Marie’s daily verse:  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” LUKE 15:10

DAILY DEVOTION, April 23, 2023

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

These two verses are profound. We are surrounded by other Christians, both in heaven and on earth, who encourage us. When tempted to fall into sin, we need to listen to that cloud of witnesses surrounding us and lay the sin aside. Sin is described as a weight. It is heavy, pulling us in the wrong direction. Our sinful desires all too easily entrap us.

As we continue to look unto Jesus, trusting Him, loving Him, and remembering Him when we are tempted, we receive strength from Him to resist the sin tempting us. Jesus is the author of our faith and finisher of our faith. Faith begins and ends with Jesus. When Jesus understood His death would atone for our sins, He was filled with joy. The cross was a painful reality, but He endured it for our sakes. We need to remember Jesus on the cross when tempted to disobey God. His suffering brought us forgiveness and strength to live a new life. So let us live it!

Father, when I contemplate the suffering Jesus endured for me, I feel both remorseful and grateful. I am so sorry that my disobedience caused Him so much pain, but I am also thankful that He was willing to endure the cross for my sake. I want to rededicate myself to Him out of gratitude for what He has done for me. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 46:2: Therefore we will not fear, 

Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

DAILY DEVOTION, April 17, 2023

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down (Daniel 4:37).

Nebuchadnezzar was a heathen king. He did not have any regard for the God of Israel. Then he met Daniel. The king had a dream interpreted by Daniel. The king learned he would lose his mind for a time and live like an animal. This was a judgment upon his wickedness, especially his pride. Daniel told him to get his spiritual act together, and perhaps God would restore him (Dan 4:27). 

When the king was restored to his right mind, he changed his opinion about the God of Israel. He praises Him and affirms that He is a God of truth and justice. He mentions especially that God disapproves of pride. He experienced firsthand that God can put down those who walk in pride.

We need to beware of having too high an opinion of ourselves. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth in his day. He was above criticism. He was able to crush anyone and everyone who stood in his way. He did not need anyone, God or man – – – or so he thought. The God of Israel brought the great king down, and he became a believer. Don’t allow pride to get ahold of you. If you do, God can bring you down. The wiser course is to turn away from pride and live humbly before God.

Gracious God, help me to recognize when pride is in my heart. I have no reason to stand before my Creator with pride in my soul. If I ever look down upon another human being, I ask you to bring me to repentance. If I stubbornly refuse, I ask You to work drastically in my life as You did with Nebuchadnezzar, until I learn to walk before You in humility. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Marie’s daily verse: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10

DAILY DEVOTION, April 16, 2023

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

James gives some practical advice on how to relate to one another. When another is speaking, we must pay close attention to what they are saying. We are often sidetracked by thinking about what we will say, and we don’t really hear the other. James says we need to listen more than we speak. We sometimes get the process reversed! Others notice as we listen carefully to what others say and hold our tongues. They appreciate that we really want to hear and understand their point of view. When we speak too quickly, we say, “I care more about my opinion than yours.”  Others notice that also.

As we interact with one another, words, at times, can inspire anger. James says to slow down on the anger part. Listening more than we speak also reduces the chance of anger arising. Angry words only damage a relationship. Careful listening to what others say strengthens the relationship—good advice from the apostle James.

Father, please help me to be a good listener. Hold my tongue when I am too eager to speak. Above all, let not anger arise in my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Marie’s daily verse: 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

DAILY DEVOTION, April 4, 2023

That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13).

Paul refers to our condition before Christ. God was dealing with Israel, and we were aliens. We were strangers to His promises. We were without hope and without God. Paul paints a rather grim picture of our spiritual condition. The word “hopeless” is an apt description of our state without Christ.

Then comes that glorious word “but.” We who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. He shed His blood so that we might be forgiven of our sins. By faith, we enter into an eternal relationship with God. We who were once hopeless are now filled with hope, all because of Jesus. We are saved by faith alone, faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. All this came about because God loved us even when we were His enemies. How can we not love Him in return?

Gracious and loving Father, thank You for loving me when I was far from You. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior. I do not understand everything about You, but I know You are a god of love. I thank You with all my heart. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Marie’s daily verse: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ROMANS 5:8

DAILY DEVOTION, April 3, 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 and will never be erased. 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 defiled 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 that 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