Marie’s daily verse: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10

DAILY DEVOTION, March 2, 2023

Many are the woes of the wicked; the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him (Psalm 32:10).

The wicked are those who live life without regard for the will of God. We all fit into that category at times. We make too many decisions without consulting the will of God. When we live like that, our life becomes full of woes – – – problems. Of course, a final “woe” awaits those who habitually ignore the will of God. We don’t want to fit into that category! When we sense that we are drifting from God, we must quickly confess and repent.

In contrast to the wicked are those who live by faith. They are always mindful of the will of God. They receive the blessing of God’s unfailing love. God knows the difference between the wicked and those who live by faith. There is no hiding from Him. We reap what we sow. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by God’s love. Two choices are before us: many woes or God’s unfailing love. The choice is a no-brainer!

Father, how wonderful it is to be surrounded by Your unfailing love and how awful it is to be surrounded by woe after woe. I want to live by faith and be the recipient of Your love. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.  

Marie’s daily verse: 

 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions (1 John 3:18).

DAILY DEVOTION, February 27, 2024

 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body (Philippians 1:22-24).

People sometimes wonder, what happens to us if we die before the day of resurrection when Jesus returns?  Do we sleep until judgment day? Paul gives us the answer in our verses. He is reflecting on two possibilities. He will either continue to live in the body and serve the church, or he will die and enter into Christ’s presence. The latter he regarded as the best option for him. He suggests there is an intermediate state if we die before resurrection day. We don’t know what that state is like. Paul says it is far better than continuing to live on earth. While this intermediate state is not our final state, we will be with Christ, and it will be a blessed time, far superior to what we experience here on earth.

Paul desires to depart and be with Christ, but he also has a deep concern for the church. If he remains on earth for a time, it will be a time of service to Jesus. He thinks it may be more necessary for him to remain on earth for the sake of the church. It will be a time of fruitful service. He is torn between the two options.

So, what happens if we die before the Second Coming of Jesus? We go to be with Him, waiting for the final day of resurrection and enjoying the blessings of heaven. In the meantime, we look for ways to serve our Savior.

Father, we look forward to the time when we leave this earth and are united with Jesus.  We know that it will be a time of incredible blessing. In the meantime, help us to do what we can to serve Him while we remain on earth. We want to be useful in service to our Master and His church. In His name, we pray, Amen.

I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve (Jeremiah 17:10).

DAILY DEVOTION, February 26, 2024

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

As the saying goes, “None of us are perfect.” We have confessed our faith in Jesus, and our sins are forgiven. What if we sin after we become Christian? We try to obey our Savior, but sin seems to creep in. We need to confess to God immediately when we realize we have sinned. Otherwise, sin will drag us down. Of course, there are times when we disobey and are unaware of it. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper with repentance and humility, we are forgiven of those sins we failed to confess. Jesus went to the cross to purchase our forgiveness. God is forever faithful, and we are assured of His forgiveness if we confess our sins. What if we fail to admit our sins or try to hide them? Brace yourself for divine discipline.

Father, how thankful I am that Jesus is my Savior. I pray the Holy Spirit will alert me when I have sinned so I will quickly confess and receive the forgiveness He purchased for me on the cross. In His name, I pray, Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 128:1: 

Blessed is everyone who follows the Lord and follows His ways.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 21, 2024

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith Galatians 6:9-10).

Do you ever get tired of trying to do the right thing? No one seems to appreciate what you do. Sometimes, doing the right thing doesn’t seem to work out. Then you notice people living selfishly, who seem to prosper. You may wonder, “Why am I trying so hard to please God? I am weary of trying to live a consistent Christian life.” Paul encourages us to hang in there. Our good deeds will reap a reward in time. We may want immediate results which we do not see but do not give up on doing what is right. God notices, and the time will come when you will reap divine benefits. Do not lose heart.

Therefore, keep doing good to all kinds of people, especially to fellow believers. Paul amplifies what he said in yesterday’s verse: you reap what you sow. The immediate “benefit” to Paul as he preached the Gospel was lots of heartaches. He was stoned, whipped, imprisoned, rejected by many, but he kept on. His work has influenced millions worldwide to trust in Jesus, but it didn’t happen immediately. So, keep up the excellent work!

Our Father, we confess that there are days when we are weary of doing good. Help us to take the long view and remember that faithfulness to you will always reap benefits. Thank You for Your many promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9).

DAILY DEVOTION, February 20, 2024

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8).

Paul warns us against trying to mock our God. We are sadly mistaken when we sow to our old fleshly nature and think that God will overlook our disloyalty. Our omniscient God knows our every thought, word, and deed. When someone declares. “I am a Christian,” but then habitually manifests bad behavior that person is deceived. He is sowing seeds of corruption. It is forever true that we reap what we sow.

Mature Christians cooperate with the Holy Spirit and sow good works and the fruit of the Spirit. While our good works do not save us, they are forever present in the lives of Christians as signs of the reality of their faith. Those who have faith in Jesus, verified by their lifestyle, are sowing seeds that will lead to everlasting life. We need to ensure we are planting good seeds in how we live. You harvest the crop you sow.

Father, I pray that my life will demonstrate that I love and trust Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Deliver me from the notion that I can ever deceive You. I want to honor Jesus in my daily life. I pray in His name, Amen.