FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
PRESSING TOWARD THE HIGHER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. – 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. – 1 Corinthians 13:11 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!
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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 21, 2026 – THE GIFT OF PRAYER – Ephesians 6:1-8
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Family of God; Service
Today’s Devotional
I trudged into the grocery store to buy a Father’s Day card. I had forgiven my father. I’d tried reconciling over the years—prayerfully processing the hurts inflicted before and after I’d left home at fifteen. Sadly, decades later, I still couldn’t relate to the cards that had messages gushing with gratitude for the “greatest” dads. So, desperate to honor my heavenly Father, I stood in that card aisle and prayed for my earthly father.
From Adam and Cain to David and Absalom to my father and me, sin has caused multigenerational strife and heartbreak. Still, the apostle Paul encouraged children to obey their parents “in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Honoring parents is a command that comes with a promise and a reward (vv. 2-3). In turn, fathers were meant to raise children to know and love God (v. 4). God’s people are designed to serve each other “wholeheartedly, as if [we] were serving the Lord, not people” (v. 7). Unfortunately, sin can destroy these relationships.
Reflect & Pray
How can you honor God when a relationship is difficult? How will you pray for someone who is estranged from you?
Good Father, please show me how I can honor You in and through both healthy and strained relationships.
Today’s Insights
Family relationships aren’t exempt from challenges of various kinds. In Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Paul spoke to the households of believers in Jesus in the first century. The form of his teaching was similar to how the ancient Greco-Roman world usually structured their households. Several features, however, are noteworthy and distinct for believers in the context of the family (6:1-8). The apostle’s teaching regarding how to relate to each other is preceded by the command to “be filled with the Spirit” (5:18). Dynamics of Spirit-filled living include singing (v. 19), thanksgiving (v. 20), and “[submitting] to one another out of reverence for Christ” (v. 21). Prayer is another essential dimension of Spirit-filled living: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (6:18). Today, when we’re confronted with difficult family relationships, the Spirit can help us pray for them as we seek to honor God.
Watch this video to learn about repairing broken relationships.
Monday, June 22, 2026 – READY TO BE GENEROUS – Leviticus 19:1-10
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Generosity; Service
5AM Focus(s):
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
My great-uncle’s memorial service featured a meal of roast beef, corn, and beans to honor the hospitality that he and his wife had lived out for many years. Each Sunday morning, they would put a large roast and veggies in the Crock-Pot before going to church. After the service, they would look for someone to invite for lunch. Sometimes it was a good friend, sometimes a stranger. Either way, they made sure there was plenty of food at home and those afternoons were especially set aside for hospitality.
Their Sunday habit required an intentional readiness for generosity. The Israelites followed a similar pattern. Through Moses, God commanded them to leave a portion of their food “for the poor and the foreigner” (Leviticus 19:10). During harvest time, they were instructed not to reap to the edges of their field, leave what had fallen, and not re-harvest their vineyards (vv. 9-10). With these redeeming methods, those who didn’t own land could still work to gather food. For the people of God, this wasn’t a one-time, spontaneous act—although that can be a beautiful blessing too. It was how they lived year after year.
There are opportunities all around us to show Jesus’ hospitable love. Some we can’t prepare for; some we can. As God helps us, let’s consider how we can treat others kindly today (v. 33).
Reflect & Pray
Where is God calling you to be generous? What does it look like to be ready to show love and kindness?
Dear Jesus, You modeled perfect love and self-sacrifice. Please help me to be ready to show Your love to others.
Today’s Insights
God promised to abundantly provide food for His people (Leviticus 25:18-19), and so, in remembrance of their enslavement in Egypt, He commanded them to feed the poor and needy (19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). The story of Ruth took place in the backdrop of this law of gleaning (Ruth 2). God also wants us to be open-handed with his material blessings (see Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The apostle Paul says that God gives us material blessings for our enjoyment and commands believers in Jesus “to use their money to do good. . . . Be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18 nlt).Today, because God has richly given to us, we can look for opportunities to be generous to others.
Each of us has been given a gift we can use to bless others. Learn more by watching this video.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – SHINING FACES – Exodus 34:29-35
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): God’s character; Holiness
5AM Focus:
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
“He has a sugar face!” our vet exclaimed as she gave our young dog his annual checkup. “A sugar face?” I asked. “It’s a term used for retrievers whose faces turn prematurely white,” she replied, smiling. “It’s just a sign of the sweetness inside.”
Reflecting on that moment later, I thought about what shows up on my face when others meet me. Do they catch a glimpse of “the sweetness inside,” the transforming power of Jesus’ love in my heart and life? The Bible tells of the breathtaking moments when Moses came down from Mount Sinai after spending days in God’s presence. Moses “was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord,” so radiant that the people “were afraid to come near him” (Exodus 34:29-30). To avoid frightening them further, Moses “put a veil over his face” and removed it when “he went in to speak with the Lord” (vv. 33, 35).
Moses was of course literally speaking with God “face to face” (33:11), a unique moment in the Bible. But Scripture also reminds us that we who know God through Christ “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). His presence within us can be winsome to others—a work of God’s love. Our faces may not shine like Moses’ did, but as we spend time in God’s presence, He’ll become increasingly evident in us.
Reflect & Pray
How is God’s love evident in your life? How might you share it with others today?
Please let my face shine with Your love, dear Father, that others may love You too!
Today’s Insights
In Exodus 34, Moses’ face was literally shining after his encounters with God captured the intensity of His glory. It revealed that God was truly with His people through Moses and that His revelation could be trusted. In the ancient Near East, shining faces were believed to indicate someone was divine. Aaron and the Israelites were frightened by Moses’ appearance (v. 30), perhaps thinking he’d become a god himself. By allowing his shining face to be seen only when delivering God’s instructions to the people and veiling it the rest of the time (vv. 34-35), Moses may have been trying to prevent the people from worshiping him instead of God.
In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul suggests that because of Jesus, anyone can encounter God’s glory like Moses did. Those who “contemplate” Christ’s glory are “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (v. 18)—reflecting Him more and more. As we spend time with God, our faces will “shine” with His love.
God loves us even in our imperfect state. Learn more by watching this video.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – FAITH ROOTED IN GOD – Matthew 19:23-26
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work
5AM Focus:
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
I was inspired while reading a historical fiction account of the life of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University. The stories of her determination and care for others led me to read more about her. One account tells how in the early 1900s, she “described” the buildings at her school for young African American women to a wealthy businessman. But when he visited the “campus,” he found only one building. She’d described her dream to him, hoping that he would invest in the school. Her faith and vision worked together to secure funding. Her school eventually became—and still is—a four-year university.
Bethune is credited with saying: “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” Her quote is similar to what Jesus told the astonished disciples who were asking questions about salvation. They were trying to figure out how people could “enter the kingdom of God,” or heaven (Matthew 19:24). They wanted to know “who then can be saved?” (v. 25). Jesus shared with His followers that faith in God was the only way, because “with God all things are possible” (v. 26).
Faith is rooted in a belief in God and His abilities. Faith prompts us to believe in the possibility of things we don’t see yet (see Hebrews 11:1)—like a dream of a school for the underprivileged or an eternal home for those who accept Christ. May God help us see what He sees.
Reflect & Pray
What are you struggling to believe? How can trusting in God’s power help you?
Dear God of all, please increase my faith in Your ability to do the impossible.
For further study, read Are You the One? Keeping Faith when Life Doesn’t Go Our Way.
Today’s Insights
The rich man was trusting in himself, his good works, and his wealth for eternal life rather than in God (Matthew 19:16-22). To highlight the impossibility that he could enter heaven based on his own merits, Jesus said it would be easier for a large camel to go through the small eye of a needle than for a rich man to save himself (v. 23). The Jewish belief at that time was that God bestowed wealth on the deserving.
If a moral and rich person who had God’s favor couldn’t make it into heaven, then seemingly no one could (v. 25). Christ says it’s impossible for humans to save themselves but “with God all things are possible” (v. 26). God did the impossible and the unthinkable when “he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him” would “have eternal life” (John 3:16). As believers in Jesus, we can trust God—who can do the impossible—to help us.
Thursday, June 25, 2026 – THE FATHER’S OPEN ARMS – Hosea 14:1-7, 9
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Love; Service
5AM Focus:
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
Mary Slessor’s compassionate heart led her to open her arms to those in need. The Scottish missionary, born in 1848, served among the people of Okoyong in a distant land. Superstition led people of that region to believe that when twins were born, one was good and one was the child of a demon. This often led to both twins dying—being abandoned to starvation or other dangers. Reflecting the loving heart of God, in time Mary helped save hundreds of the at-risk children, adopting nine as her own!
In his inspired words to the rebellious nation of Israel, the prophet Hosea offers a glimpse into God’s caring heart for children. The prophet said of Him, “In you the fatherless find compassion” (14:3). Hosea stated that God cared for His own and desired to “love them freely” (v. 4). But they needed to turn from their defiance of Him and embrace His ways. They were instructed to turn from pagan deities to the true God who cares for the most helpless, the orphans. And if they returned to God, they’d find forgiveness from the one who would “receive [them] graciously” (vv. 1-2).
As we open our arms to those around us, including at-risk children, we reflect the love of God. Let’s embrace His compassionate heart and extend His care to those in need as He helps us.
Reflect & Pray
How has God’s loving example led you to care for those in need? How does it encourage you to know that in Him “the fatherless find compassion”?
Compassionate God, please open my heart and my arms to children and others who are in need around me.
Today’s Insights
The book of Hosea begins with a bitter, living picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, lived out in the promiscuous lifestyle of Hosea’s unfaithful wife (1:2). Ultimately Hosea buys her back out of her enslaved condition—a picture of God’s redemption of His wayward people (3:1-5). At the time, Israel faced severe judgment for their sins. The book’s final chapter brings hope and an appeal. The prophet says, “Take words with you and return to the Lord” (14:2).
He counsels them, “Say to [God], ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips’ ” (v. 2). Some scholars believe the “fruit of our lips” is a reference to their honest confession before God—a far preferable sacrifice than the empty rituals they’d been performing (6:6). As we share what God has done for us, we invite others to accept the love of our gracious and forgiving Father.
Learn what it means to be a sacrificial servant by reading Who Is Your Neighbor?
Friday, June 26, 2026 – WHO’S MY NEIGHBOR – Luke 10:30-37
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Living like Christ; Love
5AM Focus:
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
An elderly woman became unconscious on a hot sidewalk after a terrible fall. Several people stopped to help. One called 911. Another gently placed a coat under her head. Others put towels under her arms, and still another held an umbrella over her head until paramedics arrived. The person who posted the video wrote that it was an especially heartwarming scene because those who stopped included people of different ages and ethnicities—all working together to help someone in distress.
When an expert in God’s law asked Jesus who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29)—that is, who he was obligated to show love to—Jesus told a story of a man badly beaten by robbers, lying near death by the side of the road (vv. 30-31). A priest and then a Levite approached, but both passed by on the other side. Finally, a Samaritan stopped to help. What made this so unusual was that Jews and Samaritans had a bitter history of scorn for each other. Yet it was the Samaritan who stopped and “took pity” on the man (v. 33).
After telling this parable, Jesus asked which was a neighbor to the fallen man. The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him” (v. 37). Jesus told him, and us, “Go and do likewise.”
May God help us see that everyone we meet is our neighbor, another human created by Him and deserving of our aid.
Reflect & Pray
To whom do you find it difficult to be a good neighbor? How does Jesus show what it means to be a loving neighbor to others?
Dear God, please help me to love others—regardless of differences—as my neighbor.
Today’s Insights
When a law expert asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), Jesus didn’t answer directly. Instead, He told a story lifting up a Samaritan as a role model (vv. 30-35), part of a population many Jewish people despised and saw as heretics. This challenged the law expert’s likely self-centered and self-righteous perspective, forcing him to confront his own prejudice.
He was called not only to extend his love to all, even his enemies, but to learn from the compassion of someone he’d looked down on. When Christ asked him who’d been “a neighbor” in this story (v. 36), the law expert couldn’t even bring himself to say “Samaritan,” instead replying, “the one who . . .” (v. 37).
Instead of trying to define the limits of who to love, we’re called to question our prejudices and focus on being a good neighbor to all.
Join the Discover the Word team as they discuss the story of the Good Samaritan and what it means to love your neighbor.
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – ONE SURE THING – Colossians 1:15-23
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work
Today’s Devotional
Trees in cold climates prepare for winter through a process called “hardening.” Water drains from cells so they won’t freeze, expand, and burst the tree. The water that remains between the cells is too pure for ice crystals to attach. Its temperature may now drop to forty degrees below zero without cracking the tree. Trees harden at the same time each year because they take their cues from the fixed calendar of shortening days. They don’t stake their lives on the weather, which may be unseasonably mild. They trust the sun, their one sure thing.
The Son who made the sun is surer yet. He is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created,” and “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). Who tells trees when to harden each year? The same Son who makes the sun rise each morning and puts it to bed each night, pulls tides with the moon, whirls electrons in every cell, pumps your heart and inflates your lungs, and holds you when your heart is broken.
What holds the world together isn’t a force within nature but a person outside it. A person who entered the world He’d made so he could “reconcile to himself all things,” including you (v. 20). In this unpredictable world, you’ve got one sure thing. Jesus will “present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (v. 22).
Reflect & Pray
What frightens you? How does Jesus’ power over the world encourage you to pray and rest in Him?
Dear Jesus, I trust You today with whatever comes my way.
Today’s Insights
In Colossians, Paul refutes false teaching about who Jesus is and affirms His identity, deity, and authority. He’s God (1:15), the creator who sustains all creation (vv. 16-17). He’s the head of His new creation, the church (v. 18). And He’s the Savior who redeemed and reconciled us to God by shedding His blood on the cross (vv. 19-23).
The apostle praises the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus as Savior: “In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (2:9-10 nlt). Paul says, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him” (v. 7 nlt). Our salvation is certain in Jesus, and we can trust Him no matter what we face.
Learn more about overcoming fear by reading When Fear Seems Overwhelming.
AN INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
KEEP HOPE ALIVE!
“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” — Psalm 71:14 NIV
All of us have felt hopeless at one time or another. It is at those times that life has beaten us down and has robbed us of our will to go on. Yet, somewhere deep inside is a flame—a flame of hope, which God has instilled in each of us who understands that this, too, shall pass and that if we hold on a little longer, things will get better.
Hope is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Hope keeps love alive, no matter how many times our heart breaks. Hope keeps faith alive, for with hope we can have faith in better and brighter times ahead.
To give up hope is to give up life, and God wants us to live abundantly. By reaching deep within, we can touch the flame of God’s love, which is the eternal hope in our hearts. Hope never dies. It is eternal. It is the flame that flickers but never ceases to be a small light shining in the dark, urging us onward to where healing and inner joy await us.
Keep hope alive!!
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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