Marie’s daily verse: 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 5, 2024

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

What sets the Bible apart? Paul’s words in this verse shed light on the unique origin of Scripture. The Bible is a human creation and a product of divine inspiration. Paul’s choice of words is intriguing-he says, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” This doesn’t imply that God dictated the words to the human authors. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and Peter – all penned Scripture in their styles. The wonder lies in God infusing His essence into the final product, making Scripture the Word of God. The Bible, therefore, has a dual authorship, both divine and human.

God’s breath (Spirit) was active when the Bible was written, so the end product is infallible, inerrant, the very Word of God. If any human error crept in, Paul was mistaken about the Bible being inspired by God. God does not inspire error! If we say the Bible is a mixture of divine truth and human error, who determines what is true and what is false?

I believe God was actively working in the authors’ lives so that they were writing God’s Word when they wrote their words. Paul does not say that some Scripture is inspired. He uses the word “all,” which means “all!”

As fallible humans, we are prone to errors and can easily misinterpret Scripture. This verse serves as a reminder to approach the Bible with caution and prayer. When we hold the Bible, we stand on sacred ground. Therefore, let us read humbly, acknowledging our limitations and seeking divine guidance.

Father, I thank You for giving us Your Word. I don’t want to depend on fallible humans to teach me about You, nor do I trust myself to understand You correctly. I praise You for giving us an inspired book we can trust to bring us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I thank You for the Bible, which has led me to Jesus and salvation. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of  heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

DAILY DEVOTION, July 29, 2024

When he arrived and saw what God’s grace had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23 NIV).

The whole story is in Acts 11:19-26. Stephen is preaching Jesus in Antioch. Several people were converted to Christ as they heard the Gospel. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas out to see what had happened. He arrives and witnesses a profound transformation. The grace of God has completely changed many souls. What happens to a person after conversion has taken place? Do we continue to live our old lives? Barnabas has the answer.

Once true faith has been born in us, we are encouraged to remain faithful to the Lord with all our hearts. First comes conversion. We are born again into the kingdom of God. Then we have a decision to make. Will we remain faithful to the Lord or not? One can be converted and not remain faithful to the Lord. We all need to decide to stay faithful.

There are far too many who claim to be Christians but whose daily lives do not show it. Is their faith genuine? I am not able to make that determination. That is God’s prerogative. I hope all of us have decided to be faithful to the Lord with all our hearts. God went all out to redeem us. How can we do less in response to His grace?

Father, I thank you for the faith born in my heart. I am not alone in this journey of faithfulness. Your Spirit is with me, guiding me henceforth so I will be faithful to the Lord with all my heart. In the name of my faithful Savior, I pray, amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: Proverbs 16:9– A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 27, 2024

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Paul is speaking to Timothy, a young man. Some tend to look down on young people. Paul understands that youth can be earnest and dedicated Christians. He encourages Timothy to set an excellent Christian example. Timothy’s Christian example will put a stop to the mouths of those who look down upon him because of his youth.

In our society, the older generation often faces condescension. Yet, I am confident Paul would also say, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are old.” With their wealth of experience and wisdom, senior citizens are called upon by God to demonstrate how following Jesus has enriched their lives over the years. Age does not diminish our commitment to living a Christian life. Psalm 92:14 beautifully says, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” 

Regardless of our age, we are not given the luxury of merely talking a good game. We are all, without exception, called to live exemplary lives. We must introspect and ask, “Am I setting a positive example for others? Will they look at me and see an illustration of a good Christian? Will my life draw others to the Savior in whom I believe?” Reflect on this. Pray about it.

Heavenly Father, I want to set an excellent example in my Christian walk. I want Your holiness to be poured out on me so abundantly that others will be drawn to the Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): Faith is the substance of things hoped for ,it is the evidence of things not seen.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 26, 2024

Luke 10:39: And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (see the full story in Luke 10:38-42).

Years ago, I was preaching, trying to speak over a squalling baby. Finally, the mother, becoming exasperated, picked up the child and started to walk out of the sanctuary. Trying to put her at ease, I said, “You don’t have to leave. The baby is not bothering me.” She replied, “But you are bothering her!” I have since told that story often when babies are crying in church.

It is easy to be distracted in our service to Jesus. Martha was distracted because Mary was not helping her in the kitchen. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Jesus indicated that Mary had made a wise choice. Yes, there are many things we must do in our daily lives. Do the laundry, take out the garbage, fix the lawnmower, shop for groceries, etc. Amid our busy lives, we don’t want to overlook the most important thing. We need to take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him. Don’t let distractions rob you of the most important thing.

Blessed Lord, my life is so busy.  Sometimes, in the midst of carrying out many routine activities, I forget You. Like Mary, I need Your help to find the time to sit at Your feet and learn from You. Help me to understand that listening to You is more important than anything else I have to do. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3: 16-19).

DAILY DEVOTION, July 22, 2024

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17).

Jesus spoke these words. He suggests there are two kinds of people in the world: the righteous and sinners. Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn there are no righteous persons, just people who think they are righteous. The prime biblical example is the Pharisee, who went into the Temple to pray and boasted of his goodness. The question for us is to decide which category we are in. Do you see yourself as righteous, so good that you do not need a Savior? If that is the case, Jesus did not come for you.

The good news is this. When we recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus came for us. If we admit that we are spiritually sick, the Great Physician will heal us. He did that when He went to the cross to atone for our sins. He asks that we trust Him, believing He redeemed us at Calvary. Jesus saves us and gives us a new birth if our faith is genuine. He grants us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live a new life. These beautiful gifts are given to all who admit they have sinned against God, who repent and trust in Jesus. Are you in the correct category?

Father God, I confess to You that I am a sinner who needs redemption. I thank you for Jesus having opened the door of heaven for me. I gladly trust in Him as my beloved Savior. Please keep me in true faith unto everlasting life. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.