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/

Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2

5.6 – Summary
God’s Plan Amid the Kingdoms of This World

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Introduction

From the very first pages of the Bible to the final prophecy of Revelation, a red thread runs through Scripture: God’s sovereign guidance over human history. In Lesson 5 we’ve seen that empires rise and fall, human schemes collapse—but God’s kingdom endures. Through the symbols of land, sea, and the great prophetic visions from Daniel to Revelation, we learn that we, too, stand in the midst of this divine drama. And God calls His people to remain faithful and unshaken until the end.

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Bible Study Review

5.1 The First Commandment
The story of Eden shows us from the start that obedience to God brings life. Humanity quickly learned that knowledge without God leads to suffering. God’s clear boundaries sprang from love—but like ancient Israel, we too are prone to overstep them.

5.2 Daniel 2
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue—gold, silver, bronze, iron, and then fragile feet of iron and clay—reveals the sequence of earth’s empires. All human kingdoms will shatter, but only God’s kingdom endures forever.

5.3 Daniel 7
Wild beasts emerge from the roaring sea—symbols of the brutal, self-centered nature of worldly powers. Yet even amid chaos, hope abides: the “Son of Man” will come and establish an eternal, righteous kingdom.

5.4 Between Land and Sea
Land represents divine order; sea, human tumult. Revelation shows how “the land” once sheltered the faithful—just as the New World offered refuge to persecuted believers—but no earthly refuge remains forever. Our only security is in God’s unchanging reign.

5.5 Proclaim Again
The call to “prophesy again” is addressed to the remnant church. With a message to “nations, tribes, and languages,” God summons His people to shine His light before history’s final chapter is written. Daniel’s and Revelation’s prophecies are more relevant today than ever.

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Spiritual Principles

• Obedience is the key to true life.

• Earthly kingdoms pass away; God’s kingdom remains.

• God is sovereign even when history seems chaotic.

• Prophetic faithfulness is crucial in the last days.

• True security lies in God, not in human institutions.

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Everyday Application

• Study God’s Word daily—especially prophecy—to keep your hope alive.

• Live as a light-bearer: reflect Jesus’ character, not the methods of this world.

• Maintain humility even as the world exalts itself.

• Prepare your heart so you remain steadfast when turmoil comes.

• Proclaim the gospel with boldness and love.

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Conclusion

The kingdoms of this world are temporary, but God’s kingdom is certain and glorious. The Bible is not merely a collection of ancient stories; it is a living revelation of God’s plan for our time. By grasping the prophetic lessons from Eden, Daniel, and Revelation, we are empowered to live today as witnesses for Jesus.

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Thought of the Day

“In a world rocking under the waves of human rebellion, God’s kingdom is our safe harbor. His Word is our fixed star—steady and unshakable.”

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Illustration – “Flames Over the City”

(A 21st-century story)

On a rainy night in a forgotten Midwestern town, Caleb Wright sat alone in a crumbling library. Rain leaked through the roof, wind howled through broken windows, and the neon signs of the deserted main street flickered.

Caleb pastored a tiny congregation—barely ten faithful souls. A theology graduate, he struggled for an audience in a world growing ever louder, faster, and more indifferent to God. Yet he sensed something monumental unfolding. The signs of the times he had studied in Daniel and Revelation—instability, disasters, wars, and a frantic call for unity at any cost—were suddenly flashing everywhere.

That evening he opened his worn Bible to Daniel chapter 2. Over and over he read of the statue—gold, silver, bronze, iron—and the stone that shatters it all. “No human kingdom will stand,” he whispered. “Only God’s kingdom.”

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Emily, a young member of his flock, stood soaked and determined.
“Pastor,” she gasped, “they’re coming! New laws—new rules about religion. No small groups. No Bible studies without registration.”

Caleb closed his Bible slowly. It was exactly what Revelation 13 had described: the land-beast—once lamb-like—now speaking like a dragon.
“Then it’s time,” he said calmly, “for us to speak even louder about the coming stone.”

In the weeks that followed, Caleb organized secret meetings in barns, basements, and shuttered schools. They studied the prophecies, they prayed, and they braced their hearts for the storms ahead. And Caleb reminded them again and again, “We belong not to this kingdom. Our King is yet to come.”

A year later, the town looked different. Sirens wailed, checkpoints stood on the main roads. Yet on Sunday evenings candles glowed in windows—secret signals among believers. In a dilapidated church building, Caleb preached from Daniel 7 about the beasts rising from the churning sea, the fall of empires, and the need to stay true to God—no matter the cost.

When the authorities came one night to break up the gathering, members whispered, “This is not the end. This is the beginning.” Their bodies might be bound, but their hearts were free.

Years later, as the world sank deeper into turmoil, people told stories of that tiny church in the little town whose light never went out. They spoke of an old pastor who preached in a leaky sanctuary about an eternal kingdom that would come. Even when walls fell and crowds raged, he never stopped proclaiming the gospel.

They spoke of Caleb Wright—and of countless small flames that never burned out.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-nations-part-2-5-6-summary-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/2-05-2025-genesis-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/

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

May 1, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 15 – God’s Covenant with Abram

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Bible Text – Genesis 15 (KJV)

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
7 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

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Introduction

Genesis 15 is one of the most profound chapters in the Bible. In it, God appears to Abram in a vision, promises him a son, and makes a covenant with him. The core theme is Abram’s faith, which is counted as righteousness—a central verse for the biblical concept of righteousness by faith (cf. Romans 4; Galatians 3).

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Commentary

1. God’s Promise (Verses 1–5)

God speaks directly to Abram in a vision.
Though Abram is still childless, God promises him a biological heir.
The starry sky becomes a symbol of his countless future descendants.

2. Abram’s Faith (Verse 6)

Key verse: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
This verse forms the basis for the New Testament’s teaching on faith (cf. Romans 4; Galatians 3).
Faith responds to God’s Word, not to what is humanly visible.

3. Covenant Ceremony (Verses 7–11)

Abram asks for a sign—God answers with a solemn covenant.
Animals are split—symbolizing an unbreakable contract.
Birds of prey symbolize danger, yet Abram protects the covenant pieces.

4. Prophetic Revelation (Verses 12–16)

God prophesies: Abram’s descendants will be strangers and oppressed (fulfilled in Egypt).
Their return is based on God’s timing.
Note God’s patience: “The sin of the Amorites is not yet full.”

5. Covenant and Land Promise (Verses 17–21)

A smoking furnace and flaming torch: God alone walks through the pieces—a unilateral covenant.
The land promise stretches from Egypt to the Euphrates—vast and secure.

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Summary

Genesis 15 marks a turning point in Abram’s life.
He trusts in God’s promise despite impossible circumstances.
God responds to this faith by crediting him with righteousness and confirms His promise through covenant.
This chapter affirms: God’s promises are trustworthy—our faith is the proper response.

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Message for Today

God sees our uncertainty and speaks comfort: “Do not be afraid!”
Faith means trusting in God’s Word, even before it becomes visible.
God’s promises are fulfilled—often differently and later, but always surely.
Even in moments of darkness (v. 12), God remains faithful.
God also invites us into His covenant—a promise He alone keeps.

“Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6

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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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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/1-05-2025-genesis-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/