FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
CHRIST IS THE WAY TO LIBERTY
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. — 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. — 2 Corinthians 3:17 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, July 20, 2025 – SINGING GOD’S PRAISES – 2 Samuel 22:47-51
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Worship
Today’s Devotional
When Diana’s vision began to deteriorate, she grew concerned. She’d also been having trouble thinking and kept repeating herself. Her symptoms caused doctors to believe it wasn’t a problem with her eyes but something in her brain. They learned she had a large tumor in her brain that needed to be removed. Diana was concerned that the surgery would impair her ability to sing—something she’s passionate about and shares with her family. So her surgeon did something incredible and kept her awake for the pain-free surgery, asking her to sing during the procedure so he’d know he’d preserved that part of her neurological circuitry. The two even recorded a duet during the operation.
Like Diana, King David—who penned many of the Bible’s psalms—was passionate about singing. He often sang to God in both lament and joy. When he was delivered from his enemies, he acknowledged that it was God who set him “free from [his] enemies” (2 Samuel 22:49). Because of God’s good works, David declared, “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name” (v. 50).
God continues to be at work in the world and in each of our lives, delivering us from the malady that plagues us all: sin. May we, like David, set our hearts on singing God’s praises for all He’s done.
Reflect & Pray
What can you praise God for today? What invites you to worship Him in song?
Heavenly Father, I bring You praise for Your work in the world and in my life.
Today’s Insights
Much of the material David wrote in 2 Samuel 22 is also found in Psalm 18. The psalm’s superscription tells us that David was celebrating God’s rescue of him from “the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” It appears that since the events of David’s deliverance had happened years earlier than the events of 2 Samuel 22, David is reminiscing and reflecting on that rescue.
Now, looking backward, he celebrates again the wonder of divine deliverance and faithfulness—a wonder he’d experienced repeatedly in his life. He looks back at the end of life and reflects on the consistency of God’s goodness to him. The key idea of David’s song of praise? God is faithful and will deliver His own. David’s heart explodes in worship as he remembers God’s goodness to him—something all believers in Jesus are called to do.
Today’s Devotional
On a long family road trip, I spent hours driving through the sparsely populated states of Montana and South Dakota. As I drove, I began to notice a pattern: Vast stretches of farmland were dotted with groves of trees surrounding a house. As I worked hard to keep our van in our lane due to strong winds, it dawned on me that the trees were there for more than beauty. They were also intentionally cultivated windbreakers designed to protect the home and its occupants from the powerful gusts of wind buffeting the landscape.
The prophet Isaiah once described a future in God’s care as a shelter from wind and storm. Having called God’s people to repentance (Isaiah 31:6-7), Isaiah also wrote of a future time when “a king will reign in righteousness” (32:1) and all who rule with Him will be “a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm” (v. 2). The resulting blessing is people who are able to see, hear, understand, and speak truth (vv. 3-4) in peace and safety.
While we still await the full benefits of this promise, we already see God at work through those who actively look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Christ’s Spirit helps us cultivate a safe space where people can flourish even in difficult times. This is a tangible way we can exemplify God’s loving care.
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the protective shelter of a compassionate community? How did that inspire you?
Heavenly Father, please help me to be a shelter to others around me.
Today’s Insights
In Isaiah 32, God offers hope through the promise of a time when there would finally be leaders the people could trust. Instead of caring for and protecting the vulnerable, leaders had become the danger from which people needed protection. They could “with a word make someone out to be guilty, . . . ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice” (29:21).
Against this background of injustice and failure to care for those most in need (32:6-7), Isaiah lifted up the truth that God was still just (v. 1). He insisted that God could be trusted to bring about a future where justice, integrity, and compassion would finally shine through the leaders entrusted to care for others, and each would use their power to provide refuge for those in need (v. 2). Today, in Christ, believers know and experience the one true, perfect, and just leader who cares for them.
Today’s Devotional
When Royston’s daughter Hannah suffered a brain bleed that resulted in a coma, he and his family repeatedly turned to God in prayer. Over months of waiting, they clung to each other—and to God. The family’s faith awakened, as Royston reflected: “Never has God felt closer.” Throughout the ordeal, they were given “a renewal of faith to persist in prayer” like the “widow of Luke 18.”
Royston referred to Jesus’ story about a widow who continually sought justice from the town’s official, which He gave to illustrate “that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). This woman appealed repeatedly to the judge, who in weariness finally relented. Jesus contrasted that uncaring judge with God, saying, “Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (v. 7).
Although Christ’s story addresses an unjust judge, the family members felt spurred on by it to pray for Hannah, asking the truly just and loving God for relief and help. They found themselves being drawn ever closer to Him: “As we seek God . . . it’s almost as if we’re the ones really waking up from our slumber.” After many months, Hannah woke from the coma and is slowly recovering.
When we draw close to God, He hears our requests and answers according to His grace. He invites us to cry out to Him day or night.
Reflect & Pray
How can you turn your struggles into prayer? How have you seen God answer your pleas and requests?
Loving God, I thank You that You’re not like the unjust and uncaring judge but that You love and care for me.
Today’s Insights
As in Luke 18, Jesus stressed persistence and boldness in prayer in a story He told His disciples after teaching them the Lord’s Prayer (11:1-4). He said to imagine a man knocking on his friend’s door at midnight to borrow bread because an unexpected visitor had arrived. Even though the man is reluctant to get out of bed, he gets up because of the other man’s persistence.
In the same way, we’re to ask God for what we need: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (v. 9). We’re to pray confidently and continually, knowing God hears: Paul said, “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Visit ODBU.org/learning-library/praying-with-persistence/ to hear from James Banks about persisting in prayer.
Today’s Devotional
When the navigation app suggested a route that would cut almost an hour off their drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, Shelby Easler and her brother followed the alternate directions. However, the “shortcut” led them along a dirt path for hours that left them stranded in California’s Mojave Desert during a dust storm. They were able to reverse course, but they eventually had to be towed because of all the damage to their car from the rough terrain. The app developer apologized to the numerous travelers who followed those wrong directions.
It’s important who we rely on for guidance. As believers in Jesus, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us in matters of truth.
When Jesus knew that He’d soon die and be taken from His disciples, He assured them He wouldn’t leave them stranded. He urged His disciples to obey His commands and spoke of the promised Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of truth, who would be with them forever and live inside of them (John 14:15-17). “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).
Let’s continue to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting as we go throughout our day. We know He’ll never lead us astray.
Reflect & Pray
What helps you to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting? How can you get better at following Him?
Dear God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit.
Today’s Insights
Jesus insisted that in His departure from earth (John 14:1-14) He wouldn’t abandon His disciples. He promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (v. 18). Christ could leave without abandoning His people because He’d return to be with them through His Spirit.
The Spirit would unite believers to Jesus and draw them into the life of the triune God: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (v. 20). The Holy Spirit continues to lead and unite believers in Jesus today.
Thursday, July 24, 2025 – RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME – Esther 4:10-16
Daily Bread Focus: Trust in God
Scriptures: Romans 8:31; Joel 2:12-13; Proverbs 3:5-6
Today’s Devotional
A nursing convention was being held at a hotel when a guest experienced a heart attack in the lobby. Immediately, more than two dozen caregivers came to his side and worked to keep him alive. The guest was incredibly grateful for all the nurses who were at the right place at the right time.
Esther was also at the right place at the right time. She’d been chosen to be queen after winning the king’s favor and approval (Esther 2:17). Yet a decree threatened her people, the Jews, so her cousin Mordecai encouraged her to use her position to appeal to the king to save them from certain death. “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” he challenged her (4:14). Her decision to risk her life and “go to the king” (v. 16) to expose this evil plot saved the Jews from certain death (ch. 8). It’s apparent that Queen Esther understood that God had placed her in that position at just the right time.
Sometimes, we may wonder why situations happen or circumstances change. Perhaps we get frustrated and try to get things “back to normal.” God may have placed us in our current situation for a specific purpose. Today, as we encounter disruptions or changes, let’s ask God to show us if there’s something special He wants us to do as part of His perfect plan.
Reflect & Pray
What disruptions have you had lately? What opportunities might God be presenting to you in them?
Dear Father, when I get frustrated with change, please help me see the bigger picture and understand that You may be doing something in and through me.
Today’s Insights
The book of Esther tells of a near-holocaust of the ancient Jewish people, which God supernaturally prevented through Esther’s willingness to serve. As is often the case in Judaism, great moments lead to abiding celebrations. As liberation from slavery is celebrated in the Feast of the Passover, and the Maccabean victory over the Greek/Syrian oppressors (160 BC) resulted in Hanukkah (sometimes known today as the “Festival of Lights”), the Esther story led to the annual celebration of Purim.
Each spring (usually in March), Purim is a time when gifts are exchanged, and people give to the poor. Children dress up as characters in the Esther story and remember God’s rescue of His people from the wicked Haman and his genocidal intentions. The story of Esther can remind us that God can use our current situation for His specific purpose.
Today’s Devotional
In a poignant performance of Pilgrim: The Musical, Leisa stood before a special section for the Deaf and, using American Sign Language, expressively interpreted the performance. The musical, based on John Bunyan’s book The Pilgrim’s Progress about one man’s faith journey, was deeply moving, but so was Leisa’s delivery.
When asked about her interpreting, Leisa said, “The reason I do Pilgrim and the reason I interpret is because the gospel should be accessible to everyone. And the Deaf are a group that is [largely] ignored.” She went on to say, “It’s heartbreaking because less than two percent of the Deaf worldwide have heard about Jesus.” Leisa uses her gift so the Deaf can know Jesus.
Like Leisa, we’re called to use our gifts and abilities to be witnesses of God’s love and draw others to Jesus—to impact the world with the good news. The apostle Peter wrote, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). These gifts include loving and praying for others (vv. 7-8). Whether you’re an encourager, a helper serving behind the scenes, a teacher, a speaker, a prayer warrior, or have another gift or ability, God can use you to serve others. Just ask. He’ll show you a way.
Reflect & Pray
When did you first encounter the gospel? What gift could you use to serve Him?
Dear God, please help me to find a way to serve You through serving others.
For further study, read Why Should We Help? Loving Our Neighbors at DiscoverODB.org.
Today’s Insights
God gives believers in Jesus spiritual gifts (special abilities) to be used to serve others and build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; 14:12; 1 Peter 4:10-11). The apostle Paul notes there are a variety of gifts, “but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4; see v. 11). These gifts aren’t natural abilities, necessarily (though these too can be used to glorify God); they’re supernatural gifts given by the Holy Spirit to be used for “the common good” (v. 7)—to bless and instruct others and honor God.
Peter divides these gifts into speaking and serving gifts (1 Peter 4:11). In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists nine gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and tongues interpretation (vv. 8-10). He lists additional gifts elsewhere (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11). As believers in Jesus, we’re called to effectively use our spiritual gifts to serve and love others well.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 – GOD, OUR SAFE PLACE – Proverbs 18:10-11
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God’s love & care; Trust in God
Today’s Devotional
We’d been driving for fifteen hours, and it was late at night when a tornado alert jolted us to attention. The warning said we should take cover immediately. As if on cue, lightning exploded in the sky, and wind pressed against our car windows. We sped off the highway and parked near a concrete hotel building. Sprinting inside, we were thankful to find shelter.
Trouble reminds us we need a safe place to stay. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Theologians tell us the phrase “the name of the Lord” means the entirety of who God is. All His attributes provide security as we hide ourselves in Him. Because God is kind, He welcomes us. Because He’s good, He listens to us. Because He’s love, He empathizes with us.
But God isn’t just another way to cope with problems. He’s more than a quick fix or a distraction. Taking refuge in Him means choosing His help over everything else. We can run to Him in prayer, meditate on Scripture, or surrender to the Holy Spirit in times of stress and anxiety. Over the years, these habits lead to a lifetime of reliance on the one who’s our true shelter.
Reflect & Pray
Why might you choose self-reliance over God’s help? Which attribute of God comforts you the most as you face storms in life?
Thank You God, for being my safe place. Please help me to turn to You in every struggle.
Today’s Insights
The book of Proverbs is included in the portion of the Old Testament known as wisdom literature. It’s properly placed there because it’s a collection of wise sayings from sages in Israel’s past. Much of the counsel is from King Solomon, to whom God granted extraordinary wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-9). God told him there would be none before him and none after him who would be greater in wisdom (v. 12).
With so much of the divinely inspired wisdom of the book of Proverbs rooted in the unique gift of wisdom entrusted to Solomon, it’s important to give careful attention to its life-changing words. The wisdom God offers us in the Scriptures is just one of His provisions to us. He’s also given us the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us to know and experience the safety and help we so desperately need.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
WHAT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT?
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Matthew 5:6
Spiritual Gifts, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, are meant to be used for God’s glory by serving others and building up the Church. God has given gifts to each of us from His variety of Spiritual Gifts. Let’s manage them well…then God will be given the glory.
Spiritual Gifts
Everyone has a ministry,
each one of us has a gift
some plant the good seed
others give it a good old sift.
Some of us are called,
into the world to go out
others are lead to stay home
and help those who are without.
Some are Bible preachers,
teachers and instructors
some are Gospel singers
others the choir conductors.
Some are the prayer chain,
others the church greeters
some are the encouragers
others the floor sweepers.
Some bake and cook,
others perform the office work
some do the ushering
others are the church’s clerk.
Everyone has a ministry,
and we must put it to use
for they are a gift from God
so good works we can produce!
—- Deborah Nun
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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