Marie’s daily verse: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 JOHN 4:10

DAILY DEVOTION, February 14, 2023

But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:11-12)

Only the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies, once a year, and then not without the blood of the sacrifice to be sprinkled onto the mercy seat.

What was in that Holy of Holies? There was the Ark of the Covenant. Within it were found the two tables of the Law written by the very hand of Jehovah. Those laws cried out against the transgressions of men against the commandments. The mercy seat was on the top of the Ark, covered in pure gold. Once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat.

On either end of that Ark, gold-covered cherubim faced inward. Between those cherubim, there dwelt the presence of the Almighty God. There the broken law cried out for vengeance upon the transgressors, and only the blood of the atonement blocked it out.

Notice that those Old Testament sacrifices could not take away man’s sin. They pointed forward to the one great sacrifice. That is an excellent picture of Christ who entered the Holy of Holies in Heaven itself with His blood to make atonement for our sins. That one sacrifice is valid forever for all who trust in Jesus.

Jesus, how can I ever adequately thank You for Your willingness to go to the cross for me. I trust You as my savior and Lord. I want to honor Your name as I live my life. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9

DAILY DEVOTION, February 11, 2022

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:3).

These are the usual words you find in Paul’s letters as he begins to write. They are found in Romans 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, and Colossians 1:2. Over and over, Paul greets the churches with “grace and peace.” I think there is a reason behind the word order. Grace always comes first. It is that wonderful word that reminds us that God has chosen to deal with us graciously. We do not deserve to be treated well by God, but in spite of that fact, He deals with us with grace. Jesus came to us as the ultimate manifestation of God’s grace. We deserve judgment, but we receive forgiveness. That is grace.

Peace follows grace. There is no peace in our hearts if we forget the grace of God. The more we reflect on God’s grace, the more His peace floods our souls. Those who have never received the grace of God will never know peace. Think about God’s grace when you are troubled. His peace will then come to you like a ray of sunshine beaming into your heart.

Father, I am so appreciative of Your grace and peace. You have been good to me when I did not deserve it. Your peace fills my soul. Blessed be Your name in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Isaiah 30:21Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way,walk in it. “Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

DAILY DEVOTION, January 30, 2023

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

This is one of those verses I wish was not in the Bible! All sincere Christians desire to live a godly life following Jesus. Some attain more godliness than others! Paul tells us that following Jesus may lead to persecution in this world. If you read “Voice of the Martyrs” magazine, you know Christians are persecuted worldwide. (By the way, subscriptions are free. Order online at Voice of the Martyrs).

We are blessed to live in a land founded on Christian principles. We have avoided severe persecution. However, our country is drifting away from those principles. I pray this drift will be arrested. If it isn’t, we need to brace ourselves for persecution. Some believe Christianity is evil and is hindering the growth of our nation. Some of these folks are in power now. If their political power grows, persecution looms ahead. However, remember this: persecution is not as bad as turning away from Jesus to avoid persecution. 

Our Father, I pray that whatever comes, I will remain faithful.  Keep me in true faith unto everlasting life. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: But I will sing of your strength,     in the morning I will sing of your love;for you are my fortress,    my refuge in times of trouble. 

PSALM 59:16

DAILY DEVOTION, January 29, 2023

For the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short (Revelation 12:12).

We know the devil is still active in our world. Who can look at the state of the world and not see Satan’s Handiwork? This verse tells us that he is one angry dude! He is angry because he knows he has been defeated. He thought when Jesus went to the cross, he had won. Then he learned that God used the cross to achieve His redemptive purpose. The resurrection of the Son of God was the final straw for Satan. He knows he has lost the battle, and his future is in the lake of fire. He knows his time is short.

Those who trust in Jesus and are born again are somewhat insulated from Satan’s deceptions. As long as faith is alive and strong, we are protected against the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). As we allow our faith in Jesus to assume a secondary place, we open our lives to Satan’s attacks. When you go one on one against Satan, guess who wins? Walk with Jesus, and you will always be a winner.

Our Father, I thank You that as I trust in Your Son and walk with Him, I have nothing to fear from an angry devil. Thank you for loving me while I was still lost in sin and under Satan’s thumb.  I  pray in the name of my victorious Savior, Jesus. Amen.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

DAILY DEVOTION, January 28, 2022

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

This is a familiar verse often seen on various products in Christian bookstores. In fact, this very verse appears on my checkbook cover! Do you believe God plans to harm you in some way? Do you become angry with God when things don’t go your way? We need to remember that God is good. He is good all the time. He plans to bless you. He has granted to all who trust in His Son a glorious future in heaven. This verse reminds you to keep trusting God, whatever your circumstances. He always works for your good, even when we do not understand His ways. God has a plan for you. It is a good plan. Believe it and relax!

Father, thank You for this reminder that your plans for me are always good. You bring me spiritual prosperity and a glorious future. Help me to rest in Your goodness when things are not going well. I ask this favor in the blessed name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.Jump to Toolbar