July 3, 2026
— John 12:24–25 · Source: Mrs. Howard Taylor, The Triumph of John and Betty Stam (1935), which sums up their martyrdom with this verse
John 12:24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single seed; but if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
A grain of wheat that clings tightly to itself may escape the darkness and decay of the soil, but it is destined to wither in solitude. The Lord Jesus is that grain of wheat that breaks through the soil and is reborn for us. When faced with the choice between the comforts of life and the price of faith, I often struggle with the decision of whether to retain my sense of self. True life lies not in clinging tightly to earthly comforts, but in willingly "breaking" oneself for the Lord. Only by letting go of attachment to self can life, through service and love, bear eternal fruit.
Dear Lord, thank you for showing me the path to life's triumph with your unreserved love. Grant me the same complete submission as Missionary Spencer, that I may not focus on immediate gains or losses, but only on eternal values. Lord, I willingly lay down my blind plans and selfish reservations, surrendering the sovereignty of my life once more into your hands. Break through my pride and hesitation, let my life become a grain of wheat falling to the ground, bearing glorious fruit for you. Amen.