Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted marking the founding of the United States as a free nation. This did not automatically give liberty to the new nation. It was a series of battles that led to our becoming a self-governing, independent nation. The major battles of the war are listed below. Notice the dates and see how long it took to bring about victory over the British empire.
Northern Battles
Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775): Fought during the Siege of Boston, the Americans held the high ground on Breed’s Hill but were eventually forced to retreat. Despite the loss, heavy British casualties boosted American morale.
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (May 10, 1775): American forces seized this strategic fort in New York, gaining artillery that would later be used in the Siege of Boston.
Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776): The British captured New York City, forcing George Washington’s army to retreat to New Jersey. This was a significant early defeat for the Continental Army.
Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776): Washington’s surprise attack on Hessian forces after crossing the Delaware River revitalized American morale and demonstrated effective strategic planning .
Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777): Following Trenton, this victory further boosted American confidence and helped maintain momentum in the New Jersey campaign .
Turning Points in the War
Battle of Saratoga (September–October 1777): Often considered the turning point of the war, American forces defeated British General John Burgoyne in New York. This victory secured French support for the American cause.
Battle of Brandywine (September 11, 1777) and Battle of Germantown (October 4, 1777): These battles were part of the struggle for Philadelphia, with mixed outcomes but significant strategic implications.
Battles in the South
Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781): A decisive American victory in South Carolina showcased effective use of militia and Continental forces under General Daniel Morgan.
Battle of Guilford Courthouse (March 15, 1781): Though technically a British victory, heavy losses weakened their forces in the South, contributing to eventual American success.
Siege of Charleston (1780): A major British victory temporarily gave them control of the southern colonies.
The Final Victory
Battle of Yorktown (September–October
1781): The last major battle of the Revolution, where combined
American and French forces trapped British General Cornwallis, led to his
surrender and effectively ended the war.
These battles collectively illustrate the strategic, geographic, and political
challenges of the war, highlighting the resilience of the Continental Army and
the importance of alliances, particularly with France, in achieving American
independence.
Each of these battles was won by the courage of the leaders and volunteer fighters who sacrificed everything in order to pursue liberty and become free from the control of a foreign power.
This reminds us that our freedom in the Lord was won by Jesus Christ when The Lord became our liberator by His sacrifice on the cross. Praise the Lord that there were brave men and women who put their lives on the line to secure a free nation. But even more, we praise the Lord that He loved us with His perfect love that gave us our salvation and set us free! Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
Bible Reading for the Year
July 2nd, Job 29-30; Acts 12
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Kenny Deans. He will have an appointment on July 14th with his kidney doctor.
Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans. She had the port for chemo treatments put in on Monday, and she was able to go home later. Shirley is tired and needs our prayers.
Continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. Please keep praying for complete healing. She sees her doctor at Duke on July 17th. Please pray for wisdom for the doctor concerning her treatment.
Please continue to pray for Dr. Joe Jordan. He is doing physical therapy but still has a long way to go. Pray for him to get stronger!
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 is still in 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