Month: September 2026

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:51

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

You Shall See Heaven Open: Meeting Jesus, the Bridge and the Ladder

Have you ever felt like God was distant, locked away in a quiet heaven while you navigate the messy, loud realities of earth? It is easy to look at the sky and feel a massive gap between the Divine and the human.

In the very first chapter of John, Jesus obliterates that distance with a breathtaking promise. Standing before Nathanael and the early disciples, He says:

“Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” – John 1:51

With these few words, Jesus reveals exactly who He is and what He came to do. He isn’t just a great teacher or a historical figure; Jesus is the ultimate connection point between heaven and earth.

The Divine Ladder

To understand what Jesus means, we have to look backward. Jesus is intentionally echoing an ancient Old Testament story from Genesis 28:12.

In that story, Jacob has a dream of a massive stairway—a ladder—resting on the earth with its top reaching into heaven, and angels are ascending and descending on it. It was a visual sign that God had not abandoned earth.

By applying this imagery to Himself, Jesus makes a radical claim: He is the ladder. He is the vehicle through which God’s ultimate revelation, truth, and grace come down to the world. Heaven is no longer closed. The traffic between the human realm and the divine realm passes directly through Him.

The Bridge Between God and Man

Jesus is uniquely qualified to be this ladder because of His very nature. As John writes earlier in his gospel, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

• He is fully God: He has the authority to reach into the heavens and speak for the Father.
• He is fully man: He understands our pain, our weaknesses, and our limitations because He lived them.

Because He is both, Jesus is the bridge. He spans the infinite gulf created by our imperfections. He bridges the gap between a holy God and a broken people. Through faith in the Son of God, the barrier is torn down, and the way to the Father is thrown wide open.

What This Means For You Today

When you accept Jesus by faith, you aren’t just adopting a new religion; you are stepping onto the bridge. You gain instant access to the throne room of God. Your prayers ascend through Him, and His peace, guidance, and power descend into your life.

You no longer have to wonder what God is like or how to reach Him. Look at Jesus, and you see the heart of God. Trust in Jesus, and you will see heaven open.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be the divine bridge for our lives. We praise You that we do not have to live under a closed sky, struggling in our own strength to reach You. Thank You, Jesus, for being the ladder that brings God’s grace down to earth, and the bridge that carries us safely into the Father’s arms.

Increase our faith today. Open the eyes of our hearts to see the reality of heaven active in our daily lives. Where we feel distant, remind us that the way is already made. We place our trust completely in You, the Son of Man.

In Jesus’ beautiful name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
2. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
3. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
4. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
5. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
6. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
7. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
8. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
9. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
10. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
11. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
12. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
13. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
14. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
15. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
16. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
17. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
18. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The Power of Who You Are Becoming: Lessons from Cephas and Peter

We often look in the mirror and judge ourselves based on our current flaws, past mistakes, or emotional inconsistencies. We see our instability and wonder if God can truly use someone so fragile.

If you have ever felt this way, take comfort in the story of a fisherman named Simon.

In John 1:42, we witness a profound moment when Jesus first looks at Simon:

“Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).”

Both Cephas (Aramaic) and Peter (Greek) mean “rock.”

The Irony of the Rock

If we read through the Gospels, the name “Rock” seems almost ironic. Peter was anything but unmovable or reliable. He was a man driven to extremes by his emotions:

• One moment he is walking on water; the next, he is sinking in fear.
• One moment he declares he will die for Jesus; the next, he denies even knowing Him three times.

Peter suffered from deep spiritual instability. Yet, Jesus didn’t look at Simon and name him for who he was in that moment. Jesus named Peter for who he would become.

The Turning Point: The Holy Spirit

How does an unstable, emotionally driven fisherman transform into the bold, powerful, and faithful pillar of the early church we see in the Book of Acts?

The turning point wasn’t a sudden burst of human willpower. The transformation happened in Acts 2 through the baptism in the Holy Spirit (as foretold in John 1:33). When the Holy Spirit filled Peter, his natural instability was overwritten by supernatural power. The man who shrank back in fear before a servant girl now stood boldly before thousands to preach the Gospel.

Jesus saw the finished product from the very beginning. He sees the same potential in you. He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called through His Spirit.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You do not see us merely as we are today, but for who we will become in You. Forgive us for the times we allow our emotions, fears, and spiritual instability to dictate our identity. We thank You that our flaws do not disqualify us from Your divine purpose.

Just as You transformed Simon into Peter, the Rock, we ask that You transform us today. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Give us the boldness, power, and faithfulness to stand secure in our faith and to lead others to You. When we feel fragile, remind us that You are our firm foundation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
2. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
3. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
4. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
5. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
6. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
7. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
8. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
9. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
10. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
11. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
12. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
13. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
14. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
15. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
16. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

The First Thing Andrew Did: A Blueprint for Following Christ

When we encounter something truly life-changing, our natural instinct is to share it. We call a friend about a great new restaurant, text a family member about a job opening, or post online about a book that moved us. Yet, when it comes to the most transformative reality in human history—knowing Jesus Christ—we often hesitate.

The Gospel of John introduces us to a man named Andrew, whose immediate reaction to meeting Jesus provides a powerful, timeless blueprint for every believer.

1. He Followed Without Hesitation

In John 1:37, Andrew hears John the Baptist point out Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” Andrew didn’t wait for a more convenient season, nor did he form a committee to debate the decision. He immediately turned and followed Jesus. True discipleship begins with an urgent, undivided “yes” to Christ’s invitation.

2. He Looked for His Closest Circle First

John 1:41 reveals the very next beat of Andrew’s heart: “He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).”

Andrew’s evangelism didn’t start on a global stage or with a massive crowd. It started at home. The phrase “the first thing Andrew did” underscores his priority. His deep encounter with Jesus produced an immediate urgency to reach the person closest to him.

3. He Introduced Others to Jesus

Andrew didn’t just give Peter a theological lecture; John 1:42 tells us, “He brought him to Jesus.” Andrew knew that his job wasn’t to change Simon’s heart—his job was simply to bridge the gap and let Jesus do the transforming work. Because of Andrew’s simple act of introduction, Simon Peter met the Lord, received a new name, and went on to become a pillar of the early Church.

The Pattern for Us Today

This sequence should be the natural rhythm adopted by everyone who claims to follow Christ:

1. Encounter Jesus deeply.
2. Respond to Him without delay.
3. Share Him immediately with those around us.

You don’t need a theology degree to introduce someone to Christ. You only need to be like Andrew—someone who has spent time with the Savior and can enthusiastically say to a friend, a coworker, or a sibling: “Come and see.”

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful example of Andrew, who met Jesus and refused to keep the Good News to himself. Forgive us for the times we have hesitated out of fear, awkwardness, or complacency. Give us the courage to follow You without delay and the urgency to share Your love with our families, friends, and neighbors.

Open our eyes to the “Simons” in our lives who are waiting to be introduced to You. Make our hearts burst with the joy of salvation so that telling others about the Messiah becomes the most natural thing we do. May our lives serve as a bridge that brings people directly to Your feet.

In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
2. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
3. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
4. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
5. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
6. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
7. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
8. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
9. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
10. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
11. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
12. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
13. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
14. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
15. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
16. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAYILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:39

 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

The Tenth Hour: The Moment Everything Changes

We live in a world obsessed with big moments—the grand stage, the dramatic announcement, the loud and flashy breakthroughs. But if you look closely at the Gospels, you will find that God’s kingdom often arrives in the quietest, most unexpected ways.

In John 1:39, we find a seemingly minor detail that carries an ocean of theological weight. Two disciples of John the Baptist hear their teacher point at Jesus and say, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”. Curious, they begin to follow Jesus down the road. Jesus turns, looks them in the eye, and asks a foundational question: “What are you looking for?”

They respond by asking where He is staying. Jesus doesn’t hand them an address or a map. Instead, He gives a personal, open-ended invitation: “Come, and you will see.”

The Gospel writer then notes:

“So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour.“ — John 1:39

Why Mention the Tenth Hour?

In the ancient Jewish method of keeping time, the day was divided into twelve hours starting at dawn (around 6:00 AM). This means the tenth hour was roughly 4:00 PM—late afternoon, with the sun beginning its slow descent and evening fast approaching.

Why did the author bother to write down the exact time?

1. It Was an Eyewitness Memory: John, the author of the Gospel, was likely one of those two disciples alongside Andrew. Decades later, as an old man writing this book, he still remembered the exact hour his life flipped upside down. It was 4:00 PM. That was the moment he walked into the presence of the Messiah and never looked back.
2. The Hour of Settling In: Coming to someone at the tenth hour meant the day was winding down. You didn’t just stop by for a quick, polite chat at 4:00 PM; you stayed for dinner. You stayed the night. Jesus wasn’t offering them a rushed transactional meeting. He was inviting them into abiding presence.
3. A Symbolic Shift: The number ten in biblical numerology often signifies completeness or the fulfillment of a cycle. The tenth hour marks the end of their old life under the law and the dawn of a new era of divine revelation and grace.

The Invitation to Abide

When Jesus invites us to “come and see,” He is inviting us into intimacy. He doesn’t meet us in a sterile boardroom; He invites us to where He is staying. He wants our late afternoons, our unhurried evenings, and our everyday spaces.

The disciples built sandcastles of their own expectations, but the moment they stepped into the presence of Christ, those little kingdoms crumbled. They went from being casual seekers to lifelong disciples whose identities were changed forever.

What time is it in your life? Are you walking through a late afternoon, wondering where God is staying? Listen closely. The invitation remains the same today: Come, and you will see.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the beauty of Your invitation. You do not hide from us, nor do You turn us away when we come seeking. Forgive us for the times we treat You like a quick stop on our daily schedule rather than the place where we live and move and have our being.

Lord Jesus, just as You turned to those two disciples at the tenth hour, turn Your gaze toward us today. When we ask where You are, whisper to our hearts: “Come and see.” Give us the courage to leave behind our own small kingdoms, to pull up a chair, and to truly abide in Your presence. Let this be the hour where our lives are forever changed by Your grace.

In Your holy and precious name, we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
2. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
3. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
4. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
5. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
6. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
7. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
8. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
9. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
10. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
11. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
12. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
13. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
14. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
15. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAYILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Immersed in the Divine: Understanding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

In John 1:33, John the Baptist introduces a profound truth about Jesus’ ministry: “He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’”

This declaration is so foundational to the Christian faith that it is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33). It highlights the ultimate distinction and dynamic characteristic of Jesus’ followers.

The Meaning of “With” the Spirit

To truly grasp this promise, we can look at the original Greek text. The word translated as “with” is the Greek preposition en, which can mean “by,” “with,” or “in.” Combined with the literal meaning of the word baptize—which means to immerse or put under—we find a deeper layer of meaning.

Just as John baptized by immersing people in water, Jesus came to completely immerse His followers in the Holy Spirit. This is not a superficial sprinkling; it is a total saturation of your mind, heart, and soul.

Cleansed and Empowered for a Purpose

The baptism of the Holy Spirit serves a dual purpose for believers:

• Cleansing: It acts as a powerful sign of internal washing, renewing us from the inside out.
• Empowering: It provides the divine strength needed to live out our faith.

The Holy Spirit is poured out on us—and into us—so that we do not have to carry out God’s work in our own strength. As promised in Acts 1:8, this empowerment is specifically given so that we can carry His message of spiritual salvation throughout the world.

Jesus’ purpose has not changed. The invitation to be baptized and filled with the Spirit remains an ongoing promise for every believer today (Acts 2:39). He wants to immerse you in His presence so that you can live a life marked by His power, love, and grace.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound promise of the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, You are the one who baptizes not just with water, but with fire and the Holy Spirit. We ask today for a fresh immersion. Dip us deep into Your presence, cleanse our hearts, and saturate our minds with Your truth. We pray for the divine empowerment needed to carry Your message of salvation to those around us. Fill us completely so that our lives overflow with Your love, power, and grace. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
2. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
3. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
4. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
5. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
6. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
7. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
8. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
9. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
10. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
11. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
12. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
13. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
14. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAYILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Understanding Jesus as the Lamb of God

In the Gospel of John, we encounter one of the most profound titles ever given to Jesus Christ. As John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching, he declares to the crowds, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

To modern ears, calling a powerful leader a “lamb” might sound unusual. But to the Jewish audience standing by the Jordan River, this title carried immense historical, prophetic, and spiritual weight. It connected centuries of tradition directly to the man standing right in front of them.

The Shadow of the Old Covenant

To understand why Jesus is called the Lamb of God, we have to look back at the Old Testament. Throughout Israel’s history, lambs were central to worship and survival:

• The Passover Lamb: In Exodus 12:13-17, during the final plague of Egypt, families had to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. When the angel of death saw the blood, he passed over that house. The lamb died so the firstborn could live.
• The Suffering Servant: Years later, the prophet Isaiah foretold a coming Messiah who would suffer for the people’s rebellion. Isaiah 53:7 describes Him as a lamb led to the slaughter, carrying the iniquities of us all.

Under the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices were a regular part of life. They provided an temporary atonement—a physical “covering”—for sin. However, these animal sacrifices were imperfect. They had to be repeated day after day, year after year, because they could never truly erase human guilt or change the human heart. They were merely pointers to a greater reality.

The Perfect, Once-and-for-All Sacrifice

Jesus came as the final answer to the problem of sin. He was not just a lamb; He was the Lamb provided by God Himself.

Because Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, He became the only sacrifice qualified to pay the full death penalty that all humanity deserved for our rebellion against God. Where animal sacrifices fell short, Jesus succeeded. By dying on the cross, He paid the debt of human sin completely and permanently.

Because of His sacrifice, the system of endless rituals is over. He broke the power of guilt, defeated the grip of sin, and permanently opened the way into the presence of God.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

The title “Lamb of God” isn’t just an ancient theological concept. It is an invitation to freedom.

When you accept Jesus as the Forgiver of your sins and the Leader of your life, your past is no longer defined by your mistakes. The barrier between you and God is completely torn down. You are invited to step out from under the weight of shame and enter into a vibrant, living relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Today, look at Jesus and echo the words of John the Baptist: Behold the Lamb. Lean into His grace, accept His forgiveness, and let Him lead you forward.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for providing the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We praise You for Your incredible plan of redemption, woven through history and fulfilled perfectly in Your Son. Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb of God who takes away our sins and removes our guilt. We accept Your forgiveness today. We surrender our lives to You, asking that You be both our Savior and our Leader. Wash us clean, guide our steps, and help us live every day in the freedom of Your grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
2. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
3. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
4. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
5. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
6. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
7. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
8. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
9. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
10. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
11. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
12. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
13. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:24

Now the Pharisees who had been sent

The Trap of Tradition: Understanding the Pharisee’s Question

In John 1:24, the Gospel writer pauses the narrative to give us a critical piece of context: “Now the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him…” This brief sentence exposes the underlying tension of John the Baptist’s entire ministry. The men sent from Jerusalem were not looking for a savior; they were looking to enforce compliance. As Pharisees, their identity was wrapped up in keeping meticulous rules and guarding religious traditions.

The Pharisees were paralyzed by a rigid mindset. Because John’s radical baptism of repentance did not fit into their neat theological boxes, they immediately met it with suspicion. They asked him why he was baptizing if he wasn’t the Messiah or Elijah. They were so busy checking John’s credentials against their own rulebooks that they completely missed the spiritual awakening happening right in front of them. Their focus was entirely on by what authority he acted, rather than what God was doing through him.

This text forces us to look into a mirror. It is easy to point fingers at the Pharisees, but we often inherit their spiritual blindness. We build our own modern-day traditions, preferences, and comfort zones. When God begins to work in a way that disrupts our routine, or through people who don’t look or act like us, our first instinct is often to question and criticize. Like the Pharisees, we can become so obsessed with guarding the gate of how things “should” be done that we lock ourselves out of the fresh move of the Holy Spirit.

John’s ultimate response to their questioning was to deflect the spotlight away from his own methods and shine it directly on Christ: “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know.” The tragedy of the Pharisees is that Jesus was standing right among them, yet they were too blinded by their own rules to recognize Him. John 1:24 challenges us to drop our defensive clipboards, stop measuring God’s work by our own narrow standards, and open our eyes to see Jesus working in our midst today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, search our hearts today and expose any areas where Pharisaical pride has taken root. Forgive us for the times we have prioritized our traditions, our comforts, and our rigid expectations over the movement of Your Holy Spirit. Deliver us from the trap of a critical spirit that questions Your work simply because it doesn’t fit our timeline or our design. Give us open eyes to see and open hearts to receive how You are moving in our lives and communities today. Help us not to miss Jesus standing right among us. May we, like John, be willing to break out of comfort zones if it means making straight the way for Your truth. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
2. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
3. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
4. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
5. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
6. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
7. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
8. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
9. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
10. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
11. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
12. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:17

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The Fullness of Grace and Truth: Living in the Reality of John 1:17

Have you ever tried to live up to a standard that felt completely out of reach?

Before Jesus came to earth to die for humanity’s sins—our offenses and rebellion against God—God’s people in the Old Testament maintained their relationship with Him based on the law given through the prophet Moses. The law laid out God’s perfect standard, but it also highlighted human weakness.

Yet, living for God and being “right” with Him was never simply a matter of checking off commands and regulations. Long before the law was written on stone tablets, true faith was the foundational requirement. We see this clearly in the lives of early believers like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham (Genesis 5:24; Genesis 7:1; Genesis 15:6). Their faith, combined with God’s beautiful promises of forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7; Leviticus 5:17-18), provided clear evidence of God’s grace—His undeserved favor and love—even in Old Testament times.

But everything changed when Jesus stepped into history. As John 1:17 tells us:

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

From Shadows to Substance

Through Christ, God’s grace and truth are now available to us in the fullest possible measure (Romans 5:17-21). Truth is no longer veiled or hidden behind prophetic signs and symbolic activities, like the old sacrificial systems.

Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:1; John 1:14), has fully revealed God’s promises, principles, and purposes. Because of Him, we are invited to experience “one blessing after another” (John 1:16). This means God constantly and dynamically provides the benefits of His presence and power to those who respond to His grace and accept Christ’s forgiveness and leadership.

A Relationship, Not a Checklist

Spiritual salvation does not come from our own imperfect, exhausting efforts to keep the law. Instead, it is a gift managed by the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 16:2).

The Holy Spirit does what rules could never do:

• He reveals God’s ultimate truth to our hearts.
• He enters the lives of those who receive Christ.
• He renews our spirit and re-creates us in Christ’s very image.

This beautiful transformation means we are no longer trying to please a distant judge through legalism. We can genuinely respond to God, enjoy a vibrant, personal relationship with Him, and naturally start to reflect His love and character to the world around us.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that while the law showed us Your perfect standard, Jesus brought us the grace and truth we needed to actually be reconciled to You. We confess that we cannot save ourselves through our own imperfect efforts, and we lean entirely on Your undeserved favor.

Holy Spirit, fill us afresh today. Renew our spirits, guide us into all truth, and shape us into the image of Jesus. Let us live daily in the fullness of Your presence, experiencing one blessing after another, so that we might reflect Your profound love and character to a world in need of Your grace.

In Jesus’ beautiful name we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
2. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
3. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
4. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
5. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
6. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
7. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
8. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
9. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
10. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
11. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Wonder of the Incarnation: When the Word Became Flesh

Have you ever stopped to wonder how far love would go to reach you?

In John 1:14, we encounter one of the most profound and breathtaking truths in all of Scripture: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

This isn’t just a poetic phrase; it is the cornerstone of our faith. Christ, the eternal God, stepped out of eternity and entered human history as a human being. In Jesus, humanity and deity were perfectly united. The Creator of the universe chose to limit Himself, entering our world to experience the full weight of human existence.

Walking in Our Shoes

Jesus did not stay distant. He chose a humble path, willingly taking on the limitations of human life. He grew tired, experienced hunger, and felt deep sorrow. According to Hebrews 4:15, He faced all the difficulties and temptations we face today—yet He overcame every single one without failing or disobeying God.

Because He lived a real human life, He relates to you in every way. When you hurt, He understands. When you are tempted, He knows the struggle. You are never alone in your human experience because Jesus has already walked this ground.

Bridging the Ultimate Gap

The beauty of the Incarnation goes even deeper than empathy. Because Jesus became one of us, He was able to stand in our place. Our sin—our defiance and opposition toward God—created a massive, unbridgeable chasm between humanity and a holy God.

As a sinless man, Jesus met the full requirements demanded by God’s justice. He gave His life in our place, paying the complete penalty for our sin. He is the only one who could have bridged the gap. Because of His finished work on the cross, the opportunity for a personal relationship with God is freely offered to everyone.

Tragically, as John notes, this incredible gift continues to be rejected by so many. But for those who receive Him, it changes everything. The God of the universe didn’t just shout His love from heaven; He came down to live it out.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We stand in awe of the truth that the Word became flesh. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for humbling Yourself, stepping into our broken world, and choosing to dwell among us. Thank You for enduring the temptations and hardships of this life so that You could relate to us in our weakness.

We praise You for being the perfect bridge-builder. Where our sin created an impossible separation, Your ultimate sacrifice brought us home. Open our hearts to fully receive the depth of this gift, and give us the courage to share this good news with a world that so desperately needs to know Your love.

In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

• NIV Bible
• King James Bible
• www. biblegateway.com
• www.biblestudytools.com
• Map Pencils
• Strong’s Concordance
• College Ruled Spiral Notebook
• Ballpoint Pens
• Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
2. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
3. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
4. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
5. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
6. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
7. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
8. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
9. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
10. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace