The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End

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July 27 – Bearers of Light in a Dark Time: Making God’s Character Visible

Monthly Theme: The Three Angels’ Messages – The Final Message of Grace
Theme for 2026: “Soon the King Will Come – Hope Beyond the End”

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Central Bible Verse for the Day

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14

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Devotional for the Day

The darker a time becomes, the more clearly light can be seen. Jesus did not say to His followers, “Perhaps one day you will become light,” but rather, “You are the light of the world.” This is a great calling and, at the same time, a great responsibility. Whoever belongs to Christ carries something of His light into a world marked by confusion, fear, sin, and spiritual darkness.

The three angels’ messages are proclaimed at a time when many voices speak at once. People seek direction, but often find only uncertainty. They hear about freedom, yet fall into new forms of bondage. They search for truth, but encounter mixture and compromise. They long for hope, but see a world filled with unrest. Precisely in such a time, God calls His people to be bearers of light.

To be a bearer of light does not mean placing oneself at the center. A light is not important because it points to itself, but because it reveals what would otherwise remain hidden in darkness. In the same way, our lives should not make us great, but Christ. Through our behavior, our words, our patience, our faithfulness, and our love, people should be able to recognize something of God’s character.

God’s light is revealed not only through clear teaching, but also through a transformed life. The truth of the three angels’ messages should not only be explained; it should shine. It shines when a person holds firmly to God’s Word in a confused world. It shines when someone remains kind despite pressure. It shines when forgiveness is stronger than bitterness. It shines when faithfulness becomes more important than comfort.

In the last days, God is looking for people who do not merely speak about light, but who are themselves filled with the light of Christ. For the world needs more than warnings. It needs a living testimony that God’s truth is beautiful, His grace is real, and His return is our hope.

Christ Is the True Light

We are not light in ourselves. Christ is the true Light. Only when we remain connected to Him can His light become visible through us. Without Him, our witness becomes weak, cold, or self-centered. With Him, however, our lives become a signpost pointing toward God’s kingdom.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“Christ is the source of light; and whoever lives near Him will receive light and pass it on to others.”

(The Desire of Ages, p. 464)

Therefore, every outward ministry begins with an upward connection. Whoever remains daily with Christ will not only know more, but will live differently. His light purifies our motives, warms our hearts, and makes our witness credible.

Light Through Character

The Christian’s light is revealed especially through character. People notice whether our faith makes us more patient, honest, merciful, and faithful. In a dark time, a clear character can speak more powerfully than many words.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.”

(The Ministry of Healing, p. 470)

This truth is important for the final message of grace. When we speak about truth but do not love, we darken the message. When we speak about grace but act harshly, people fail to understand God’s heart. But when Christ becomes visible in our character, the message begins to shine.

Do Not Hide, but Shine

Jesus also said that no one places a light under a basket. Light is meant to shine. This means that our faith should not remain hidden. It should not be intrusive, proud, or loud merely to attract attention, but visible through faithfulness, clarity, and love.

Perhaps today you are in a place that feels dark: within a family, in a conversation, at work, in a church, in a decision, or in a difficult situation. It is precisely there that God can use your life. Sometimes a quiet, faithful light is stronger than a loud word.

The three angels’ messages call God’s people to be bearers of light in a dark time. Not through their own strength, but through Christ. Not for self-glorification, but for the glory of God. Not with fear, but with hope. For soon the King will come, and until then His light is to shine through His people.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,

thank You that Christ is the true Light.

Help me to remain close to Jesus so that His light may become visible through my life.

Keep me from hiding my faith or presenting it in a proud and unloving way.

Shape my character so that people may recognize something of Your love, truth, and grace in me.

Let me be a bearer of light today who points others to the coming King.

Amen.

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Thought for the Day

A bearer of light does not make himself visible, but points others to Christ.

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Personal Application

1. Read Matthew 5:14–16 and John 8:12.
   Where does God want to use your life as a light today?
2. Pray: “Lord, let Your light shine through me.”
3. Practical step: Intentionally choose one action today through which someone can see God’s love, truth, or hope.

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Closing Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%91-the-king-is-coming-soon-07-27-2026-%f0%9f%8c%9f-bearers-of-light-in-a-dark-time-making-gods-character-visible/

Still awake?

Every evening, a little closer to Jesus.

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July 26

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God Sees More in You

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Matthew 1:18

“Mary … was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:18

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How do other people see you?

As athletic?

As shy?

As popular?

Or perhaps as someone who is often overlooked?

Most people probably saw Mary as nothing more than a young girl from Nazareth.

Nothing special.

Not a princess.

Not a famous person.

But God saw more.

He saw a heart that trusted Him.

That is why He entrusted Mary with the greatest gift this world has ever received.

This reminds me of something important:

God does not look first at your age.

Not at your grades.

Not at your appearance.

Not at the number of your followers.

He looks at your heart.

Perhaps you sometimes feel too small, too insignificant, or not good enough.

But God writes history with people who are willing to trust Him.

Perhaps no one sees what is inside you.

But your loving Father sees it.

He knows your strengths.

He knows your dreams.

And He knows what He intends to do with your life.

You are not an accident to Him.

You are wanted.

Loved.

And precious.

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Think About It

What do you base your worth on?

And what changes when you believe that God sees you through His eyes?

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Prayer

Dear Father,

thank You for knowing me and loving me.

Thank You that my worth does not depend on what others think about me.

Help me to see myself through Your eyes and to trust that You have a good plan for my life.

I want to give You my heart.

Amen.

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Sleep well.

Your loving Father sees more in you than you can see in yourself.

See you tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%99-still-awake-07-26-2026-%f0%9f%92%8e-god-sees-more-in-you/

From Babylon to the Eternal Kingdom

Historical, Spiritual, and Prophetic Poems from the Book of Daniel

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Chapter 1 – Miniseries 2

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The Test of Faithfulness

When Small Decisions Have Great Consequences

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Poem 6 – God’s Visible Blessing

When the Lord Honored the Faithfulness of His Servants

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The tenth night now had passed away;
the time of testing reached its end.
The overseer approached to judge,
while Babylon seemed still and hushed.

He looked upon the young men there,
upon their bearing and appearance.
He searched for any sign of weakness,
yet found no trace of it at all.

The days had quickly passed them by,
while some had mocked them in their hearts.
For many surely had supposed
that such a path could only weaken.

The palace tables overflowed
with food beyond compare.
The wine flowed daily, clear and red,
a sign of royal favor and abundance.

Yet Daniel and his faithful friends
had joined their hearts to God alone.
They sought no splendor from the world;
they longed to remain true to His will.

Now all could clearly see
that God’s faithfulness never fails.
The Lord who reigns above all things
had fulfilled what He had promised.

Their faces looked both clear and healthy,
more radiant than they had before.
The strength of life was seen in them,
and peace was mirrored in their eyes.

The overseer stood amazed,
for the result pointed unmistakably
to power greater than all human wisdom,
beyond what reason could explain.

He saw the young men standing there
and witnessed for himself the wonder.
The hand of God was clearly shown,
although it had remained unseen.

And so Daniel was free to follow
the path that God had set before him.
The overseer, no longer fearful,
removed the food supplied by the palace.

From then on, vegetables and water
remained the portion of these men of God.
And no one hindered them again
from serving faithfully the Lord.

Yet greater than their outward health
was what heaven itself revealed.
The testing had made clearly known
how faithfulness preserves the soul.

It was not food that made them strong,
nor human wisdom by itself.
The Lord became their strength and shield
because their trust was placed in Him.

And so, throughout those distant days,
they learned to carry God beyond Zion.
For neither temple stones nor sacrificial smoke
alone can keep true faith alive.

Whoever serves God from the heart
remains united with Him in stillness.
Whether home is near or far away,
the everlasting Lord remains the same.

The angels watched with joy to see
faith growing in a time of hardship.
For every victory in the life of faith
bears the handwriting of heaven.

Babylon did not yet understand
what had occurred in that small test.
They saw four young men standing there,
but God’s own work could now be seen.

The king could scarcely have imagined
the future hidden in God’s plan.
He saw only students of his kingdom;
God saw servants of His own.

These young men soon would stand
as steadfast witnesses before the world.
They would endure in front of kings
and understand the mysteries of heaven.

Yet everything began with one small step
that Daniel took by faith.
At the table of the king it became clear
where his first allegiance lay.

God does not always test through battle,
through violence or human power.
Faith is often shown from day to day
in matters scarcely noticed by others.

Whoever there obeys the Lord
will safely be led onward by Him.
Whoever trusts Him in the smallest sphere
He guides still further in His plan.

The world admires its splendor and fame,
its sudden victories and wealth.
But God does not see as mortals see;
He looks upon the heart and faithfulness.

Daniel had already learned this truth
while standing in a foreign Babylon.
And God confirmed before all eyes
that faithfulness is never shown in vain.

Thus the first test came to an end,
and God’s own blessing spoke its answer.
The young men stood securely firm,
for God will never leave the faithful.

The Lord who guided Daniel then
is still the One who reigns today.
And whoever trusts and believes in Him
stands safely founded on the Rock.

And so this truth continues shining
through every age and every place:
The Most High honors by His power
the faithfulness that brings Him glory.

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Prophetic Reflection

God visibly honored the faithfulness of His servants before the eyes of others.

The blessing was not a reward for human achievement, but a confirmation of divine guidance.

Daniel and his friends learned that those who obey God in small matters may also trust Him in greater ones.

Their story reminds God’s people in every age that obedience is not always understood immediately, but in the end it is vindicated by heaven.

The Most High sees the hidden decisions of the heart—and He is able to make them visible before the world. (1 Samuel 2:30)

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%91-from-babylon-to-the-eternal-kingdom-chapter-1-%f0%9f%8d%87-miniseries-2-%f0%9f%99%8f-the-test-of-faithfulness-%e2%9c%a8-poem-6-gods-visible-blessing/

Bible Master 2026 – The Weekly Bible Quiz

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Date: July 26, 2026

Quiz 4: The Judges of Israel

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Welcome to the fourth edition of Bible Master 2026, the weekly Bible quiz.

First, you will find the answers to last week’s quiz. After that comes the new quiz. Once again this week, write down the questions and your answers in a small notebook. This will allow you to keep track of your points and follow your personal growth in Bible knowledge.

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Answers to Quiz 3: Joshua and the Entrance into the Promised Land

Question 1

Correct Answer: C. Joshua
Bible Reference: Joshua 1:1–2

Question 2

Correct Answer: B. Jordan
Bible Reference: Joshua 3:14–17

Question 3

Correct Answer: C. Jericho
Bible Reference: Joshua 6:1–2; Joshua 6:20

Question 4

Correct Answer: D. Seven times
Bible Reference: Joshua 6:15

Question 5

Correct Answer: B. Rahab
Bible Reference: Joshua 2:1–6

Question 6

Correct Answer: A. A scarlet cloth or scarlet cord
Bible Reference: Joshua 2:18–21

Question 7

Correct Answer: B. Achan
Bible Reference: Joshua 7:1; Joshua 7:20–21

Question 8

Correct Answer: A. Ai
Bible Reference: Joshua 8:1–2; Joshua 8:18–19

Question 9

Correct Answer: C. The Gibeonites
Bible Reference: Joshua 9:3–6

Question 10

Correct Answer: C. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Bible Reference: Joshua 24:15

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New Quiz of the Week

Quiz 4: The Judges of Israel

Each question has five possible answers. Only one answer is correct.

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Question 1

Which judge delivered Israel from Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia?

A. Ehud
B. Othniel
C. Gideon
D. Samson
E. Jephthah

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Question 2

Which judge was left-handed and killed Eglon, king of Moab?

A. Barak
B. Shamgar
C. Ehud
D. Tola
E. Jair

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Question 3

Which woman is described in the Book of Judges as a prophetess and judge in Israel?

A. Miriam
B. Deborah
C. Jael
D. Ruth
E. Hannah

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Question 4

Which military commander was called by Deborah to go into battle against Sisera?

A. Gideon
B. Barak
C. Jephthah
D. Abimelech
E. Eleazar

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Question 5

Which woman killed Sisera with a tent peg?

A. Deborah
B. Delilah
C. Jael
D. Michal
E. Abigail

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Question 6

Where was Gideon threshing wheat when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him?

A. On Mount Carmel
B. In the field of Boaz
C. In the winepress
D. At the Jordan
E. In the temple

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Question 7

What sign did Gideon ask God to give with the fleece of wool?

A. That fire would fall from heaven
B. That the sun would stand still
C. That the fleece would be wet and the ground dry, and afterward the opposite
D. That water would come out of a rock
E. That a staff would blossom

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Question 8

With how many men did Gideon finally defeat the Midianites?

A. 12
B. 40
C. 70
D. 300
E. 1,000

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Question 9

Which judge made a rash vow before fighting against the Ammonites?

A. Jephthah
B. Gideon
C. Samson
D. Othniel
E. Ehud

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Question 10

Which woman persuaded Samson to reveal the secret of his strength?

A. Jael
B. Deborah
C. Delilah
D. Bathsheba
E. Athaliah

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Your Task

Write down the questions and your answers in a small notebook. This will allow you to record your points each week and follow your personal growth in Bible knowledge.

Next Sunday, you can compare your answers with the correct answers and Bible references.

You receive 1 point for each correct answer.
The maximum score you can achieve this week is 10 points.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8e%af-bible-master-2026-the-weekly-bible-quiz-july-26-2026-%f0%9f%8e%af-quiz-4-the-judges-of-israel/

 

The Biblical Person of the Day

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Hiram – The King Who Supported the Building of the Temple

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Profile

• Name: Hiram
• Time of Birth: approximately the 11th century BC
• Place of Birth: probably Tyre in Phoenicia
• Time of Death: approximately the 10th century BC
• Age: unknown
• Occupation: King of Tyre

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Brief Story

Hiram was king of Tyre, an important Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast. His kingdom was especially known for trade, seafaring, skilled craftsmen, and the valuable cedars of Lebanon.

Even during David’s reign, Hiram maintained friendly relations with Israel. He sent David cedar wood, carpenters, and stonemasons so that a royal house could be built for him in Jerusalem.

After David’s death, Hiram heard that Solomon had become king. He sent his servants to him because he had valued David throughout his reign.

Solomon explained to Hiram that he wanted to build a temple for the Lord. Because Israel did not possess the same timber resources or expertise as Tyre, Solomon asked him for support.

Hiram was pleased with Solomon’s plan. He provided cedar and cypress wood from Lebanon and had it transported to the sea. From there, it was carried onward by water.

An economic and political partnership developed between Hiram and Solomon. Solomon supplied food for Hiram’s royal household, while Hiram provided materials and experienced workers for the major building projects.

His story shows that people from different nations and cultures can work together on a task greater than their personal interests.

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The Decisive Moment

Hiram hears about Solomon’s plan to build a temple for the Lord and provides wood, workers, and his extensive expertise.

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7 Special Facts About Hiram

1. He was king of the important port city of Tyre
2. He maintained a friendly relationship with David
3. He sent building materials and craftsmen to Jerusalem
4. He supported Solomon in building the temple
5. He supplied cedar and cypress wood from Lebanon
6. He made a treaty of peace with Solomon
7. He later also promoted joint trade and seafaring projects

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Strengths & Weaknesses

dependable
generous
diplomatically skilled
willing to cooperate
his relationships were also shaped by economic interests
not all later agreements with Solomon met his expectations

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The Mistake That Shaped Him

The Bible does not report any specific personal wrongdoing by Hiram. Later, however, he was dissatisfied with the cities Solomon gave him.
His story reminds us that even good cooperation requires clear, fair agreements that both sides understand.

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Key Verse

“Blessed be the Lord today, who has given David a wise son over this great people!” (1 Kings 5:7)

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The Life Lesson

Great tasks often succeed when people combine their different gifts, opportunities, and experiences.

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Application for Today

Do not use your resources and abilities only for your own success. Consider how you can use them to support a good work and help others.

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Question for You

What ability or opportunity could you contribute to a task that you could never accomplish alone?

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Context

Hiram ruled Tyre during the time of David and Solomon and was an important partner of Israel in the construction of the royal palace and the temple in Jerusalem.

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Connection

Hiram was a friend of David and later worked closely with Solomon. He should not be confused with the craftsman of the same name who made the bronze objects for the temple.

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Conclusion:

Hiram shows that God could also use people outside Israel to support the building of His house. His story represents friendship, cooperation, and the responsible use of available resources.

See you tomorrow with the next biblical person!

The Life Story

The Life Story of Hiram – Cedar Wood for the House of God

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A King on the Mediterranean Coast

Hiram ruled over Tyre, a prosperous port city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. From there, the Phoenicians traded with many countries and were known for their ships, craftsmanship, and economic influence.

Hiram’s kingdom possessed something especially valuable for major building projects: the mighty cedars of Lebanon. These trees provided durable and precious timber that was highly valued in the ancient world.

As king of an important commercial center, Hiram had not only to govern, but also to build relationships, make treaties, and wisely represent the interests of his country. His story therefore became closely connected with Kings David and Solomon.

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Friendship with David

When David established his reign in Jerusalem, Hiram made contact with him. He sent cedar wood, experienced carpenters, and stonemasons who built a house for David.

This support was more than a business delivery. It showed that Hiram recognized David as king and was interested in maintaining a peaceful relationship with Israel.

A bond developed between the two kings that continued even after David’s death. Hiram had valued David and therefore initially treated his son Solomon with goodwill as well.

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A New King in Jerusalem

When Solomon ascended the throne, Hiram sent his servants to him. He wanted to continue the existing friendship and learn how relations between Tyre and Israel would develop under the new king.

Solomon told him about a great undertaking. David had wanted to build a house for the Lord, but the many wars of his reign had prevented him from doing so. Israel was now living in a time of peace, and Solomon wanted to fulfill this task.

For such a building, however, he needed materials and skilled workers that Hiram possessed in a special way. Therefore, Solomon asked the king of Tyre for help.

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The Cedars of Lebanon

Solomon asked Hiram to provide workers to cut down the cedars of Lebanon. He knew that the men of Sidon and Tyre had great experience in working with this precious timber.

Hiram was pleased with Solomon’s message. He acknowledged Solomon’s wisdom and praised the Lord for giving David a wise son as his successor.

He then promised Solomon his support. The trees were to be cut down, brought to the sea, tied together into rafts, and transported to the place Solomon designated. Thus began a vast joint project between two kingdoms.

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An Agreement for Mutual Benefit

Hiram’s support was provided within the framework of a clear agreement. While Tyre supplied timber and skilled workers, Solomon provided Hiram’s royal household with large quantities of grain and oil.

Both kingdoms contributed what they possessed. Tyre had timber, craftsmen, and experience in transport by sea. Israel had agricultural products and the workforce needed for the great building project.

This cooperation shows how different strengths can complement one another. Neither kingdom had to possess everything on its own as long as both sides were willing to work together fairly.

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A Contribution to the Temple

Hiram was not an Israelite and did not belong to the priesthood. Nevertheless, he made an important contribution to the building of the temple in Jerusalem.

The cedars that came from his territory became a visible part of the house of God. Materials from the mountains of Lebanon found their place in a location that became central to Israel’s worship.

Hiram’s story thus shows that God could also include people outside the immediate community of faith in His plans. Their abilities, resources, and relationships could serve a work they had not begun themselves.

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Shared Journeys Across the Sea

The cooperation between Hiram and Solomon was not limited to the building of the temple. Later, the two kings also worked together on trade and seafaring projects.

Hiram’s sailors possessed extensive experience at sea and worked alongside Solomon’s men. Their ships reached distant regions and brought back valuable goods.

In this way, the original support for the building project developed into a longer-term partnership. Peace made trade, exchange, and joint projects possible, benefiting both kingdoms.

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Not Every Agreement Was Perfect

Later, Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in Galilee. When Hiram inspected them, however, he was not pleased with them. He called the region Cabul, a name that expressed his disappointment.

This incident shows that even a successful friendship is not free from tension and differing expectations. Good relationships must be cared for and require agreements that both sides consider fair.

Nevertheless, Hiram’s fundamental contribution to David’s house, Solomon’s temple, and their joint trade projects remained highly significant.

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The Enduring Message of His Life

Hiram shows that cooperation can overcome boundaries between nations, cultures, and responsibilities. He provided timber, expertise, workers, and trade routes, thereby helping to accomplish a work that held deep spiritual significance for Israel.

His story reminds us that not everyone needs to possess the same gifts. What matters is whether people are willing to contribute their resources faithfully and recognize the abilities of others.

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Closing Thought

Hiram did not serve inside the temple or carry out priestly duties there. Yet without his cedars, craftsmen, and support, the construction would have been far more difficult.

He used the wealth and experience of his kingdom to promote a great undertaking. In this way, a pagan king became an important partner in building the house of God.

His life story shows: Great works arise when people unite their different gifts and willingly place what they possess in the service of a good cause.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%a4-the-biblical-person-of-the-day-07-26-2026-%f0%9f%8c%b2-hiram-the-king-who-supported-the-building-of-the-temple/