FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
THE CHURCH IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. — Revelation 21:2 KJV
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; — Revelation 21:2 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
MEMBER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 7
Please join us whenever your Class Facilitator 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#
Open Invitation – Intercessory Prayer
Join the Ministry for Intercessory Prayer every 2nd Saturday of each month
1-605-313-5671; access code 563-972#
start time is at 4:45 AM
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, June 15, 2025 – HOPELESS CASES – Isaiah 44:21-25
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Forgiveness of sin; God’s character; Repentance
Today’s Devotional
The situation looked hopeless for Amy and Alan’s infant daughter Jem. Born with a condition called trisomy-18, she was expected to die within days or weeks. “There’s no point in treating her,” the doctor said coldly. But her mother said, “I have bigger dreams for her.” They took Jem home and loved her. And they prayed.
Six years later, Jem needed surgery to remove a large tumor that had been found. Then—the same doctor walked in. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, “but I’m asking you for a second chance.” He admitted he’d been wrong about Jem. “I’d like a chance at redemption,” he said. Amy and Alan might have said no. But they understood the power of God’s forgiveness.
The Old Testament prophets often carried a message of God’s judgment. But woven throughout that message is the irrepressible theme of God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption. Isaiah pointed out Judah’s sins (44:6-20) but suddenly shifted focus. Speaking God’s words, he said, “Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (v. 22). God’s character wouldn’t permit Him to abandon His people. “I have made you,” He said, “I will not forget you” (v. 21). The conclusion: “Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; . . . the Lord has redeemed Jacob” (v. 23).
Jem’s surgery found no tumor. “A miracle!” said the doctor. The power of prayer. The power of our redeeming God.
Reflect & Pray
What “hopeless” cases do you know of? How have you seen God’s redemption at work in your life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who asks me to return to You.
Today’s Insights
Isaiah 44 contrasts false gods with the one true God. In verses 9-20, God indicts those who make idols. He speaks of the “blacksmith” (v. 12) and the “carpenter” who craft images that “dwell in a shrine” (v. 13). God says, “Half of the wood he burns in the fire. . . . From the rest he makes a god, his idol” (vv. 16-17). God had a much different message for His people: “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you . . . ; I will not forget you” (v. 21).
We aren’t to make a representation of God; He has made us. The writer to the Hebrews observes, “Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands . . . ; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (9:24). Our high priest is Christ Himself. His Spirit resides within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). No shrine we make could ever contain Him—our redeeming God.
Today’s Devotional
When Neil Douglas boarded his flight to Ireland, he discovered his seat was occupied by another passenger, so he began a conversation to sort out the discrepancy. When the passenger looked up to answer, Neil was face to face with his lookalike! Onlooking passengers laughed at the men’s resemblance while the two took a selfie. Later, they ran into each other again when checking into the same hotel and a third time at a local pub. The next morning, they discovered their selfie had gone viral on social media due to their striking facial similarities.
Bearing a resemblance to another human being is a surprise for those of us without a biological twin, but the Bible says we’ll begin to look more like God as we follow Him. In the Old Testament, Moses’ countenance was changed by his face-to-face encounter with God—so much so that “the Israelites could not look steadily at [his face] because of its glory” (2 Corinthians 3:7; see Exodus 34:33-35).
Today, we see the glory of Jesus revealed in people who “are being transformed into his image” through the ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18; see v. 8). Our growing knowledge of and love for God results in moral and spiritual transformation that’s visible both inwardly and outwardly. When God “makes over” our hearts and minds, it’s evident to
Reflect & Pray
How has knowing Jesus changed you? What is He growing in you today?
Thank You, God, for continuing to transform me into Your likeness.
Today’s Insights
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul refers to the experience of Moses to show the great privilege possessed by believers in Jesus. After Moses communed with God, “his face was radiant” (Exodus 34:29), reflecting God’s divine countenance. Because the people were afraid to come near him, Moses put a veil over his face, seemingly to protect the Israelites from God’s holiness. But when communing with God, Moses removed his veil (vv. 30-35).
Paul now reveals that Moses veiled himself so the Israelites wouldn’t see that this glory was temporary (2 Corinthians 3:13). The apostle then says that a veil is preventing people from “seeing” Christ, God’s greater glory. Only when one “turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (v. 16). “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord,” Paul explains, and we are transformed to be “more and more like [Jesus] as we are changed into his glorious image” (v. 18 nlt).
Today’s Devotional
Wendy was feeling a little left out. During lunch break, her boss had left chocolates on everyone’s desks—except hers. Puzzled, she lamented to a friend, “Why did he leave me out?”
When asked, their boss explained: “Those chocolates are still good, but they’ve been around for some time. Wendy’s pregnant, so I just wanted to play it extra safe.” Then he laughed. “As for the rest of you . . . .”
The little incident became a running joke in the office, but it got me thinking about how we sometimes misread God’s intentions because of our limited understanding and perception. We may even believe ourselves to be victims of unfair treatment, forgetting that God always has our best interests at heart. Always.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that while we may not fully understand God’s thoughts and ways, we can be sure that they’re “higher than [our] ways” (v. 9). Ours are often influenced by selfish desires; His are perfect, compassionate, and righteous. So even when things don’t look good for now, we can trust that God will provide what we truly need (vv. 1-2), for He’s loving and faithful to His own everlasting promise (v. 3). Let’s “call on him while he is near” (v. 6), knowing that He’ll never leave us.
Reflect & Pray
Which promises of God can you hold on to when life seems unfair? Which aspects of His character give you comfort and assurance?
Faithful God, You know I sometimes feel left out of Your blessings and doubt Your love for me. Please help me to trust in You and to hold on tightly to Your everlasting promises.
Today’s Insights
In Isaiah 55:8-9, we’re reminded that God is mysterious. He’s beyond our comprehension; we’re unable to fully understand His will or His ways. Paul echoes that idea in Romans 11:33-34: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
The apostle described Him as “the only wise God” (16:27). Our truly wise God is also our loving heavenly Father. We can rest in His wisdom and His purposes because they’re couched in His great love for us. We may not always understand what happens in our lives or in our world, but we can rest assured that God’s in control and is with us, and we can cling to His promises.
Today’s Devotional
The statement on the wall of my bank declares that its corporate principles could be summed up in a single word: courtesy. And how refreshing it was to find courtesy in the teller who helped me with my transaction there!
In a harsh and unkind world, to be driven by courtesy is a big idea. We find this concept in the apostle Paul’s letter to his friend Titus. He instructed Titus to remind his congregation “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2 esv). This idea of courtesy is also rendered as “peaceable and considerate” (niv) or “showing every consideration” (nasb).
How we treat others reveals whether we see them as image bearers of God or not. C. S. Lewis wrote of this in The Weight of Glory: “There are no ordinary people,” he said. “You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Lewis anticipated eternity, where we’ll either enjoy God’s presence or be banished from Him forever. So he reminds us, “It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
May we allow the Spirit to enable us to treat those around as what they truly are—image bearers of God.
Reflect & Pray
What effect does the absence of courtesy have on your interactions? How might you intentionally bring more courtesy into those interactions?
Dear God, it’s easy to get frustrated with people. Please give me a patient spirit and a heart of kindness that I might treat everyone with dignity and courtesy.
For further study, read Cleaning Under the Rug.
Today’s Insights
Titus, a gentile (non-Jew) who came to faith in Jesus through Paul, became the apostle’s “partner and co-worker” in his ministry (2 Corinthians 8:23). In the apostle’s letter addressed to Titus, he calls him “my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4). Titus proved to be especially useful in straightening out problems in the church of Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:13-15; 12:17-18).
In 2 Timothy 4:10, we learn that Titus served in Dalmatia (a Roman province on the east shore of the Adriatic Sea). He also served on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). It’s likely he strived to show respect to everyone—something we should do in God’s strength as well.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – ONE IN CHRIST – Galatians 3:26-29
Daily Bread Focuses: Multiculture/race; Racism
Scripture(s): Ephesians 2:14-18; Colossians 3:9-11
Today’s Devotional
Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, used biblical themes to persuade believers in Jesus to abolish slavery. Born around 1753 in western Africa, Wheatley was sold to a slave trader at only seven years of age. Quicky distinguishing herself as a remarkable student, she finally secured her emancipation in 1773. In her poems and correspondence, Wheatley pressed her readers to embrace the scriptural affirmation of the equality of all people. She wrote, “In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; It is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance; and . . . the same Principle lives in us.”
Equality before God is a truth emphasized by Paul when he wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Because we’re “all children of God through faith” (v. 26), differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, or social status shouldn’t lead to discrimination in the church.
Even as equal recipients of God’s love, we still struggle to live out this principle. But Scripture teaches that diverse peoples united through faith in Christ best reflect God’s heart and is His plan for life in eternity. That reality can help us to celebrate the diversity in our communities of faith now.
Reflect & Pray
How does diversity better represent God? How can you celebrate diversity in Christ?
Dear Jesus, please help me love my brothers and sisters through the unity only made possible in You.
Today’s Insights
In Galatians 3-4, Paul makes an extended argument for the exalted position of believers in Jesus as members of the family of God. He says that through Christ, we’re no longer treated like minors but have become full heirs to the promises of God (3:23-29; 4:1-7).
The apostle makes the declaration that we’re all “children of God” (3:26). Everyone who comes to Jesus—Jews and gentiles, slave and free, male and female—receives the privileged status of sonship (v. 28). Those who follow Christ share in His full inheritance with all its blessings (v. 29). For an infant church populated with people of all different backgrounds, social standings, and levels of wealth, the promise of the gospel is that all receive the same blessing through the Son of God and are one in Him.
Today’s Devotional
“AaaaAAAAHHHK!” my daughter shrieked. “DaaaaDDDYY! Get UP here!”
I knew what was wrong: a moth. Every spring, an armada of these dusty insects migrates from the plains of Nebraska to the mountains of Colorado, where they summer. Each year, we brace for their arrival. This year had been especially bad.
To humans, miller moths are unwanted pests that often fly right into your face. But to birds, well, it’s a feast. Doing a little research, I learned that the moths provide incredible nutrition for the region’s swallows. As annoying as they are, these moths are veritable “manna” for the birds.
I don’t know if Israel had moth migrations in Jesus’ day. But Christ took note of God’s provision for the birds there, saying in the Sermon on the Mount, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
So these days, I look at moths differently. Not as dirty pests but as winged reminders of God’s provision for His creation—and as a living metaphor for His provision for me too. If God provides so richly for the swallows, how much more does He care for me and for you?
Reflect & Pray
How do you see God’s provision for creation where you live? How might that serve as a reminder of His care for you too?
Father, the beauty of Your provision is ever on display. Thank You for the richness of Your creation. Please give me eyes to see Your handiwork, and let it remind me of Your goodness.
Today’s Insights
Three times in Matthew 6, Jesus counsels His hearers about money and material possessions. First, He addresses giving to the poor, advising us to give discreetly “so that your giving may be in secret” (v. 4). Then He cautions against hoarding: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (v. 19), adding, “You cannot serve both God and money” (v. 24).
In today’s reading, Christ notes the futility of fretting about our daily needs: “Do not worry about your life” (v. 25). God’s care for creation reminds us that He’s good, and we can trust Him to provide for us (v. 26).
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – STEADFAST IN GOD’S WILL – John 6:5-15
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ’s character; Trust in God
Today’s Devotional
The 1957 war movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was so popular that fans flocked to Kanchanaburi in Thailand to look for the real-life iron bridge. They found the bridge, but it wasn’t on the Kwai—the movie got the river’s name wrong! Soon, however, that part of the Mae Klong River was renamed Kwae Yai (Kwai) so it would align with people’s expectations.
Jesus never let the expectations of others cause Him to waver in His divine mission. People flocked to see Him because they heard of the signs and miracles He’d performed (John 6:2). When they found Him and believed that He was the promised Messiah, they wanted Him as a military leader so He’d save them from Roman rule. John says, “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (v. 15).
Despite the pressure to rescue people the way they wanted, Christ resolutely followed God’s plan to rescue them the way they needed to be rescued (Colossians 1:13)—not from earthly troubles but from the power of “sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
Jesus’ unwavering will to provide what we need is why we can trust Him in all circumstances. When God’s ways don’t seem to align with our expectations, we can be assured that His plan is always better—because He doesn’t waver in His will to save us.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt that what God provided didn’t live up to your expectations? What helps you to trust Him?
Dear God, because You’re steadfast and unwavering in Your will to save, I know I can trust You to do what’s best.
Today’s Insights
Jesus’ withdrawal to the mountain in John 6:3 preceded the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This miracle would validate His later claim in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” It’s the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. John referred to Christ’s miracles as a “sign” (v. 14; Greek, sēmeion), which means the event was meant to point the people to a higher truth, declaring Jesus to be the great prophet Moses had predicted (Deuteronomy 18:15). He provides what we need as we trust in Him.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW
The Bible urges us to be careful in planning our lives and to save for the future. It reads in Proverbs 14:15, “The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow.” In other words, Jesus wasn’t telling us not to plan ahead. Instead, He was telling us not to worry about the things of this life and become preoccupied with them. We are to put Christ first instead of things and learn to trust God for our daily needs.
The Bible instructs us in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Let’s turn our worries over to Jesus. Each day has its own unique set of challenges, and focusing on those is enough. God’s provision is meant to be sufficient and renewed for each day.
Don’t worry about tomorrow; today’s problems are enough. Just remember, Jesus said, not to fret over the “stuff.”
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE OF THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
-END OF PAGE-