Month: October 2026

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HUSBAND … WIFE … CHILDREN / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

The Ripple Effect of Faith: Finding Hope in an Unequally Yoked Marriage

Walking out your faith when your spouse does not share your beliefs can feel deeply isolating. You might worry about the spiritual future of your children or wonder if your marriage can truly thrive under God’s blessing.

If you are navigating this challenging dynamic, 1 Corinthians 7:14 offers a profound anchor of hope.

God’s Holy Influence in Your Home

The Apostle Paul addresses this exact situation with powerful reassurance:

“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.” (1 Corinthians 7:14)

This passage does not mean that a spouse or child is automatically granted eternal salvation simply because you are a Christian. Salvation remains an individual decision that every person must make for themselves.

Instead, “sanctified” and “holy” in this context mean that your faith sets your family apart. Your devotion invites God’s presence, grace, and protection directly into your household. You serve as a living conduit of the Holy Spirit. Through your daily life, your unbelieving spouse and your children are exposed to the tangible love and truth of Jesus Christ.

The Power of Staying and Praying

Because your presence carries such spiritual weight, scripture encourages believers to remain in these marriages whenever possible. Your home is not a spiritual lost cause. It is a mission field uniquely assigned to you.

By staying faithful and committed, you create a stable environment where your family can witness the fruits of the Spirit. As 1 Peter 3:1-2 suggests, an unbelieving spouse may eventually be won over to Christ without a single word, simply by observing the purity and reverence of your life. Your quiet consistency speaks volumes.

Practical Steps for the Believing Spouse

  • Model Christ, don’t lecture: Let your actions, patience, and unconditional love reflect Jesus more than your arguments do.
  • Protect your peace: Anchor yourself daily in prayer and scripture to stay spiritually fueled.
  • Trust God with the timeline: Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Release the burden of trying to force a conversion.

A Closing Prayer for Your Marriage and Family

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful truth that Your grace flows through me into my home. Lord, some days are heavy, and the spiritual division in my marriage feels wide. I ask for Your strength, Your patience, and Your supernatural love to fill me today.

Sanctify my home, Lord. Let Your holy influence be felt by my spouse and my children through my words, my attitude, and my actions. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to model Your love in silence.

I lift up the hearts of my spouse and my children to You. I pray that their eyes would be opened to Your truth, and that they would choose a personal relationship with Jesus. I place my family securely in Your hands, trusting that Your grace is sufficient for us all.

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

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

  1. I SAY THIS (I NOT THE LORD) / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:12
  2. SHE MUST REMAIN UNMARRIED / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:11
  3. THE HUSBAND SHOULD FULFILL / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:3
  4. GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO MARRY / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1
  5. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
  6. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
  7. MEMBERS OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
  8. NOT MEANT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
  9. EVERTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
  10. JUSTIFIED … BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11
  11. THE WICKED WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10
  12. BEFORE THE UNGODLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1
  13. JUDGE THOSE INSIDE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:10-12
  14. LITTLE YEAST WORKS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6
  15. HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:4-5
  16. BEEN FILLED WITH GRIEF / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:2
  17. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AMONG YOU – HAS HIS FATHER’S WIFE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1
  18. KINGDOM OF GOD … POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20
  19. APOSTLES … CONDEMNED / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-13
  20. HAVE ALL YOU WANT … HAVE BECOME RICH / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8
  21. WHY DO YOU BOAST / 1 CORINTHINANS 4:7
  22. EXPOSE THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
  23. CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:4
  24. GOD WILL DESTROY HIM / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17
  25. YOU YOURSELVES ARE GOD’S TEMPLE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
  26. HE WILL SUFFER LOSS – BUT ONLY AS ONE ESCAPING THROUGH THE FLAMES / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:15
  27. ONE PURPOSE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8
  28. YOU ARE STILL WORLDLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3
  29. NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1
  30. WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
  31. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  32. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  33. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  34. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  35. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  36. NULLIFY THE THINGS THAT ARE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:28-29
  37. GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
  38. THE FOOLISHNESS OF WHAT WAS PREACHED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:21
  39. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20
  40. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
  41. CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
  42. I FOLLOW PAUL … APOLLOS … CEPHAS … I FOLLOW CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12
  43. GOD IS FAITHFUL / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
  44. YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT – WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7
  45. CALLED TO BE HOLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-2
  46. 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

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I SAY THIS (I NOT THE LORD) / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:12

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

Trusting God’s Guidance in the Gray Areas: Understanding 1 Corinthians 7:12

Life often presents us with complex situations that do not have a simple, direct answer. Relationships change. Circumstances shift. We frequently find ourselves searching the Scriptures for a specific, word-for-word instruction for our exact dilemma, only to find that the exact scenario is not explicitly mentioned.

In 1 Corinthians 7:12, the Apostle Paul addresses exactly this kind of situation. He writes: “To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord)…”

At first glance, this phrase can confuse readers. It might sound like Paul is simply sharing his personal opinion or that this specific verse carries less weight than the rest of Scripture. However, a deeper look reveals a profound truth about how God guides us through His chosen messengers.

Not an Opinion, But Commissioned Authority

When Paul says “I, not the Lord,” he is not discounting his own words. Rather, he is making a historical distinction. He means that during His earthly ministry, Jesus did not give a direct, explicit teaching on the specific topic Paul is about to address—namely, what a believer should do if they are married to an unbeliever who wishes to stay with them.

While Jesus spoke clearly on marriage and divorce in general, He did not address this specific cross-cultural, cross-religious scenario that arose as the Gospel expanded into the Gentile world.

Paul is not speaking out of turn. He writes as one directly commissioned by Jesus Christ. He speaks with God-given authority under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Later in this same chapter, and elsewhere in the epistle, Paul affirms this authority:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25: He gives a judgment as one who “by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.”
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40: He concludes his thoughts by saying, “And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.”
  • 1 Corinthians 14:37: He boldly states, “The things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.”

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 7:12 carry the full weight of Scripture. The Holy Spirit used Paul’s apostolic authority to navigate a new, complex pastoral issue for the early Church, ensuring that the believers were not left without divine guidance.

Guidance for Our Gray Areas

This passage provides immense comfort for us today. It reminds us that God cares about the nuanced, messy, and specific details of our lives.

When we face modern dilemmas that the ancient text does not mention by name—such as navigating complex workplace ethics, managing modern technology, or handling unprecedented family dynamics—we are not left abandoned. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and spiritual leadership to help us apply timeless biblical principles to our current realities.

We can trust that the Holy Spirit who inspired Paul to answer the difficult questions of the Corinthian church is the same Spirit living inside us today, offering wisdom for every gray area we face.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the depth and richness of Your Word. Thank You that You do not leave us comfortless or without direction when life gets complicated. We praise You for the clarity of Your truth, delivered through Your commissioned servants like Paul, under the perfect guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, give us discernment when we face situations that seem unclear. Help us to trust the authority of Your Scripture and to lean on the Holy Spirit for wisdom in our daily choices. Guide our relationships, our families, and our steps. May our lives honor You, even in the most complex circumstances.

In Jesus’ 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

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

  1. SHE MUST REMAIN UNMARRIED / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:11
  2. THE HUSBAND SHOULD FULFILL / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:3
  3. GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO MARRY / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1
  4. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
  5. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
  6. MEMBERS OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
  7. NOT MEANT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
  8. EVERTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
  9. JUSTIFIED … BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11
  10. THE WICKED WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10
  11. BEFORE THE UNGODLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1
  12. JUDGE THOSE INSIDE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:10-12
  13. LITTLE YEAST WORKS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6
  14. HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:4-5
  15. BEEN FILLED WITH GRIEF / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:2
  16. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AMONG YOU – HAS HIS FATHER’S WIFE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1
  17. KINGDOM OF GOD … POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20
  18. APOSTLES … CONDEMNED / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-13
  19. HAVE ALL YOU WANT … HAVE BECOME RICH / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8
  20. WHY DO YOU BOAST / 1 CORINTHINANS 4:7
  21. EXPOSE THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
  22. CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:4
  23. GOD WILL DESTROY HIM / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17
  24. YOU YOURSELVES ARE GOD’S TEMPLE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
  25. HE WILL SUFFER LOSS – BUT ONLY AS ONE ESCAPING THROUGH THE FLAMES / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:15
  26. ONE PURPOSE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8
  27. YOU ARE STILL WORLDLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3
  28. NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1
  29. WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
  30. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  31. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  32. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  33. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  34. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  35. NULLIFY THE THINGS THAT ARE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:28-29
  36. GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
  37. THE FOOLISHNESS OF WHAT WAS PREACHED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:21
  38. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20
  39. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
  40. CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
  41. I FOLLOW PAUL … APOLLOS … CEPHAS … I FOLLOW CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12
  42. GOD IS FAITHFUL / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
  43. YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT – WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7
  44. CALLED TO BE HOLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-2
  45. 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

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SHE MUST REMAIN UNMARRIED / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Choosing Peace Over Harm: Understanding 1 Corinthians 7:11

Marriage is designed to be a lifelong covenant built on love, respect, and mutual support. However, we live in a broken world where relationships can sometimes become fractured, unsafe, or deeply destructive. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, the Apostle Paul provides profound wisdom for difficult marital situations, balancing the sacredness of marriage with the necessity of personal safety.

The Reality of Separation

Paul clearly states that God’s ideal design for marriage is permanence. Yet, in 1 Corinthians 7:11, he immediately addresses an exception: “But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.”

By including this clause, Scripture acknowledges a painful reality. Sometimes, a marriage relationship becomes so unbearable or dangerous that separation is necessary.

When Leaving is the Right Choice

Paul is not discussing a standard legal divorce here, nor is he addressing cases of adultery or abandonment by an unbeliever. Instead, this passage applies to severe situations where a spouse’s behavior endangers the physical, emotional, or spiritual life of their partner and children.

  • God does not demand abuse: It is a misconception that Scripture requires a believer to stay in an environment of repeated physical harm or severe emotional abuse.
  • Preserving life: God values your life and well-being. Stepping away from a destructive environment is an act of stewardship over the life God gave you.
  • The boundaries of separation: In these specific crises, Paul notes that the person who leaves should remain unmarried, leaving the door open for ultimate reconciliation only if true repentance, healing, and safety are fully established.

If you find yourself in a situation where your safety is compromised, know that choosing peace and safety is not a violation of God’s heart. God desires safety, justice, and healing for the oppressed.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come to You acknowledging that relationships can be deeply complex and sometimes incredibly painful. Lord, we pray for anyone currently walking through a marriage filled with strife, danger, or abuse. Give them the wisdom to discern the right steps and the courage to choose safety and peace over harm.

Wrap them in Your protection and surround them with a supportive community that offers godly counsel and refuge. Comfort their heart, heal their wounds, and guide their steps according to Your truth. We pray for transformation, healing, and safety.

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

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

  1. THE HUSBAND SHOULD FULFILL / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:3
  2. GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO MARRY / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1
  3. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
  4. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
  5. MEMBERS OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
  6. NOT MEANT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
  7. EVERTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
  8. JUSTIFIED … BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11
  9. THE WICKED WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10
  10. BEFORE THE UNGODLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1
  11. JUDGE THOSE INSIDE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:10-12
  12. LITTLE YEAST WORKS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6
  13. HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:4-5
  14. BEEN FILLED WITH GRIEF / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:2
  15. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AMONG YOU – HAS HIS FATHER’S WIFE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1
  16. KINGDOM OF GOD … POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20
  17. APOSTLES … CONDEMNED / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-13
  18. HAVE ALL YOU WANT … HAVE BECOME RICH / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8
  19. WHY DO YOU BOAST / 1 CORINTHINANS 4:7
  20. EXPOSE THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
  21. CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:4
  22. GOD WILL DESTROY HIM / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17
  23. YOU YOURSELVES ARE GOD’S TEMPLE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
  24. HE WILL SUFFER LOSS – BUT ONLY AS ONE ESCAPING THROUGH THE FLAMES / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:15
  25. ONE PURPOSE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8
  26. YOU ARE STILL WORLDLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3
  27. NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1
  28. WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
  29. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  30. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  31. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  32. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  33. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  34. NULLIFY THE THINGS THAT ARE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:28-29
  35. GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
  36. THE FOOLISHNESS OF WHAT WAS PREACHED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:21
  37. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20
  38. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
  39. CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
  40. I FOLLOW PAUL … APOLLOS … CEPHAS … I FOLLOW CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12
  41. GOD IS FAITHFUL / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
  42. YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT – WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7
  43. CALLED TO BE HOLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-2
  44. 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

Posted on

THE HUSBAND SHOULD FULFILL / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:3

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The Gift of Giving: Honoring God Through Marital Intimacy

God designed marriage as a covenant of complete self-surrender and mutual fulfillment. In 1 Corinthians 7:3, the Apostle Paul outlines a radical vision for physical intimacy within marriage: “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” Far from being a taboo topic, healthy sensual desire directed toward your spouse is a natural, God-given gift meant to unite a couple and protect their bond.

Surrendering the Rights to Ourselves

When a husband and wife say “I do,” they make a profound commitment to lay down their independence.

  • Shared authority: Neither partner holds exclusive rights over their own body.
  • A rightful claim: The covenant of marriage gives your spouse a legitimate claim to physical intimacy.
  • Mutual surrender: Intimacy is not about demanding your rights, but willingly giving yourself to serve the other.

Protecting the Marriage Bed

Refusing to fulfill each other’s physical needs does more than cause emotional distance; it leaves the relationship vulnerable.

  • The danger of denial: Withholding intimacy breaks the protective wall of the marriage covenant.
  • Satan’s foothold: Prolonged, unagreed-upon abstinence opens the door wide to temptation.
  • A spiritual defense: Regular, loving sexual satisfaction acts as a safeguard against the enemy’s trap of adultery.

Fulfilling the Duty of Love

Physical connection should never be used as a weapon, a bargaining chip, or a reward.

  • A natural blessing: Sensual desires inside the bounds of marriage are holy, pure, and designed by God.
  • A joyful obligation: Fulfilling your spouse is a continuous act of love, respect, and spiritual obedience.
  • The grace exception: The only biblical reason to pause intimacy is by mutual consent, for a short time, to focus purely on prayer.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the beautiful gift of marriage and the blessing of physical intimacy that You designed to unite a husband and wife. Grant us the grace to live out the truth of 1 Corinthians 7:3 every day. Remove any selfishness, pride, or resentment that would cause us to withhold ourselves from our spouse. Help us to view our bodies as a gift to be shared, not a possession to be guarded.

Protect our marriage from the traps of the enemy. Give us the wisdom to recognize when we are leaving our relationship vulnerable to temptation, and strengthen our self-control. May our physical union always remain pure, undefiled, and full of joy. Let our love reflect the self-sacrificing love of Christ, bringing glory to Your name through our devotion to one another.

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

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

  1. GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO MARRY / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1
  2. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
  3. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
  4. MEMBERS OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
  5. NOT MEANT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
  6. EVERTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
  7. JUSTIFIED … BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11
  8. THE WICKED WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10
  9. BEFORE THE UNGODLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1
  10. JUDGE THOSE INSIDE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:10-12
  11. LITTLE YEAST WORKS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6
  12. HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:4-5
  13. BEEN FILLED WITH GRIEF / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:2
  14. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AMONG YOU – HAS HIS FATHER’S WIFE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1
  15. KINGDOM OF GOD … POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20
  16. APOSTLES … CONDEMNED / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-13
  17. HAVE ALL YOU WANT … HAVE BECOME RICH / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8
  18. WHY DO YOU BOAST / 1 CORINTHINANS 4:7
  19. EXPOSE THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
  20. CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:4
  21. GOD WILL DESTROY HIM / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17
  22. YOU YOURSELVES ARE GOD’S TEMPLE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
  23. HE WILL SUFFER LOSS – BUT ONLY AS ONE ESCAPING THROUGH THE FLAMES / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:15
  24. ONE PURPOSE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8
  25. YOU ARE STILL WORLDLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3
  26. NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1
  27. WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
  28. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  29. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  30. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  31. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  32. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  33. NULLIFY THE THINGS THAT ARE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:28-29
  34. GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
  35. THE FOOLISHNESS OF WHAT WAS PREACHED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:21
  36. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20
  37. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
  38. CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
  39. I FOLLOW PAUL … APOLLOS … CEPHAS … I FOLLOW CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12
  40. GOD IS FAITHFUL / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
  41. YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT – WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7
  42. CALLED TO BE HOLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-2
  43. 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

Posted on

GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO MARRY / 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Understanding the Season: Wisdom, Marriage, and the “Present Crisis” in 1 Corinthians 7:1

When we read through the New Testament, some verses can make us pause and scratch our heads. In 1 Corinthians 7:1, the Apostle Paul writes, “Now for the matters you wrote about: ‘It is good for a man not to marry’” (or as some translations render it, “not to touch a woman”).

At first glance, this might feel incredibly counter-cultural—and even counter-biblical—especially when we know that God instituted marriage in Genesis as a beautiful gift. Did Paul suddenly turn against marriage? Was he saying that remaining single is the only way to be a truly spiritual Christian?

To understand what is happening here, we have to look past the surface and dive into the historical context of the Corinthian church.

The Questions Behind the Text

The entire seventh chapter of 1 Corinthians is a response. The believers in Corinth had written a letter to Paul asking a series of specific, practical questions about marriage, sex, celibacy, and singleness.

1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul is actually quoting a phrase or a sentiment from their own letter back to them to address it. The culture in Corinth was highly polarized. On one side, the city was infamous for gross sexual immorality. On the other side, a group of believers within the church had reacted by swinging to the opposite extreme: an intense asceticism. They began teaching that to be truly holy, one must completely avoid marriage and intimacy.

Paul steps in to bring balance. He affirms that singleness and celibacy are indeed honorable, beautiful callings. But he also quickly clarifies in the very next verse that because temptation is real, marriage is a vital, God-given boundary for fulfillment and purity.

The Lens of the “Present Crisis”

The real key to unlocking Paul’s preference for singleness in this chapter comes later in 1 Corinthians 7:26. He writes: “Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is”.

Paul’s pastoral advice was highly situational, tailored to the specific environment the early Church was navigating. What was this “present crisis”?

  • Impending Persecution: The early Christians were living on the edge of severe Roman persecution.
  • Societal Upheaval: Famines, political instability, and social unrest were actively threatening the stability of regular life.
  • The Weight of Care: Paul knew that in times of extreme crisis, maintaining a marriage and raising a family would bring intense, added difficulty.

Imagine trying to flee for your life from Roman authorities while protecting a pregnant wife or infants. Imagine the heartbreak of watching your spouse or children targeted because of your faith. Paul, writing with deep pastoral affection, explicitly says he wants to “spare” them from these intense worldly troubles during a time of imminent distress.

Furthermore, Paul highlights the unique advantage of singleness during a crisis: undivided devotion. An unmarried person can focus completely on the Lord’s work without being torn by the domestic anxieties and heavy responsibilities of protecting a family.

Timeless Wisdom for Our Seasons

So, what does this mean for us today?

  1. Marriage and Singleness Are Both Gifts: Paul stresses that neither state makes you more or less righteous. Both are callings given by God to be used for His glory.
  2. Context Matters: God gives us situational wisdom for different seasons of life. There are times when external circumstances call for immense focus, restraint, or unique sacrifices.
  3. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing: Whether you are single or married, the ultimate goal of your life is to serve the Lord with an undivided heart. Every relationship status is ultimately a platform to point others toward Christ.

Let us hold fast to the truth that God guides us perfectly through every cultural storm, providing the exact wisdom we need for the days we are living in.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timeless wisdom of Your Word. Thank You that You meet us exactly where we are, providing guidance for the unique seasons and challenges we face. Lord, we thank You for the gifts of both marriage and singleness, recognizing that each status carries a holy purpose to reflect Your love to the world.

Give us discernment to understand the times we live in. Fill us with the strength to navigate times of crisis, pressure, or cultural confusion with our eyes fixed firmly on You. Help us, whether married or single, to live with undivided devotion to Your Kingdom. May our lives, our choices, and our relationships bring glory to Your name. 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

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

  1. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
  2. FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
  3. MEMBERS OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:15
  4. NOT MEANT FOR SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
  5. EVERTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12
  6. JUSTIFIED … BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11
  7. THE WICKED WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10
  8. BEFORE THE UNGODLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1
  9. JUDGE THOSE INSIDE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:10-12
  10. LITTLE YEAST WORKS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6
  11. HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:4-5
  12. BEEN FILLED WITH GRIEF / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:2
  13. SEXUAL IMMORALITY AMONG YOU – HAS HIS FATHER’S WIFE / 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1
  14. KINGDOM OF GOD … POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20
  15. APOSTLES … CONDEMNED / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-13
  16. HAVE ALL YOU WANT … HAVE BECOME RICH / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8
  17. WHY DO YOU BOAST / 1 CORINTHINANS 4:7
  18. EXPOSE THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
  19. CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT / 1 CORINTHIANS 4:4
  20. GOD WILL DESTROY HIM / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:17
  21. YOU YOURSELVES ARE GOD’S TEMPLE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
  22. HE WILL SUFFER LOSS – BUT ONLY AS ONE ESCAPING THROUGH THE FLAMES / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:15
  23. ONE PURPOSE / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8
  24. YOU ARE STILL WORLDLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:3
  25. NOT ADDRESS YOU AS SPIRITUAL / 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1
  26. WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
  27. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  28. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  29. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  30. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  31. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  32. NULLIFY THE THINGS THAT ARE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:28-29
  33. GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
  34. THE FOOLISHNESS OF WHAT WAS PREACHED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:21
  35. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20
  36. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18
  37. CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17
  38. I FOLLOW PAUL … APOLLOS … CEPHAS … I FOLLOW CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12
  39. GOD IS FAITHFUL / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
  40. YOU DO NOT LACK ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT – WAIT FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE REVEALED / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7
  41. CALLED TO BE HOLY / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-2
  42. 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

Posted on

THE SPIRIT … THE CHURCHES / REVELATION 3:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 3:22

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Tuning In: Hearing What the Spirit is Saying to the Church

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” — Revelation 3:22

In our modern church culture, it is easy to get caught up in the mechanics of ministry. We obsess over strategy, production quality, community outreach, and organizational growth. While none of these things are inherently wrong, Revelation 3:22 delivers a piercing reminder that a church’s true vitality does not come from human effort.

God’s people must continually recognize the vital relationship between the local church and the Holy Spirit.

Churches do not operate in a vacuum, nor are they meant to be run like corporations. They are under the direct authority of Jesus Christ as Lord and Head, and they are governed by the Spirit of God. To survive and thrive, a congregation must cultivate a posture of listening and responding to the voice of the Holy Spirit, particularly as He speaks through God’s inspired Word.

Here are three foundational biblical truths that define the distinct relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Church.

1. The Holy Spirit is Sovereign, Not Owned

The Holy Spirit is not a commodity owned by any church, denomination, or human institution. He is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ, not the “spirit of the church.”

The Spirit remains entirely free to move, come, or withdraw according to God’s divine purposes and based on how a people respond to His standards of truth and righteousness. We do not control the Holy Spirit; He is called to control us. When a church begins to treat the Holy Spirit as a tool to validate its own agenda, it steps into dangerous territory.

2. The Spirit Represents Christ’s Present Lordship

The Holy Spirit is the active, present manifestation of Jesus Christ’s rule and authority over His churches today. He works hand-in-hand with the Scriptures. In fact, the ultimate authority of Christ is expressed when the Spirit and the Word work together.

Just as in the beginning of creation—where the Spirit hovered and God spoke light into existence—the combination of the Spirit and the Word releases the life, authority, and creative power of God through the church.

Therefore, a congregation must constantly judge its beliefs, ministries, and actions by the Spirit’s guidance as revealed in the Bible. When a church stops listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word, it doesn’t just lose its edge—it slowly loses its divine life, its God-given purpose, and its kingdom mission.

3. Presence is Tied to Faithfulness

The New Testament makes it clear that the Holy Spirit’s ongoing, empowering presence with any local congregation is conditional. The warnings to the seven churches in Revelation show that the Spirit remains with a church only as long as it remains faithful to Christ, holds fast to His Word, and actively responds to what the Spirit says.

If a church becomes deaf to His promptings, tolerates compromise, or falls into spiritual apathy, the lampstand can be removed.

Do You Have an Ear to Hear?

Revelation 3:22 is a personal invitation disguised as a corporate warning. It asks us to look past the programs, the buildings, and the budgets, and ask a fundamental question: Are we actually listening to God?

Let us pray for ears that are tuned to His frequency and hearts that are ready to obey.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Lord and Head of the Church,

We come before You acknowledging that You alone hold supreme authority over our lives and our congregations. Forgive us for the times we have relied on our own wisdom, our own strategies, and our own strength, forgetting that apart from You we can do nothing.

Holy Spirit, we recognize You as the sovereign Lord over Your church. We confess that You are not bound by our traditions or owned by our institutions. We invite You to move freely among us. We pray for our local church and the global Body of Christ—give us ears to hear exactly what You are saying to us in this season. Strip away our spiritual apathy and any desire for compromise.

Align our hearts, our beliefs, and our actions with Your inspired Word. Let Your Word and Your Spirit work together in our midst to release Your life, Your authority, and Your creative, transforming power in our communities. Help us to remain fiercely faithful to Jesus Christ, so that our lampstand may burn brightly until He returns.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus, 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
  • 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. IF ANYONE HEARS MY VOICE / REVELATION 3:20
  2. YOU DO NOT REALIZE / REVELATION 3:17-18
  3. NEITHER COLD NOR HOT – LUKEWARM / REVELATION 3:15-16
  4. THE AMEN / REVELATION 3:14
  5. I AM COMING SOON / REVELATION 3:11
  6. THE HOUR OF TRIAL / REVELATION 3:10
  7. PHILADELPHIA / REVELATION 3:7
  8. BLOT OUT HIS NAME / REVELATION 3:5
  9. A FEW PEOPLE IN SARDIS / REVELATION 3:4
  10. YOU ARE DEAD / REVELATION 3:1-2
  11. I WILL GIVE THE MORNING STAR / REVELATION 2:28
  12. HOLD ON … UNTIL I COME / REVELATION 2:25
  13. THE REST OF YOU / REVELATION 2:24
  14. HER CHILDREN /REVELATION 2:23
  15. YOU TOLERATE THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS / REVELATION 2:20
  16. HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS – A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME / REVELATION 2:17
  17. FIGHT AGAINST THEM / REVELATION 2:16
  18. THE TEACHING OF BALAAM / REVELATION 2:14
  19. WHERE SATAN HAS HIS THRONE / REVELATION 2:13
  20. THE SECOND DEATH / REVELATION 2:11
  21. CROWN OF LIFE / REVELATION 2:10
  22. POVERTY / REVELATION 2:9
  23. TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES / REVELATION 2:7
  24. YOU HATE THE PRACTICES OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ASLO HATE / REVELATION 2:6
  25. REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND / REVELATION 2:5
  26. FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE / REVELATION 2:4
  27. WHO CLAIM TO BE APOSTLES / REVELATION 2:1-2
  28. THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:20
  29. WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19
  30. SEVEN STARS / REVELATION 1:16
  31. A SON OF MAN / REVELATION 1:13
  32. SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS / REVELATION 1:12
  33. IN THE SPIRIT / REVELATION 1:10-11
  34. ISLAND OF PATMOS / REVELATION 1:9
  35. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA / REVELATION 1:8
  36. HE IS COMING / REVELATION 1:7
  37. A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / REVELATION 1:6
  38. FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD / REVELATION 1:5
  39. HIM WHO IS, AND WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME / REVELATION 1:4-5
  40. TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:4
  41. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS / REVELATION 1:3
  42. REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST / REVELATION 1:1-2
  43. 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

Posted on

IF ANYONE HEARS MY VOICE / REVELATION 3:20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

The Knock Outside the Church: Reclaiming True Communion with Christ

We often see Revelation 3:20 painted on beautiful tracts or quoted in evangelical sermons as the ultimate invitation for the “unsaved.” We picture Jesus standing at the door of a non-believer’s heart, knocking gently, waiting for them to step across the line of faith for the very first time. While that is a beautiful and valid application, this familiar verse carries a much deeper, more challenging truth when we look at its original context.

Jesus wasn’t speaking to the world here. He was speaking to the church.

Excluded by Prosperity

The words of Revelation 3 were originally addressed to the church in Laodicea—a community that had become blindfolded by its own success. In its self-sufficient prosperity, wealth, and worldliness, the congregation had quietly, gradually pushed the Lord Jesus Christ out of His own house. They were busy, they were comfortable, and they felt they “needed nothing” (Revelation 3:17-18).

Yet, the tragic reality was that Christ was on the outside looking in. The Master of the house was standing on the porch, knocking on the door of His own church.

An Invitation to Renewed Companionship

Christ’s invitation, spoken from outside the door, is not a demand for religious perfection. It is a passionate request for renewed companionship. He is calling out to any individual who is willing to turn away from their self-reliance, drop their worldly distractions, and return to a devoted faith and renewed passion for Him.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20

The reward for opening that door is intimacy. Jesus invites us to sit down at the table with Him to share deep, spiritual nourishment. This isn’t a fast-food drive-thru relationship; it is a slow, meaningful, face-to-face communion.

The Table Now and the Table Then

Opening the door today carries eternal weight. The Bible promises a great “wedding supper” (Revelation 19:9) in the future for Christ and His bride, the church. But scripture reminds us of a vital truth: only those who “eat” with Jesus now will eat with Him then.

If we choose to exclude Him from our daily lives today—preferring our own comfort and self-sufficiency—we cannot expect to seamlessly slide into eternal fellowship later. The intimacy of heaven is cultivated in the living rooms of our hearts right now.

Are you too busy with the work of the church to notice the Lord of the church is knocking? Listen closely. If you hear His voice today, open the door. Reclaim your seat at His table.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Forgive us for the times we have allowed our own comfort, busy schedules, and self-sufficiency to crowd You out of our lives. It is sobering to realize that we can build so much in Your name while leaving You standing on the outside. We don’t want to just be religious; we want to be close to You.

We hear Your voice today. We hear Your knock. We willfully open the door of our hearts, our families, and our churches to You once again. Come in, Lord. Sit with us. Feed us with Your truth, and revive our fading passion. Teach us to live in daily, unbroken communion with You now, so that we may joyfully sit at Your wedding feast for all eternity.

In Your holy and 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
  • 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. YOU DO NOT REALIZE / REVELATION 3:17-18
  2. NEITHER COLD NOR HOT – LUKEWARM / REVELATION 3:15-16
  3. THE AMEN / REVELATION 3:14
  4. I AM COMING SOON / REVELATION 3:11
  5. THE HOUR OF TRIAL / REVELATION 3:10
  6. PHILADELPHIA / REVELATION 3:7
  7. BLOT OUT HIS NAME / REVELATION 3:5
  8. A FEW PEOPLE IN SARDIS / REVELATION 3:4
  9. YOU ARE DEAD / REVELATION 3:1-2
  10. I WILL GIVE THE MORNING STAR / REVELATION 2:28
  11. HOLD ON … UNTIL I COME / REVELATION 2:25
  12. THE REST OF YOU / REVELATION 2:24
  13. HER CHILDREN /REVELATION 2:23
  14. YOU TOLERATE THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS / REVELATION 2:20
  15. HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS – A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME / REVELATION 2:17
  16. FIGHT AGAINST THEM / REVELATION 2:16
  17. THE TEACHING OF BALAAM / REVELATION 2:14
  18. WHERE SATAN HAS HIS THRONE / REVELATION 2:13
  19. THE SECOND DEATH / REVELATION 2:11
  20. CROWN OF LIFE / REVELATION 2:10
  21. POVERTY / REVELATION 2:9
  22. TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES / REVELATION 2:7
  23. YOU HATE THE PRACTICES OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ASLO HATE / REVELATION 2:6
  24. REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND / REVELATION 2:5
  25. FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE / REVELATION 2:4
  26. WHO CLAIM TO BE APOSTLES / REVELATION 2:1-2
  27. THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:20
  28. WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19
  29. SEVEN STARS / REVELATION 1:16
  30. A SON OF MAN / REVELATION 1:13
  31. SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS / REVELATION 1:12
  32. IN THE SPIRIT / REVELATION 1:10-11
  33. ISLAND OF PATMOS / REVELATION 1:9
  34. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA / REVELATION 1:8
  35. HE IS COMING / REVELATION 1:7
  36. A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / REVELATION 1:6
  37. FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD / REVELATION 1:5
  38. HIM WHO IS, AND WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME / REVELATION 1:4-5
  39. TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:4
  40. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS / REVELATION 1:3
  41. REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST / REVELATION 1:1-2
  42. 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

Posted on

YOU DO NOT REALIZE / REVELATION 3:17-18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 3:17-18

The Illusion of Prosperity: Overcoming Spiritual Blindness

We live in a culture that measures success by what we can see, count, and store away. It is easy to look at a comfortable life, a stable bank account, or an active church calendar and assume that outward prosperity equals God’s favor. But in Revelation 3:17-18, Jesus strips away the labels of human success and delivers a piercing wake-up call to the church of Laodicea—and to us:

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

The “You Do Not Realize” Trap

The Laodiceans were entirely blind to their deep spiritual poverty. Outwardly, they were thriving; inwardly, they were bankrupt. Jesus used three specific industries that Laodicea was famous for to expose their misplaced confidence and point them back to what truly matters.

  • True Wealth Over Worldly Riches: Laodicea was a major financial hub, proud of its wealth. Yet, Jesus called them “poor.” He challenged them to seek a true, tested spiritual wealth—a faith refined by fire that cannot be corrupted, making them rich toward God rather than the world.
  • Purity Over External Presentation: The city was renowned for its high-quality black wool and textile industry. But Jesus saw them as “naked.” He offered them His own white garments—representing purity, righteousness, and a right relationship with Him—to replace their self-made status.
  • Spiritual Vision Over Human Insight: Laodicea was famous for producing a healing eye salve. Ironicaly, Jesus diagnosed the people as spiritually “blind.” He offered them a divine ointment to give them true clarity of sight, which only comes from yielding to the Holy Spirit and anchoring oneself in God’s Word.

Guarding Against the “Lukewarm” Life

The danger for the modern church is exactly the same. When we rely on our own abilities, comfort, and resources, our desperate passion for Jesus begins to erode. We become lukewarm—not because we have openly rejected God, but because we have taken His blessings for granted and decided we don’t urgently need Him anymore.

We must constantly ask ourselves: Has our comfort made us blind? True blessing is not found in what we possess, but in how completely we depend on Christ.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for the times we have let the comforts of this world blind us to our desperate need for You. We confess that it is easy to mistake outward prosperity for spiritual health. Search our hearts today. Where we are proud, grant us humility. Where we are blind, open our eyes with the truth of Your Word and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.

We do not want to live lukewarm lives. Clothe us in Your righteousness, refine our faith through Your grace, and restore our personal passion for Jesus. May we depend entirely on Your power and purity rather than our own resources. 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
  • 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. NEITHER COLD NOR HOT – LUKEWARM / REVELATION 3:15-16
  2. THE AMEN / REVELATION 3:14
  3. I AM COMING SOON / REVELATION 3:11
  4. THE HOUR OF TRIAL / REVELATION 3:10
  5. PHILADELPHIA / REVELATION 3:7
  6. BLOT OUT HIS NAME / REVELATION 3:5
  7. A FEW PEOPLE IN SARDIS / REVELATION 3:4
  8. YOU ARE DEAD / REVELATION 3:1-2
  9. I WILL GIVE THE MORNING STAR / REVELATION 2:28
  10. HOLD ON … UNTIL I COME / REVELATION 2:25
  11. THE REST OF YOU / REVELATION 2:24
  12. HER CHILDREN /REVELATION 2:23
  13. YOU TOLERATE THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS / REVELATION 2:20
  14. HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS – A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME / REVELATION 2:17
  15. FIGHT AGAINST THEM / REVELATION 2:16
  16. THE TEACHING OF BALAAM / REVELATION 2:14
  17. WHERE SATAN HAS HIS THRONE / REVELATION 2:13
  18. THE SECOND DEATH / REVELATION 2:11
  19. CROWN OF LIFE / REVELATION 2:10
  20. POVERTY / REVELATION 2:9
  21. TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES / REVELATION 2:7
  22. YOU HATE THE PRACTICES OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ASLO HATE / REVELATION 2:6
  23. REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND / REVELATION 2:5
  24. FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE / REVELATION 2:4
  25. WHO CLAIM TO BE APOSTLES / REVELATION 2:1-2
  26. THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:20
  27. WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19
  28. SEVEN STARS / REVELATION 1:16
  29. A SON OF MAN / REVELATION 1:13
  30. SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS / REVELATION 1:12
  31. IN THE SPIRIT / REVELATION 1:10-11
  32. ISLAND OF PATMOS / REVELATION 1:9
  33. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA / REVELATION 1:8
  34. HE IS COMING / REVELATION 1:7
  35. A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / REVELATION 1:6
  36. FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD / REVELATION 1:5
  37. HIM WHO IS, AND WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME / REVELATION 1:4-5
  38. TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:4
  39. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS / REVELATION 1:3
  40. REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST / REVELATION 1:1-2
  41. 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

Posted on

NEITHER COLD NOR HOT – LUKEWARM / REVELATION 3:15-16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 3:15-16

 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

The Danger of the Lukewarm Heart: Lessons from Laodicea

We live in a world that praises comfort, wealth, and self-sufficiency. It is easy to slide into a routine where our faith becomes just another line item on a busy schedule. But in the book of Revelation, Jesus levels one of His sharpest rebukes against a church that had mastered the art of comfortable religion: the church in Laodicea.

In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus declares:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

These are sobering words. What does it mean to be a lukewarm Christian, and how do we ensure our hearts remain ablaze for God?

The Deception of Prosperity

The city of Laodicea was a booming, wealthy center of business, medicine, and trade. Outwardly, the people had everything they could ever want. Tragically, this atmosphere of physical prosperity led to spiritual laziness, apathy, and unconcern within the church walls.

The Laodiceans claimed to be committed Christians. They likely checked all the religious boxes, but their wealth had blinded them to their true spiritual state. They were no longer “hot” enough spiritually to recognize or respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, yet they weren’t quite “cold” enough to realize their desperate need to repent and return to a life of total dependence on God.

What Does “Lukewarm” Look Like?

A lukewarm church or believer is defined by apathy and negligence. It shows up in:

  • Half-hearted devotion: Passionate about worldly success, but lazy and half-hearted in service to God.
  • Compromise: Silently adopting worldly standards and behaviors until the church resembles surrounding society more than it does God’s kingdom.
  • Spiritual blindness: Feeling completely self-sufficient while remaining in what Jesus calls a spiritually “wretched” and “pitiful” condition (Revelation 3:17-18).

Jesus severely warns against this condition because lukewarmness is a counterfeit faith. It mimics Christianity without the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

The Call to Repent and Open the Door

Praise God that He does not leave us in our apathy! Because of His great love, Christ calls out to the lukewarm church to repent. He urges us to turn from our own self-sufficient ways, surrender to God’s way, and accept His forgiveness so that we can be fully restored.

Even when a church or an individual heart grows cold, Christ knocks on the door (Revelation 3:20). He stands ready to come in, offering to restore His companionship, intimacy, and blessing. To those who hear His voice, break through the noise of apathy, and remain overcomers, He promises an incredible reward: sharing in His eternal authority and reigning alongside Him (Revelation 3:21).

Let us examine our hearts today. Are we on fire for Christ, or have we allowed the comforts of this world to cool our devotion? It is time to open the door wide and let His Holy Spirit light a fresh fire in our souls.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we have allowed the comforts, distractions, and riches of this world to make us lukewarm. Forgive us for our half-hearted worship, our spiritual laziness, and the ways we have compromised with the culture around us. We do not want to be a people who look rich on the outside but are spiritually wretched and pitiful in Your sight.

Lord Jesus, we hear You knocking on the door of our hearts today. We choose to open the door and invite You in. Melt away our apathy and ignite a fresh, unquenchable fire within us. Help us to live in absolute dependence on Your grace, to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to love You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give us the endurance to be overcomers who reflect Your kingdom to a broken world. 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
  • 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 AMEN / REVELATION 3:14
  2. I AM COMING SOON / REVELATION 3:11
  3. THE HOUR OF TRIAL / REVELATION 3:10
  4. PHILADELPHIA / REVELATION 3:7
  5. BLOT OUT HIS NAME / REVELATION 3:5
  6. A FEW PEOPLE IN SARDIS / REVELATION 3:4
  7. YOU ARE DEAD / REVELATION 3:1-2
  8. I WILL GIVE THE MORNING STAR / REVELATION 2:28
  9. HOLD ON … UNTIL I COME / REVELATION 2:25
  10. THE REST OF YOU / REVELATION 2:24
  11. HER CHILDREN /REVELATION 2:23
  12. YOU TOLERATE THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS / REVELATION 2:20
  13. HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS – A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME / REVELATION 2:17
  14. FIGHT AGAINST THEM / REVELATION 2:16
  15. THE TEACHING OF BALAAM / REVELATION 2:14
  16. WHERE SATAN HAS HIS THRONE / REVELATION 2:13
  17. THE SECOND DEATH / REVELATION 2:11
  18. CROWN OF LIFE / REVELATION 2:10
  19. POVERTY / REVELATION 2:9
  20. TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES / REVELATION 2:7
  21. YOU HATE THE PRACTICES OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ASLO HATE / REVELATION 2:6
  22. REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND / REVELATION 2:5
  23. FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE / REVELATION 2:4
  24. WHO CLAIM TO BE APOSTLES / REVELATION 2:1-2
  25. THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:20
  26. WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19
  27. SEVEN STARS / REVELATION 1:16
  28. A SON OF MAN / REVELATION 1:13
  29. SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS / REVELATION 1:12
  30. IN THE SPIRIT / REVELATION 1:10-11
  31. ISLAND OF PATMOS / REVELATION 1:9
  32. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA / REVELATION 1:8
  33. HE IS COMING / REVELATION 1:7
  34. A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / REVELATION 1:6
  35. FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD / REVELATION 1:5
  36. HIM WHO IS, AND WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME / REVELATION 1:4-5
  37. TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:4
  38. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS / REVELATION 1:3
  39. REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST / REVELATION 1:1-2
  40. 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

Posted on

THE AMEN / REVELATION 3:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 3:14

 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

The Ultimate Guarantee: Understanding Jesus as “The Amen”

Have you ever stopped to think about why we say “Amen” at the end of a prayer? For many of us, it has become a holy punctuation mark—a signal that the prayer is over and we can open our eyes. But in the book of Revelation, “Amen” is much more than a conclusion. It is a name.

In Revelation 3:14, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea with a powerful title: “The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

To understand the weight of this title, we have to look back at the roots of the word. “Amen” is a Hebrew term that translates to “surely,” “truly,” or “let it be so.” Throughout Scripture, it is used to affirm important sayings, draw attention to God’s absolute authority, and close blessings. When Isaiah 65:16 speaks of “the God of truth,” the original Hebrew text literally calls Him “the God of Amen.” He is perfectly trustworthy, unshakeable, and completely faithful to His Word.

By calling Himself “The Amen,” Jesus is identifying directly with the God of truth. He is telling the Laodiceans—and us—that He is the final, definitive word on everything God has spoken.

The Apostle Paul beautifully connects this concept in 2 Corinthians 1:20, writing that “all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen.” Every covenant, every promise of protection, every assurance of grace, and every hope of eternal life finds its ultimate fulfillment and resounding “Yes!” in Christ.

In a world full of broken promises and shifting realities, Jesus stands as the ultimate guarantee. He doesn’t just speak the truth; He is the truth. He is the faithful and true witness who guards God’s promises and ensures they remain available to us today. When everything else feels uncertain, we can anchor our souls in “The Amen.”

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise You today as the God of truth, the one who is completely faithful and unchanging. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be our “Amen”—the ultimate guarantee of every promise You have ever made to us.

Forgive us for the times we let the uncertainties of this world shake our faith. Help us to rest deeply in the assurance that Your promises toward us are a resounding “Yes” in Christ. Teach us to live with the confidence that comes from knowing our lives are anchored in the Faithful and True Witness.

May our lives reflect Your truth, and may our hearts echo Your praise every single day. We place our trust, our future, and our hope entirely 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
  • 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. I AM COMING SOON / REVELATION 3:11
  2. THE HOUR OF TRIAL / REVELATION 3:10
  3. PHILADELPHIA / REVELATION 3:7
  4. BLOT OUT HIS NAME / REVELATION 3:5
  5. A FEW PEOPLE IN SARDIS / REVELATION 3:4
  6. YOU ARE DEAD / REVELATION 3:1-2
  7. I WILL GIVE THE MORNING STAR / REVELATION 2:28
  8. HOLD ON … UNTIL I COME / REVELATION 2:25
  9. THE REST OF YOU / REVELATION 2:24
  10. HER CHILDREN /REVELATION 2:23
  11. YOU TOLERATE THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS / REVELATION 2:20
  12. HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS – A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME / REVELATION 2:17
  13. FIGHT AGAINST THEM / REVELATION 2:16
  14. THE TEACHING OF BALAAM / REVELATION 2:14
  15. WHERE SATAN HAS HIS THRONE / REVELATION 2:13
  16. THE SECOND DEATH / REVELATION 2:11
  17. CROWN OF LIFE / REVELATION 2:10
  18. POVERTY / REVELATION 2:9
  19. TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES / REVELATION 2:7
  20. YOU HATE THE PRACTICES OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ASLO HATE / REVELATION 2:6
  21. REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND / REVELATION 2:5
  22. FORSAKEN YOUR FIRST LOVE / REVELATION 2:4
  23. WHO CLAIM TO BE APOSTLES / REVELATION 2:1-2
  24. THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:20
  25. WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19
  26. SEVEN STARS / REVELATION 1:16
  27. A SON OF MAN / REVELATION 1:13
  28. SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS / REVELATION 1:12
  29. IN THE SPIRIT / REVELATION 1:10-11
  30. ISLAND OF PATMOS / REVELATION 1:9
  31. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA / REVELATION 1:8
  32. HE IS COMING / REVELATION 1:7
  33. A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / REVELATION 1:6
  34. FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD / REVELATION 1:5
  35. HIM WHO IS, AND WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME / REVELATION 1:4-5
  36. TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES / REVELATION 1:4
  37. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS / REVELATION 1:3
  38. REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST / REVELATION 1:1-2
  39. 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

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