Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 119:114: 

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

. DAILY DEVOTION, September 28, 2022

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe (Romans 3:21-22).

These two verses are packed with spiritual truth. First, the righteousness of God is revealed apart from the law. For us, that means we do not obtain righteousness by obedience to the law. Second, the law and the prophets both bore witness to what was coming in the new covenant. We become righteous in the eyes of God when we believe in Jesus Christ. It is faith alone that brings us into the Kingdom of God and into a vital relationship with God.

This is why the Gospel of Jesus is called “good news.” If we are required to obey all of God’s commandments to be saved, we would all be lost. We know that our obedience to the commandments of God is never perfect. In the Gospel, we learn that Jesus Christ bore the judgment of our sins on the cross. What is now required of us is simply to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. All who have sincere faith receive the righteousness of God. In other words, those with faith in Jesus are regarded as righteous by God.  That brings the Kingdom of God within the reach of everyone. We are all capable of hearing and believing in our Lord Jesus.

Father, I thank you for the good news of Jesus Christ. Were it not for Him, I would most certainly be lost. Under the new covenant, I now understand that what is required of me to be saved is faith alone. I do believe in Jesus and now I want to live my life to honor my Savior, in whose name I pray, Amen.

Devotional from Marie: 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

Don’t be afraid; what do we face that causes us to fear? Illness? Relationships? job security? —many things cause us to fear. God tells us to turn to him and not be discouraged. He will give us strength and help. He reassures us He is with us always, and as we face difficulties, He will hold us in His victorious right hand. Imagine yourself welcomed in the palm of God, your father. Do you resist the holding at first?  Can you feel yourself relax as He holds you much as an infant in the womb curled and safe in the warmth of his love? What incredible comfort when we are afraid.

Father, we give you thanks that we need not fear. You will keep us safe and secure from those things that discourage us. Thank you for your son Jesus’s sacrifice, He suffered for us, but you kept him safe as you keep us safe as we face trials. Be with all your children as we place our fears in your hand. In Jesus name Amen

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, July 1, 2022

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 5:18. NKJV).

Recent devotionals have focused on the gift of eternal life.  We are saved by faith alone, apart from works, said Paul (Ephesians 2:8-9). Does that mean we can trust Jesus and live like the devil and still be saved? Can I trust Jesus and ignore His will and enter into heaven? Enter James. It is forever true that salvation is a free gift unrelated to any good deeds we may do. James comes along to remind us that there are different kinds of faith. The devils have faith in the sense that they believe in God’s existence (James 2:19). Their problem is they do not submit to God.

True faith, saving faith, submits to God. True faith embraces the will of God. True faith results in a new birth, a changed life. True faith is always a faith that works. While our good works add nothing to our salvation, good works always accompany true faith. James says, “I will show you my faith by my works.” What we do, how we live, the choices we make, are all influenced by our faith. 

If you ask, “Are good works necessary?” The answer is, “Yes and no.” Good works are not necessary to secure our salvation, but they are necessary as demonstrations that our faith is genuine. Whether our good works are many or few, they neither add to nor detract from our salvation. We must never trust in our good works to enhance our chances for salvation. If good works are absent, however, it means our faith is hypocritical.

Father, help me to understand that nothing I do merits divine favor.  I cannot earn my way into Your Kingdom. Thank You that my salvation rests not in what I do for You, but in what Christ has done for me. Thank you for changing my heart when I came to trust in Your Son. Help me to understand that my faith is invisible to the world unless others see the good works that flow from my faith. In Jesus name, Amen

DAILY DEVOTION, June 30, 2022

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today” (Exodus 14:13).

The Israelites had just been set free from slavery in Egypt. Now they stand at the Red Sea with the Egyptian army ready to attack. Moses tells them not to be afraid. God is going to deliver them. The Red Sea opened up before them and they escaped the Egyptian armies. As Christians, we have been set free from slavery to sin.  It will be smooth sailing from now on, right? Then we experience the armies of Satan attacking us. Moses’ advice is still appropriate. “Do not be afraid.” Fear can become so strong in us that faith virtually disappears. Whatever happens to us in this life we are to hold fast to our faith in Jesus and not give in to fear.

As we stand firmly on the ground of faith we will see the deliverance of God. Sometimes He delivers us from our temporal problems. Sometimes He does not. But He will always give us the final deliverance when we arrive in heaven. Keep the faith and You will see the deliverance of the Lord.

Father, I do not want to live my life in fear. Help me to stand strong in my faith, trusting You to care for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.