Marie’s daily verse:Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2  Corinthians 3:4-6). 

DAILY DEVOTION, November 14, 2023

He says to the snow, Fall on the earth, and to the rain shower, Be a mighty downpour (Job 37:6).

The Book of Job seems to believe that God controls the weather. When man meddles with “climate change,” he is meddling with God. When God says “rain!”  no power of man will stop the rain. When we are concerned about the weather, we would do better to pray than look to man. Some politicians have affirmed that man will destroy the earth unless he learns to control the weather. In our study of the Second Coming, it is clear that God, not man, will destroy the earth on His timetable. According to the Bible, we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21). Electric cars and the elimination of fossil fuels will not improve the weather. God is in charge of the weather. If you are looking for a mild winter, pray!

Father, I believe the weather does not occur apart from Your will. Help me to trust more and more in You and less on the opinions of men. I am grateful that you are in charge of the universe. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).

DAILY DEVOTION, November 9, 2023

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap  (Galatians 6:7).

This is a familiar verse. Recently I discovered a new truth behind these words of Paul. It has to do with Greek grammar, so you will have to take my word for it if you don’t know Greek! The term for “sows” does not denote a single, one-time sowing. It describes a steady, daily sowing of seeds.  It refers to how you live your life daily. If you daily sow good seeds, you will reap what you sow continuously. “Reap” is in the same Greek tense. It is a daily reaping. Another translation might read, “Whatever a man sows daily, he will reap daily.”

Do not kid yourself! You will be the loser if you think you can outsmart God by mixing good seeds with bad seeds. Sow good seeds daily, and you will reap a harvest of blessings.

Father, help me to realize that being a Christian is not a one-time decision. Once I confess my faith in Jesus, I begin to “sow seeds” daily. May the seeds I sow always be in Harmony with Your will. And if I do not always reap a blessing in this life, I know I will in the life to come. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Luke 11:9 (NIV): 

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

DAILY DEVOTION, November 8, 2023

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Revelation 3:4-5).

Sardis represents a dead church. Only a few in that church remain faithful. We do not want to be like the church in Sardis! Garments refer to character. Many in Sardis had defiled their character by their failure to follow Jesus. We are encouraged to overcome such character flaws. We are to keep our faith strong and follow our Master. That includes repentance when we fall short. Those who walk in repentance and faith will see their character cleansed. They will be dressed in white garments. Their names are inscribed in the Book of Life. They possess eternal life.

We see two categories of people in these verses. Some have defiled their character so badly that they no longer follow Jesus. Others have also marred their character but have overcome through repentance, faith, and a sincere effort to follow Jesus. As a result, they are forgiven, cleansed, and clothed in white, symbolizing they are true Christians. What will become of those whose garments remain stained? I think you know the answer. The church at Sardis reminds us to keep our faith, obedience, and repentance active. Then, we will walk with Jesus in white garments, and He will tell the Father that we belong to Him.

Oh God, I confess that my character is far from perfect. I am so sorry that I have failed You. I trust in Your Son, and His shed blood to forgive me. Please help me to walk with Jesus on the path of faith, obedience, and repentance so that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In His name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NLT

DAILY DEVOTION, November 7, 2023

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time (Matthew 24:23-25).

Jesus issues a warning. There will be false Christs (Greek, pseudochristos) and false prophets in the church. Since no one knows when Christ will return, we must be wary of those who declare “He is here” or “He is coming” on a specific date. Those who speak like this are false prophets pretending to know what only God the Father knows – – – the date of Christ’s return (see Mark 13:32).  These false messiahs can perform great signs and wonders. I don’t know how they do this. I suspect a lot of trickery and deceit is involved. I have seen magicians perform tricks I cannot explain. I suspect the false Christs will be in that category. The “elect” are those who belong to Christ. They have confessed their faith in Him and will listen only to Him. They will not be deceived. Unbelievers will be deceived. True Christians need to stay close to Jesus, living by faith. We have been warned. Don’t believe every crackpot who claims, “I know when Jesus will return.” Father, thank You for Jesus, my Savior. I trust in Him and wait patiently for His return. In His name, Amen

Marie’s  daily verse: 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT)
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

DAILY DEVOTION, November 6, 2023

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8).

We serve an invisible God. That cannot be easy. Unbelievers ask, “How can you believe in a God you have never seen?” Some believe it is not real if it cannot be seen, touched, or tasted. Therefore God is not real.

God is indeed invisible to our sight. However, when we trust Jesus, the Holy Spirit enters our souls and reveals God to us. That is difficult for an atheist to comprehend, but for a Christian, the reality of God is an absolute certainty. The Holy Spirit is a powerful persuader! Jesus once promised a day when certain people would see God. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Our hearts are never 100% pure in this life. We will be purified entirely in heaven, and then we shall see God. Wow! What a day that will be.

Even now, our faith brings us “inexpressible and glorious joy.” We can hardly imagine what it will be like in heaven. Keep on trusting in our invisible God.

Father, I long to know You better. I look forward to that day when my heart will be purified, and I will see and know You more completely. I can hardly imagine what that will be like, but I know it will be glorious. Thank You that even now, the Holy Spirit ministers to my spirit, assuring me of Your reality. In Jesus’ blessed name, Amen.