Month: October 2026

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PARABLE OF THE TENANTS / MARK 12:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 12:1

And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

The Tragedy of the Vineyard: Are We Acting Like the Wicked Tenants?

In Mark 12:1-12, Jesus shares one of His most sobering parables: The Parable of the Tenants. He describes a landowner who meticulously plants a vineyard, builds a wall around it, digs a winepress, and puts up a watchtower. He leaves nothing out. He then rents it out to some farmers and moves away.

But when harvest time comes and the landowner sends his servants to collect his share of the fruit, the tenants beat them, abuse them, and send them away empty-handed. Finally, the owner sends his own son, thinking, “They will respect my son.” Instead, the tenants murder him, thinking they can seize the inheritance for themselves.

While this story was a direct indictment of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, it carries a heavy, urgent warning for the modern Church.

The Trap of Private Possession

The core sin of the tenants was simple yet devastating: they turned the landowner’s property into their private possession. They forgot that they were merely stewards, not owners.

The religious leaders of Israel had become proud. They began to manage God’s kingdom as they pleased, tailoring it to fit their comfort, their status, and their authority. They lost their reverence for God’s revelation and instead worshiped the system they had built around it.

Modern-Day Vineyard Management

Sadly, we see this same attitude creeping into many present-day churches. It is easy to look back at the Pharisees with judgment, but are we not guilty of the same stewardship failure when we ignore or reject the disciplines and standards of Christ’s Word?

When a church or an individual believer begins to live by beliefs based on their own ideas rather than the absolute truth of Scripture, they are acting like the wicked tenants. We see it happening in several ways:

  • Rewriting the Rules: Shifting moral boundaries to match culture instead of Christ.
  • Rejecting the Messengers: Ridiculing, silencing, or dismissing those who speak hard, biblical truths that call for repentance.
  • Claiming Ownership: Treating the Church as a social club or a personal business to serve our ego, rather than a holy vineyard belonging entirely to God.

Just as God’s people in the Old Testament persecuted and killed the prophets, we show contempt for God today when we pick and choose which parts of His Word we want to obey. Jesus reminds us that the vineyard will ultimately be taken away from those who refuse to give God His rightful fruit.

Returning the Fruit to the Owner

We do not own the vineyard. The Church belongs to Jesus. Our lives belong to Jesus. True stewardship means aligning our hearts with the standards of His Word, accepting His Son not just as Savior but as Lord, and humbly offering Him the fruit of obedience, love, and righteousness.

Let us check our hearts today. Are we managing God’s blessings as our private possessions, or are we willfully submitting to the Master of the Vineyard?

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You recognizing that You are the Master and Creator of all things. The vineyard of our lives, our families, and our churches belongs entirely to You. Forgive us for the times we have acted like the wicked tenants—becoming proud, rewriting Your standards to fit our comfort, and treating Your blessings as our private possessions.

Lord, guard our hearts against the spirit of compromise. Give us the humility to accept and obey the fullness of Jesus Christ and His Word, even when it challenges us. Help us to honor Your true messengers and receive Your truth with reverence.

May our lives produce the good fruit of righteousness, obedience, and love that brings glory to Your name. We declare today that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and we submit to His leadership over our lives.

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

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

  1. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  2. BELIEVE WILL BE YOURS / MARK 11:24
  3. FAITH IN GOD / MARK 11:22
  4. A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS / MARK 11:17
  5. JESUS ENTERED THE TEMPLE AREA / MARK 11:15-16
  6. MAY NO ONE EVER EAT FRUIT FROM YOU AGAIN / MARK 11:14
  7. BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES / MARK 11:9
  8. PASSION WEEK / MARK 11:1-2
  9. A RANSOM / MARK 10:45
  10. WHOEVER WANTS TO BECOME GREAT / MARK 10:43-44
  11. CAN YOU DRINK THE CUP I DRINK? / MARK 10:38
  12. FIRST WILL BE LAST / MARK 10:31
  13. RECEIVE A HUNDRED TIMES / MARK 10:29-30
  14. THE RICH / MARK 10:23
  15. AND BLESSED THEM / MARK 10:16
  16. LIKE A LITTLE CHILD / MARK 10:15
  17. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 10:14
  18. COMMITS ADULTERY / MARK 10:11
  19. SALT / MARK 9:50
  20. SALTED WITH FIRE / MARK 9:49
  21. HELL / MARK 9:43
  22. CAUSES LITTLE ONES / MARK 9:42
  23. THE GREATEST / MARK 9:34
  24. ONLY BY PRAYER / MARK 9:29
  25. HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF / MARK 9:24
  26. EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE / MARK 9:23
  27. UNBELIEVING GENERATION / MARK 9:19
  28. ELIJAH HAS COME / MARK 9:13
  29. HE WAS TRANSFIGURED / MARK 9:2
  30. KINGDOM OF GOD WITH POWER / MARK 9:1
  31. ASHAMED OF ME AND MY WORDS / MARK 8:38
  32. DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS / MARK 8:34
  33. GET BEHIND ME SATAN / MARK 8:33
  34. WARNED THEM NOT TO TELL / MARK 8:30
  35. HIS SIGHT WAS RESTORED / MARK 8:25
  36. YEAST / MARK 8:15
  37. I HAVE COMPASSION / MARK 8:2
  38. CHILDREN’S BREAD / MARK 7:27
  39. FOLLY / MARK 7:22
  40. MEN’S HEARTS / MARK 7:20-23
  41. MAKE HIM ‘UNCLEAN’ / MARK 7:18
  42. THE TRADITIONS OF MEN / MARK 7:8
  43. THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME / MARK 7:6-7
  44. FIVE LOAVES … TWO FISH … THANKSGIVING AT MEALTIMES / MARK 6:41
  45. COMPASSION / MARK 6:34
  46. DANCED / MARK 6:22
  47. JOHN IN PRISON / MARK 6:17
  48. ANOINTED WITH OIL / MARK 6:13
  49. EVIL SPIRITS / MARK 6:7
  50. LACK OF FAITH / MARK 6:6
  51. JESUS … A PROPHET / MARK 6:4
  52. JUST BELIEVE / MARK 5:36
  53. JUST TOUCH HIS CLOTHES / MARK 5:27-28
  54. A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT / MARK 5:2-17
  55. JESUS WAS SLEEPING / MARK 4:38
  56. MUSTARD SEED / Mark 4:31
  57. EVEN WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN / MARK 4:24-25
  58. TAKES AWAY THE WORD / MARK 4:15-17
  59. A FARMER WENT OUT TO SOW / MARK 4:3
  60. PARABLES / MARK 4:2
  61. BLASPHEMES AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT / Mark 3:29
  62. TIES UP THE STRONG MAN / MARK 3:27
  63. AUTHORITY TO DRIVE OUT DEMONS / MARK 3:15
  64. THAT THEY MIGHT BE WITH HIM / MARK 3:14
  65. HEALED MANY / MARK 3:10-12
  66. HERODIANS / MARK 3:6
  67. LOOKED … IN ANGER / MARK 3:5
  68. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27-28
  69. SABBATH / MARK 2:23
  70. NEW WINE INTO OLD WINESKINS / MARK 2:22
  71. ON THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST / MARK 2:20
  72. TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17
  73. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  74. SON OF MAN / MARK 2:10
  75. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  76. EVIL SPIRITS OBEY HIM /MARK 1:27
  77. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  78. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  79. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  80. THE GOOD NEWS / MARK 1:14
  81. TEMPTED BY SATAN / MARK 1:13
  82. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  83. THE SPIRIT DESCENDING ON HIM / MARK 1:10
  84. JESUS WAS BAPTIZED / MARK 1:9
  85. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  86. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK1:5
  87. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  88. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  89. 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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WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Choosing Your Focus: What It Truly Means to “Believe” in Christ

We live in a world full of distractions. Every day, countless notifications, worries, and responsibilities pull at our attention. It is easy to let the most important things slide into the background.

In John 3:36, we find a powerful truth about how we respond to Jesus:

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

At first glance, we might think of “believing” and “rejecting” as simple mental choices—either you agree with a set of facts, or you don’t. But the original Greek language used in the New Testament reveals a much deeper, active reality.

The Danger of Apathy: Understanding “Rejection”

The Greek word used for “rejects” in this verse is apeitheo. It doesn’t just mean standing up and actively fighting against God. Instead, it means to disregard, turn your attention away from, and disobey.

apeitheo carries a strong sense of apathy—a total lack of concern or indifference.

In John’s view, unbelief isn’t always loud or aggressive. Often, it is quiet. It is the choice to look away from the Son, to ignore His voice, and to refuse to submit to His leadership. When we live as if Christ doesn’t matter, we are, in reality, rejecting Him.

Active Trust: The True Nature of Faith

In stark contrast, the word for “believes” is pisteuo. This isn’t passive agreement. It speaks of:

  • Eager acceptance of the truth
  • Active submission to Jesus as Lord
  • Daily obedience flowing from love

For the writers of the New Testament, faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin. You cannot truly have one without the other. Genuine faith always shows up in how we live.

Salvation is entirely a free gift from God, bought by Jesus on the cross (Romans 5:15-16). We cannot earn it. But once we accept this gift, it changes us from the inside out. True belief doesn’t leave us free to do whatever we please; it creates a deep desire to submit to God, live by His standards, and grow to look more like Jesus every day.

Shift Your Focus Today

If faith means actively trusting and following, and rejection means turning our attention away, then our daily focus matters immensely. Where is your attention directed today? Are you actively leaning into Christ, or are you drifting into spiritual apathy?

Let us turn our eyes back to the Son, anchoring our faith in active, loving obedience.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for the times we allow the noise of this world to turn our attention away from You. Shake us out of any spiritual apathy or indifference. We do not want to merely know about You; we want to actively trust and follow You.

Thank You for the free gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We eagerly accept Him today. Holy Spirit, give us the strength to live in active obedience, to submit to Your guidance, and to reflect Christlike character to the world around us. Keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.

In His 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

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

  1. GIVES THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT / JOHN 3:34
  2. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  3. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16
  4. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  5. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  6. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  7. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  8. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  9. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  10. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  11. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  12. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  13. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  14. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  15. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  16. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  17. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  18. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  19. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  20. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  21. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  22. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  23. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  24. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  25. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  26. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  27. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  28. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  29. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  30. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  31. 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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GIVES THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT / JOHN 3:34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Rivers of Grace: Understanding the Spirit Without Limit

In our everyday lives, we are constantly encountering limits. Data plans, bank accounts, energy levels, and even our patience all have a breaking point. We are conditioned to think in terms of scarcity. But in John 3:34, the Apostle John shatters this scarcity mindset by revealing the overwhelming generosity of God:

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

This powerful verse reminds us that when it comes to God’s grace, presence, and power, there is no measuring cup. He does not dole out His blessings in calculated portions.

The Context of Infinite Pouring

In the ancient world, oil, wine, and water were carefully measured. To give something “without measure” was a sign of immense wealth and extraordinary favor. John the Baptist uses this imagery to explain the unique authority of Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus perfectly speaks the words of God, the Father has poured out the Holy Spirit upon Him in absolute fullness. And the beautiful truth for believers today is that through Jesus, we too have access to this limitless river.

Living in the Overflow

When you feel spiritually exhausted or emotionally drained, remember that God’s resources are not depleted. You don’t have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for peace, joy, or strength.

  • Limitless Comfort: In seasons of grief, His comfort outlasts our sorrow.
  • Limitless Wisdom: When we don’t know what step to take next, His guidance is readily available.
  • Limitless Power: To overcome temptation and serve others, He provides supernatural strength.

We serve a God of the overflow. Stop living out of a cup that you fear will run dry, and start dipping into the ocean of His boundless Spirit.

A Closing Prayer for the Limitless Spirit

Heavenly Father,

We praise You because You are a God of abundance, not of scarcity. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to speak words of eternal life to us. Thank You that You do not ration Your love or measure out Your grace with a stingy hand.

Lord, we confess that we often live as if Your resources are limited. We let fear, anxiety, and exhaustion take over. Today, we ask that You fill us afresh. Open the floodgates of heaven and pour out Your Holy Spirit upon our lives without limit.

Give us the strength to face our challenges, the wisdom to make the right choices, and a supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. Let our lives overflow with Your love so that others may see Your goodness through us.

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

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

  1. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  2. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16
  3. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  4. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  5. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  6. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  7. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  8. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  9. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  10. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  11. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  12. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  13. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  14. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  15. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  16. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  17. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  18. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  19. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  20. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  21. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  22. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  23. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  24. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  25. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  26. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  27. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  28. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  29. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  30. 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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LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Choosing the Light: Understanding John 3:19 in a Dark World

In a world filled with shifting truths and cultural pressures, a sobering reality check is found in John 3:19: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

This verse cuts straight to the heart of the human condition. It reveals that the ultimate rejection of Christ isn’t just an intellectual disagreement—it is a matter of the heart’s affections.

The Pull of the Darkness

A defining characteristic of a life apart from Christ is a profound love for darkness. This doesn’t just mean hiding in the shadows; it means taking active pleasure in immoral behaviors—both our own and the behavior of those around us.

When people reject the Light, they become unconcerned with defying God’s standards of right, wrong, and absolute truth. Scripture warns us about this progression of the hardened heart across many eras:

  • Romans 1:18-32 outlines how suppressing the truth leads to a mind given over to degrading passions.
  • Philippians 3:19 speaks of those whose “glory is in their shame” and whose minds are set purely on earthly things.
  • 2 Timothy 3:2-5; 2 Peter 2:12-15 describe a contemporary-sounding landscape of people who are lovers of self, lovers of money, and completely enslaved to their own destructive desires.

In contemporary society, this love for darkness is often on open display. From media to cultural norms, activities that encourage lust and defy God’s design are celebrated and normalized.

The Identity of the Redeemed

Truly born-again believers stand in stark contrast to this mindset (John 3:16). Having been rescued from the kingdom of darkness, believers are given new affections and a new nature.

Instead of hiding from the Light, the redeemed run toward it:

  • They love what is right: Believers take genuine pleasure in doing what pleases God and rejoices in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6).
  • They hate wickedness: Following the example of Christ, who loved righteousness and hated lawlessness (Hebrews 1:9), believers develop a holy aversion to sin.
  • They feel godly sorrow: Rather than celebrating ungodly behavior, believers feel a deep sense of grief when they see society reject God’s standards (2 Peter 2:8).

The call for the Christian is clear: Psalms 97:10 commands, “You who love the Lord, hate evil!” (see also Proverbs 8:13 and Romans 12:9). We cannot love the Light while simultaneously entertaining, enjoying, or applauding the very darkness that crucified our Savior.

Examining Our Affections

Today, let us look inward. What do we expose our minds to? What do we tolerate, laugh at, or find entertainment in?

Living as children of the Light means allowing Christ to illuminate every corner of our hearts, trading the fleeting pleasures of darkness for the enduring joy of His presence.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, to rescue us from the blindness of our own sin. Forgive us for the times we have flirted with the shadows or taken pleasure in things that grieve Your Holy Spirit. Give us a profound love for what is right, pure, and true.

Help us to hate wickedness just as You do, and grant us a heart of compassion and sorrow for a world that is lost in darkness. Guard our eyes, our minds, and our affections from the ungodly influences of our contemporary culture. Let Your Light shine brightly through us so that others may see our good works and give glory to You. 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

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

  1. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16
  2. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  3. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  4. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  5. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  6. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  7. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  8. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  9. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  10. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  11. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  12. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  13. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  14. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  15. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  16. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  17. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  18. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  19. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  20. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  21. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  22. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  23. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  24. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  25. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  26. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  27. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  28. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  29. 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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GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Heart of Love: Living Out John 3:16 Every Day

It is the most famous verse in the Bible, written on billboards, stitched into home decor, and memorized by children worldwide: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16).

We often immediately associate this verse with the ultimate physical sacrifice—Jesus dying on the cross. And while Christ did lay down His physical life for us, limiting “giving” to only physical death can make the verse feel distant from our daily routine. After all, most of us will not be called to physically die for someone today.

But what if God’s radical love is calling us to a different kind of daily sacrifice?

Laying Down Our “Rights” for Others

True love does not wait for a life-or-death crisis to show up. Loving the world the way God does means a daily, intentional decision to put aside our own rights, interests, and comforts for the benefit of those around us.

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that Christlike love looks like active selflessness:

  • Honor others above yourself: We are called to “be devoted to one another in love” and “honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
  • Seek the good of others: Rather than obsessing over our own preferences, we are told, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24).
  • Adopt the mindset of Christ: In humility, we should value others above ourselves, looking out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

When we willingly pause our busy schedules to listen to a friend, give up our right to be right in an argument, or use our resources to lift up someone in need, we are living out the essence of John 3:16. We are “giving” ourselves away so that others can catch a glimpse of God’s massive heart for them. Our daily sacrifices become a bridge that brings people closer to Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving the world—and loving us—so deeply that You gave Your only Son. Thank You, Jesus, for not only dying for us but showing us how to live.

Lord, expand our understanding of sacrifice today. Help us to willingly lay down our own rights, our pride, and our selfish ambitions for the sake of others. Open our eyes to the people around us who need to see Your love in action. Give us the humility to put their interests ahead of our own, so that through our daily lives, they might be drawn closer to You.

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. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  2. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  3. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  4. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  5. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  6. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  7. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  8. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  9. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  10. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  11. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  12. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  13. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  14. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  15. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  16. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  17. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  18. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  19. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  20. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  21. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  22. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  23. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  24. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  25. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  26. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  27. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  28. 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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JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:14-15

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The Bronze Snake and the Cross: Finding Healing in Your Darkest Moments

We all know what it feels like to feel bit by the consequences of a broken world. Whether it is the sting of a bad decision, the ache of a broken relationship, or the heavy weight of anxiety, there are moments when our spirits feel completely poisoned.

If you are walking through a desert season right now, a strange and powerful story from the Old Testament holds the exact key to the healing you are looking for.

In the New Testament, Jesus brings up this obscure moment from Israel’s history to explain His entire mission on earth. In John 3:14–15, He says:

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

To understand the depth of what Jesus is promising us, we have to look back at where this story began.

The Cursed Community

In Numbers 21:4–9, the Israelites were wandering through the desert, weary, frustrated, and complaining against God. Their rebellion opened the door to a terrifying plague of venomous snakes. People were dying, panic was spreading, and the community was completely helpless against the poison in their veins.

They cried out for mercy, and God provided a highly unusual cure.

He didn’t make the snakes disappear. Instead, He commanded Moses to make a snake out of bronze and lift it high on a pole in the middle of the camp. God’s instruction was simple: Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze snake and live.

It made no medical sense. Looking at a metal image cannot cure snake venom. But it wasn’t about the bronze—it was about faith and obedience. Those who chose to look up, trusting God’s word despite their pain, were instantly healed.

From Physical Cure to Eternal Healing

Jesus uses this vivid picture to show us what He came to do for you and me.

The bronze snake was a prophetic shadow; Jesus is the reality. The Israelites were dying of physical venom; humanity is suffering from the spiritual poison of sin, shame, and separation from God.

Just like that bronze snake, Jesus was “lifted up” on a wooden cross outside Jerusalem.

The beauty of the Gospel is the parallel: Healing requires a look.

  • The Israelites didn’t have to extract their own venom. They just had to look up.
  • You don’t have to fix yourself, clean up your past, or earn your way into God’s good graces. You just have to look to Jesus in faith.

When we look to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the poison loses its power. Our spiritual wounds are mended, our guilt is washed away, and we are given a vibrant, eternal life that starts right now. If you feel overwhelmed today, stop looking at the depth of your wounds and start looking at the height of your Savior.

A Closing Prayer for Healing and Faith

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who meets us in our wilderness. Forgive us for the times we complain, wander, and let the bitterness of life poison our hearts. We confess that we cannot cure ourselves.

Today, we look up. We turn our eyes away from our pain, our failures, and our fears, and we fix our gaze squarely on Jesus lifted up on the cross. Thank You, Lord Christ, for taking our curse so that we could receive Your healing. Let Your perfect love drive out our poison. Restore our joy, heal our broken paths, and fill us with the confidence of eternal life.

In Jesus’ powerful 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 WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  2. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  3. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  4. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  5. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  6. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  7. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  8. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  9. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  10. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  11. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  12. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  13. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  14. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  15. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  16. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  17. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  18. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  19. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  20. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  21. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  22. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  23. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  24. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  25. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  26. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  27. 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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THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:8

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

The Unseen Force: Understanding the Wind and the Spirit in John 3:8

There are moments in life when we long for tangible proof of God’s presence. We want to see His hand, touch His blueprint, or have a clear, predictable map of how He is moving. Yet, Jesus describes the life of faith not as a rigid structure, but as something beautifully fluid, powerful, and mysterious.

In John 3:8, Jesus gives us a vivid word picture that bridges the natural world with the supernatural:

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The Activity of the Wind

The wind is one of the most fascinating forces in creation. You cannot see the wind itself. You cannot reach out and grab a handful of air to prove it exists. By all physical accounts, it is invisible.

Yet, no one denies the reality of the wind. Why? Because we see its activity and hear its sound.

We see the autumn leaves dancing across the pavement. We see the tops of massive oak trees bending under its weight. We hear the rustle through the trees and feel the cool breeze against our skin. The wind is completely identified by its impact on the environment around it. It blows wherever it pleases, answerable to no man, operating on a scope and schedule entirely its own.

The Evidence of the Spirit

Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit operates in the exact same way.

When a person is born again, the transformation itself is an internal, spiritual miracle. You cannot physically witness the exact moment the Holy Spirit rewrites a human heart. You cannot pull out a microscope and see the exact mechanics of grace.

But just like the wind, the Spirit is undeniably observed by His effects.

When someone who was once full of hatred suddenly overflows with love, you are witnessing the movement of the Spirit. When someone trapped in addiction finds supernatural freedom, or when a broken heart experiences a peace that surpasses all human understanding, you are hearing the “sound” of the Wind of God.

The Holy Spirit is not a passive doctrine; He is a living, active, dynamic force. He blows through our lives, changing our desires, shifting our perspectives, and leaving a trail of radical transformation in His wake. We may not know exactly where He will blow next, but we can always trace His steps by the love, joy, peace, and righteousness He leaves behind.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the beautiful mystery of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we try to box You in, or demand that You move only in ways we can predict and control. Help us to yield to the Holy Spirit today.

Blow fresh wind through our lives, our families, and our communities. Even when we cannot see Your face, let us perceive Your activity. May the fruit of our lives be undeniable evidence that Your Spirit is at work within us. Let Your love, Your kindness, and Your truth be heard and felt through everything we do.

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. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  2. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  3. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  4. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  5. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  6. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  7. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  8. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  9. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  10. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  11. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  12. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  13. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  14. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  15. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  16. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  17. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  18. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  19. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  20. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  21. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  22. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  23. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  24. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  25. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  26. 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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BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Born of Water, Even the Spirit

When Jesus famously told Nicodemus in John 3:5 that “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit,” He sparked a theological conversation that has spanned centuries. What exactly does it mean to be “born of water”?

While different traditions and scholars interpret this phrase in a few distinct ways, looking closer at the original language and context reveals a beautiful truth about how God transforms our lives.

Three Common Perspectives on “Water”

To understand this passage, it helps to look at the three primary ways Bible scholars approach the word “water” in John 3:5:

1. Physical Birth

Some scholars suggest that “water” refers to the amniotic fluid of natural birth. In this view, Jesus is telling Nicodemus that a person must first be born physically into the world, and then born a second time spiritually through faith.

2. Spiritual Cleansing Through the Word

Another common view connects water to the purifying nature of Scripture. Throughout the New Testament, the Word of God is frequently described as a washing or cleansing agent that leads to salvation and sanctification (Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 1:23).

3. The Purifying Work of the Holy Spirit

A third—and highly compelling—view looks at the grammar of the original Greek text. The conjunction kai (“and”) can also be translated as “even” or “that is.”

If we apply this translation, John 3:5 reads: “born of water, even the Spirit.”

Rather than describing two separate things, Jesus is likely using “water” as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Just three verses later in John 3:8, Jesus simplifies the phrase by saying a person must simply be “born of the Spirit.”

The Washing of Rebirth

This metaphorical connection between water, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit echoes throughout the rest of the New Testament. In Titus 3:5, Paul mirrors Jesus’ words perfectly, writing that God saved us “through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit performs a profound, spiritually purifying work within us. He washes away the guilt of our past and breathes new, eternal life into our hearts. It is a complete renewal—a true spiritual rebirth.

If you are seeking a fresh start or wondering how to enter into the kingdom of God, look to the Spirit. Let Him do the work of cleansing, renewing, and transforming your heart today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of new life. We praise You for the profound work of the Holy Spirit, who washes us clean, renews our hearts, and allows us to enter into Your kingdom. Lord, we ask that You continue to purify us from the inside out. Let Your Spirit flow through our lives like living water, guiding our steps and renewing our minds daily. Thank You for saving us not by our own works, but according to Your deep mercy. 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. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  2. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  3. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  4. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  5. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  6. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  7. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  8. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  9. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  10. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  11. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  12. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  13. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  14. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  15. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  16. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  17. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  18. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  19. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  20. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  21. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  22. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  23. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  24. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  25. 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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BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again

In John 3:3, Jesus delivers one of the most profound and foundational truths of the Christian faith. During a late-night conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent religious leader, Jesus declares, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

For Nicodemus, this concept was completely baffling. He immediately wondered how an adult could physically enter their mother’s womb a second time. Like many of us, Nicodemus was looking at a spiritual reality through a purely physical lens. But Jesus was speaking of a radical, internal transformation—a spiritual rebirth.

To understand why we must be born again, we have to recognize our natural state. Physical birth brings us into this world with a human nature, but that nature is inherently broken and separated from God by sin. No amount of self-improvement, religious rule-following, or moral striving can bridge that gap. Nicodemus was a moral, deeply religious man, yet Jesus told him that even his best efforts were not enough to see the kingdom of God.

Being born again means receiving a completely new life from above. It is an act of the Holy Spirit where our old, spiritually dead nature is replaced with a living spirit, reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a modification of our old life, but the beginning of an entirely new one. When we surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts, giving us new desires, a new identity, and a citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom.

If you have been trying to earn your way into God’s favor or feeling exhausted by the weight of trying to be “good enough,” Jesus offers a beautiful release. You do not need to fix your old life; you need a new birth. By turning away from self-reliance and placing your trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, you can experience the profound, transformative reality of being born again.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful truth found in Your Word. We praise You that You do not leave us to rescue ourselves from our own brokenness, but instead offer us a fresh start and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, we ask that You search our hearts today. If there is any area where we are relying on our own strength, our own goodness, or our own religious efforts, help us to surrender it to You. For anyone reading this who has not yet experienced this spiritual rebirth, I pray that You would open their eyes to the beauty of Your gospel and give them the faith to trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Thank You for making us new creations. Help us to walk daily in the power of Your Holy Spirit, living out the reality of Your kingdom here on earth. We love You, and we give You all the glory.

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. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  2. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  3. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  4. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  5. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  6. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  7. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  8. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  9. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  10. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  11. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  12. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  13. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  14. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  15. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  16. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  17. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  18. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  19. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  20. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  21. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  22. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  23. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  24. 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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THE LORD WAS ABOUT TO KILL HIM / EXODUS 4:24

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 4:24

And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.

Understanding the Strange Incident at the Inn: God’s Standard for Leaders

It is one of the most jarring and unexpected verses in the entire Old Testament. Exodus 4:24 states, “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him.“

Just chapters earlier, God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, calling him to rescue Israel from Egypt. Moses was the chosen deliverer, armed with miraculous signs and divine authority. Yet, on his journey back to Egypt, his life was suddenly placed in mortal danger—not by Pharaoh, but by the very God who called him.

Why would God threaten to kill the man He just commissioned?

The Crisis of Disobedience

The answer lies in a critical, personal neglect: Moses had failed to perform the covenant sign of circumcision on his own son.

Centuries earlier, God established circumcision with Abraham as an everlasting covenant, calling it a physical sign of belonging to Him (Genesis 17:11). To refuse or neglect this sign was to break the covenant. In Moses’ case, this was a glaring act of disobedience. He was on his way to lead an entire nation into a covenant relationship with Yahweh, yet his own household was not in order.

Whether due to fear, procrastination, or opposition from his wife, Zipporah, Moses allowed compromise into his home. To correct this, God likely afflicted Moses with a sudden, life-threatening condition at the inn, bringing him to the brink of death until the obedience was fulfilled.

Private Character Precedes Public Calling

This intense passage reveals a profound truth that echoes across scripture: God’s special purpose for our lives depends entirely on our personal obedience to Him.

  • No one is above God’s law: True leadership in God’s kingdom is not measured by spiritual gifts or public platforms, but by private faithfulness.
  • Holiness is non-negotiable: God will not use a leader to preach covenant faithfulness to others while that leader willfully ignores it in their own life.
  • A Call to Diligence: As the Apostle Peter later wrote, we must “be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure” (1 Peter 1:10).

Moses’ story reminds us that God takes our secret compromises seriously. He loves us too much to let us carry hidden rebellion into our divine destiny. Before Moses could face Pharaoh, he had to face his own compromised devotion.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You humbled by the holiness of Your character and the weight of Your calling. Forgive us for the areas in our lives where we have neglected Your commands or allowed compromise to take root. We ask that You search our hearts today and reveal any hidden disobedience.

Give us the courage to make things right, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. Help us to remember that public service for Your kingdom can never replace private obedience to Your word. May our households and our hearts reflect Your holiness. Sanctify us, use us, and keep us faithful to Your covenant.

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. ISRAEL MY FIRSTBORN / EXODUS 4:22
  2. I WILL HARDEN HIS HEART / EXODUS 4:21
  3. WHO MAKES HIM BLIND? / EXODUS 4:11
  4. I AM SLOW OF SPEECH / EXODUS 4:10
  5. STAFF … BECAME A SNAKE / EXODUS 4:2-3
  6. ASK … PLUNDER THE EGYPTIANS / EXODUS 3:22
  7. I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14
  8. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  9. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  10. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  11. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  12. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  13. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  14. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  15. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  16. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  17. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  18. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  19. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  20. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  21. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  22. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  23. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  24. 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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