Marie’s daily verse: 1 John 4:4: 

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 2, 2024

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).

This is a challenging statement if we interpret it too literally. I believe Jesus is using the word “hate” in a figurative sense. We are instructed elsewhere in Scripture to love our parents, spouses, children, and even ourselves. What is He conveying in this verse? He is speaking of discipleship. Those who believe in Jesus as their Savior also desire to follow Him as devoted disciples. It becomes evident that He is telling us that our love for family cannot surpass our love for Him, the Son of God who sacrificed Himself for us.

Indeed, we cherish our families and are thankful for the precious gift of life. Yet, our initial and most profound love must be for Jesus if we aspire to be His disciples. Our love for our own lives is a testament to God’s grace. But our love for Jesus surpasses even our love for ourselves.

The verse raises a profound question. In the depths of my heart, do I genuinely love Jesus more than my family, more than myself? If the answer is “No,” I acknowledge that I am not a true disciple. Do I genuinely believe Jesus to be the Son of the living God? Do I truly believe He suffered and died for me? If I believe, will He not be my first and greatest love?

Father, Jesus’ words cause me to think deeply about my life. Do I love Him more than anyone or anything? Help me to remember who He is and what He has done for me. As I reflect on such truths, my love for Him grows. May He indeed be my first love. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 86:5 (NLT): 

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 1, 2024

Who would dare to accuse us, whom God has chosen? The judge himself has declared us free from sin. Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us; Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us! (Romans 8:34, Phillips Translation).

This is undoubtedly a good news verse. Who can dare accuse us and condemn us to hell? Jesus Christ could condemn us, but instead, He died for us. Who now will stand against Jesus and overrule His decision to redeem us? What angel or demon has more power than the power of Christ crucified? All who believe in Jesus are chosen by God and are safe for all eternity. The Christ who died and rose again is not just a distant figure, but He is on our side, intimately involved in our lives.

Not only that, but Jesus continues to minister to us through His prayers. His prayers are not passive, but filled with the power of God. When Jesus prays, His prayers are answered. Paul tells us that the resurrected Jesus is not vacationing in heaven with nothing to do. He is not idle. He is actively and continuously praying for us, guiding and supporting us. I hope that brings you comfort and reassurance.

Our text reveals two blessings. Jesus died for us to grant us a home in heaven.  He also wants to bless us in our earthly life, so He prays for us. These two blessings are not distant or impersonal, but they are a manifestation of His deep love for us. They make me want to love Him and serve Him more. Does it affect you that way? Do you feel His personal love and care for you?

Father, when I reflect on all that Jesus has done for me, I bow in humility before Him with gratitude. He has saved me for eternity, is aware of my life on earth, and is praying for me. What a Savior we have! May I respond to His love with my love and His service with my service. In His name, I pray. Amen.     

Marie’s daily verse:  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

DAILY DEVOTION, June 27, 2024

I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:5-6).

This is an interesting Psalm. Before the above text, the author launches complaint after complaint against God. God has forgotten him. God is hiding His face from him. His enemies prevail against him. Then, in verse 5, he comes to his senses. He remembers who God is, the ever-faithful One. He remembers God is merciful, and he can always count on that. He recalls that he possesses salvation, and that is secure. He breaks into song, remembering how God has dealt bountifully with him.

There is a simple lesson here for us. Yes, we have problems. Yes, sometimes it seems that God does not hear our prayers. Occasionally, we wonder if God has forgotten us. When we are discouraged, we need to remember some things. God loves us. He cares for us. He is a merciful God whose mercy endures forever, an oft-repeated phrase in the Book of Psalms. Through faith in Jesus, we have enduring salvation. These facts should cause us to sing, praising God for His ever-present goodness and mercy.

Prayer: God of love, remind me to remember who You are when I am discouraged. I know You have not forgotten me. Forgive me when I complain against You. Thank You for Your mercy, which brings Your salvation to me. Thank You for Your bountiful blessings, which are too numerous for me to count. I praise You in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse:  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

DAILY DEVOTION, June 27, 2024

I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:5-6).

This is an interesting Psalm. Before the above text, the author launches complaint after complaint against God. God has forgotten him. God is hiding His face from him. His enemies prevail against him. Then, in verse 5, he comes to his senses. He remembers who God is, the ever-faithful One. He remembers God is merciful, and he can always count on that. He recalls that he possesses salvation, and that is secure. He breaks into song, remembering how God has dealt bountifully with him.

There is a simple lesson here for us. Yes, we have problems. Yes, sometimes it seems that God does not hear our prayers. Occasionally, we wonder if God has forgotten us. When we are discouraged, we need to remember some things. God loves us. He cares for us. He is a merciful God whose mercy endures forever, an oft-repeated phrase in the Book of Psalms. Through faith in Jesus, we have enduring salvation. These facts should cause us to sing, praising God for His ever-present goodness and mercy.

Prayer: God of love, remind me to remember who You are when I am discouraged. I know You have not forgotten me. Forgive me when I complain against You. Thank You for Your mercy, which brings Your salvation to me. Thank You for Your bountiful blessings, which are too numerous for me to count. I praise You in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

DAILY DEVOTION, June 26, 2024

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. (Isaiah 53:2).

The mystery of Jesus’ appearance is a topic that never ceases to intrigue us. It is a puzzle we yearn to solve. From the artistic interpretations, like Sallman’s “head of Christ,” which graces our sanctuary, to the myriad depictions in literature, the truth remains veiled. We often imagine Jesus as possessing a captivating, enchanting appearance, but the truth is, we are left with more questions than answers.

When Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, he painted a portrait of humility. I don’t know if Isaiah’s words imply that Jesus was unattractive; he suggests that his appearance was not remarkable. I prefer to envision Him as rather unassuming—not exceptionally handsome, not ugly, just ordinary. It is as if God wanted us to be drawn to Him, not because of His outward appearance but because of His words and deeds.

When Samuel chose David as king of Israel, it wasn’t because of his regal appearance. Others in the family seemed more fitting. This teaches us a profound truth: ‘Man looks upon the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). Similarly, we are drawn to Jesus not because Of his outward appearance but because of his heart of love. His love is what truly matters, not his physical appearance.

Dear Father, we are eternally grateful for sending Jesus into the world to save us. While we may not know much about His appearance, we are confident of His love for us, which is enough. Let us strive to reciprocate that love and serve Him with gratitude. In His name, we pray. Amen.