Marie’s daily verse: 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). 

DAILY DEVOTION, June 21, 2024

The one who says he remains in him should walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).

We claim to have a relationship with Jesus. We declare, “I am a Christian.” The “Grace and Truth Study Bible” says this about our passage: “John emphasizes the believer’s life of obedience. Christians can know in the present that they truly have come to know Jesus because of the way they keep the commandments of Jesus. The assurance that one has been saved in the past (i.e., conversion) is evidenced by obedience in the present. God is love (1 John 4:8), and one’s response to his grace demonstrates one’s love for God. Those who claim conversion but disobey Christ are liars (1:6,10). Obedience is not the means of conversion but proof; it shows love for God and union with Christ.”

In other words, faith always leads to obedience. It is folly to say, “I believe in Jesus,” but then give little evidence that you aim to follow Him. The hymn “Trust and Obey” reflects this truth. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” I hope that when others see how we live, they will think of Jesus.

Father, I want to remain with Jesus always. I desire to study His life and imitate His behavior. I want others to see Jesus when they see me. In His name, I pray, Amen.  

Marie’s daily verse: 

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When a

nxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:18-19). 

DAILY DEVOTION, June 20, 2024

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”(Titus 2:14).

The Christian life is wonderful but incomplete. God’s will is never done entirely on earth as in heaven, although we pray for it. Sickness and death strike us all, Christian or not. Wars are ever with us. Deadly shootings in our country seem to have reached an epidemic level. When will God’s will be done on earth as in heaven?

We await Jesus’ return to usher in His eternal kingdom, anticipate our resurrection, and look forward to heaven. One day, the heavenly trumpet will sound, and the dead in Christ will rise. The living shall be transformed in the twinkling of an eye, and we shall rise to meet our Lord in the air. That event will signal to us that we are now ready to enjoy God’s promises for all eternity in full.

The solution to all the evil in the world is the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the meantime, we do our best to follow Jesus and positively influence the world. We hope and pray that He will come soon. Come, Lord Jesus!

Father in heaven, we know that Jesus is coming even though we do not know when that will happen. Grant us patience to live in a fallen world where evil is ever with us. We await the return of our Savior. In His name, we pray, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord”. 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 19, 2024

Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin” (John 19:10, 11).

My, how politicians love power! (Greek, exousia, or authority) They love to flaunt it over us lowly commoners. Modern-day lovers of power (authority) would do well to listen to Plato’s advice. “Only those who do not desire power are fit to hold it.” In other words, if you lust after power, you are unfit to hold it. If all our politicians who desired power were suddenly to leave the stage, we would have few politicians!

Jesus corrects Pilate. He does not possess power by right. He possesses power because God gave it to Him. God gives us what we have, and it is up to us to use it wisely. Unfortunately, Pilate went down the road of far too many politicians – – – he abused his power and had the Son of God crucified. You may possess some power or authority over others. God has placed you in that position. Please don’t mess it up!

Father, if you have given me even the slightest power, help me not abuse it. Help me to use all You have given me wisely. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: 

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

DAILY DEVOTION, June 18, 2024

He saw the disciples straining at the oars because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn, he went out to them, walking on the lake  (Mark 6:48, NIV).

There are times when we are in trouble. Life can put us in difficult circumstances. This happened to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus sent them in a boat onto the Sea of Galilee while He went to a mountain to pray. In today’s vocabulary, Jesus is multitasking! He is praying to His Father but also keeps an eye on His disciples. He sees they are in trouble in the storm. Perhaps their boat will capsize in the wind.

Jesus leaves His time of prayer to go and help His disciples. He cares about us when we are in trouble. To aid His disciples, He must perform a miracle. He walks to them on the surface of the sea. The disciples are astonished and fearful initially. Jesus calms the storm and joins them in the boat, strengthening their faith.

If you are going through a hard time, remember that Jesus knows and cares. Take His hand by faith and trust in Him. We can endure anything if He is with us. He will calm our storms and give us a sense of peace.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus being our Savior. He has redeemed us from sin, knows when we are in trouble, and cares. Help me to trust in Him when troubles come. In His holy name, I pray, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 46:10 New Living Translation: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

DAILY DEVOTION, June 11, 2024

What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8 31-32).

Paul asks a serious question. Too often, we Christians worry about this and that, about this person and that person. However, what enemy/problem can stand up to God if God is for us? The things that seem to work against us are no match for God. The word “if” does not suggest doubt. A better translation is, “Since God is for us, who can be against us.” God has revealed that He is on our side. He has spoken very plainly in His Son.

God did not spare His own Son but allowed Him to go to the cross for us. Paul speculates that if God has already given us His best (His Son), why would He withhold from us any lesser blessing? With the gift of His Son, we receive eternal life and whatever else we may need. God cared enough to send His very best. He will not withhold from us any lesser blessing that will strengthen our relationship with him.

So, in the words of Peter, “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever concerns you may be cast into the arms of the heavenly Father. He has already given you His best. Trust Him for the rest.

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to redeem us and for Your promise to give us whatever we need to grow in grace. Help me to trust You with all my needs. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.