Fresh Fire Ministries

Fresh Fire Ministries The Expository Teaching Ministry of Jay Duane Driver. “A Sound Word in an Unsound World.”

A faith based Bible teaching ministry focused on exhortation, edification, and encouragement.

06/25/2026

For it is written, “As I live says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue confess to God.” Romans 14:11 (NKJV) Let it be known that the day will come, and that right soon that kneeling will take on an eternal and apocalyptic expression. Even those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord will have to bow the knee in reverence and worship to the lordship of our Savior. In our devotional passage the Apostle Paul refers to this expression from the context of the Old Testament scripture. When using the term “for it is written”, suggests that it was written or referred to at some prior point in time in biblical scripture. In the larger context of our devotional passage Paul is referencing a day of reckoning when every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their time on earth. “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10 (NKJV) This standing before God will be followed by the bowing of the knee to acknowledge Christ as the Righteous Judge. Here the idea of bowing the knee simply means to “bend” the knee. It is equally important to note that the judgment seat of Christ is not to be confused with the Great White Throne Judgment that will be the scene of the accountability or day of reckoning of every unbeliever who failed to participate in God’s plan of salvation while on earth. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.” Revelation 20:11 (NKJV) When we all bow the knee before Christ the current debate over kneeling before a sports event and it being disrespectful to the flag, or whether it being disallowed is indeed an infringement of our freedom will pale in comparison and significance. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 (NKJV) In this context Paul is speaking of the “exaltation” of Christ which is to say that God has placed His son above all others and His name above every other name. All will bow to the lordship of Jesus who is Servant and Savior. One day every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day
Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/24/2026

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel saying, "The land through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 (King James Version) The children of Israel are on the brink of entering the promised land of Canaan. God instructs Moses to send out men, one each from every ancestral tribe to explore the land that He had given them. These twelve men which included Joshua and Caleb were to go to the outskirts of Canaan, carefully survey the land, and then bring back a report to Moses on the conditions of the land and its inhabitants. For forty days the twelve traversed the land and all agreed to their report. The land was good for food supply because it flowed with milk and honey. But it would be very difficult to conquer because the people were strong, "giants" or men of large stature lived in the land, and the cities were walled. (v.27-28) However, they differed in their evaluation on how they chose to "see" the situation. Ten of the spies said the difficulties were too great which meant returning to Egypt. “But the men that went up with him said, We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” Numbers 13:31 (KJV) Joshua and Caleb asserted that God could give them the victory despite the difficulties. The ten spies not only saw their circumstance as impossible, but they also saw themselves as less than whom they were as individuals. They saw themselves as grasshoppers. As a result, the "giants" or the men of large stature saw the 10 spies as grasshoppers as well. Perhaps this would suggest that the enemy will see us the way that we see ourselves. If we see ourselves as defeated, insignificant, unworthy, and incapable we immediately give the enemy a foothold. Caleb declared, "Let us go up at once and possess it (Canaan); for we are well able to overcome it." (v.30) His confession was that they were more than able and had exceedingly enough power to prevail against any obstacle that stood between them and the promise of God. They obviously understood what the others failed to grasp, yet something that we must never fail to forget.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/23/2026

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of our hands.” Psalm 138:8 (NKJV) What is it that concerns you to the point of weariness, worry, and wanting? What is it that is stressing you out by way of despair, depression, or doubt? Could there be perhaps just one thing, or maybe several things that you need to work out real fast, quick and in a hurry? You’re waiting and wondering; patient yet you feel the pressure of having to decide on your own without the word that you have been waiting on from the Lord. The psalmist David would immediately say to us, “been there and done that.” This writing was penned when David was surrounded by the enemy. We don’t know with clarity where, what, who, why, and when but David is in no doubt in a very “tight” place. However, sometimes with sight unseen and the purpose for being in these circumstances unknown, God will often allow us to be in places, and under pressure that would allow us to grow. Ultimately for our good and for His glory. Whatever it may be let it be known today, as David had already discovered, that God is concerned, and He cares for you. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NKJV) He really does! Here the idea is that God does not only exercise care toward us, but in doing so He also makes provision concerning our cares that He so passionately cares about. David understood this, and we should as well. God cares so much that our cares become His cares. He cares so much that He is willing to “perfect” whatever it is that has caused us concern. Family, friends, foes, failings, falsehoods, famine, frivolity, whatever it is and regardless of the degree of the circumstance, God will bring it to perfection. Not to be confused with the sinless attributes of His character, or to a point and time prior to the fall of man. Here the idea is that God will bring our concerns to “completion” or to His desired end. Here is the ultimate secret of God’s seeming delays in delivering us from the apparent triumph of the enemy, and what seems to give us the impression that He doesn’t care: He is working on us. So, He uses adverse circumstances to perfect us; to accomplish some wise and wonderful purpose He has in mind for us. He will perfect our concerns, and then He will perfect us in the midst of our concerns.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/22/2026

“So Jesus answered and said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And He said to him, “Arise and go your way. Your faith has made you whole.” Luke 17:17-19 (NKJV) The Lord is on His way to Jerusalem, teaching, preaching, and performing miracles as He goes. Along the border between Samaria and Galilee Jesus encounters 10 lepers. This would be the second time in the gospel of Luke that lepers were healed. The first time that Jesus encountered lepers and healed them was in Luke 5:12-16. Jesus Christ is our Jehovah-Rophe (the Lord God our healer) made flesh. It is His express desire to help us and heal us. Whenever He chooses to do so, as an act of His sovereign will, it is a result of His mercy towards us. That is what the 10 lepers asked for. “And as they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, have mercy on us!” Luke 17:13 (NKJV) While the ten may or may not have deserved the problem or pain of the condition of leprosy, they realized that they had done absolutely nothing that would merit them being healed from it. It would have to be a direct result of the mercy of God. They obviously knew this because if they didn’t, they would have never asked for it. Most importantly is not what happens at the beginning of the lepers encounter with Jesus, but what happens at the end. Jesus heals them upon their request for mercy, and He does so at a distance. Mind you, His power to heal is never confined to time, space, distance, or location. Of the 10 lepers who were healed only 1, a Samaritan who by culture had no dealings with the Jews, who was considered a foreigner, who represented 10% of the miracle returned to give glory to God. Not only that, but he fell at Jesus’ feet and gave Him thanks. The outcome of the other 9 is not revealed to us in the passage, but we do know that they did not have the decency to say thank you. Never let your ingratitude evolve into your ineptitude in realizing that whatever it is that God has done or that you may be waiting on Him to do, He still deserves the glory, the honor, and our thanks. “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV)

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/21/2026

“It's in Him we live. It’s in Him we move. It’s in Him we have our being. You might as well not move at all if you don’t move in Him. If you don’t move in Him.” This morning our blessed and merciful Heavenly Father. We come to say thank you for all that you have done for us. None that we have rightfully deserved. We thank you for one more chance to live, move, and have our being in you. You are our God and we are your creation. You are the potter and we are the clay. What we are and what we will ever be we find in you. Because without you we are nothing, nor can we accomplish anything on our own. So here we are. Grateful to be alive in these closing days of grace, and in these last and evil days. Thank you for accepting us just the way we are, and for giving us the chance to know you in the pardon of our sins. Please don’t let us do anything, go anywhere, or make any move unless we make it in you and you alone. Lead us now in only those things that you have ordained. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/20/2026

“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV) There is a scandal in our devotional passage on today. The context of our passage actually begins with verse 22 of this same chapter. Israel and those within the city of Jerusalem are embroiled in social injustice and idolatry. God himself refers to Jerusalem as "the bloody city.” (v. 2) He declares that they are guilty of the same blood that has been shed and have defiled themselves with idols. To add insult to injury He furthers the indictment by making them a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all countries. No one is without blame. The prophets, priests, princes, and the people of the land are all pronounced guilty. (Ezekiel 22:23-29) There is a striking parallel to the current times in which we live. The prophets had taken advantage of the people in much the same way that a lion would devour his prey. They have stolen and plundered the treasure of others. The priests violated the law of God and mingled the holy with the unholy to the extent that even they could not distinguish between the two. The princes were like wolves, quick to shed blood to achieve dishonest gain. The people, while many were victims, more became the perpetrators of crimes such as robbery, mistreatment of the poor and needy, and wrongfully oppressing the stranger. There was a complete breakdown of the spiritual and moral fabric of society. God's wrath and judgment hangs in the balance because sin cannot go unpunished. There was a serious break, breach, or "gap" that stood between God and His people. In order to stay God's hand from judgment, the gap must be repaired. God looks for, with intent to find, someone to stand in the gap between Him and his people. He looks for someone to intercede, someone to pray on behalf of Israel and the city of Jerusalem; but tragically no one could be found. As we witness the spiritual and moral environment in our own country embark on a slow downward spiral, the call from God still remains. Can He find anyone who is willing to pray for the restoration of the nation? If the call went out to you today, could you be found? Or maybe a better question might be, where will you be found?

Click below to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/19/2026

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ as made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Freedom is a constitutional right of our nation, and also a blood bought benefit of every believer in Jesus Christ. Once you have tasted freedom you never want to be bound again. Unfortunately your flesh is not in agreement. Its plan is to bring you back into captivity to the things that Christ has set you free from. Here’s the picture. The very thing that we said we were not going to do, not going to participate in, not going to eat, not going to drink, and the places that we said we were not going to visit, now all of a sudden, we want to. Where did that come from? Our flesh feels the allure; we can even visualize it, taste it, lust for it, and desire it. We can feel a slow drift. We pre-plan the excuses that we will make should we give in to the flesh and try desperately to find justification and rationalization for doing so. We cannot afford to go there. We cannot be entangled again. No, never again. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV) This was the admonition of the Apostle Paul in our text to the church at Galatia as well as to all believers for all time. The operative word is “again” which provides a duality of meaning for our understanding. It first means that we were once bound in chains, locked up, and imprisoned to something or someone in total opposition to the liberty afforded to us by Christ. Secondly, it is clear that at the time of the writing the Galatian church was free as we also are since Christ destroyed the chains that had us bound. We must stand fast. For the Galatians it was to stand fast apart from the Law of Moses, the commandments and the 613 precepts that were attached to it. For us, it is to stand fast against anything that halts, hinders, or completely holds back our ability to move ahead no longer captive to the things that formerly had dominion over us. We can’t go back, voluntarily, involuntarily, or by an act of compromise or agreement with those who do not have our best interests at heart. Stand fast in our decision-making process and refuse to be associated with the past. Christ has made us free! If you have ever been bound, shackled, locked up, or locked down regarding the issues of this life, and have tasted the sweet nectar of freedom. Then surely you never want to be bound again.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/18/2026

"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation. I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude v. 3 (NKJV) This small yet extremely potent epistle, placed in order right before the final apocalyptic words of the Apostle John in the book of Revelation is an admonition, exhortation, and recommendation for every believer to contend earnestly for the faith. It's interesting how we often believe that what we are now dealing with from a 21st century perspective is far different and unique to the times in which Jude lived. However, these times are comparatively relevant to the times that Jude and those of the 1st century church had to endure. False teachers, preachers, and prophets had emerged, and the truth of God was being attacked on all fronts. Sound familiar? This surely was not the first time that the church and all believers for all time have been subjected to an atmosphere so rebellious and adverse to our faith. It has come upon us with great warning and even greater caution. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." I John 4:1 (NKJV) Our common salvation is at risk. Salvation is common because it is "shared" by all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is not to suggest that it is at risk of being lost, or that we no longer hold the guarantee of our eternal destination. Absolutely not! But it implies that the doctrinal truth that accompanies our salvation experience is being vehemently compromised by those who know not the truth. Truth has become an exceedingly rare commodity and those who earnestly seek after it are even fewer in number. We must fight, we must battle, we must contend. We must declare the affirmation of our faith from now until Jesus comes. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and 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." I Peter 3:15 (NKJV) We must contend earnestly for the faith. The Apostle Paul in I Timothy 6:12 termed it as "fighting the good fight of faith." It means that we stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ without wavering or compromise. We will stand even if we have to stand alone. We will fight not for the victory but fight in the victory to hold up the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ our Lord until He comes.

Click down to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

06/17/2026

“Then the children of Israel arose and went up to the house of God to inquire of God. They said, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The Lord said Judah first.” Judges 20:18 (NKJV) Spiritual battles not only necessitate a spiritual battle strategy but also spiritual weaponry. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” II Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) It would be utterly foolish on our part to rely on our flesh when spiritual warfare is a matter of our faith and properly appropriating the necessary spiritual battle strategy. When the battle lines have been drawn and an attack is imminent, we should ascribe to the battle strategy of Israel in their impending battle against the Benjamites. They did the one thing that we often fail to do and as a result we enter into our spiritual battles and other forms of opposition at a decided disadvantage. Israel went up to the house of God, and they inquired of God. They sought the counsel of God regarding their battle plans. Perhaps they understood that the battle that they were preparing to wage was not theirs at all, it belonged to the Lord. This aspect of our strategy is such an integral part of the fight that if we handle it properly the Lord, who knows how to deliver us, will ultimately fight for us. “Thus, says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” II Chronicles 20:15b (NKJV) God responds to the children of Israel’s inquiry and advises them that they must send the tribe of Judah into battle first. Judah is the tribe that brought forth the likes of King David and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus is characterized in scripture as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (See Revelation 5:5) In retrospect there could also be an additional purpose for sending the tribe of Judah to initiate Israel’s battle strategy. Judah means “praise.” It is further defined as to “bless”, “magnify”, “exalt”, “glorify”, or to “thank.” When we praise God, we are calling attention to His glory. What an awesome battle strategy, but also one we often forget or take for granted. We get caught up focusing on the battle and forget to offer our praise first to the one who is able to bring us the victory. Before you enter the battle, praise God first. You just may discover that there is no need for you to fight.

Click below to Purchase Your Copy of Joy for the Journey: “A 90 Day Devotional Journey” by Jay Duane Driver https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CZS73VPW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nPa9mM3hnRSzw6tmDS9ZBABw46kSJNBJj04M3NAtcWM.6ABRMfHPsfeZcIsQ1Oe0ALq95srLXi8UVDFsbCJ9ENU&qid=&sr=

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