FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
WITH FREEDOM COMES PEACE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
(38) Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. (39) And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. – Acts 13:38-39 KJV
38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. – Acts 13:38-39 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 7
Please join us whenever your Teacher is absent
1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#
Did you miss your class today? Do you want an evangelism tool?
If yes — call or share the Class 7 Instant Replay
1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
You Are Welcome To Listen To Class Review Instant Replays
Class 5 – (605) 468-8114; access code 694-591#
Class 6 – (605) 313-4899; access code 943-172#
Class 7 – (605) 313-4904; access code 259-748#
Visit here to submit Prayer Requests
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 26, 2026 – LIVING WATER OF CHRIST – John 4:7-8; 13-18, 21, 23-26
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Evangelism; Forgiveness
ODB Focus Scripture: Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. [John 4:14]
Today’s Devotional
As I gazed at the intricate etching Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Dutch artist Rembrandt, two interesting details caught my eye. The first was Jesus’ humble pose—leaning over, with His hand over His heart—as he addressed the Samaritan woman. Due to centuries of hostilities between the two groups, Jews typically didn’t “associate with Samaritans” (John 4:9). Yet Jesus reached out with respect and dignity to a woman considered an outcast (vv. 17-18).
Jesus knew the woman’s struggles and offered “living water” (v. 10) to satisfy her deepest need—the gift of cleansing and life-giving grace available through a restored relationship with God.
The second detail that caught my eye was the dark shadow covering the woman’s face, symbolizing her initial struggle to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, or Israel’s promised rescuer. When the woman told Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (v. 25) and He responded, “I am he” (v. 26), her eyes and heart were opened (v. 29).
As we encounter people who are spiritually thirsty, Jesus’ example reminds me to speak with humility and kindness, praying for God to remove the shadow that “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4) so they can fully understand Christ’s life-changing offer of living water.
Reflect & Pray
How did you first experience Christ’s “living water”? Who can you pray for that needs Jesus’ gift of living water?
Heavenly Father, with Your kindness and humility, please help me share with the hurting Your offer of living, life-transforming water.
Today’s Insights
Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman is remarkable on two counts. When He asked her for water, she responded, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9). Jews had no dealings with Samaritans because they were a people of mixed-race (see 2 Kings 17:24-41).
The woman was also likely surprised that Christ, a man, would speak to her as a woman, for that rarely happened in a public setting. In both cases, Jesus displayed kindness that overruled man-made boundaries. As we encounter people today, God can help us share His love with humility and kindness.
Monday, July 27, 2026 – WORDS THAT HONOR GOD – James 1:19-21
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Living like Christ
ODB Focus Scripture: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. [James 1:19]
5AM Focus: Let’s choose our words that honor God. When we get angry, listen to what is being said to avoid sin and allow God’s word to change us
5AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Proverbs 15:1-2
Today’s Devotional
My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email from an author. He’d been working with a prominent business leader on the client’s manuscript for months. Unexpectedly, the publisher had decided to halt the publication of the book due to company problems. After emailing the author the bad news, Alex braced himself.
A week later a reply came. “I didn’t answer right away because I wanted to think first about my words and how to respond,” the author wrote. He expressed disappointment, then calmly stated how he thought the publisher could’ve handled the issue.
The author’s wise, measured response left a deep impression on me. His behavior reflected what the Bible says our communication should be like, especially when we’re angry. The apostle James tells us to keep “a tight rein on [our] tongues” because it’s easy to sin with our words (James 1:26; see 3:5-6). We’re to prioritize listening to others so we can understand them, choose our words, and consider whether it’s necessary to get angry (1:19).
Not only does restraint in speech help us to avoid sin and allow the Scriptures to change us (v. 21), but it also reflects who God is to others: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). Let’s model our loving God with our words—and our silences.
Reflect & Pray
When angered, how can you restrain your communication? How do your words reflect your faith?
Wise Father, please help me to be quick to listen, and slow to speak and become angry.
Today’s Insights
The book of James cycles through a handful of themes that are introduced in the first chapter and revisited throughout the letter. One of these themes is the tongue, which James compares to a rudder, a fire, a horse’s bit, and poison (3:1-12). The tongue is important to monitor, especially for teachers (vv. 1-2). It’s also difficult to tame, he says, and rare is the person who has control over it (v. 8). How refreshing it is, then, when a person is “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19).
Words that honor God are like a spring of water that overflows with “praise” rather than “cursing” (3:9-10) and “[produces] the righteousness God desires” (1:20). This kind of righteous life is characterized by heavenly wisdom that’s “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:17-18).
For further study, read When Anger Burns.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – RECOVERING FROM BETRAYAL – Psalm 55:12-20
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Forgiveness; Hope; Suffering
ODB Focus Scripture: If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it . . . . But it is you, . . . my close friend. [Psalm 55:12-13]
5AM Focus: When we have suffered a betrayal, we must allow the Spirit to help us forgive to receive the peace of God
5AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Psalm 147:3
Today’s Devotional
In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.
As anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).
How should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).
Can a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. As God helps us, let’s treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.
Reflect & Pray
Why would it have been wrong for Nel to stay friends with Sula? How can Jesus’ response to Judas help us keep reconciliation open?
Dear God, please empower me by Your Spirit to be a faithful, trustworthy friend.
Today’s Insights
David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain (Psalm 55:4-5) caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (vv. 13-14). Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain. He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he thought would provide him with a safe place of refuge (vv. 6-8).
Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe (vv. 16-18). He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v. 22 nlt). Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we’re experiencing the pain of a betrayed relationship. He provides grace as we trust in Him for repentance and healing.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – THE COMPANY WE KEEP – Proverbs 13:14-20
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): God’s love; Influencing people; Wisdom
ODB Focus Scripture: Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. [Proverbs 13:20]
5AM Focus: As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere him, love others, and grow in wisdom
5AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Today’s Devotional
A scientific study—which sought to explore how much of people’s musical sensitivity is cultural and how much of it is instinctual—played drum rhythms for newborn babies while monitoring their brain wave activity. Occasionally, the researchers would omit a beat from the rhythm. Amazingly, they found the infants’ brain waves spiked right when the note was left out—showing their young minds were already anticipating that beat and reacting to its absence.
The study brings to mind the amazing way that God has created us. He’s even wired us to embrace the wonderful gift of music and respond to it with joy and, as the psalmist David writes in Psalm 30, to respond to God’s grace with music of our own—songs of “praise [to] his holy name” (v. 4).
Yet pain, exhaustion, regret, or grief can sometimes weigh our hearts down and threaten to silence our songs of praise. Experiencing despair, even fearing death, David pleaded with God to deliver, asking “What is gained if I am silenced? . . . Will the dust praise you?” (v. 9).
David did experience God’s faithfulness as joy was restored once more, as God turned his “wailing into dancing” and “clothed [him] with joy” (v. 11). As God heals our hearts and fills them with the rhythms of joy we were born to dance to, we too can testify: “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12).
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to learn from people who love others and act wisely? How can you encourage others to grow in love and wisdom?
Loving God, thank You for the people who’ve taught me wisdom, kindness, and love.
Today’s Insights
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings penned by several people. Today’s text comes from a portion of Scripture that King Solomon wrote. Tragically, the challenge was one that he himself failed to follow. He wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Yet he’d surrounded himself with one thousand pagan wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), which was forbidden by God (v. 2), and they drew Solomon away from Him: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (vv. 4-5). God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others.
Thursday, July 30, 2026 – NEW LIFE FOR DEAD HEARTS – Colossians 3:1-4
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work; Fallen nature; Spiritual growth
ODB Focus Scripture: You died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [Colossians 3:3]
5AM Focus: Our sins are forgiven, and we are alive in Him. That doesn’t mean we no longer sin, but that God helps us in our struggles. Transforming us to be more like Him
5AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 2 Corinthians 5:17
Today’s Devotional
Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.
When Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.
Our prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
We see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!
Reflect & Pray
What does understanding God’s heartwood in trees teach you about Him? How are you embracing His transformational power in your life?
Dear God, I pray You would strengthen my inner being, my life hidden in You.
Today’s Insights
In his letters, Paul frequently talks about how believers in Jesus have “died” (Colossians 3:3) to sin. In Romans 6, the apostle reminds believers that they’ve been united with Christ in His death and will be “united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that the old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with” (vv. 5-6).
Because of Jesus’ death, sin is no longer our master. We no longer live to gratify our desires or “cravings of our flesh” (Ephesians 2:3) because we serve another master, Christ. Our sins are forgiven, and we’re alive in Him. He’s canceled the debt we owed and could never pay “by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). That doesn’t mean we no longer sin, but that God helps us in our struggles, transforming us to be more like Him.
Friday, July 31, 2026 – THE BATTLE IS GOD’S – 2 Chronicles 20:14-19
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Prayer; Salvation; Spiritual warfare; Trust in God; Worship
ODB Focus Scripture: Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s. [2 Chronicles 20:15]
5AM Focus: Whenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and trust God; the battle is His
5AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Ephesians 6:10-17
Today’s Devotional
Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors ministry, Carol found herself being picked on by its domineering leader. She felt so bothered by it that she had to seek counseling. She was advised to quit the ministry, but she didn’t want to “abandon” the seniors. Feeling caught in between, she prayed to God for guidance, and He gave her comfort and assurance as she submitted her fears to Him. He showed her that she should talk to the leader but trust Him to resolve the issue.
When King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God (v. 18).
God’s answer to the king and people through the prophet Jahaziel was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered (vv. 20-21)—and found the battle already won (v. 24).
Whenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.
Reflect & Pray
What difficulties are you facing now? How can you submit your troubles to God?
Mighty God, as I rest in Your sovereign hands, please help me to trust in You, for the battle is Yours.
Today’s Insights
The example of King Jehoshaphat is one that’s worthy of emulation. Not only does he go to God in prayer with his overwhelming concern, he also unhesitatingly trusts Him for the solution to the problem (2 Chronicles 20:5-12). This is wisdom indeed, for God said, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’ ” (Isaiah 46:10). Regardless of what challenges we face today, the one who knows the end from the beginning can be trusted to provide the help we need.
For further study, read Get Unstuck: Three Biblical Steps for Overcoming Anxiety.
Saturday, August 1, 2026 – GOD’S BETTER COUNTRY – Hebrews 11:8-16
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, character; Humility; Service
ODB Focus Scripture: During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it … as a monument to himself. [2 Samuel 18:18]
Today’s Devotional
Michele experienced a mixture of emotions as her father neared the end of his life. She grieved when he said, “Honey, I won’t be here to walk you down the aisle.” But she assured him of her love, clinging to the hope she found in Hebrews 11 as she said, “You’re heading for a better country, a country in heaven.” Michele believed that her dad, when he died, would be with God forever. She reflected, “Heaven will be that good!”
The letter to the Hebrews was aimed at Jewish believers in Jesus experiencing persecution by state and religious opponents. Although it was written before the destruction of the temple in ad 70, the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans may have occurred soon after. In this climate of fear, the author urged the believers to hold firm to their faith as he highlighted a great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Each “did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (11:13). They lived by faith, “longing for a better country—a heavenly one,” and God was pleased to be called their God, and “prepared a city for them” (v. 16).
Although Michele ached with sadness when her father died, she embraced the promises of her heavenly Father. We too can welcome these same promises “from a distance” (v. 13), trusting in God.
Reflect & Pray
How can you embrace God’s help and trust Him more today? How does the thought of heaven inform your hopes, dreams, and actions?
Heavenly Father, please help me live knowing that You’re trustworthy and will one day welcome me home.
Learn more about God’s wonderful plan for heaven and earth.
Today’s Insights
Hebrews 11 has been referred to as the “Hall of Faith” because everyone listed in the chapter is presented as a model of faith. This makes sense because verse 6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Because our human effort to do good will always fall short of God’s standard (Ephesians 2:8-9), we’re dependent upon Him by faith. By faith we trust God now, and one day we’ll be in His eternal presence (John 3:16).
AN INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT FROM SISTER CLOVIA
GOD’S NAME IS HOLY
Although there is only one true God, He has many different names, and every name tells something about His character. Some of the most common names that immediately come to mind are Father, Lord, Savior, King of Kings, Counselor, Protector, Deliverer, Healer, and Friend.
But there is one name that becomes even more endearing when you understand the meaning of what happened at Calvary. . . and that name is Jesus! Just knowing the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to pay the price for your sins is more than enough reason to love Him and treat Him with the highest regard.
Whenever you use the name of God as a swear word or even in a casual manner, it is not only a sin but will bring a curse upon you because it breaks one of God’s commandments! Whatever name you use when speaking about God, always remember. . . GOD’S NAME IS HOLY!
That at the name of Jesus everyone’s knee should bow. . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:10-11
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
-END OF PAGE-