FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
THE CHURCH IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh;
go ye out to meet him. — Matthew 25:6 KJV
But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ — Matthew 25:6 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
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ESV Translation Philosophy
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking full account of differences in grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and exact force of the original.
In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive views of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework, we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence. Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture all the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation, taking into account grammar and syntax, the ESV thus seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, the ESV is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, June 22, 2025 – LEAVE IT WITH GOD – Psalm 18:1-2, 16-19
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God’s character; Salvation
Today’s Devotional
Perched high on the climbing wall, Sarah could feel panic rising as her weakening fingers began losing grip on the handholds. Just how hard will I hit the ground? she wondered.
But the instructor kept calling out assurances from below. As the “belayer” tethered to the other end of the rope tied to Sarah’s harness through a pulley, his weight would hold her if she fell. “I’m much heavier than you!” he yelled. “Just let go.”
So she did—and simply swung away from the wall to dangle safely in the air.
The incident gave Sarah a new perspective of the picture of God in Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock . . . my stronghold.” Sarah observed, “God is so much heavier than all my problems. I can let go of my worries and fears, and He’ll catch me.”
King David sang the words of Psalm 18 after God rescued him from “deep waters”—these were his “powerful [enemies]” looking to bring about his “day of . . . disaster” (vv. 16-18). Even if his troubles didn’t disappear, he knew he could trust his all-powerful Savior and that God was holding on to him tightly.
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean, in practical terms, to “let go” of a worry and leave it with God? How can you learn to surrender your fears to Him?
Dear Father, thank You that I can let go of all my worries, fears, and anxieties, knowing that You’re in complete control of my life and will keep me from falling.
Discover how to pray through the Psalms to express yourself to God.
Today’s Insights
In the superscription to Psalm 18, we read that David wrote this psalm and sang it to God “when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” David was on the run from King Saul for more than a decade. Some estimate he was pursued for fifteen years. After David returned from killing Goliath and the Philistine army was destroyed, the women came to greet him and sang this song: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7).
This so aroused Saul’s anger and jealousy that “from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David” (v. 9). In Psalm 18, David’s love for and trust in God is immediately evident in his names for Him. He calls God his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold (vv. 1-2). This same God can be trusted to help us as we leave our fears and worries with Him.
Daily Bread Focuses: Prayer; Sin; Spiritual growth
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Today’s Devotional
Watermelon vines had overtaken my garden. They snaked across the stone path, climbed the fence, and—worst of all—tried to choke my favorite vegetable plants. I knew the garden wouldn’t thrive unless I took action. So, one evening I went to work uncurling tendrils from stems and leaves. When the coils grew back, I kept removing them until the vegetable plants finally matured and produced plump tomatoes and shiny peppers.
Sins like greed, lust, and hate can overtake our lives like the vines that tried to dominate my garden. Left untended, the seed of a wrong thought may develop until it controls our desires and actions like a “sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) and holds us back from growing spiritually.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders” so that we can “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (v. 1). To break free requires that we acknowledge we need help to handle the sin. This can be difficult if we’ve convinced ourselves and others that it’s not a serious issue.
Once we sincerely admit the problem, Jesus welcomes our prayers of confession and forgives us immediately (1 John 1:9). He can show us how to change our life patterns and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to overcome the bondage that prevents us from flourishing.
Reflect & Pray
What sin has the power to make you fall repeatedly? How does God want you to address this problem?
Dear God, please forgive me for the actions and attitudes that grieve You and help me change from this point forward.
How do you respond when you sin? Explore ways that people throughout the Bible responded to sin by listening this episode of Discover the Word.
Today’s Insights
The original audience of the letter to the Hebrews was Jewish believers in Jesus who may have considered reverting back to Judaism or were straying toward false teachings (see 2:1-4; 3:1-4). Many scholars believe the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in ad 70 because it includes references to Jewish ceremonies and sacrifices.
The author understood that the readers would need perseverance to face trials and persecution. Hebrews encourages believers to endure and hold fast to Christ (2:1-4; 3:7–4:13; 5:11–6:2). In chapter 11, known as the “Hall of Faith,” the author commends the many men and women of the Bible who lived by faith and sometimes died because of it. Therefore, because of their witness and example, believers in Christ are prompted to “throw off everything that hinders”—including sin—and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (12:1).
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – THE GOD WHO RESCUES – Jeremiah 23:1-8
Daily Bread Focuses: God’s character; Hope; Suffering
Scripture(s): Deuteronomy 30:4-5; Isaiah 43:5-6; Amos 9:14-15
Today’s Devotional
Beneath the rugged cliffs of Brora, Scotland, a sheep needed rescue. Trapped at the base of a cliff, surrounded by steep and unyielding rock on one side and the vast ocean on the other, the sheep had been on its own for two long years. Despite several rescue attempts, no one could reach her until a determined farmer named Cammy Wilson and four friends successfully executed a risky rescue mission. Three members of the team carefully descended nearly 820 feet down the cliff to get her, using a winch and a lot of courage to lift her out of her predicament.
The determined and sympathetic farmer and team reflect the compassion of our loving Father as depicted in Jeremiah 23:1-3. The prophet denounced Judah’s sinful leaders as shepherds who were “destroying and scattering the sheep of [God’s] pasture!” (v. 1). God declared through Jeremiah that—due to the ruthless way they treated His helpless people—He’d “bestow punishment” on them (v. 2). He saw the plight of His scattered flock and was deeply concerned about them. Not only was God concerned, but He also said He’d lovingly regather His sheep from places of exile and bring them to a place of safety and abundance (v. 3).
When we feel lost, trapped, or isolated, our heavenly Father sees our plight and won’t leave us stranded. He actively seeks to rescue and restore us.
Reflect & Pray
In what ways are you spiritually trapped and isolated? How does it encourage you to know God sees your challenge?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Good Shepherd.
For further study, read Hope in Sorrow.
Today’s Insights
When describing the coming king who would shepherd God’s people in the way their corrupt leaders hadn’t (Jeremiah 23:1), Jeremiah said this king would be called “The Lord Our Righteous Savior” (v. 6). In Hebrew, this title is very similar to the name Zedekiah, the last king of Judah (52:1), which means, “Yah(weh) is righteousness.”
This name suggested Zedekiah was meant to be a king who’d rule in a way that reflected God’s justice. But King Zedekiah utterly failed his people, disobeying God’s instructions with severe consequences (vv. 1-3). So Jeremiah emphasized that despite’s Zedekiah’s failures, God would enact justice and rescue for His people through the promised coming king.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – CREDIT WHERE DUE – Daniel 2:1-5, 13-19
Daily Bread Focus: God’s love and care
Scripture(s): Romans 13:7; Daniel 2:19-22
Today’s Devotional
Hundreds of guests filled a golden ballroom to celebrate a nonprofit’s fiftieth anniversary and honor those who made it possible, especially those who’d been involved for decades. A founding member shared with gratitude how, despite thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars in grants, they would not have succeeded without God. He repeated that the organization had blossomed not because of human effort—although there was plenty of that too—but because God had provided for them.
Daniel understood the importance of ascribing good gifts to God. When King Nebuchadnezzar received a dream of the future, he called for all the wise men of Babylon to retell his dream and then interpret it. Dismayed, they protested that no one on earth could do what the king asked; it would require a supernatural power (Daniel 2:10-11). Daniel agreed, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (vv. 27-28). In faith, he asked God to reveal the dream to him. When his prayer was answered, Daniel was humble and quick to attribute the interpretation not to his own wisdom but to his great God (vv. 30, 45).
It’s right to celebrate accomplishments, but at the same time we should give glory to God. The praiseworthy things in our lives can ultimately be traced back to Him.
Reflect & Pray
Where have you noticed God’s provision lately? Why is it sometimes hard to acknowledge Him?
Dear God, thank You for being the giver of all good things.
Today’s Insights
Daniel’s humility in giving God all the glory for the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:24-30) echoes Joseph’s experience with Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Having been summoned from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph replied to Pharaoh: “I cannot do it . . . but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (v. 16).
n both cases, these young men refused to leverage their ability for their own advantage. In ancient times, dreams were seen as messages from the gods. So, to be able to interpret dreams would have been a status builder. Joseph and Daniel both preferred glorifying God—giving Him the credit—to advancing themselves.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 – CHRIST OUR PRIORITY – Mark 1:35-39
Daily Bread Focuses: Obedience; Prayer; Trust in God
Scripture(s): Psalm 5:3; Matthew 6:6, 33; Galatians 5:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:2 Matthew 28:18-20
Today’s Devotional
“May we invite you to be the main speaker in our nationwide church leadership conference?” After Jose read the invitation from the renowned organization, he replied, “Please let me pray about it first.” Later, when he turned down the offer, he told a friend, “I knew God was calling me to editorial work on a mission’s project, and the speaking engagement would take time and energy away from that. I said no so I can do what God wants me to do.”
What God wants me to do—that was Jose’s priority and what determined his decision. Jesus also made God’s purpose His priority. The morning after healing many in Capernaum who were sick and demon-possessed, Jesus went to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:32-35). The disciples came, saying, “Everyone is looking for you!” (v. 37). Some of those seeking Him were likely requesting healing. Christ, however, didn’t allow urgency or His sudden popularity to determine what He’d do next. “Let us go . . . to the nearby villages,” He said, “so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” (v. 38). Jesus followed His priority—a ministry that covered the rest of Galilee, and one that included preaching (v. 39).
How may we know God’s purpose for us? We can approach Him in prayer, be led by His wisdom found in the Scriptures, and seek counsel from people who uphold His ways. Let’s spend our life doing what God wants us to do.
Reflect & Pray
How can you be intentional about asking God to lead you? How have you seen God help you live with His purpose?
Dear God, please show me what You want me to do.
Today’s Insights
Mark 1:38 declares that Jesus’ mission is to preach the gospel. On a few occasions in the Gospels, Christ reveals in a deep and intimate way that He understands His mission. In Luke 4:18-19, He quotes the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2) to reveal to those listening in the synagogue who He is. Christ’s ministry included both the preaching of forgiveness and spiritual freedom as well as freeing those who were bound by various physical infirmities.
During the years of His ministry, He never veered from that dedication. And He also entrusted that ministry to His disciples. He empowered them to preach the kingdom and heal the sick. They even drove out demons (see Matthew 10; Luke 10). Before Christ returned to the Father, He entrusted His mission to all His followers (see Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). God continues to show us what He wants us to do and how He wants to use us to share the gospel with others.
Friday, June 27, 2025 – CATCH THE LITTLE FOXES – Song of Songs 2:8-15
Daily Bread Focuses: Sin; Temptation
Scriptures(s): 1 Corinthians 5:6; 10:13; 1 John 2:16-17
Today’s Devotional
“It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine,” my grandmother used to say. Then my mom repeated the same thing. And now I say it to my own children. But what does it mean to beware of “the little foxes”?
After planting grapevines, it can take several years before they bear fruit. The vines require a lot of patience, care, watering, pruning, and protection. Foxes—even though small—can cause major damage by destroying the roots, eating the grapes, or chewing the stalk.
In the poetic love story of the Song of Songs, Solomon warns, “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards” (2:15). Some scholars believe this refers to seemingly small problems or behaviors that could threaten the young man and woman’s relationship if left unchecked.
Likewise for our spiritual journey, little things like bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), “unwholesome talk” (Ephesians 4:29), or even harmful influence from others (1 Corinthians 15:33) can slip into our lives and hardly be noticed.
My grandmother understood that little things can cause great harm, and her wisdom spoke volumes to her grandchildren. As we spend time in prayer and reading the Scriptures, the Spirit will help us “catch the little foxes”—the temptations or habits that might spoil our relationship with others and our walk with Christ.
Reflect & Pray
What little things do you need to catch before they cause harm? How can you warn others to watch for “little foxes”?
Dear Father, please help me be alert for and deal with the little stuff that causes great damage.
Today’s Insights
First Kings 4:32 tells us that Solomon’s songs “numbered a thousand and five.” The very first verse of Song of Songs attributes the book to this wisest of kings (1:1). Also called Song of Solomon, the song differs substantially from Solomon’s other wisdom writings (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes). It isn’t a collection of proverbs; it’s a love poem. Solomon extols romantic love, and he does so in poetry so passionate it may cause some to blush (see ch. 7 for a case in point).
Perhaps because of this frankness, some early church leaders tried to interpret the song allegorically (and some still do). They see it as a picture of God’s love for His church. That’s a possible interpretation, but the theme of the song is undeniably about sexual love. Importantly, this Song of Songs presents sex as God intended—within the context of a loving marriage between a man and woman. And as we live out what God has intended, we’ll also catch the “little foxes” (2:15) that can destroy us and others.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION – Acts 16:16-24
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ’s character; Living for Christ; Union with Christ
Today’s Devotional
Manuel was late for church and stuck at a red light. As he waited impatiently, his daughter noticed a stranded driver trying to fix a tire. “Daddy, you’re good at changing tires,” she said. “You should help her.” Manuel was now going to be very late, but he knew this was a divine appointment. He stopped to help, even inviting the other driver to church.
Paul and Silas faced an interruption in Acts 16. They’d encountered a slave girl with an evil spirit who kept shouting (v. 17). For several days, Paul ignored her. Finally he became too annoyed and said to the demon, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her” (v. 18).
Paul had made a conscious choice to serve others even when it was inconvenient. When he freed the girl, it only became more complicated. Her owners lost the means to make money from her, so “they seized Paul and Silas dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities” (v. 19). Then they were beaten and thrown into prison without a trial (vv. 22-24).
Serving Christ comes at a cost. Jesus told His disciples they were to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38). This is the way of Jesus: We’ll be interrupted and sometimes suffer, like our Savior. He invites us to accept those unexpected interruptions. How will you respond when they come?
Reflect & Pray
How do you react to interruptions? How might you permit God to work through you as you deal with them?
Dear Father, please open my eyes today to opportunities to serve others.
For further study, read Self-Control Requires Letting Go .
Today’s Insights
The interruption Paul and Silas encountered in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24) was the result of another, more dramatic one. Earlier in Acts 16, these first-century missionaries were making their way across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) but were hindered from speaking the gospel along the way by the Holy Spirit (vv. 6-7). This seems to set the stage for what would happen when they reached Troas on Asia Minor’s western coast.
There, Paul received what is known as the Macedonian Vision (vv. 9-10), in which a man from Macedonia pleaded for Paul and company to come and help them in ancient northern Greece. Paul’s response to this interruption led to the establishment of the first church in Europe and set the stage for the interruption in today’s text.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
JESUS TO THE RESCUE!
As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. — Psalm 55:16 KJV
Drowning in our storms is when we learn we cannot face life on our own. WE NEED JESUS AS OUR LIFE PRESERVER. We want Jesus to hurry and calm the storm.
He wants us to find Him amid the storm first. So, if you are going through a storm right now, hear the encouragement; you’re not alone. Jesus rescues us in any storm. Mark 4:39 KJV reads, “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
God uses the storms of life to reveal His great goodness and unfailing love, but we must keep walking toward Him to see Him. We are safer in a raging storm, which the Lord allows than resting in false peace from our enemy. Jesus to the rescue!
To Rescue a Sinner Like Me
I don’t understand how a God so divine;
Could lower Himself to a life such as mine.
And consider me worth every minute of time;
To rescue a sinner like me!
— Rich Abante Moats
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE OF THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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