Marie’s daily verse: For He is our God, 

And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 18, 2024

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).

Paul draws our attention to Epaphras, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ. Epaphras tirelessly prays for the Colossians, fervently desiring that they may stand perfect in God’s will. This underscores the significant role of prayer and intercession in our spiritual journey. While we acknowledge there is no perfect church or Christian due to our human sin and imperfections, it prompts us to ponder what a perfect church would resemble.

In a perfect church, Christ would be revered as the head, and His will would be the primary concern of each member. This highlights the importance of individual commitment to God’s will, fostering personal responsibility and active participation. The chief goal of every member would be submission to the Holy Spirit. The Bible would stand as the ultimate authority for each individual and for the church.

In a perfect church, every member would be born again and strive to live faithfully. When sin does arise, there would be immediate confession and repentance, fostering a culture of humility and accountability. Each member would feel loved and cared for by the entire church, promoting a sense of belonging and unity. When personalities clash, those involved are quick to forgive, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and harmony. Being in harmony with one another is more important than being right.

There would be a burden for those who know not the Savior with a zealous missionary outreach both at home and abroad.

Other thoughts run through my mind as I imagine the perfect church, but let this suffice. No, we will never achieve total perfection in this life. No ideal church exists, but what kind should we strive to be? Shall we be content with mediocrity or seek to be the best we can be? While we will never achieve complete perfection, should not that be our goal?

Father, I want to be a church member who strives for perfection. I want to use my gifts and talents to further Your Kingdom. Yes, I will fall short of perfection, but I do not want to be content with mediocrity. As I walk by faith, I know that You will walk with me and use me to help build Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

DAILY DEVOTION, July 17, 2024

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13).

This verse encapsulates a profound contrast in one of my cherished parables. On the one hand, the Pharisee proudly lists his virtues before God, essentially saying,’ God, I’ve done well, haven’t I? I’ve earned my place in heaven.’ Jesus, however, is cautioning us against this mindset. It’s a dangerous path to believe that we can earn God’s favor through our imperfect good deeds. The Pharisee’s spiritual blindness is evident.

On the other hand, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for mercy. Jesus declares him justified. This parable teaches us that it’s not our righteousness that saves us but our faith in God’s mercy and the work of Jesus.

The lesson here is clear: our attitude should mirror that of the tax collector, not the Pharisee. Our salvation is not based on our own merits but on the person of Jesus and His redemptive work.

Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that I never approach You with pride in my spiritual achievements. Instead, open my eyes to see my need for Your mercy and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation (

Psalms 100:5 NLT).

 DAILY DEVOTION, July 5, 2024

Psalm 32:1: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

What does it mean to be blessed? In Hebrew, the word means to be exceedingly happy. Blessed refers to a heightened state of happiness and joy, implying very favorable circumstances, often resulting from the kind acts of God.

Those who are forgiven experience a profound sense of relief and joy. Our sins, which could lead us to a place of eternal separation from God, are forgiven. God, in His infinite mercy, took action. He sent His Son to the cross to atone for our sins. This act of divine love sets us free from the chains of sin and death. David, the author of the Psalm, experienced the forgiveness of God under the Old Covenant. The concept of being “covered” implies that our sins are not just forgiven, but they are also forgotten. They will never be brought up against us. Under the New Covenant, our sins are covered beneath the blood of Jesus. We are forgiven. We are not just blessed, but we are super blessed!

Father, I am so very thankful for Jesus. He took my sins away. I am loved, forgiven, and blessed. Thank You, Father! Thank You, Jesus! Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: 2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT: 

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 4, 2024

Text: 2 Chronicles 7:13 – 15 (NKJV) When I shut up heaven, and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.    

Though addressed initially to Israel, this passage holds profound relevance for us who bear the name of Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is a testament to the fact that God speaks to His people in every age, offering timeless wisdom and guidance. 

The passage follows Solomon’s long prayer during the temple’s dedication. In Chapter 6, we read of Solomon kneeling before the people with his hands stretched toward heaven as he prays. It is a prayer with many petitions, mostly asking God to be gracious and forgiving. When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven, and the presence of God was so overwhelming that the people fell to their faces and worshipped God. They thanked God and cried, “The Lord is good; His love endures forever” (2 Chron. 7:3).

It reminds us on this Independence Day that our nation, which once dared to believe that God’s hand guided the founding of the United States of America, is slowly but steadily moving away from God. We once believed we were one nation under God, but many are now backing away from that position. Some have wondered if the present riots and unrest are God’s judgment. I can’t speak with authority on that issue, but I, too, have wondered. What is the solution for America?

The strength and security of the United States lie in the strength of its churches. As our nation grows increasingly secular, it’s crucial to reflect on who is to blame. While atheists, agnostics, and secular humanists may be part of the issue, we must also acknowledge the role of our churches. When American churches are faithful, they have the power to influence the culture around us. For instance, the Declaration of Independence authors were predominantly Christians. America’s path to redemption lies in the leadership of its churches. As a small church in a small town, let us resolve to be faithful, influencing the community where God has planted us.

Prayer: Father, I am grateful for the freedom that still reigns in my country. I am committed to doing my part in ensuring that the light of the Gospel shines brightly in Warsaw, Missouri. In Jesus’ name, I pray for the strength and guidance to fulfill this commitment. Amen.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

The 23^rd Psalm, a beloved scripture for many Christians, holds profound relevance. Let’s delve into verse 4, which paints a vivid picture of facing death, a fear that grips many. The Psalmist’s words encourage us to confront death and every adversity without fear. Why? Because we are not alone. God is with us, walking by our side every day, especially in the hour of our death.

The Psalm begins with “The Lord is my shepherd.” The rod and staff guide sheep down the right path, leading to still waters and the restoration of the soul. In the same way, God leads His people, so we have nothing to fear. We may be apprehensive as we think about death, but when that hour comes, God will be with us. Death for the Christian is but a doorway leading to eternal life.  We have nothing to fear.

Prayer: Father, we are so thankful that You are our Shepherd. You led us along the path of life. You are with us always, and you will be with us when death comes. Help us to live each day without fear. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Amen.