Closer To Heaven
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by Melody Tan | 18 June 2025 | Growing up, the only overseas holiday my family could afford was a one-month visit to England when I was 16. Other than that trip, where I saw a different country through the tinted lens of a tourist, my birth country was the only culture I experienced for […] Source: https://atoday.org/i-love-you-no-matter-what/
June 19, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 14 – Crossing the Red Sea: God’s Power and Israel’s Trust
From Doubt to Deliverance – God’s Action in the Greatest Crisis══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Exodus 14 (KJV)1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.
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IntroductionExodus 14 recounts one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible: the crossing of the Red Sea. What appears to be a hopeless situation—with the Israelites trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army—becomes the stage for God’s mighty intervention. This story reveals the contrast between human fear and divine sovereignty. God fights for His people, leads them through, and defeats the superior Egyptian power—not with weapons, but by His word and power.
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Commentary1. The Seeming Dead End (Verses 1–9)
God’s guidance intentionally leads the people into a position of no escape—right up to the sea, with enemies behind them.
Pharaoh’s decision: Driven by pride and the sense of losing control, he mobilizes a mighty army against Israel.
God’s purpose: He intends to glorify Himself through Pharaoh—His intervention will demonstrate that He alone is the LORD.
2. The People’s Fear and God’s Promise (Verses 10–14)
Israel’s reaction: Panic, accusations, despair. They quickly forget the miracles God has already done.
Moses responds in faith: “Do not be afraid… The LORD will fight for you.”
Divine stillness: The people are told to be quiet—God acts where human effort ends.
3. God’s Command and the Miracle (Verses 15–22)
God says to Moses: “Why are you crying out to me?” – Now is the time to act.
The command: Raise your staff, stretch out your hand—a sign of God’s authority through Moses.
The miracle: A strong east wind divides the sea overnight. Israel walks through on dry ground—water like walls on either side.
4. The Egyptians’ Defeat (Verses 23–28)
The Egyptians pursue: Blinded by arrogance, they follow into the sea.
God intervenes: He confuses them, disables their chariots, creates chaos.
The end: At God’s command, the sea returns. Pharaoh’s entire army is swallowed—none survive.
5. Israel’s Faith Grows (Verses 29–31)
Israel is saved: The same waters that brought judgment to Egypt became salvation for God’s people.
God’s power revealed: The people see what the LORD has done.
Trust deepens: They fear the LORD and believe in Him—and for the first time, Moses is acknowledged as God’s trusted servant.
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SummaryExodus 14 displays God’s dominion over nature, history, and human power. Israel finds itself in an impossible situation—and witnesses a miracle. God’s intervention is not only rescue, but also judgment. Pharaoh, the symbol of human arrogance, is brought low. Israel’s faith is strengthened. This passage is more than history—it is a spiritual image for all times: God makes a way where there is none.
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Message for Us TodaySometimes God deliberately leads us into situations that seem hopeless—not to harm us, but to show us: I am the LORD. When we see no way forward, He calls us to trust Him. Our strength may fall short—but God fights for us. The sea that causes fear becomes the path of freedom through His power. Faith often begins where human solutions end.
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Reflection QuestionsWhere are you right now—“between Egypt and the sea”?
Are there areas in your life where you feel trapped, with no way out? Perhaps God wants to meet you there.
What if, like Moses, you simply stretched out your hand—in faith?
Are you ready to be still—and let God fight for you?
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June 15 – 21, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 12 Abraham in Canaan Read online here
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IntroductionAfter his return from Egypt, Abraham settles once again in Canaan. Wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold, it soon becomes clear: true prosperity requires selfless character and unwavering trust in God’s promises. Abraham demonstrates how faith, kindness, and reverence for God not only shape him, but also influence those around him and his entire legacy.
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Commentary1.Return, Separation from Lot, and Humble Selflessness
Genesis 13:2–12: Abraham returns home “very rich” and peacefully shares the land with Lot. Although God promised him the entire region, he lets Lot choose first (cf. Gen 13:8–9). Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley, ignoring spiritual dangers. Abraham humbly withdraws to Hebron and builds an altar in Mamre.
2.Patriarch as a Bearer of Light: A Testimony in Canaan
3.War to Rescue His Nephew: Justice and Nobility
4.Covenant with God: Star-Faith and Sacrificial Ceremony
5.Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change
6.Hospitality and Intercession: From Tent to Prayer
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SummaryAbraham’s life in Canaan displays the many facets of true faith: generous selflessness (separation from Lot), convincing testimony (as a shepherd), courageous justice (rescuing Lot), steadfast covenant faith (counting stars and circumcision), and passionate intercession (for Sodom). Time and again, he demonstrates that God’s blessing and calling require a life of humility, obedience, and active love.
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Message for Us TodaySelfless generosity creates peace and opens space for God’s blessing.
Testimony through daily life speaks louder than words.
Steps of faith – even in doubt – lead to new promises.
Family and church thrive on visible signs and consistent obedience.
Intercession and hospitality reflect a heart that mirrors God’s love.
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Reflection QuestionSource: https://fulfilleddesire.net/19-06-2025-exodus-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/
19.06.2025 | Free Indeed—A Life Unburdened | HEART ANCHOR
Standing firm in the freedom Christ gives
Galatians 5:1⸻
Bible Text“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”
Galatians 5:1
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Introduction“Christ has set us free to live a free life!” With these words, Galatians 5:1 begins. Freedom is one of the most powerful longing-words of our time: free from constraints, free from guilt, free from crushing expectations. But what does it truly mean to be free in Christ? And how do we safeguard that freedom in everyday life?
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DevotionalPaul directs this appeal to churches tempted to fall back into their old mindset of law-keeping. They believed that without strict adherence to religious rules and traditions, they could not please God. But Paul emphasizes: our relationship with God is not built on outward performance, but on the one, finished work of Jesus.
Freedom from performance guilt
Sooner or later we all feel we’re “not doing enough”—at work, school, in friendships, or before God. The freedom we gain means we are no longer slaves to our own successes or failures. God’s love for us doesn’t depend on how “good” we feel.
Freedom to love
Released from the pressure to keep every rule perfectly, we can love with all our hearts—our neighbors, our families, even those who have let us down. Freedom in Christ liberates us from self-obsession and opens us to genuine community.
Freedom for responsibility
Freedom is not a license for selfishness! Christ sets us free so we may willingly take responsibility—for one another, for our society, and for God’s creation. Those who know true freedom use it for the good of others.
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Story – The Garden of FreedomLisa was part of a youth group where everyone talked about their “spiritual achievements”: Bible-reading streaks, prayer statistics, and volunteer hours. Soon she felt she had to keep performing more and more just to belong. One day she visited her grandmother in the countryside. In the overgrown garden behind the old farmhouse stood a neglected apple tree, its gnarled branches choked by brambles.
Her grandmother handed her a small pruning saw and gently said, “This tree is old and wounded, but it can bloom again. You just need to cut away everything that is needless and hindering.” Hesitantly, Lisa began removing the brambles and dead limbs. Bit by bit the tree regained air and light—and by the next spring it was covered in blossoms.
When Lisa returned home, she felt a stirring inside: just as the apple tree could only flourish once it’d been freed from its weight, so her own freedom had been hindered by a constant need for extra prayers or to show off her Bible-reading record. She deliberately pruned the “brambles” of her daily life—the comparisons, the need for praise, and the fear of not doing enough. In that new lightness she discovered that true discipleship isn’t about ticking off lists but about a living relationship with Jesus—free, fruitful, and full of the Spirit’s blooms.
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Thoughts: What does this mean for you?Where do you feel performance pressure? In school, at work, or in your commitments?
What habits enslave you rather than set you free? Social media, comparisons, others’ expectations?
How would you like to use your freedom today? For friendship, for justice, for generosity?
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Impulses for TodayPause briefly: Take five minutes to pray, “Jesus, show me where I live in bondage.”
Switch off intentionally: Put away your phone or laptop for an hour and pursue a real conversation.
Share freedom: Do a kind deed today without expecting anything in return—a gift of time, a smile, or an encouraging word.
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PrayerLord Jesus,
thank You for freeing me from the yoke of performance and fear. Open my eyes to the walls I’ve built around myself, and grant me the courage to let go of anything that would enslave me. Teach me to live out my freedom with love and responsibility—for You and for those around me. Amen.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/19-06-2025-free-indeed-a-life-unburdened-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
Discover the breathtaking and perilous world of southern Madagascar, where beauty meets unrest. Join Cami Oetman from AWR360° as she ventures into the Red Zone—an area few dare to enter, where lawlessness threatens lives and hope is hard to find. Witness the realities of mission work in one of the most remote and spiritually unreached parts of the world. This is more than just a story—it’s a call to faith, courage and unwavering commitment to share light in the darkest places. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe for more real mission stories from around the world. Watch the full story here: https://youtu.be/yfZ0WDgfwU4?list=PLGPdsC4UKngudVFE5iCjJbxlTDTDWDZ2h #AWR360 #GospelInTheRedZone Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6aIp7_k2o4A
18 June 2025 | The praise group Elevation Worship in a beautiful song, O Come to the Altar (2016), sings that “Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.” Some familiar gospel songs, such as “Jesus Paid it All” and “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” express the same idea. Ellen White writes that […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-tammy-l-weise-the-cost-of-sin-reconstructing-what-happened-at-the-cross/
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