Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
This coming week marks the 250th anniversary of America. On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed marking the founding of the United States as a free nation. I would like to take each day until the fourth to remember some of the history of the founding of America
The following is the story of how scattered British colonies became a self-governing republic built on liberty, law, and local responsibility. The American founding was not an accident of rebellion but the result of deep habits already present in colonial life: town meetings, elected assemblies, religious communities, family farms, local courts, private property, and a widespread belief that government should be limited by custom and law.
The movement toward independence grew out of a constitutional argument. Many colonists believed they were defending the inherited rights of Englishmen against distant rulers who taxed them without representation and interfered with local self-government. The Declaration of Independence gave that argument a universal moral language: all men are created equal, rights come from the Creator, and government exists to secure those rights. That statement did not instantly solve every contradiction in American life, but it gave future generations a standard by which to judge the nation.
The Revolutionary War required more than ideals. It demanded endurance from soldiers, families, farmers, merchants, and local leaders who risked property and life for independence. George Washington’s leadership was especially important because he combined courage with restraint. He held the Continental Army together, accepted civilian authority, and later surrendered power voluntarily. In world history, that example was extraordinary.
After independence, the new nation first tried to govern under the Articles of Confederation, but the weaknesses of that system soon became clear. The Constitution of 1787 created a stronger national government while preserving federalism, checks and balances, and the sovereignty of the people. The Bill of Rights then placed essential limits on federal power and protected liberties such as speech, religion, arms, trial by jury, and due process.
The founding generation was not perfect, and the early republic contained unresolved conflicts, especially over slavery and the meaning of equality. Yet the genius of the founding was that it created a framework capable of correction without abandoning liberty. America’s greatest reforms have often appealed back to founding principles rather than rejecting them. (Copied)
This portion of our history gives us a little understanding of the mindset of the original signers of the Declaration. Let’s strive to remain faithful to the Scriptures daily, but also loyal to the nation that has given us the opportunity to be free citizens of this great nation where we can worship God freely! Praise the Lord for this freedom!
Bible Reading for the Year
June 29th, Job 21-22; Acts 10:1-23
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans. She had the bone marrow biopsy Friday morning. She feels weak and very tired. She will have to be at the hospital early Monday morning to have a port put in for her chemo treatments.
Please be praying for Mitch Buchta. The doctor said he had a small stroke. After several tests, he was able to go home Sunday night. PTL!
Please continue to pray for Kenny Deans. He will have an appointment on July 14th with his kidney doctor.
Continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. She went on Thursday for another Keytruda infusion. Please keep praying for complete healing.
Please continue to pray for Dr. Joe Jordan. He is doing physical therapy but still has a long way to go. His doctors were able to reduce some of his medication.
Please continue to pray for Peggy Warren. She is facing some difficult challenges.
Please continue to pray for Robbie Harvey who has MAC lung disease. He seems some better; however, he still has a lot of pain.
Please pray for Carolyn Tyson’s sister, Shirley Deal. She had a stroke after having an infusion port taken out. She has now been moved to rehab.
Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne for his eyesight to improve.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia