Bible Verse of the Day.
Psalm 119:165

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

NKJV.

God's Promises
1 John 5:18

New King James Version

We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE"

“Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life.

The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance.

The opening lines immediately establish its central theme:

“Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.”

The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care.

What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness.

It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central.

The message of the hymn:
Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Taking Directions.

Why is it that so many people have a problem with taking directions? At some time in our lives, most of us have probably used the phrase, “Don’t tell me what to do!” because no one really enjoys being “bossed around.” But learning to take directions starts as a toddler, and the older we become, the more complicated or challenging those directions can be. Children know that if they don’t obey, there will be a consequence. Students soon learn that if they want to pass on to the next grade, they must listen to their teacher and follow her instructions. Adults understand fully that if they don’t do what their boss is asking, then they’ll lose their jobs. And patients can’t expect to get well or have their health improve if they won’t take the advice of their doctor. So it is with our spiritual life. God’s given us His Holy Word as an instruction manual to help us on our journey here on earth. When we follow what He tells us to do, we not only avoid the pain, heartache, and pitfalls along the way, but we also draw closer to our Lord and Savior! Learning to take directions is absolutely essential if we want to have a joy-filled life and extremely crucial if we want a rich spiritual life and enjoy a close relationship with our best Friend, Jesus. Text: Jeremiah 7:23, Luke 11:28, Deuteronomy 4:2

Ellen G. White
Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.
Commentary:
Christ’s words in regard to our duty to the poor show the spirit in which all work for God is to be done, and open a field where all may find something to do. “The poor always ye have with you” (John 12:8), said Jesus, and none need complain that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. As long as there are hungry ones in God’s world to be fed, naked ones to be clothed, perishing souls that need the bread of life, there is work for us to do. Every comfort we have, every gracious gift of God to us, every piece of money needlessly expended, pleads for the poor and the naked. 11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 22

Gods Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
GOD HANGS THE EARTH ON NOTHING

Long before telescopes, satellites, or space travel, a statement was written that still stands untouched by time. In Book of Job 26:7, we read that God “hangs the earth on nothing.” No pillars. No animals. No mythological supports. Suspended. Exactly as it truly is.

At the same time, cultures around the world were offering very different explanations. Hindu traditions spoke of the earth resting on elephants standing on a giant turtle. Greek mythology described Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders. These weren’t just stories. They were the best attempts of human reasoning trying to explain the unknown. And they were wrong.

But the Bible was not.

Job didn’t have a telescope. He didn’t have modern science. Yet he recorded a truth that aligns with what we now observe in space. The earth is not sitting on anything. It is held in place by forces God established, exactly as Scripture declared thousands of years ago. This wasn’t a lucky guess. This wasn’t poetic accident. This was revelation.

As Second Epistle of Peter 1:21 explains, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. That is why the Bible stands apart. It doesn’t echo the errors of man. It speaks with authority because its source is not human imagination.

The earth hangs on nothing because the One who created it holds it exactly where it belongs.

Need to know.
The Bible says that death itself will be destroyed.

“The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”
1 Corinthians 15:26

Revelation shows us when this happens:

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14

Death is cast into the lake of fire because the lake of fire is where death reaches its final end. The wicked are judged, they suffer the penalty of sin, and they die the second death. Once the last sinner has perished, there is no one left to die.

That is why the next chapter can say:

“There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”
Revelation 21:4

This is the sequence Scripture gives:

the wicked are cast into the lake of fire → they die the second death → death itself is abolished → there is no more death.

Eternal conscious torment reverses that logic. It requires the lost to continue forever in a condition Scripture calls “the second death.” But if death continues forever, how has the last enemy ever been destroyed?

Romans 6:23 gives the same contrast plainly:

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life…”

The lost are not given eternal life in suffering. Eternal life is the gift of the saved. The wages of sin is death.

The lake of fire does not preserve death forever. It is where death comes to an end.

Did you know?
Praying to the dead is not a harmless tradition. It is communication with the dead — and God plainly forbids it.

The Bible does not say, “Seek the saints.” It says, “Should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19).

That is the issue.
You can call it veneration, intercession, or honour — but if a living person is directing requests to the dead, it is still seeking the dead on behalf of the living.

God explicitly condemned this practice:
“There shall not be found among you anyone… who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10–12)

And Scripture gives us no reason to pray to the dead in the first place:

The dead do not know anything (Ecclesiastes 9:5)
Their thoughts perish (Psalm 146:4)
There is one Mediator between God and men — Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5)

So the biblical pattern is simple:
Seek God, not the dead.
Pray to the Father, through Jesus Christ.

If the dead cannot hear you, your prayers are wasted. And if something does answer, it is not holy.

Let's talk about it.
WHAT GRACE IS LIKE

Imagine a government makes a law saying, “If you drive above 120 km/h, you will go to prison.”

You break the law, you are caught, and you are taken to court. When the judge asks you to plead, you will not plead for justice—you will plead for mercy.

Why? Because you know you have broken the law.

This helps us understand Grace.

Imagine a father establishes rules in his home and makes clear the consequences of disobedience. His children disobey. The mother knows what they deserve, so she pleads with the father to forgive them. The father chooses to forgive them. Then the mother tells the children, “You have been forgiven. Now stop disobeying your father.”

That is a picture of grace.

Grace does not cancel the law. Grace gives the guilty person mercy and an opportunity to change.

The Bible says, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” — Ecclesiastes 8:11.

God's patience should never be mistaken for God's approval.

When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda, He did not tell him, “You are under grace, so continue living however you want.” Jesus said:

“Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” — John 5:14.

Grace gave that man another opportunity—not an opportunity to continue in sin, but an opportunity to live differently.

My friends, do not reject God's commandments simply because you are uncomfortable with the Sabbath commandment. And do not teach people that God's commandments are no longer binding simply because you want to defend a tradition.

The Pharisees had a similar problem. They knew the evidence concerning John the Baptist, but they were more concerned about protecting their position than accepting the truth. They reasoned among themselves and finally said, “We cannot tell.”

Don't be like them.

Don't be like the people before the Flood who mocked Noah's warning while the ark was being prepared.

Don't be like the scoffers Peter warned about, saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” — 2 Peter 3:4.

God's delay is not God's denial.

Grace is God's mercy giving you time to repent.

But that time will not last forever.

Ecclesiastes gives us the final warning:

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13–14.

So don't abuse grace.

Grace forgives the sinner, but grace never gives us permission to love sin. Grace does not destroy God's law; grace leads us back to obedience.

Today, while mercy is still being offered, choose repentance. Choose truth. Choose obedience.

Do not mistake God's patience for God's permission.

Amazing Love

The Advent Truth
Isaac Newton did NOT simply predict, “The world will end in 2060.” That headline leaves out the most interesting part of the story.

Newton was a serious student of Daniel and Revelation, and he recognized something many Christians today reject: the 1,260 prophetic days represent 1,260 literal years.

The Bible gives this same prophetic period three different ways:

Daniel 7:25 — “a time and times and the dividing of time”
Revelation 12:6 — 1,260 days
Revelation 13:5 — 42 months

Using the biblical prophetic calendar, 42 months × 30 days = 1,260 days. Three and a half prophetic years × 360 days = 1,260 days. Applying the day-for-a-year principle seen in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6 gives us 1,260 years.

Newton understood the year principle, but he differed on the starting point. He considered A.D. 800 significant because of developments surrounding Charlemagne and papal temporal power. Add 1,260 years and you arrive at 2060. Yet Newton specifically cautioned that he was NOT setting a date for the end of the world.

Historicist Adventists understand the stronger starting point to be A.D. 538. Daniel 7 connects the 1,260 years with the period in which the little-horn power would exercise its persecuting supremacy. Following Justinian's recognition of Roman ecclesiastical supremacy and the breaking of Ostrogothic control at Rome, 538 marks the beginning of that prophetic period.

Now do the math:

538 + 1,260 = 1798.

And right on time, in 1798, French forces under General Berthier entered Rome, abolished papal political government, and took Pope Pius VI prisoner.

Newton had the prophetic principle right. The crucial question was where to start the clock.

Daniel and Revelation give us the 1,260. History gives us 538–1798.

Bible prophecy isn't guesswork. It is history written in advance.

A Nugget of Truth.
There comes a point when we realize that nothing in this world can truly give lasting peace. Money can disappear, circumstances can change overnight, and even the strongest people eventually reach the end of their own strength. The only place where the soul finds real security is in Jesus Christ. His blood was shed so that we could be forgiven, restored, and brought back to God.

When we place our trust in Him, we are not trusting in our own ability to survive life's storms, but in the Savior who has already overcome sin and death. That does not mean life will always be easy, but it means we never have to face it alone. No matter how uncertain the future seems, those who belong to Christ can rest in His promises because He never abandons His own.

As the psalmist wrote, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). The Bible also reminds us, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). So instead of placing our confidence in temporary things, let us draw near to the Lord each day, knowing that the safest place we can ever be is in the hands of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
---

① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
---

② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
---

③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
---

④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
---

⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
---

⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
---

⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
---

⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
---

⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
---

CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

28 Beleifs # 25
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming willbe literal, personal, visible, and worl dwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times.

My Daily Witness.
Jesus loves you so much that HE died for you, and Rose from the dead for you, and now desperately longs to have a personal relationship with you, will you accept Him into your heart and life today, as your Savior, and King? Repent of sin in your life, and live for HIM, and let Him live through you.

For God so loved the world, that HE gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

After accepting Jesus as your Savior, show your love for HIM by keeping His Commandments.

"If you love me keep my commandments". John 14:15.

ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, REPENT OF SIN IN YOUR LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, INCLUDING THE 4TH COMMANDMENT (THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH).

FOR JESUS CHRIST IS SOON RETURNING, AND HIS REWARD IS WITH HIM, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO EVERLASTING DEATH!!!!!
Revelation 12:14
Revelation 22:12
Daniel 12:2

Daily Devotional
Clothe the naked.

I was ... naked, and ye clothed me. Matthew 25:35, 36

Christ ... says, It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison.... While you crowded your wardrobe with rich apparel, I was destitute. While you pursued your pleasures, I languished in prison.

When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor, when you gave those flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost, did you remember that you were giving to the Lord of glory? All the days of your life I was near you in the person of these afflicted ones, but you did not seek Me. You would not enter into fellowship with Me.

In the professed Christian world there is enough expended in extravagant display, for jewels and ornaments, to supply the wants of all the hungry and clothe the naked in our towns and cities; and yet these professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus need not deprive themselves of suitable food or comfortable clothing. What will these church members say when confronted in the day of God by the worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless, who have known pinching want for the meager necessities of life, while there was expended by these professed followers of Christ, for superfluous clothing, and needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the Word of God, enough to supply all their wants?

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah the work that the people of God are to do in Christ’s lines is clearly set forth. They are to break every yoke, they are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked.... If they carry out the principles of the law of God in acts of mercy and love, they will represent the character of God to the world, and receive the richest blessings of Heaven. [242]

August 25th, 2026
Read: Psalm 56:4

The psalmist praises God's Word because it gives him firm ground for trust. Human threats remain real, but they no longer possess ultimate authority over his heart. The eternal truth of Scripture is precious not merely because the Bible is ancient or has crossed many cultures, but because the God who spoke is faithful in every age. When fear of people begins to govern our choices, we return to His promises. Trust in the Lord frees us to obey without being controlled by what flesh can do.

Prayer
Thank You, Great and Eternal God, for being more stable than the ground I stand on, more resilient than the mountain peaks I aspire to, and more steady than the waves on the oceans I adore. I put my soul, my future, and my life in Your hands. I try to live in a way that will please You. I want my life to be characterized by steadfast devotion to You. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Conflict and Courage.
Esther 1:1-12

When the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded ... to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. Esther 1:10, 11.
When this command came from the king, Vashti did not carry out his orders, because she knew that wine had been freely used, and that Ahasuerus was under the influence of the intoxicating liquor. For her husband's sake as well as her own, she decided not to leave her position at the head of the women of the court.37The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1139.

It was when the king was not himself, when his reason was dethroned by wine-drinking that he sent for the queen, that those present at his feast, men besotted by wine, might gaze on her beauty. She acted in harmony with a pure conscience.

Vashti refused to obey the king's command, thinking that when he came to himself, he would commend her course of action. But the king had unwise advisers. They argued it would be a power given to woman that would be to her injury.38Ibid.

However high their office, men are amenable to God. The great power exercised by kings, often leads to extremes in exaltation of self. And the worthless vows made to enact laws which disregard the higher laws of God, lead to great injustice.

Occasions of indulgence such as are pictured in the first chapter of Esther, do not glorify God. But the Lord accomplishes His will through men who are nevertheless misleading others. If God did not stretch forth His restraining hand, strange presentations would be seen. But God impresses human minds to accomplish His purpose, even though the one used continues to follow wrong practices. And the Lord works out His plans through men who do not acknowledge His lessons of wisdom. In His hand is the heart of every earthly ruler, to turn whithersoever He will, as He turneth the waters of the river.39Ibid.

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals

What does Isaiah 45:7 mean when it says God creates calamity?
August 25, 2026
Read Time: 2 min

You can couple this verse with the Bible story in which Micaiah the prophet reports that he saw the Lord send a lying spirit to the prophets of Ahab. In these passages and in others, it appears that evil is proceeding from God, yet the Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

In the book of Job, you find the key that unlocks this relationship between good and evil and God’s involvement. The devil is asking permission of God to tempt and torment Job. The devil cannot do anything without God allowing it. The Lord must withdraw His protection, He must lift the hedge, and He must pull back His protective forces. In that sense, it appears that God is allowing evil. The Lord is the one who placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Eden. That doesn’t mean the Lord wants us to “eat” evil. It means that He gives us the freedom to choose.

Sometimes the Lord withdraws His angels that protect us, and in that sense, you could say that He is allowing evil to come. But the book of James tells us that the Lord Himself does not tempt anyone, neither can He be tempted. The devil is an individual being, roaming about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy and devour. God is constantly putting him in check, to the degree of what He allows the devil to do.

From time to time, the Lord draws back His hand of protection to accomplish some purpose. This is why Paul says, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). So when Isaiah says that evil comes from the Lord, it simply means that the devil can’t do anything unless God allows it in His sovereign plan.

Key Bible Texts
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7 KJV)

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
A Childlike Faith

By Jill Morikone

August 24th, 2026

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

It was time for my phone call with my nephews. My sister’s children—all boys—live in North Carolina. Since we don’t get to see them as often as we like, our phone time became a special time to learn about their lives. Caleb, who was five years old, usually saved his time for last. He picked up the phone, and I prepared to hear about his Lego set or what the cat did that day. His first words, however, stopped me in my tracks: “Auntie Jill, I’m so happy because I asked Jesus into my life.”

A lump formed in my throat. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so proud of you!” I fought to keep the tears out of my voice. “That’s the best decision you’ll ever make.”

His childish voice prattled on. “I can’t read the Bible yet, but when I want to be mean to my brothers, I ask Jesus to help me. I love God more than anything else, and I get to talk to Him every night!”

The conversation turned quickly to something else, but his words burned in my mind. Was that the secret to walking with Jesus?

Later, I thought about the simplicity of his faith, as I talked to a woman on the phone. “If I could only know Jesus forgives me. Do you think He’d accept me after what I’ve done?” As she talked, I heard a childish voice in my mind—Auntie Jill, I’m so happy because I asked Jesus into my life!

Then, a coworker stopped by my desk. “I’m so irritated by this woman!” Again, I heard a little voice—When I want to be mean, I ask Jesus to help me.

Toward evening, I received an e-mail: “I know I shouldn’t because I’m married, but I’m having feelings for someone else.” Again, I heard Caleb’s voice, I love Jesus more than anything else!

Is that the secret to walking with Jesus?

A childlike faith—Jesus has accepted and forgiven me.

A childlike request—Help me, Jesus! Give me victory.

A childlike love—I love Jesus above everything else.

Father, restore in me the faith of a child.