Marie’s daily verse: 

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory (Romans 15:7).

DAILY DEVOTION, September 22, 2024

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ¹⁵ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation (Galatians 6:14-15).

As Christians, we must humbly acknowledge that our personal accomplishments hold no weight in the face of Jesus’s cross, which brings salvation and new life. Paul’s life was forever altered when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Road. He describes this transformation as a crucifixion, a death to his old way of life. This is the true source of our transformation, not our own achievements.

He refers back to the Jewish Law. It no longer matters regarding salvation. The Old Covenant rituals like circumcision make no difference. What matters is becoming a new creation – – – a new person – – – once Jesus enters the picture. Faith in Jesus brings a new birth, a new way of life. We cannot say, “I am a Christian because I was baptized and partake of the Lord’s Supper and am a church member.” Those are all good, but rituals do not save us unless our lives reflect a new birth or a new creation.  You are on the wrong path if you feel pride in yourself and your Christian achievements. We feel pride in Jesus, our Savior. Without Him, we can do nothing worthwhile.

Paul’s words should prompt us to reflect. Are we truly new creations? Are we living a new way of life? Let us not trust in our achievements or rituals to save us, but instead, let us seek a genuine transformation of our hearts.

Father, I open my heart to Jesus and pray for this change. I want to be a new creation in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15).

DAILY DEVOTION, September 16, 2024

^“Love is the purpose of my command. Love comes from a pure heart. It comes from a good sense of what is right and wrong. It comes from faith that is honest and true” (I Timothy 1:5, NIV).

We can find solace in God’s word, which is unchanging and reliable. The Bible is a steadfast source of truth. Today’s verse unveils God’s plans for us, reassuring us. Paul succinctly outlines the purpose of God’s commands. First and foremost, God yearns for love to radiate from our lives, a love that stems from a pure heart. The more we allow God’s truth to permeate our hearts, the more loving we become.

Secondly, God wants us to be able to distinguish right from wrong. The sharper our vision of right and wrong, the better we can choose the right. Scripture is full of truths revealing what is right and wrong. God desires us to live righteous lives that reflect the right and reject the wrong.

Finally, God wants us to live by faith. Faith can be hypocritical. Just saying, “I believe” is not enough. Our faith must be honest and trustworthy. The few times we see righteous anger revealed in Jesus are when He addresses hypocrisy. It’s understandable if you sometimes struggle with this, as we all do. But remember, God is not looking for people who pretend to have faith. He wants our faith to be genuine—honest and trustworthy.

God’s goal is that our lives reflect love, righteousness, and faith. It is a tall order, but those who embrace God’s plan will find that the Holy Spirit helps them carry it out. This is not just for a select few but all seeking to follow God’s teachings.

Father, I want to live Your way, but I must confess there are times when I prefer my way. Forgive me and keep me on the right path. May my life increasingly show forth Your love, righteousness, and genuine faith. In Jesus’ name, I ask for this blessing in His name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse:  I look up to the mountains—     does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1-2).

DAILY DEVOTION, September 11, 2024

For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:3-4).

I remember 9/11/01 as if it were yesterday. I was on my way to the DHF office in Lovington, Illinois, when I heard what was happening on the radio. I turned around and went home. I couldn’t work that day. I spent the rest of the day glued to the TV. Scene after scene of horror unfolded. It was totally unexpected. Who would have believed that terrorists could attack our country with so much destruction? Today is the anniversary of that attack.

Paul speaks of another unexpected event for which many will be unprepared: the Day of the Lord, the return of Jesus. So many live in unbelief, and when Jesus suddenly appears, many will think, “This can’t be happening.” Those who live in the light of divine truth will not be surprised. It is the day that Christians have longed for through the centuries. 

Since we don’t know when Jesus will return, we must always be ready. The Master told us that He would return to this earth in triumph. We don’t know when it will happen. May He find us faithful if He returns in our lifetime. 

Father, I do want to be prepared when Jesus returns. If I should die before that event, I want to stand before You as a faithful Christian redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I don’t want to be spiritually asleep when Jesus returns. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17). 

DAILY DEVOTION, September 3, 2024

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Have you heard anyone say, “Why did God allow this to happen? If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? Why has God allowed so many to die in the Middle East?” The list of “why” questions goes on and on. Our verse reminds us of a fundamental truth. We are not yet in heaven. We live in a world where we cannot answer some questions. I imagine looking into a foggy mirror and seeing a dim reflection. That is what life is like. Yes, we do know some things, but there are many things we will never know in this life. Paul says, “We know in part.”

Indeed, the day is approaching when all our questions will find their answers. We will possess all the knowledge we need in God’s eternal Kingdom. There will be no mysteries, no unanswered queries. However, we have yet to arrive. God is testing our faith to see if we will trust Him even when His ways seem perplexing. Sometimes, we need a gentle reminder – – – we are not yet in heaven.

We sing a hymn with the chorus, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” Here is the first verse:

“Oft times the day seems long. Our trials hard to bear,

We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His bride away,

All tears forever over in God’s eternal day.”

Then comes the chorus, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” Yes, the day is coming when all our questions will be answered. In the meantime, it’s crucial to remember to concentrate on what we do know (Jesus is our Lord and Savior) and not to worry about things we do not know.

Father, thank you for revealing so much of Your divine truth. However, sometimes things happen in my life that confuse and perplex me. Help me understand and accept that in this life, I can only know in part. Forgive me when my trials lead me to complain. I ask the Holy Spirit to keep me in true faith when life is hard. I pray in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

DAILY DEVOTIONS, September 1, 2024

Psalm 100:5: For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations (NKJV).

Talk about good news! The Psalmist drives it home about the nature of God. The God we worship is not capricious, not good today but not so good tomorrow. He is always good, eternally good. That means He will always be and eternally good to you. Then, we are told His mercy is not temporary, not fleeting. It is everlasting, eternal. How long is everlasting? Well, it means His mercy will last forever. God is always merciful, eternally merciful. Do I need God’s mercy today? Yes, I do. What about tomorrow? Yes, I will need God’s mercy tomorrow. In His Son, Jesus, God has not just showered us with mercy but with everlasting mercy. As we place our trust in Jesus, we receive mercy, the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life. And when can we count on God’s truthfulness? Maybe sometimes He deceives us. His truth is not temporary, not deceptive. It endures forever, eternally. As we read God’s word and put it into practice, we live on the side of eternal truth.

Yet, if God is good, merciful, and truthful, how does the concept of hell fit into this picture? God has revealed His nature to us and given us the power of choice. He invites us to trust His goodness, mercy, and truthfulness by accepting His Son. But what if we reject His mercy? What awaits those who reject God entirely? He has truthfully informed us that a place exists for those who choose to live apart from Him, but it is not a pleasant place. Hell is devoid of the goodness, mercy, and truthfulness of God, which makes it inherently unpleasant. God has done everything necessary to redeem us. Those who believe in His Son will bask in His goodness forever.

My Heavenly Father, I am profoundly grateful for how You have revealed Yourself to us. I am thankful that I can depend on Your unwavering goodness, mercy, and truth. I am incredibly thankful that all of Your goodness is embodied in Jesus, our Savior. I wholeheartedly believe that He is Your Son, my Savior. I accept the mercy You offer me through His death and resurrection. I pray that Your name will be glorified forever, in the name of Jesus, Amen.