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

Marie’ daily verse: For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground (Ephesians 6:12-13).

DAILY DEVOTION, January 27, 2022

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness… (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

Paul prayed for the removal of a “thorn” in his flesh. God answered his prayer with a resounding “No!” Paul had seen God do so much in his life that God feared Paul would get the big head! God answered Paul’s prayer, but not in line with what Paul requested. Ever been there?

God tells Paul that he rests under God’s grace, which is enough. When we humans are weak, if we rely on the grace of God, we will always be victorious. The word “grace” refers to God’s undeserved favor upon those who trust in Jesus. So what if you have to live with a thorn in the flesh? You have been forgiven of all your transgressions, and heaven is your destiny. That is enough.

Paul makes one final point. When we acknowledge that we are weak, we receive God’s strength. If we think we are strong, we say to God, “I don’t need Your grace and strength for this situation.” Better to rely on God’s grace than our own strength.

Father, help me to trust in Your grace when my prayers are answered with a “no.” Your grace has given so much to me. There are no words to express my gratitude. I believe in the promise that Jesus will be with me to the end of the age. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

DAILY DEVOTION, January 26, 2023

But I have something against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first  (Revelation 2:4).

Jesus addressed seven churches in the early chapters of the Book of Revelation. He has some good things to say and some criticism. After saying some positive things to the church at Ephesus, he hits them with a severe criticism. They no longer have the love they once had. We know that the essence of Christian behavior is love – – – love for God and love for each other. Paul spoke about specific actions that Christians perform, but then declared they are useless if performed without love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-4). If you give $1000 to the church, that is a good thing. If the gift is given without love, it has no merit before God.

The church at Ephesus was doing many things right, but their good works were done without love. Yes, we are called to follow Jesus and obey His commandments. However, if our good works are done without love, we have missed the main thing. It is better to do a good work poorly with love than to do it well without love. “Make love your aim,” said Paul. Love is the forest, and the trees are individual good works. Don’t miss the forest for the trees!

Father, this verse hits me hard. I confess that far too many of my good deeds are done in a loveless manner. I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me with the love of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.