fruitfulness back to the king’s household.

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Message for Today

• God transcends our fears and intervenes to uphold His purposes.
• Integrity and the fear of God shine even in unbelieving hearts.
• We, like Abraham, may intercede on behalf of others despite our own shortcomings.
• God’s grace outpaces our frailties—we can trust Him when fear tempts us to compromise.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

May 4–10, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 3

“The Temptation and the Fall”

Read online here

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

Following the perfect account of Creation in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 recounts the most tragic turning point in human history: the Fall. Amidst perfection, peace, and communion with God, the first human pair chooses disobedience. This single act unleashes a cascade of consequences—guilt, separation from God, suffering, and death. Yet even here, God’s mercy shines through: He does not abandon humanity but promises redemption.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. Satan’s Purpose and Deception
   • Driven by envy, Satan seeks to lure humanity away from obedience to God.
   • He selects the most beautiful creature—the serpent—as his instrument.
   • Eve departs from Adam and the safety of their fellowship, taking the first step toward temptation.
2. Attack on God’s Word
   • Satan questions the very words of God: “Did God really say…?”
   • He lies: “You will not surely die”—the first great deception.
   • His aim: sow doubt, distrust, and rebellion against God’s character and commands.
3. The Fall
   • Eve listens to the serpent, sees the fruit, takes and eats.
   • Adam likewise eats, out of love for Eve—a tragic, deliberate choice.
   • Immediately they feel shame, fear, and guilt—they recognize their nakedness.
4. Divine Judgment
   • God seeks them: “Where are you?”
   • Adam shifts blame onto Eve—and indirectly onto God.
   • Eve blames the serpent.
   • The consequences: a curse on the serpent, pain for the woman, hardship for the man, and exile from the Tree of Life.
5. First Promise of the Gospel (v. 15)
   • The Proto-Evangelium: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
   • The first announcement of the Redeemer—victory over Satan is assured.
6. Mercy Amid Judgment
   • God clothes Adam and Eve in garments of skin.
   • The Garden is barred—not merely as punishment but to prevent eternal life in sin.
   • A hope remains for restoration in the “new Eden” (Revelation 21–22).

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

The Fall marks the beginning of all human suffering but also the moment when God’s mercy appears. Adam and Eve’s decision to transgress God’s command was no minor slip—it was a fundamental breach of trust and obedience. Yet God speaks not only judgment but also grace, promising a Savior.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Application for Today

• God warns and protects but never forces—true love grants freedom.
• Sin often begins with small steps: moving away from God, doubting His word, and yielding to curiosity.
• Despite our failures, God does not give up on us. He still calls, “Where are you?”
• Jesus is the promised offspring who crushed the serpent’s head. In Him we find hope, restoration, and new life.
• Our obedience today reflects our love for God—not as a work to earn His favor, but as a response to His grace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/6-05-2025-genesis-chapter-20-believe-his-prophets/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/5-05-2025-genesis-chapter-19-believe-his-prophets/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-nations-part-2-5-7-questions-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

May 3, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 17 – God’s Covenant with Abraham: A Sign of Promise

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 Bible Text – Genesis 17 (KJV)

1 When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless.
2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,
4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.
7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.
8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
9 And God said to Abraham, “You shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.
10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;
11 and you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.
12 He who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.
13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
15 Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
16 I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”
17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear?”
18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”
19 And God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; he shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.”
22 Then He went away from Him, and God went up from Abraham.
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins in that very day, as God had said to him.
24 And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
25 He and Ishmael his son were circumcised in the flesh of their foreskins in the selfsame day;
26 and all the men of his house, born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

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Introduction

In Genesis 17 we witness a pivotal moment in Abraham’s story: God renews and deepens His covenant with him. This chapter overflows with identity changes—made tangible by new names, concrete promises, and the covenant sign of circumcision. The overarching message: God remains faithful, even when circumstances seem humanly impossible.

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Commentary

1. God’s Self-Revelation (vv. 1–2)

   • “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.”

   • A call to unwavering loyalty and spiritual integrity.

   • This covenant is unmerited grace, not a contractual bargain.

2. Abram’s Name Change (vv. 3–6)

   • Abram (“exalted father”) becomes Abraham (“father of many nations”).

   • The new name embodies the promise’s fulfillment.

3. An Everlasting Covenant (vv. 7–8)

   • God promises the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants forever.

   • This land grant underlines the covenant’s permanence.

4. The Sign of the Covenant: Circumcision (vv. 9–14)

   • An outward mark representing inward belonging.

   • Faith and obedience are inseparable in God’s covenant.

5. Sarai Becomes Sarah (vv. 15–16)

   • Sarai (“my princess”) is renamed Sarah (“princess of nations”).

   • Despite her age, she too is called to bear the promise.

6. Isaac Promised; Ishmael Blessed (vv. 17–21)

   • Isaac is designated as the covenant heir.

   • Ishmael also receives blessing—but is not the covenant carrier.

7. Abraham’s Immediate Obedience (vv. 22–27)

   • Abraham circumcises himself and every male in his household that very day.

   • True faith translates into prompt action.

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Summary

God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham through an everlasting sign—circumcision. New names signify new destinies. Isaac is promised as the covenant child, and Abraham responds in instant obedience, demonstrating that genuine faith manifests itself in faithful deeds.

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Message for Today

• God changes our names and destinies.

• It is never too late for God’s timing—He keeps His promises.

• Faith is shown in action, not mere belief.

• The covenant lives on in the heart, not in external rites alone (cf. Romans 2:29).

“I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.” – Genesis 17:1

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

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Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

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Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

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Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/3-05-2025-genesis-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/