Lesson 5: Passover
5.6 Summary
Passover: Remembrance of Redemption and Judgment

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Introduction

Passover is much more than a Jewish festival – it is a spiritual foundation for understanding redemption, grace, and divine judgment. In this lesson, we see how God gave His people hope and identity in the midst of plagues and judgments. Through symbols such as the blood of the lamb, unleavened bread, and the shared meal, God’s character is revealed: both just and merciful. These principles are as relevant today as they were then.

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Bible Study

5.1 Another Plague – The Final Warning

The three days of darkness were God’s final invitation to repentance. But Pharaoh’s hardened heart revealed the depth of human rebellion. Moses did not react out of egoistic anger but with divine justice.

5.2 Passover – The Meal of Remembrance and Hope

God prepared His people spiritually before delivering them physically. The command to celebrate the Passover meal was an act of trust, even before the exodus. The blood on the doorposts was a sign of faith – not of works.

5.3 Pesach – Sign of the Blood, Sign of Redemption

Every element of the feast – the blood, the unleavened bread, the bitter herbs – was a foreshadowing of the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament salvation became a shadow of the greater redemption through the cross.

5.4 Passing the Torch

Parents were not only to tell stories but to pass on Passover as a living experience. Faith was not transmitted by books alone but through personal participation and remembrance.

5.5 Divine Judgment – When Justice Is Revealed

The tenth plague struck the heart of Egyptian power – the firstborn. It revealed the powerlessness of all idols. God’s judgment was a response to decades of oppression and murder – not arbitrary, but deep justice.

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Spiritual Principles

• God is patient but just.

• Faith is shown through obedience.

• God’s protection is real and tangible.

• Remembrance strengthens faith.

• Judgment is part of redemption.

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Application for Daily Life

• Expect God’s intervention: Even if we are still “in Egypt”, we may already celebrate in faith.

• Set signs: Like the blood on the doorpost – our decisions, words, and actions should reflect our faith.

• Live out traditions: Children learn faith through lived experiences – consciously invite them into spiritual moments.

• Trust God in crises: His grace protects, even when judgment is near.

• Judge justly, not harshly: Like Moses – sorrowful over judgment, not triumphing in it.

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Conclusion

Passover is a call to remembrance, repentance, and hope. It unites judgment with grace and shows: God acts faithfully. The story of Israel is also our story – a story of blood that saves. The exodus from Egypt becomes a picture of our liberation through Jesus Christ. And as then, we are not only to receive but also to pass it on.

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Thought of the Day

“God’s grace protects us from judgment – not because we are worthy, but because the blood of the Lamb speaks.”

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Illustration – – The Night of the Lanterns

How a Child Carried the Light in a Dark City

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Chapter 1 – The Silent Festival

Chengdu, South China – Spring 2022

The city was full of colors, but in Meilin’s heart it was quiet. In the narrow alleys of the old town, lanterns hung in rows, children ran laughing with flickering lights through the night, and everywhere the scent of sticky rice balls and roasted sesame filled the air.

But for Meilin, nothing was like it used to be. Since her mother’s death, the house had been quiet. Her father was far away, somewhere on a construction site in the desert. Only Grandma Lin remained – with old songs and stories that felt like faded ink paintings.

“Tonight is not just the Lantern Festival,” Grandma whispered, “It is also the night of deliverance.”

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Chapter 2 – The Forgotten Blood

The Story of a People – and a Grandmother

Meilin watched as Lin took down the red silk cloth from the shelf. Inside was a worn Chinese New Testament, filled with handwritten notes in fine script.

“In Egypt,” Lin began, “a people were in bondage. And God sent signs, warnings… and finally – judgment. But He told them: ‘Mark your door with the blood of a lamb. Then the angel of death will pass over you.’”

Meilin swallowed. “That sounds… harsh.”

Lin nodded. “Yes. But it wasn’t an angry God. It was a just God. And He gave a way out – the blood. A sign of trust.”

“Like a code?” Meilin asked.

“No,” Lin said softly. “Like a decision. Faith made visible.”

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Chapter 3 – The Red Lantern

An Ancient Sign in a New Time

That night, as the power went out in parts of the city, Meilin remembered her grandmother’s words. The lanterns flickered, some went out completely.

Lin suddenly stood up, took a piece of red ribbon from her old sewing box, and tied it outside on the door.

“Like back then,” she said.

Meilin watched. “Do you really think it helps?”

“It’s not the ribbon that helps,” Lin answered, “but it reminds me whom we trust.”

Soon after, a radio alert announced a gas leak in a nearby district – an explosion had damaged several homes, just a few streets away.

“Why not us?” Meilin asked.

“Maybe… because God sees us,” Lin whispered. “And because tonight, you are the one carrying the light.”

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Chapter 4 – The Child Who Carried the Light

Faith in Motion

The next day Meilin decided to take the red ribbon with her to school. Some kids laughed. Others asked questions.

“Is it for a project?” the teacher asked.

“No,” Meilin said, “It’s… a sign. That I believe God protects. Like He did my people – and maybe even me – on that night.”

The teacher, a quiet woman, looked at Meilin for a long time. Then she whispered, “My grandmother told me the same story. But I had forgotten it.”

That evening, Meilin asked her grandmother to celebrate Passover with her. Not like in Egypt, not with lamb and herbs. But with a silent prayer, a piece of bread – and a new light.

They lit a lantern. And this time, it burned for more than tradition.

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Chapter 5 – Living Memory

Passing on the Torch

Months passed. Her father returned. The house was small, but now full of life. Every year at the Lantern Festival, Meilin and her grandmother tied a red ribbon on the door.

It became a family sign – not against misfortune, but for faith. And every time someone asked, Meilin told her story: of a dark night, an old memory – and a God who saves.

She had understood: God’s grace is like the light in the lantern – visible, carryable, passable.

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Final Thought

The red ribbon was no magic – it was a confession.
Like the blood on the doorposts: a sign of trust in the God who still sees, saves, and reminds.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-passover-5-6-summary-%f0%9f%8c%8a-exodus-living-faith/

01 August 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading

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Leviticus 17 – Life Is in the Blood
Holiness, purity, and the only place of atonement

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Bible Text – Leviticus 17 (KJV)

¹ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

² Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, saying,

³ What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

⁴ And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

⁵ To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the Lord, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the Lord.

⁶ And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the Lord.

⁷ And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.

⁸ And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

⁹ And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the Lord; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

¹⁰ And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

¹¹ For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

¹² Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.

¹³ And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

¹⁴ For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

¹⁵ And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

¹⁶ But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

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Introduction

In Leviticus 17, God gives a series of commandments regarding the correct place for sacrifices and how to handle blood and unclean meat. What may seem ritualistic and distant at first glance reveals deep spiritual truths: it’s about the holiness of God, the need for atonement – and ultimately, the gospel itself.

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Commentary

1. The Place of Sacrifice – Only Before the Lord (Verses 1–9)

God makes it clear that all sacrifices—even private slaughters—must take place only at one specific location: the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Why? Because offering sacrifices is not a private act, but a holy one, meant to follow God’s order.

What’s behind this?
God protects His people from false worship, from idolatry (v.7 “goat demons”), and from self-directed spirituality.

Spiritual Principle:
True worship has a divinely appointed place—then it was the tabernacle, today it is Jesus Christ, the only Mediator.

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2. Blood – Carrier of Life (Verses 10–14)

God strictly forbids the consumption of blood. The reason is deeply spiritual:

Life is in the blood.
The blood was placed on the altar to bring atonement.
It is holy and must not be treated as ordinary.

Gospel Insight:
This passage prophetically points to Jesus’ sacrifice:

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
Only the blood of Christ brings true and eternal reconciliation.

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3. Carcasses and Torn Animals – Purity and Responsibility (Verses 15–16)

Anyone who eats a carcass or an animal torn by wild beasts becomes unclean. But there is a way back to purity:

Washing, cleansing, waiting until evening.

However, whoever ignores this remains guilty.

Practical Point:
Sin defiles. But God offers cleansing—if we take His order seriously.

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Summary

God determines where and how worship and sacrifice are to happen.
Blood is holy—because it carries life and has been divinely appointed for atonement.
Impurity through disobedient handling of God’s commands separates,
but cleansing is possible if we return and obey.

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Message for Us Today

This chapter calls us to reverence for what is holy.
We no longer live under the Old Testament sacrificial law, but the principle still holds:

There is only one place of atonement – Jesus Christ.
Only His blood makes clean (1 John 1:7).
God does not want us to “sacrifice spiritually anywhere,” but to come to Him—on His terms.

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Reflection Questions

Where might I be trying to bring “my own sacrifice” instead of trusting Jesus?

Have I truly received the gospel of Christ’s blood—with both heart and mind?

What does it mean today to live in purity and reverence before God?

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27 July – 2 August 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading from the Spirit of Prophecy

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Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 20
Joseph in Egypt

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Read online here

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Introduction

Joseph’s life story is one of the most moving accounts in the Old Testament. It shows how God uses suffering, injustice, and severe trials to shape a young man into an instrument of His blessing — not just for one people, but for entire nations. What Joseph experiences reflects divine education, divine faithfulness — and human choice.

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Commentary

1. Brokenness: Loneliness and Loss (The Beginning of the Journey)

Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, sold, and on his way to a foreign land. His childhood, marked by his father’s favoritism, ends abruptly. He experiences deep emotional wounds and total abandonment. But out of this crisis, something new begins to grow. In his loneliness, Joseph decides to trust God — even when he loses everything else.

2. The Conscious Decision for Faithfulness (Turning Point)

Joseph remembers the teachings about the God of his fathers — and makes a conscious decision: he will remain faithful to God, no matter the cost. This decision becomes the defining turning point in his life. He is no longer a victim of his circumstances but a servant of God — even in slavery.

3. Steadfastness in Temptation (Potiphar’s House)

Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife. The decision lies between secret sin or risky faithfulness. Joseph chooses the harder path and asks:
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
He does not choose out of fear of people but out of reverence for God.

4. Faithfulness in the Dark (The Prison Years)

Joseph is unjustly condemned. Despite deep injustice, he holds firm to his faith. He does not become bitter. Instead of self-pity, he serves others, helps, comforts, interprets dreams. The years in prison become a school of character.

5. The Elevation (At the Royal Court)

God opens the doors at the right time. Joseph is elevated — not by chance, but by divine plan. His wisdom, insight, and faithfulness in small things make him Egypt’s administrator. The former slave becomes Father of the Land (Genesis 41:43). God honors his faithfulness with influence and responsibility.

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Summary

Joseph’s journey takes him from his father’s tent, through slavery and prison, all the way to the Pharaoh’s court. In every phase, Joseph remains faithful to his God — not because it was easy, but because it was right. His strength of character and faith make him an instrument in God’s hands.

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Message for Us Today

God’s guidance is not always visible — but it is always faithful.

Trials reveal our character.

He who honors God in the small things will be entrusted with greater things.

Worldly success is empty without the fear of God — but through reverence for God, success gains lasting value.

Character is shaped in daily life, through small decisions, in the unseen.

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Reflection Question

Where am I right now on my “Joseph journey”? In the pit? In Potiphar’s house? In prison? Or in elevation?

What keeps me from remaining faithful to God under all circumstances?

Is my integrity dependent on external conditions — or on inner conviction?

What “small decisions” today are shaping my character for tomorrow?

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LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/01-08-2025-%f0%9f%94%a5leviticus-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/

August 1, 2025

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Joseph – Faith That Endures
Devotions from the life of a dreamer with character

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7.Faith Instead of Grudge
When you’ve been hurt – and still choose to trust rather than repay

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Introduction

Joseph had every reason to become bitter.
His brothers had betrayed him.
He had lost everything – because of the jealousy of those who should have protected him.
And yet: he didn’t let bitterness take root in his heart.

Where others might have plotted revenge, Joseph chose a different path – a path of trust in God, not bitterness toward people.

This devotion highlights one of the hardest – and holiest – choices a person can make:
To respond to injustice with faith – not with retaliation.

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Devotional

Genesis 50:19–20
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’”

Joseph stands before his brothers – the very brothers who once hated him, robbed him, betrayed him, and sold him. They are helpless, afraid, expectant. Perhaps they now anticipate revenge. But Joseph responds with a sentence that opens the heavens:

“Am I in the place of God?”

This sentence is more than humility – it’s a spiritual decision, a rejection of revenge, a clear stance:
I will not presume to judge your fate. That belongs to God.

Joseph wasn’t naive. He knew pain. He had suffered for years because of others’ sin – in the pit, in slavery, in prison. His forgiveness wasn’t a cheap “let it go,” but a choice to let God be greater than the injustice.

Forgiveness is not a feeling – it is an act of faith.
It says:
“I release the right to take revenge – because I trust that God’s justice is enough.”

Joseph didn’t live in the past – even though it had shaped him.
He lived in God’s presence.
And that was his source of strength.

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What We Can Learn from Joseph

• You can live by grace – even if you’ve gone through injustice.
  Joseph didn’t become bitter because he focused on God’s hand, not just people’s behavior.

• Your witness begins when you don’t react as expected.
  Revenge would have made sense. But grace was divine. That’s what stood out. Joseph didn’t testify with words – but with his response.

• God writes stories bigger than our pain.
  Joseph’s suffering wasn’t the end – it was the instrument through which God saved many.
  What others use against you, God can use for something greater.

• You don’t have to approve of injustice in order to forgive.
  Joseph didn’t say, “What you did was okay.”
  He said, “It was evil – but God turned it around.”
  Forgiveness doesn’t minimize the wrong – it places it in God’s hands.

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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?

• What would it mean for me to no longer want to be judge – but leave it to God?

• Where do I see God’s hand when I look back on my own wounds?

• Is there someone I need to forgive today – not because they deserve it, but because I want to be free?

And most importantly:

Joseph could have become a bitter man.
He had every reason.
But he chose the path of trust – a path that isn’t easy, but is full of healing.

Maybe that means for you today:

• Not striking back when provoked.

• Not speaking badly of someone who disappointed you.

• Not demanding justice – but building on grace.

Because the truth is:
What hurt you doesn’t have to define you.
God can turn it into something that not only heals you – but also saves others.

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Story – “When My Heart Learned to Forgive”

A story about guilt, silence – and an unexpected phone call.

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Chapter 1 – The Door Slammed Shut

Eva was 23 the last time she spoke to her sister.
She had said a sentence she could never take back:
“You’re dead to me.”

It had been a fight over their parents’ house. Inheritance issues, misunderstandings, wounded egos. Her sister Miriam had taken care of their ailing mother – but Eva felt left out.
Bitterness grew inside her like a silent vine.

After their mother’s funeral, they went their separate ways. No letters. No calls. No looking back.
But even after ten years, the silence still hurt.

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Chapter 2 – The Sermon She Didn’t Want to Hear

By now, Eva was a teacher, married, mother of two.
She attended church every Sunday – but this Sunday was different.

The pastor preached about forgiveness.
Not vaguely, not abstractly – but directly.

“Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the wrong.
Forgiveness means letting God be the judge – and placing your right to revenge in His hands.”

Eva sat frozen.
Her heart pounded. Her stomach clenched.
Miriam.
The name she had avoided for years came rushing back – in thoughts, in emotions, in memories.

At the end of the sermon, the pastor read Joseph’s famous words:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Eva couldn’t stay in her seat.
She walked out – but the sentence stayed with her.

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Chapter 3 – The Call She Couldn’t Make

For a week, she wrestled inwardly.
Her husband noticed and gently asked.
“If you want, I’ll go with you,” he said.

But Eva shook her head.
“I don’t even know if she’d listen.”
“Then at least call her.”
“I don’t even have her number anymore.”
“Then Google it.”

A few days later, she had the number – and the phone in her hand.
She dialed – and hung up. Three times.
On the fourth try, it went to voicemail. She was about to hang up – but suddenly, she spoke:

“Miriam… it’s Eva.
I… I don’t know if you’re hearing this.
Or if you even want to hear what I have to say.
But I just wanted to say:
I’m sorry. For the fight. For the years. For the words.
I was hurt – but I hurt you.
I hope you’re well.
I just wanted you to know that.”

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Chapter 4 – The Message

Two days later, her phone buzzed.
A text message.
From Miriam.

“I heard your message.
I don’t know what to say.
I’m crying right now.
I’ve thought about you so often.
Maybe we could… talk?”

Eva sat with the phone in her hand for a long time.
Then she replied:

“I’d really love to talk.”

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Chapter 5 – The Visit

A few weeks later, they sat across from each other.
The first moment was awkward, distant.
Then they cried.
For a long time.
Without words.

They talked for hours. About misunderstandings. About pain.
About what they had lost – and what they still had.

At the end, Miriam quietly said:

“I’ve prayed many times that you would reach out.
I could’ve never done it myself.
But God… God can soften even the hardest hearts.”

Eva nodded – and whispered:

“Bitterness had me in chains.
But grace opened the door.”

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Chapter 6 – What Remains

Today, they meet regularly.
Not everything is like before. But it’s real.
They’re moving slowly. Honestly. But together.

Eva sometimes says in her women’s group:

“Forgiveness doesn’t heal overnight.
But it begins with one step – one prayer, one phone call, one open heart.”

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What We Can Learn from This

• Bitterness feels like protection at first – but quickly becomes a burden.

• Forgiveness isn’t a guarantee of a perfect relationship – but it makes healing possible.

• God’s grace doesn’t wait for ideal circumstances – it shows up in the middle of our mess, if we make room for it.

• You don’t need to be strong to forgive – you just need to be willing to be led.

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Application

Joseph shows us:
You can forgive without forgetting.
You can heal without denying the wound.
And you can choose faith – even when your heart is still hurting.

Ask yourself:

• Who has hurt me – and am I still holding on to it?

• Do I believe God can bring good even from betrayal?

• What would it look like to trust God more than my pain?

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Practical Steps for Today

• Write down a name – someone who hurt you.
  Pray for them – not to excuse, but to release.

• Read Genesis 50 and underline Joseph’s response.
  Ask yourself: Could I say the same?

• Ask God to show you your story from His perspective – not just your own.

• If possible: take one small step toward reconciliation – even if only in your heart.

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Prayer

Lord,
you see what I can hardly let go.
You know the people I struggle to forgive.
You’re aware of the silent bitterness in my heart.

But I don’t want to stay trapped.
I want to trust you more than my emotions.
Give me the courage to release.
The faith to believe you can heal, restore, and redeem even the hardest moments.
Amen.

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Key Thought of the Day

What others meant for evil – God can turn for good.

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Blessing to Close

May the Lord free your heart from hidden bitterness.
May He exchange the weight of resentment for the lightness of grace.
May He give you strength to forgive –
and courage to trust again.
He sees your pain.
And He honors your faithfulness – even where you’ve been wounded.

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LumenCorde | Daily light for a living soul.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/01-08-2025-%f0%9f%8c%bejoseph-faith-that-carries-you-through-7-faith-instead-of-grudge-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/