July 4, 2026

Posted on July 4, 2026 by Don Merritt
Posted in History | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Presence in the Storm

Posted on July 4, 2026 by Don Merritt

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

Isaiah 43:2

There are seasons when the waters rise and the current feels relentless — when faith itself seems to tremble under the weight of fear. Yet God’s promise stands firm: “I will be with you.” His presence is not a distant comfort; it is a living shield that moves with us through every storm.

Notice that God doesn’t say if you pass through the waters, but when. The journey through hardship is certain, but so is His companionship. The rivers may roar, but they cannot sweep away the one anchored in His love.

God’s protection is not the absence of trouble; it is the assurance of His nearness. He walks beside us, steady and unshaken, guiding us through what feels impossible. The same voice that calmed the sea still speaks peace over your heart.

So when the waves rise, remember: you are not alone. The One who commands the waters also holds you fast. His presence is your refuge, and His promise is your peace.

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Guidance and Protection

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Don Merritt

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 32:8

There’s a quiet comfort in knowing that God doesn’t just point toward the path — He walks it with us. His guidance isn’t distant or mechanical; it’s personal, tender, and protective. The phrase “my loving eye on you” paints a picture of a Father who watches not to control, but to care.

When we face uncertainty, we often crave clarity. Yet God offers something deeper — companionship. He teaches us step by step, not with a map of every turn, but with the assurance that His wisdom and love surround us.

The safest place to be is not where we understand everything, but where we are seen by Him. His eye is never distracted, His counsel never hurried. He knows the way we should go, and His protection is woven into every instruction.

So today, walk forward with confidence. You are guided by the One who sees the whole road — and keeps His loving eye on you.

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Living the Witness — How New Birth Renews the World

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Don Merritt

Born Again, Part 6

Spiritual rebirth is not only a private miracle; it is a public calling. When Jesus said, “You must be born from above,” He was describing the beginning of a life that radiates God’s presence into the world. The new birth transforms individuals so that, through them, God can transform communities.

In this final post of the series, we explore how living as those who are born of God becomes a witness — how the life of the Spirit within us brings renewal to our homes, our churches, and our culture.

1. The Witness of a Transformed Life

The most powerful testimony of new birth is a changed life. The early believers did not persuade the world by argument alone but by the visible reality of their transformation.

  • Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
  • Philippians 2:15: “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

When the Spirit renews the heart, the world notices. The light of Christ in us becomes the invitation for others to seek the same new life.

2. The Witness of Love

Love is the natural fruit of new birth. Those who are born of God love because they share His nature.

  • 1 John 4:7–8: “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Our witness begins not with words but with love — patient, sacrificial, forgiving love that reflects the heart of the Father. The world recognizes genuine rebirth when it sees love that cannot be explained by human effort.

3. The Witness of Hope

Those who are born again live with a different horizon. We see beyond the present moment to the coming kingdom of God.

  • 1 Peter 1:3: “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Hope is contagious. When believers face suffering with peace and perseverance, they bear witness to the reality of resurrection life. The world needs this kind of hope — not optimism, but confidence in God’s future.

4. The Witness of Renewal in Community

New birth creates new community. The Spirit who regenerates individuals also knits them together into the body of Christ. The church becomes the living evidence of God’s renewing power.

  • Acts 2:44–47: “All the believers were together and had everything in common… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

When the church lives as a community of grace — forgiving, serving, and sharing — it becomes a visible sign of the kingdom. The world sees in that fellowship what it was made for.

5. The Witness of Word and Deed

Those who are born from above speak and act differently. Our words carry life; our deeds reveal truth. The Spirit empowers both proclamation and compassion.

  • James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
  • Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

To live as one born again is to embody the gospel — to speak it with grace and to live it with integrity.

6. The Witness of Perseverance

Finally, the new birth produces endurance. Those who are born of God do not give up when the world grows dark; they keep shining because the light within them is divine.

  • 1 John 5:4: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.”

Our perseverance itself becomes a testimony — proof that the life of God is stronger than the pressures of the age.

Conclusion: Born to Bring Renewal

To be born again is to be sent into the world as a living witness of God’s renewing power. The Spirit who gave us new life now sends us to carry that life wherever we go — into our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our culture.

When the church lives as those who are truly born from above, the world begins to see glimpses of heaven breaking through the darkness. That is the mission of the reborn: to shine, to love, to hope, and to endure until the day when all creation is made new.

In our next series, we will explore how this renewal unfolds in the life of the church — how communities shaped by new birth become instruments of grace in a weary world.

In case you missed, here is episode 1 in this series

Posted in • Biblical Studies, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Sovereign Goodness in All Things

Posted on July 1, 2026 by Don Merritt

“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

There are moments when life feels tangled — when the path ahead is shadowed and the reasons behind our pain seem hidden. Yet Scripture reminds us that even in those dark places, God is weaving something good. His light filters through the trees, illuminating what we cannot yet see.

God’s goodness isn’t defined by our comfort; it’s revealed through His purpose. The same hands that shaped creation are shaping your story, turning what feels broken into something redemptive. Every trial, every delay, every unanswered prayer is being gathered into His plan — not wasted, but transformed.

So when you stand among the shadows, remember: the light is still breaking through. God is at work in every detail, and His purpose for you is never lost. Trust the One who sees the whole forest when you can only see the trees.

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recovering the Meaning — Clearing Up Misunderstandings About New Birth

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Don Merritt

Born Again, Part 5: Recovering the Meaning — Clearing Up Misunderstandings About New Birth

Few phrases in Christian vocabulary have been used more often and understood less deeply than “born again.” In modern usage, it can mean anything from a personal recommitment to faith to a political label or cultural identity. But when Jesus spoke of being “born from above,” He was describing something far more profound — a divine act that transforms the heart and re‑creates the person.

In this post, we’ll look at common misunderstandings about the new birth and rediscover what Scripture actually teaches. Recovering the biblical meaning restores both the wonder and the power of this truth.

Misunderstanding #1: “Born Again” as a Human Decision

Many assume that being born again is something we do — a choice we make, a moment we create. But Jesus’ words in John 3 make clear that new birth is God’s work, not ours.

  • John 1:13: “Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
  • John 3:8: “The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

We respond to God’s grace, but we do not generate it. The new birth is the miracle of divine initiative — the Spirit breathing life into a heart that could not revive itself.

Misunderstanding #2: “Born Again” as a Mere Emotional Experience

Some equate being born again with a surge of emotion — a moment of joy, tears, or conviction. While emotion often accompanies conversion, the new birth is not defined by feelings but by transformation.

Paul describes it as a change of nature:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Emotion may fade, but the new life remains. The Spirit’s work is deeper than sentiment — it is the creation of a new heart that loves God and walks in His ways.

Misunderstanding #3: “Born Again” as a Cultural Label

In some circles, “born again” has become a badge of identity — a way to distinguish one group of Christians from another. But Jesus never used the phrase to divide; He used it to describe entry into the kingdom of God.

  • John 3:3: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born from above.”

To be born again is not to join a faction but to join a family — the family of those who have received new life through Christ. It transcends culture, denomination, and nationality.

Misunderstanding #4: “Born Again” as a One‑Time Event with No Growth

Some treat new birth as a single moment that requires no ongoing transformation. But Scripture presents it as the beginning of a lifelong process — the start of sanctification.

  • 1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

New birth begins the journey, not ends it. Growth, maturity, and obedience are the natural fruit of the life God has planted within us.

Misunderstanding #5: “Born Again” as a Private Experience Only

Finally, some view new birth as a private, inward reality with no outward expression. But the New Testament insists that those who are born of God will show it in love, service, and witness.

  • 1 John 4:7: “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
  • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

New birth is personal, but never private. It produces visible fruit — a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Recovering the Biblical Meaning

When we strip away the misunderstandings, we rediscover the beauty of Jesus’ teaching:

  • It is divine: God gives new life through His Spirit.
  • It is transformative: the old nature dies, and a new one is born.
  • It is relational: we become children of God, united with Christ.
  • It is visible: new life bears fruit in love and holiness.

To be “born again” is not a slogan or a label — it is the miracle of regeneration, the beginning of eternal life, and the foundation of Christian living.

Looking Ahead

In our next post, we will explore how this doctrine shapes our witness — how living as those born from above can bring renewal to our churches, our communities, and our world.

In case you missed, here is episode 1 in this series

Posted in • Biblical Studies, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blog Update, Announcement and Plans

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Don Merritt

Happy Monday to Everyone!

Today I am releasing a newly updated collection of my series on 1, 2, and 3 John. This new edition has been improved, strengthened cleaned up and re-formatted in a way I think you will find useful for study, Bible Studies, and for prayer and reflection. It is still written for everyone, even though John gets into some very deep material. It is free of charge, and you are welcome to use it for any purpose other than for selling or monetizing. The download link is below… I would very much appreciate comments and observations on this, and please let me know if you have any issues with downloading… although I can’t imagine that you will.

My plan is to make similar revisions to all of my material on the New Testament and set up a download section for all of them. Of course, that will take some time; I will let you know how the project is going periodically.

The Next Topical Study

I am putting the finishing touches on a new topical study that will begin after Born Again. This one will be about the Nephilim from Genesis 6. The study will cover the whole range of this topic, from Genesis to Christ and will deal with the coming of wickedness, God’s judgment, spiritual warfare, and the destruction of Evil. It will not be overly sensational or speculative, instead it is the story of my investigation into these topics, and that investigation has been a hoot. I’ll be announcing the exact timing in the next 10 days or so.

By the way, if you have any ideas for new topical studies, please drop me an email, or let me know in the comments; I’d like to do more of these.

And that’s it for today, thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read this. Have a great one, and I’ll see you next time!

Don

1John Revision Blog Ed. Arial 626Download
Posted in Bible, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Protection in Deep Waters

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Don Merritt

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

When the waves rise and the current feels stronger than your strength, God’s voice cuts through the noise:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

He doesn’t promise we’ll avoid the waters — He promises His presence within them. The trials that threaten to overwhelm us become the very places where His nearness is revealed. The river may rush, but it cannot sweep away the one held by His hand.

God’s protection isn’t always the absence of difficulty; it’s the assurance that no storm can separate us from His love. He walks beside us, steady and sure, guiding us through what feels impossible.

So today, if you find yourself standing at the edge of deep waters, remember: you are not alone. The One who commands the seas also holds your heart. His presence is your refuge, and His promise is your peace.

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Plans, Hope and a Future

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Don Merritt

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

God spoke this promise to people who felt displaced and forgotten, reminding them of something they couldn’t see but desperately needed to know: He still had a plan.

When your own path feels uncertain, remember this—God’s love is not shaken by your circumstances. He sees the whole story. He holds the map. And His plans for you are shaped by a love that protects, restores, and leads you toward hope.

You don’t have to know the future today. It’s enough that He does, and that His heart toward you is good.

Posted in current events | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Forgiven Much, Loving Much

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Don Merritt

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Luke 7:47

In Luke 7, we are invited into a deeply personal and transformative moment. A woman known in the city as a sinner enters the house of a Pharisee where Jesus is reclining at the table. She brings an alabaster jar of perfume. Without speaking a word, she kneels at His feet, weeping. Her tears fall on His feet; she wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and pours out her costly perfume.

The room is thick with judgment. The Pharisee questions Jesus silently: If He were truly a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him. But Jesus does know. He knows her story, her sin, her shame—and He also knows her heart.

Jesus tells a parable of two debtors: one owed a great sum, the other a small one. Neither could repay the debt, so the lender forgave both. “Which of them will love him more?” Jesus asks. The obvious answer is the one forgiven more.

Then Jesus speaks the words that echo through generations: “Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.” Her love was not a performance to earn forgiveness; it was the evidence of a heart already touched by mercy. Forgiveness had taken root within her, and love blossomed as its fruit.

Forgiveness changes us. When we grasp the depth of what Christ has forgiven in us, pride loosens its grip. Comparison fades. Gratitude rises. We stop measuring ourselves against others and begin marveling at grace. The forgiven heart becomes a loving heart.

Sometimes we minimize our need for forgiveness. We compare our lives to others and think our debt is small. Yet before a holy God, every heart stands in need of mercy. When we truly see the cross—when we understand the cost of our redemption—we realize that we too have been forgiven much.

And when we know we have been forgiven much, we love much.

Today, let this truth settle deeply in your soul. You are not defined by your past failures. You are not held hostage by your shame. In Christ, your debt has been canceled. The tears of repentance give way to the joy of restoration.

Come to Jesus honestly. Pour out your heart without fear. Receive His forgiveness fully. And let your life become a fragrant offering of love in response to His boundless grace.

**Prayer:**
Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my many sins. Help me to see the depth of Your mercy so that my heart overflows with love for You and for others. Remove pride and self-righteousness from me, and replace them with gratitude and compassion. May my life reflect the beauty of a forgiven soul. Amen.

Posted in Bible, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment