The Biblical Person of the Day

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Mephibosheth – the Disabled Man Who Found Grace at the King’s Table

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Profile

• Name: Mephibosheth
• Time of birth: approx. 11th century BC
• Place of birth: Israel
• Time of death: unknown
• Age: unknown
• Role: son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul

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Short Story

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. Because of his family background, he belonged to Israel’s royal household, yet his life was marked from an early age by loss and weakness.

When news came of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, his nurse fled with him. In her haste, the young Mephibosheth fell and became disabled in both feet.

From that time on, he lived with a physical limitation and probably also with uncertainty about what his family background might mean for his future.

Later, King David remembered the covenant he had made with Jonathan. He asked whether anyone from Saul’s household was still alive to whom he could show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.

Mephibosheth was brought before David. Instead of treating him as a possible rival, David showed him grace, restored Saul’s property to him, and invited him to eat regularly at the king’s table.

For Mephibosheth, this meant an unexpected restoration of dignity, provision, and belonging.

His story shows that grace can lift up people whose lives have been marked by loss, fear, and weakness.

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The Decisive Moment

David summons Mephibosheth to his court and gives him a place at the king’s table for Jonathan’s sake.

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7 Special Things About Mephibosheth

1. He was Jonathan’s son
2. He was King Saul’s grandson
3. He became disabled through a fall as a child
4. He lived far from the royal court for many years
5. He was sought out by David
6. He received Saul’s property back
7. He was allowed to eat regularly at David’s table

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Strengths & Weaknesses

humble
grateful
resilient
connected with Jonathan’s faithfulness
lived with a physical limitation
depended on the grace of others

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The Mistake That Shaped Him

The Bible does not report any particular personal mistake made by Mephibosheth.
His life was shaped mainly by loss, physical limitation, and David’s unexpected grace.

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Key Verse

“You shall eat at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

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The Life Lesson

Grace can restore a person’s dignity even when their story has been marked by loss and weakness.

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Application for Today

Do not allow yourself to be defined only by your weaknesses or your past. Grace can give you a new place and renewed dignity.

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A Question for You

Where do you need to be reminded today that, despite your weakness, you have a place at the table of grace?

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Context

Mephibosheth lived during the time of David and was a descendant of Saul after the kingship had passed to David.

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Connection

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, David’s close friend, and David received him kindly because of that covenant.

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Conclusion:

Mephibosheth shows that grace does not judge people according to their strength, but gives them dignity, closeness, and a place.

Until tomorrow with the next biblical person!

The Story of His Life

The Life Story of Mephibosheth – Grace at the King’s Table

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A Child from a Royal Family

Mephibosheth was born as the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul. He therefore belonged to a family that had once ruled Israel and held great influence.

Yet royal birth did not automatically mean a secure life for him. His childhood took place during a time of political upheaval, when Saul’s house lost power and David became king.

Before Mephibosheth could understand what was happening around him, his life had already been shaped by events he could not control.

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The Fall During the Escape

When news came of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, fear broke out. Mephibosheth’s nurse fled with the young boy to bring him to safety.

In her haste, he fell. That fall changed his entire life, because from then on he was disabled in both feet.

A child from a royal line became, through one moment of panic and loss, someone who would have to live with physical weakness from that time forward.

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Life in Lo-debar

Mephibosheth later lived in Lo-debar, far from the royal court and far from the former importance of his family. His name was connected with a past dynasty, yet his daily life was probably marked by withdrawal and dependence.

He could not make his own way to the court to claim a position. He lived with the awareness that his family background might even make him appear dangerous.

And so his life was marked by loss, uncertainty, and the feeling of having been forgotten.

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David Remembers Jonathan

David had shared a deep friendship and made a covenant with Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father. David did not forget that faithfulness.

One day, David asked whether anyone from Saul’s household was still alive to whom he could show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.

That question changed Mephibosheth’s life. He was not sought out to be punished or removed, but to receive grace.

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Before the King

When Mephibosheth was brought before David, he bowed down before him. He knew that he had nothing to offer the king and that his situation depended entirely on David’s decision.

But David spoke words of peace to him. He restored Saul’s property to him and arranged for Ziba and his household to work for him.

Above all, David gave him a place at his table. This was more than provision. It was a sign of acceptance, honor, and belonging.

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A Place at the Table

From then on, Mephibosheth was allowed to eat regularly at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. The man who felt small and unworthy was given a place near the king.

His disabled feet were not suddenly healed, but his dignity was restored.

This is what makes his story so powerful: grace does not always mean that every weakness disappears, but it still gives closeness, provision, and a new place.

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Trials and Misunderstandings

Later, during Absalom’s rebellion, Mephibosheth’s loyalty was called into question by Ziba’s statements. David made decisions that may have affected Mephibosheth painfully.

When David returned, Mephibosheth explained his side of the story and showed that he rejoiced more over David’s return than over possessions.

This part of his story also shows that people who have received grace may still live through complicated and unjust situations.

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The Lasting Message of His Life

Mephibosheth shows that grace seeks out people who may feel forgotten, unworthy, or broken. His story makes it clear that dignity does not come only from strength, achievement, or physical wholeness.

It reminds us that a place at the king’s table is not earned, but given as a gift.

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Closing Thought

Mephibosheth began life with royal heritage, but he lost security, mobility, and status at an early age. For a long time, he lived far from the court and perhaps also far from hope.

But David sought him out for Jonathan’s sake and gave him a place he could never have claimed for himself.

His life story shows: grace does not look first at your weakness, but gives you dignity, closeness, and a place at the king’s table.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%a4-the-biblical-person-of-the-day-07-22-2026-%f0%9f%a6%bd-mephibosheth-the-disabled-man-who-found-grace-at-the-kings-table/

FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS

Lesson 4: Sin in the Church

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4.4 Antidote Against Sexual Immorality

Living a Holy Life Because We Belong to Christ

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1. Introduction

Paul speaks very clearly in 1 Corinthians 6 about sexual immorality because it affects not only the body, but also our relationship with Christ. Some of the Corinthians apparently had a false understanding of Christian freedom. They thought that because they had been set free through the gospel, they could do whatever they wanted with their bodies. Paul strongly rejects this idea: the body does not belong to sin, but to the Lord. Those who are united with Christ should also honor God with their bodies. The most important remedy against sexual immorality is therefore a life lived in close fellowship with Christ and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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2. The Biblical Foundation

Paul writes:

“Flee sexual immorality!” 1 Corinthians 6:18

Then he reminds the believers:

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

And he adds:

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20

We also read in 1 Thessalonians 4:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

These verses show that purity is not merely a moral requirement, but part of our sanctification and our belonging to Christ.

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3. Connection to Our Time

Our modern culture often treats sexuality as something entirely personal that each person may shape according to individual desires. Self-determination, pleasure, and freedom are frequently valued more highly than God’s order and holiness. As a result, Christians are under strong pressure to regard biblical standards as outdated or too strict. Paul, however, reminds us that true freedom does not mean giving in to sin, but being set free from its power. Precisely because our bodies belong to God, we must not treat them according to the standards of the world. The church today needs a clear, loving, and biblical understanding of sexuality.

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4. Central Message of the Lesson

Sexual purity grows when we recognize that our bodies belong to Christ, are temples of the Holy Spirit, and are to be used for the glory of God.

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5. Theological Focus

The central theological idea of this lesson is the connection between redemption, the body, and sanctification. Paul does not separate faith from the body. For him, the gospel concerns not only our thoughts or feelings, but our whole life, including our bodies.

Some of the Corinthians apparently thought, “All things are lawful for me.” Paul corrects this way of thinking. Christian freedom does not mean that we may live without boundaries. Freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin, but freedom to belong to God and follow His will.

Paul says, “The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” This is a very important statement. Our bodies are not worthless, unimportant, or merely tools for our own desires. They are included in God’s plan. God cares about how we live in and with our bodies.

The believer’s body is a member of Christ. This means that our union with Christ also includes our physical life. Sexual immorality contradicts this union because it brings the body into a relationship that does not correspond to God’s will. Those who belong to Christ cannot treat their bodies as though Christ had no claim upon them.

Paul also makes it clear that the believer is “one spirit” with the Lord. This spiritual union with Christ should determine our behavior. From a biblical perspective, sexuality is not merely physical, but is deeply connected with the whole person. That is why sexual sin has a particularly destructive power.

Another major emphasis is the image of the temple. The believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the temple was the place of God’s presence. Paul applies this image to the individual believer. This means that God’s Spirit lives in us, and therefore our lives should be holy.

Holiness does not mean merely avoiding certain things. Holiness means belonging to God. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, our thoughts, decisions, relationships, and bodies should be under God’s rule.

Paul bases this claim on the cross: “You were bought at a price.” Christ redeemed us through His blood. We no longer belong to ourselves. Our bodies are not our absolute possession, but belong to the Lord who purchased us.

Therefore, the goal is: “Glorify God in your body.” The body is not to serve sin, but worship. Our behavior, purity, self-control, and relationships can honor God. Sexual ethics is therefore not merely a list of prohibitions, but worship expressed in everyday life.

The remedy against sexual immorality is therefore not merely an external rule, but a new identity. Those who know that they belong to Christ live differently. Those who know that the Holy Spirit lives in them seek purity. Those who know that they were bought at a price desire to glorify God with their bodies.

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6. Spiritual Deepening

This lesson speaks very directly into our personal lives. Sexuality is an area in which many people struggle, including Christians. Temptations can be strong, cultural influences are everywhere, and sin is often minimized. Paul therefore does not call us to self-deception, but to clarity: “Flee sexual immorality.”

The word “flee” is important. It means that some temptations should not be discussed, tested, or underestimated. There are situations from which we must run away. Joseph is a good example. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he did not remain there, but fled. Sometimes running away is a sign of spiritual strength.

Many defeats happen because people remain too long near temptation. They tell themselves, “I have everything under control.” But Paul shows that in this area we need watchfulness, humility, and clear boundaries. Those who recognize their weakness are better protected than those who overestimate themselves.

Sexual purity begins in the heart. Jesus showed that sin does not begin only with the act, but may also grow in thoughts, looks, and desires. Therefore, we need not only outward restraint, but renewed thinking and a heart that belongs to Christ.

The Holy Spirit is essential in this process. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This means that we do not have to fight temptation alone. God’s Spirit lives in us, reminds us of God’s truth, gives us strength for self-control, and leads us to repentance when we have fallen.

Purity does not mean despising the body or sexuality. The Bible regards sexuality as a gift from God. Yet precisely because it is a good gift, it needs the right framework. Outside God’s order, a good gift becomes destructive. Within His will, it is protected.

This lesson calls the church not to remain silent. Sexuality must be discussed biblically, respectfully, and honestly. Silence does not help, especially not young people. If the church does not teach, culture will.

At the same time, the church must remain a place of grace. Some carry guilt, wounds, or wrong decisions from the past. The gospel says that there is forgiveness, cleansing, and a new beginning in Christ. Paul wrote to people who had once lived in various sins and said, “You were washed.”

Therefore, we must not treat sexual purity with self-righteousness. We should be clear, but also merciful. Those who have fallen do not need contempt, but truth, repentance, support, and hope. Christ can restore.

Another important remedy against sexual immorality is genuine fellowship. Temptation often grows in secrecy. When people have no one with whom they can speak honestly, they remain alone. Spiritual friendships, prayer, and responsible guidance can help them remain steadfast.

Our media habits also play a major role. What we see, hear, and consume shapes our hearts. Those who want to live in purity must make deliberate choices. Not everything that is available is good for the soul.

Paul’s message is not merely, “Do not do this.” His message is, “You belong to Christ.” This is the deeper motivation. A Christian avoids sexual immorality not only because of fear of the consequences, but out of love for Jesus and the awareness that he or she was bought at a price.

This truth gives dignity. Our bodies are not cheap. Our sexuality is not arbitrary. Our lives belong to God. When we understand this, obedience no longer appears as a burden, but as a response of love.

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7. Application in Daily Life

Practical steps:

• Ask the Holy Spirit daily for purity, strength, and self-control.
• Set clear boundaries regarding media, relationships, and situations that encourage temptation.
• Flee temptation instead of negotiating with it.
• Remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• Seek spiritual help if you are struggling in this area.
• Speak lovingly and biblically about sexuality in the church.
• Do not condemn those who have fallen, but help them toward repentance and restoration.
• Thank Christ that you were bought at a price and belong to Him.

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8. Reflection Question

What concrete decisions must I make so that my body, my thoughts, and my relationships belong to Christ and honor God?

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9. Closing Thought

Paul makes it clear that sexual purity grows out of our belonging to Christ. The believer’s body is not intended for sin, but for the Lord. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, our bodies are holy places of God’s presence. Christian freedom does not mean following desire, but living in the power of Christ, free from the rule of sin. The cross reminds us that we were bought at a price. Therefore, we may honor God not only with our words, but also with our bodies.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%b1living-faith-%e2%9a%a0%ef%b8%8f-lesson-4-sin-in-the-church-%f0%9f%8c%bf-4-4-antidote-against-sexual-immorality-%e2%9c%89%ef%b8%8f-first-and-second-corinthians/

July 22, 2026

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

Daily Bible Reading: Job 26

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The Incomprehensible Greatness of God

What we see of God is only a faint breath of His glory

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Read online here

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Introduction

Job responds to Bildad’s brief speech with a mixture of irony and deep reverence for God. He first shows that Bildad’s words have not helped him. He then describes the greatness and power of the Creator through striking images. Job chapter 26 reminds us that God’s nature goes far beyond anything the human mind can grasp.

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Commentary

Job begins with an ironic response to Bildad. He asks whom Bildad’s words have actually helped. Bildad has neither strengthened the weak nor comforted the suffering. His speech may have sounded theologically impressive, but in practice it lacked compassion.

Job then turns his attention entirely toward God. He explains that even the depths of the earth and the realm of the dead lie open before God. Nothing is hidden from His sight. His rule extends over the whole visible and invisible realm of creation.

Through vivid images, Job describes God’s power over the universe. God stretches out the heavens, suspends the earth over nothing, and sets limits for the clouds without allowing them to burst beneath their burden. These statements reveal God’s wisdom and His ordering power in creation.

The sea also obeys His command. He draws the horizon as a boundary between light and darkness and rules even over the mightiest forces of nature. For Job, the whole creation bears witness to the greatness of its Creator.

Finally, Job summarizes everything in a remarkable thought: everything human beings can perceive of God is only “the outskirts of His ways,” only a faint whisper of His power. If what is visible is already so overwhelming, how immeasurable must God’s true glory be?

In this way, Job shows deep reverence. Although he does not understand God’s actions in his own life, he does not doubt God’s greatness. He recognizes that the human mind has limits and that God’s ways often go far beyond our understanding.

Job chapter 26 brings wonder and humility together. It invites us to recognize God’s greatness not only in His works, but also in the limits of our own understanding.

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Summary

Job 26 responds to Bildad’s speech and then describes the immeasurable greatness of God. Job makes it clear that the whole creation testifies to God’s power and that everything we can understand about Him is only a small part of His glory.

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Message for Us Today

Even when we do not always understand God’s ways, we can trust His wisdom. The God who created and sustains the universe does not lose sight of our lives. His greatness does not invite us to fear, but to reverence, trust, and worship.

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Thought for Reflection

Can you worship God for His greatness even when you do not fully understand His ways?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%93%9cbelieve-his-prophets-%f0%9f%93%96-bible-study-07-22-2026-%f0%9f%99%8f-job-%f0%9f%8c%8c-chapter-26-the-incomprehensible-greatness-of-god/

The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End

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July 22 — Proclaiming with Love and Clarity

Monthly theme: The Three Angels’ Messages — The Final Message of Grace
2026 annual theme: “Soon the King Is Coming — Hope Beyond the End”

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Central Bible Text for the Day

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:15

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Devotional for the Day

The three angels’ messages are messages of great clarity. They speak of the everlasting gospel, the judgment, true worship, the fall of Babylon, and the solemn decision of the last days. Yet precisely because this message is so serious, it must be shared in the spirit of Christ. Truth without love can seem harsh. Love without truth can deceive. God’s way unites both: love and clarity.

Jesus Himself is our example. He spoke the truth without compromise, but never without love. He called sin by its name, yet He treated sinners with mercy. He warned of danger, but He did so with the heart of a Savior. His words carried authority, yet they were filled with grace. Therefore, anyone who proclaims God’s final message must first learn from Jesus how truth should be spoken.

It is possible to share correct teachings in the wrong way. A person can speak about judgment and only make people afraid. A person can speak about Babylon and appear proud or condemning. A person can speak about the mark of the beast and place sensationalism at the center instead of Christ. Yet the three angels’ messages were not given to frighten people, but to save them.

Proclaiming with love and clarity means not watering down God’s Word, but also not using it harshly. It means speaking courageously while remaining humble. It means identifying error while loving people. It means warning seriously while always pointing to Christ as our hope.

The final message of grace needs messengers whose hearts are shaped by grace. People do not only hear our words. They also sense the spirit in which we speak. When Christ lives in us, His love will accompany the truth, and His truth will purify our love.

Truth Needs Love

God’s truth is holy. It must not be changed, hidden, or adapted to the spirit of the age. Yet it must be shared in the love of Christ. Only then will it be recognized for what it truly is: light that seeks to save.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“The final message of grace is to be given to the world in a spirit of love and gentleness.”

(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415)

This statement reminds us that the tone of the message is not unimportant. Anyone who proclaims God’s truth should reflect the character of God. Clarity must not become cold, and love must not become weak.

Clarity Without Compromise

Love does not mean hiding the truth. When danger exists, silence would not be love. The three angels’ messages are clear because God wants to awaken people. Therefore, loving proclamation is not vague, but biblically clear.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“We are to speak the truth in love and uplift Christ as the center of every message.”

(Evangelism, p. 143)

Keeping Christ at the center protects us from two dangers: harshness and compromise. When Jesus is at the center, truth does not become a weapon against people, but a signpost pointing toward salvation.

A Witness That Reaches Hearts

People are often touched first not by arguments, but by a trustworthy life. A clear message gains depth when it is carried by a loving character. Those who show patience, humility, kindness, and faithfulness make the truth visible.

That is why proclamation does not begin only in a pulpit or in a conversation about prophecy. It begins in everyday life: in the way we answer, listen, forgive, serve, and treat people. A life guided by the spirit of Christ opens doors for words of truth.

The final message of grace needs people who not only speak correctly, but also love correctly. People who do not proclaim out of fear, but out of hope. People who do not seek to prove themselves, but to exalt Christ. In this way, God’s call to worship, truth, and faithfulness becomes credible in both word and life.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,

teach me to share Your truth in love.

Keep me from speaking harshly, proudly, or impatiently.

But also help me not to remain silent out of fear when Your truth must be clearly proclaimed.

Fill my heart with the spirit of Christ, so that my words may communicate hope, clarity, and grace.

Let my life be a trustworthy witness to Your final message of grace.

Amen.

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Thought for the Day

God’s truth should be spoken clearly and shared with the heart of Christ.

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Personal Application

1. Read Ephesians 4:15 and 1 Peter 3:15.
   How can you combine truth with gentleness, reverence, and love?
2. Pray: “Lord, give me courage for the truth and a heart full of love.”
3. Put it into practice: Today, pay close attention to how you speak about spiritual matters: clearly, but kindly; honestly, but humbly.

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Closing Verse

“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
— 1 Peter 3:15

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%91-the-king-is-coming-soon-07-22-2026-%f0%9f%97%a3%ef%b8%8f-proclaiming-with-love-and-clarity/

Still awake?

Every evening, a little closer to Jesus.

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July 21, 2026

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A Name That Changes Everything

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Matthew 1:21

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

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Names are important.

Some names sound beautiful.

Others remind us of people we will never forget.

But no name has changed the world as much as this one:

Jesus.

The angel did not only tell Joseph what the child should be called.

He also explained why.

“… because he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus did not come first of all to become famous.

Not to have power.

Not to be admired.

He came to save.

You too.

Me too.

Maybe you sometimes wonder whether God really knows you.

Whether He sees your mistakes.

Whether He still loves you.

The answer is found in His name.

Jesus did not come for perfect people.

He came for people who need Him.

That is why you do not have to change first before coming to Him.

You may come to Him because He wants to change you.

That is the hope of the gospel.

And that is exactly why the name Jesus is the most beautiful name there is.

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Think about it

What does the name Jesus mean to you personally?

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Prayer

Dear Father,

thank You for sending Jesus into this world.

Thank You that He came to save and not to condemn.

Help me to trust Him more every day and never forget how much You love me.

Thank You for Jesus.

Amen.

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Sleep well.

Your loving Father knows your name.

And Jesus knows your heart.

See you tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%99-still-awake-07-21-2026-%e2%9c%a8-a-name-that-changes-everything/