Marie’s daily verse: For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us (Isaiah 33:22). 

                   DAILY DEVOTION, October 15, 2024

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly  (John 10:9- 10).

How shall we ever find a relationship with God? God is holy, and we are not. Jesus uses a metaphor to answer the question. He is the door that will lead to salvation. Others claim they can lead you to God, but Jesus refers to them as thieves. If you follow them, you will become an enemy of God. Jesus is the only door leading to salvation. He alone can bring us abundant life.

This is one test of the reality of our faith. Are you living an abundant life? Despite all your problems and worries, are you enjoying a relationship with God? The abundant life Jesus promises will culminate in heaven, but He gives us a foretaste of the glory that awaits us. Even while we live in a world overflowing with evil, Jesus blesses us with abundance. We enter the door leading to salvation by faith in the Son of God. Have you opened that door?

Father, thank You for making salvation easy to understand. You bid us trust in Your Son, and as we do, we receive salvation. Faith will also lead us to an abundant life. Father, we thank You for Your great love, in the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse:Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4).

DAILY DEVOTION, October 9, 2024

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand (John 10:27-28).

Who is a Christian? A Christian not only hears but listens to the voice of Jesus and then acts upon His teachings. His words, found in Scripture, guide Christians and shape their lives around His divine wisdom. Those who hear the words of Jesus but do not follow are not yet mature Christians. And those who ignore the words of Jesus (and there are many) are lost souls.

Notice that the sheep of Jesus who follow Him do not earn their salvation because they follow Him faithfully. Jesus gives eternal life to His people. Eternal life is not just a continuation of our earthly existence but a life in perfect communion with God, free from sin and suffering. It is a gift that Christians receive through their faith in Jesus. Christians follow Jesus out of gratitude for what He has done for us because they understand His ways will lead to a blessed life. He leads His people to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23).

Finally, let us dwell on the word of assurance. Our faith is not just a belief but a connection to Jesus. When we are cradled in His invisible hand, no force can sever that bond and snatch us away from His loving care. So, trust in Jesus, follow His lead, and find solace in knowing He is always watching over us. He has our back, always.

Dear Father, it is a profound blessing to walk in Jesus’s footsteps. I am filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that He only desires good for my life. I am thankful for the gift of eternal life and the unwavering assurance that no one can snatch me from the hand of the Master, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 5:8: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

DAILY DEVOTION, October 8, 2024

I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments (Psalm 119:60).

These are the words of a redeemed soul who lived under the old covenant. The words also apply to those of us redeemed under the new covenant. We have received the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus. How do redeemed souls live? I remember hearing a church member years ago say, “I am a saved soul, and now I can sin all I want to. God will always forgive me.” He did not take his sinful behavior very seriously. Was he a true Christian? That is for God to determine. However, let us not forget the joy and freedom that comes from living following God’s commandments. It is not a burden but a privilege.

The Psalmist looks at God’s commandments, such as ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ and ‘Do not steal,’ and sees two possible reactions. One can delay, put the commandments aside, and live life apart from God’s commandments. However, as a redeemed soul, he declares he will obey God with haste. He seeks out God’s commandments eagerly and swiftly puts them into practice. I believe that is the attitude of a mature Christian. There is a readiness to please God.

Father, I thank You for Your commandments. I realize You have given them to bless me, not to oppress me. Each commandment is a gift, a pathway to a more fulfilling and blessed life. I pray I will have the attitude of the Psalmist. I will keep Your commandments ever before me and hasten to carry them out. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

DAILY DEVOTION, October 4, 2024

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

Most of us ordinary folks affirm the existence of God by observing nature. We look into the heavens and think, “There must be a God who created all this.” R.C. Sproul tells of hearing a debate on the radio involving three learned theologians. They argued in very technical language about the existence of God. When the radio audience phoned in their questions, one lady said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with you guys. Why don’t you open your eyes and look out the window.” This theologically untrained woman understood Psalm 19:1!

The existence of God is not a puzzle to be solved. Yes, we can delve into intricate arguments, but sometimes, all we need to do is look out the window. Nature speaks to us in a language that is clear and unmistakable. This intricate universe is not a product of chance. ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.’ Those who fail to grasp this profound truth need only to open their eyes and truly see.

Gracious God, our Creator, it is undeniable. The heavens and all creation proclaim Your glory. I earnestly pray that those whose vision is clouded may see and acknowledge Your majesty with humility and faith. In the name of Jesus, I offer this prayer: Amen.