THURSday, JULY 3, 2025
“Faith turns trials into triumphs and tears into testimonies.”
Today’s daily devotional is based on the Bible account of God promising a child to a generous woman in Shunem. Elisha prophesied she would bear a son despite her childlessness. When the boy died suddenly, Elisha's prayer restored his life, showing God's power to bring hope from despair.
'Jesus is my Savior ONLY when I make Him Lord of my life'
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJB) Hebrews 11:1
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yeshua [Jesus], His [God's] Son, purifies us from all sin." (BFI) 1 John 1:7)
"But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but (born) of God." (NKJB) John 1:12-13
"We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal." (CJB) 2 Corinthians 4:18
" For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." (NKJV) Romans 5:10
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (KJV) John 14:15
- THURSDAY REFLECTION, JULY 3, 2025 -
Scripture
"So she said, 'Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, "Do not deceive me"?' Then he said to Gehazi, 'Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; but lay my staff on the face of the child.'" –
2 Kings 4:28-29
MEDITATION
Have you ever felt that your hopes have been shattered?
In the story of the Shunammite woman, we see a vivid portrayal of God’s faithfulness and the power of persistent faith. Elisha’s prophecy about the birth of a son to this generous woman was a blessing beyond her wildest dreams.
But when her young son suddenly died, it seemed as if all hope was lost. The woman’s immediate response was to seek Elisha, the man of God, refusing to accept the finality of death.
What do you do when your dreams seem to crumble before you?
The Shunammite woman’s journey to find Elisha illustrates her unyielding faith. She laid her grief at Elisha’s feet, trusting that God could still work a miracle. When Elisha arrived and prayed over the boy, God restored his life.
This powerful act of resurrection is a testament to God’s compassion and the truth that He can bring life to even the most hopeless situations.
How can we learn to approach God with the same boldness and trust in His ability to revive what seems lost?
"... Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"God is a Spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24
"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation," 2 Corinthians 5:18
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming." Colossians 3:5-6
Wisdom from Above - James 3:13
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
REFLECTION
This week, reflect on the battles you are currently facing. Are there areas where you feel overwhelmed and unprepared? Reflect on the areas of your life where you need a miracle. Are there situations that seem hopeless or resources that seem insufficient?
Reflect on the promises God has made to you, whether through His Word, prayer, or the desires He has placed in your heart. Are there dreams you have given up on or areas of your life where hope seems lost?
Take time to bring these to God in prayer, asking for His resurrection power to breathe new life into them. Trust that God’s timing and methods are perfect, even when they differ from your expectations.
This week, take your concerns and fears to God, trusting He will provide and deliver you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
" For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah." (DARBY)
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2
"Whosoever [therefore] shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life [for the kingdom of God] shall preserve it." Luke 17:33
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
"And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (NASB) Hebrews 13:16
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." Hebrews 12:28
" He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; He is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, " (TLB)
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked! A person reaps what he sows. Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its [fleshly] demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life." (CJB)
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
REMEMBER
As true believers (Christians), on that day we were 'born again' 1 Peter 1:23 we received that same Holy Spirit, Jesus received from above at His baptism Matthew 3:16, which enables us to hear God's Word to live in harmony with our Heavenly Father, and do the works God has appointed for us to do Ephesians 2:10 in the Name of His Son, our Lord, Master and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The perfect unity of the Son with His Father is God's plan from creation for us as believers, to live humbly, truthfully, victoriously, in harmony and love with our Heavenly Father and with all mankind, as much as it is humanly possible. Romans 12:18
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you." Matthew 6:33
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
OBSERVATION
The Christian life is not about: self-sufficiency, human ambitions or temporal self-gratification and worldly victories, but about surrender and humble obedience, about faithfully living out God's purpose for us, about experiencing life more abundantly John 10:10 by following Jesus, as recorded for us, and revealed in the Scriptural Principles of God’s Word.
Godliness is about letting Jesus transform our minds, hearts and lives daily, not in rituals or in man's religious traditions, but for truth in Godly harmony and unity in our relationships. Hebrews 12:11
Godliness begins on a personal level. It’s shaped by our daily choices to obey and follow God in the trials and daily challenges, even in the quiet, everyday moments of our private thought life. When we choose holiness over self-gratification, and live with integrity and truth, we build the character God uses to transform us ("sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:" Jude 1:1 ) to bring renewal, justice, harmony, and victory.
We must see that each thought and word, and each action we take, is part of our lifelong journey. By letting God's Holy Spirit shape our character, we learn to love others (like Jesus did), and we can spark change in our families, communities, and culture.
Let’s step forward in faith becoming vessels of God’s grace and mercy.
Through us, in loyal Godly friendships, revival and unity can begin—first personally, then all around us—in fulfilling God's purposes (Luke 2:14).
SCRIPTURE
"Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths. (CJB)
"For we are His [God's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
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FAITH SPOTLIGHT
“You are a child of God! Many people, during times of adversity, feel worthless and weak. But you are not! You’re stronger than you think!
Phil. 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”
No matter where life has brought you to in this moment - through the good and through the bad - Jesus has been with you, drawing you to Himself. He is the promised Immanuel. He is God with us. His Holy Spirit guides and leads us to walk in the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6
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SCRIPTURE
"If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
1 John 3:16
DAILY TEXT RELEVANT TO TODAY'S ACCOUNT
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord."
Psalm 119:1
"Then he (Elisha) returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
2 Kings 4:35
PRAYER
Our Father Jehovah in heaven, our great God and LORD,
There are many attributes that I can recognize in You Lord but today, I want to acknowledge that You are the God that breathes life into seemingly dead things. Through 2 Kings 4 I now realize that the same power that ran through Elisha runs through me, and like him I choose to be a blessing wherever I go. Through my obedience, create safe spaces for rest and rejuvenation, give me uncommon favor with others so that all my needs will be met as I walk in Your purpose. When opportunities arise for me to serve others, help me to be a dream conduit for others so that they will be able to experience Your goodness in their lives. I choose to accept the anointing that is needed to be a resource to others, and to be able to throw myself onto their situation and watch You bring them to life. Thank You Lord that I am a change agent through Christ Jesus! I know from personal life experiences You are always Holy, Righteous and Good, and doing all things in Your Name is all I need to achieve greatness! Bless my efforts to serve others for Your Kingdom's sake and in Your name.
I pray Father In Jesus’ precious and holy Name,
Amen.
Called to Blessing
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9
"Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for He is our refuge. " Psalm 62:8
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4
REMINDER
Just before returning to heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses and share the Good News with everyone everywhere by God's Spirit.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
"And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6
“Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14–15)
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (KJV) Romans 12:2
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:14
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
" yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." (LSB) 1 Corinthians 8:6
"Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." Micah 7:7
"Whosoever [therefore] shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life [for the kingdom of God] shall preserve it." Luke 17:33
"Never be worried about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. Then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah [Christ] Jesus." (ISV)
"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165
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"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
ALWAYS REMEMBER...You became a 'Christian' [a true believer] the day you were 'born from above'. As the Lord Jesus declared, His Words recorded for us in the Gospel of John:
Yeshua [Jesus] answered, “Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." (CJB)
"What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit"
John 3:6 (CJB)
"Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above!" (CJB) John 3:7
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3
"for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God."
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"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For Be chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will — to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace, that He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:3-8a
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:11
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful."
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. " James 4:7
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ..."
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
“Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Hebrews 1
God’s Supreme Revelation
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins ( once for all - Heb.7:27; 9:12; 10:10 ), sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ... " (NKJV)
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16
"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in (His) power."
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."
- Colossians 2:8-12
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Keep in Step with the Spirit
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
"For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." - Jude 1:24-25
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
John 4:24 reads:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth."
Scriptures to consider ...
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Colossians 3:2
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” - Matthew 16:24
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. "
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom; neither does the perishable inherit imperishable.”
1 Corinthians 15:50
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
ADDITIONAL SRCIPTURES - to grow and strengthen faith ...
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. "
Romans 10:17
"In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10
"But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these shall be added unto you."
Matthew 6:33 KJV
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. "
Romans 8:5-6
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Jude 1:21
“He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.”
1 John 4:8
John 4:24 reads:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth."
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Scriptures to empower us
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,"
Ephesians 5:8
"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39
"But he (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was He stricken.
Isaiah 53:5-8
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."
Colossians 2:8-12
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Some portions partly borrowed from PRAY.COM *
** Scriptures used are taken from a variety of Bible translations **
(This page is updated daily by Peter Brenner)
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