Margarita & Stace Crews – Page 103

September 21, 2026

UNLESS YOU FORGIVE / MATTHEW 18:35

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:35

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Unless You Forgive: The Dangerous Trap of an Unforgiving Heart

We often celebrate the beautiful truth that God’s grace is a free gift. We readily quote verses about His boundless mercy, His willingness to wash away our deepest stains, and the relief of a wiped-clean slate. But in Matthew 18:35, Jesus delivers a sobering baseline truth that should make every believer pause: God’s forgiveness, though freely extended to those who turn from sin, demands that we also extend that same mercy to others.

Jesus concludes the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant with these stark words: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

The message is clear, urgent, and heavy: A person can lose the reality of God’s forgiveness if they choose to hold onto a bitter, resentful, and unforgiving heart.

The Poison of Bitterness

Scripture repeatedly warns us about the spiritual danger of nursing a grudge. When we harbor ill will, we aren’t just hurting our relationships—we are blocking the flow of God’s grace in our own lives.

Matthew 6:14; Matthew 6:15: Jesus explicitly states that if we do not forgive others their sins, our Father will not forgive our sins.
Hebrews 12:15: We are warned to look after one another so that no “bitter root” grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
James 3:11, 14: James reminds us that fresh water and bitter water cannot flow from the same spring. If you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, your spiritual life is compromised.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:31-32, commanding believers to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Instead, we are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving—just as in Christ God forgave us.

Resenting the Need for Mercy

When we look closely at the servant in Jesus’ parable, we see a deeper, more insidious psychological trap. This man didn’t just refuse to forgive his fellow servant; he actually seemed to resent the fact that he needed to be forgiven in the first place.

When he confronted the man who owed him a fraction of what he had been pardoned for, the memory of his own massive, erased debt didn’t soften him—it enraged him. He acted as though his personal financial failure was somehow the fault of those who owed him money. He projected his shame onto someone else.

Receiving forgiveness from God is not complicated, but it requires a currency that pride cannot pay: humility, an admission of guilt, and a genuine willingness to change. Sadly, many people are too proud to adopt this posture. They want God’s pardon without God’s transformation. Because they refuse to humble themselves, they close the door to Christ’s cleansing work.

Forgiveness is a two-way street. We cannot extend an open hand to receive God’s mercy while keeping our fingers clenched in a fist of resentment against our neighbor. Today, let go of the debt. Free your heart from the prison of bitterness, and step fully into the freedom of God’s grace.

A Closing Prayer for a Forgiving Heart

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today humbled by the sheer magnitude of Your mercy. You have forgiven us a debt we could never hope to repay, washing away our sins through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Yet, Lord, we confess that our hearts can easily become hardened, proud, and quick to keep score.

Search our hearts today. Reveal any hidden roots of bitterness, resentment, hostility, or ill will that we are nursing against those who have hurt us. Forgive us for the times we have demanded justice for others while begging for mercy for ourselves.

Grant us the humility to admit our own faults and the supernatural strength to forgive from the heart, just as You have forgiven us. Break the chains of anger and pride that bind us. Let Your peace rule in our lives, so that fresh, healing water may flow from our souls.

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

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

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 21, 2026

IF TWO AGREE / MATTHEW 18:19-20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:19-20

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The Power of “If Two Agree”: Discovering the Strength of Shared Prayer

Have you ever tried to lift something heavy on your own, only to realize it was just too much to carry? Life’s burdens, worries, and big decisions can feel exactly like that heavy weight. But in Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus reveals a profound spiritual shortcut that changes everything: there is undeniable authority and power when we join together in faith.

Jesus famously promises:

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

The Promise of Perfect Harmony

The word “agree” used in this passage comes from a Greek root word from which we get our English word symphony. Think about that for a moment. When instruments play a symphony, they aren’t just making noise; they are tuned to the same frequency, working together to create a beautiful, powerful sound.

When you align your heart with another believer in prayer, you form a spiritual symphony. You aren’t just doubling your wishful thinking—you are locking arms in absolute faith, aligning your requests with God’s will.

Why Gathering Changes Things

When we come together in Christ’s name, something supernatural happens in the room:

His Present Power: Jesus explicitly promises that He is there with them. His active presence immediately inspires greater faith, provides supernatural strength, and gives us clear direction and comfort.
Shared Burdens: We don’t have to carry our concerns in isolation. Asking for prayer isn’t a sign of weakness; it is an act of spiritual wisdom.
Multiplied Faith: When your own faith feels weak or tired, the faith of a brother or sister can carry you through the storm.

We should never hesitate to reach out and ask others to stand with us. Take advantage of every opportunity to join with other Christians in prayer. Whether it’s a major life transition, a health concern, or a private heartbreak, find your “two or three” and watch how God moves.

A Closing Prayer for Agreement

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the beautiful gift of community and the profound power of shared prayer. Forgive us for the times we have tried to carry our heavy burdens all by ourselves, letting pride or fear keep us isolated.

Today, we claim the promise of Matthew 18:19-20. We ask that You bring faithful partners into our lives with whom we can agree in prayer. Tune our hearts together like a symphony, perfectly aligned with Your Holy Spirit. We thank You that right now, as we gather our hearts together, You are actively in our midst—bringing comfort, guiding our steps, and unleashing Your divine strength.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

September 21, 2026

IF YOUR BROTHER SINS / MATTHEW 18:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVEOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:15

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

The Heart of Restoration: Navigating Conflict and Purity in the Church

Conflict is an inevitable part of human relationships, and the church is no exception. However, how we handle offense within the body of Christ defines our witness to the world. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus provides a clear, compassionate, and courageous blueprint for handling sin between believers: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

Far from being a license to criticize, this text outlines a sacred process designed to protect the purity of the church while pursuing the restoration of the individual.

The Purpose: Protection and Restoration

Church discipline is never meant to be punitive or cruel. Instead, it serves two foundational purposes:

Guarding the Church: It protects God’s reputation, preserves moral purity, and maintains doctrinal integrity within the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Neglecting this compromises our purpose to be salt and light.
Restoring the Believer: The ultimate goal is always redemption. It aims to rescue those drifting from righteousness and guide them back to Christlike character (James 5:19-20).

The Process: Privacy, Community, and Accountability

Jesus lays out a progressive framework that balances grace with truth, moving from private conversation to public accountability only when necessary:

Private Confrontation: The offended person must first approach the offender privately. If the person listens and repents, they are forgiven, and the relationship is restored.
Small Group Witness: If the individual refuses to listen, one or two other mature believers should be brought into the conversation to establish the facts and offer counsel (Matthew 18:16).
The Church Community: If the heart remains hardened, the matter is brought before the local church. If they still refuse to change, they must be released from church membership and treated as an outsider—not with cruelty, but as someone who needs evangelism and Christ’s mercy anew.

The Standard for Leadership and Public Offenses

This biblical standard applies to all levels of the church, but the stakes are higher for open immorality and leadership. Continual, public sin requires decisive removal to prevent spiritual decay (1 Corinthians 5:2). Furthermore, when a church leader sins, it requires public rebuke so the congregation understands the gravity of God’s standards (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Spiritual leaders carry a heavy burden to watch over the flock, knowing they will be held accountable to Christ for guiding His people in truth.

The Heart Attitude: Humility and Love

Most importantly, this process must never be driven by pride or self-righteousness. It requires deep humility, love, regret, and self-examination (Galatians 6:1). We must examine our own hearts first, ensuring our goal is never to “win an argument,” but always to win back a brother or sister.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy, and You have called Your church to reflect Your purity, love, and truth to a watching world. We confess that navigating conflict and confronting sin is difficult for us. Give us the courage to speak the truth in love and the humility to examine our own hearts first.

We pray for our local congregations and our spiritual leaders. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and steadfastness to guard the flock and protect Your holy name. Where there is fracture, bring healing. Where there is sin, bring deep conviction and repentance. May our hearts always beat for restoration, so that those who wander may be safely won back to Your fold. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

September 21, 2026

ANGELS / MATTHEW 18:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Seen and Protected: The Power of Heavenly Messengers

In our fast-paced, often chaotic world, it is easy to feel small, isolated, or overlooked. Yet Scripture pulls back the invisible curtain of the spiritual realm to reveal a beautiful truth: we are never truly alone. God has established a divine system of protection, guidance, and love that operates around us every single day.

At the heart of this comfort is the biblical reality of angels. Derived from titles implying they are “messengers” and servants of the Most High, these celestial beings exist to fulfill God’s will and minister to those who follow Him.

The Divine Warning: Matthew 18:10

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers a profound statement that completely reshapes how we view the vulnerable, the humble, and the young:

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10

Jesus warns against disregarding or looking down upon those who seem insignificant in the eyes of the world. Why? Because they have designated heavenly guardians. The phrase “always see the face of my Father” implies a position of high honor, immediate access, and ultimate intimacy with God. The very angels assigned to look after God’s children have a direct line to the Creator of the universe, ensuring that no cry for help goes unnoticed.

A Sincere Interest and Unfailing Love

Angels are not detached, mechanical forces. The Bible reveals that they possess a sincere interest and deep affection for God’s children:

They Rejoice in Salvation: Jesus notes in Luke 15:10 that there is immense joy in the presence of the angels of God over just one sinner who repents.
They Guard and Deliver: In Psalms 34:7, we learn that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.
They Carry Us Home: When our earthly journey ends, angels are there to carry the faithful to their eternal rest, just as they carried Lazarus in Luke 16:22.

From Psalms 91:11 to Hebrews 1:14, the message remains consistent: angels are ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are to inherit salvation. They wage spiritual battles on our behalf, deliver divine encouragement when we are weary, and stand as stunning witnesses to God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

Worship the Creator, Not the Messenger

While the ministry of angels brings immense comfort, Scripture is careful to ground our focus. Angels are creations, not the Creator. They refuse human worship, choosing instead to fall prostrate before the throne, as seen in Revelation 5:11-12, crying out: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

We do not pray to angels, nor do we worship them. Instead, we praise the Lord of angels—Jesus Christ—who commands these heavenly hosts to watch over our lives.

Take heart today. You are valued. You are seen. And the God who numbers the hairs on your head has stationed His glorious, majestic messengers to guard you in all your ways.

A Closing Prayer

Father God, King of the Universe,

We thank You today for Your overwhelming love and for the unseen ways You protect us. Thank You for the ministry of Your holy angels, who stand in Your presence and always watch over Your children. Forgive us for the times we have felt abandoned or forgotten, forgetting that You have stationed heavenly hosts to encamp around us.

Help us to never despise or look down on others, remembering that every soul is deeply precious to You. Keep our eyes fixed entirely on Jesus, the Lord of hosts, who is greater than any angel or earthly power. Clothe us in Your spiritual armor and give us peace, knowing that Your messengers are moving on Your command to guide, deliver, and strengthen us.

In the mighty and glorious name of Jesus, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

September 21, 2026

WOE TO THE MAN / MATTHEW 18:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Woe to the Man: Guarding Hearts and Removing Stumbling Blocks

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares some of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. Among them, Matthew 18:7 stands out as a powerful alarm for the church: “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!”

When Jesus uses the word “woe,” He is not merely expressing sadness; He is pronouncing a severe warning of divine judgment. He makes it clear that while temptation and sin are inevitable in a fallen world, God holds individuals strictly accountable for the role they play in leading others astray. Jesus warns of severe judgment for those who cause others to sin, or who introduce vulnerable hearts—especially the young and the new in faith—to beliefs or behaviors that pull them away from their devotion to God.

Understanding the Stumbling Blocks

What does it look like to be the vehicle through which temptation comes? In our modern culture, the traps that lead people away from righteousness are vast and deeply integrated into daily life. Stumbling blocks often present themselves through:

Corrupt Media and Entertainment: Lust-filled or vulgar entertainment, immoral movies, and pornographic literature that desensitize the conscience and fuel fleshly desires.
Deceptive Intellectualism: Humanistic teachings rooted purely in human reasoning apart from God, as well as false doctrines that compromise Biblical truth.
Substance and Culture: The promotion of drugs and alcoholic beverages that impair judgment and lead to debauchery.
Social Influences: Disrespectful humor that mocks what is holy, and ungodly companions who pull us away from righteous living.

When we condone, share, or point others toward these influences, we are doing more than just engaging in worldly culture. Scripture reveals that we are actively partnering with Satan, the master tempter, who has sought to deceive humanity from the very beginning (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:1; John 8:44; James 1:12).

Cleansing Our Homes and Communities

The behaviors and lifestyles of God’s faithful people should look radically different from the patterns of this world. Followers of Christ are called to a high standard of holiness and spiritual responsibility. Rather than seeing how close we can walk to the line of compromise without falling, our mandate is to build a fortress of purity around our lives.

As Christ followers, we must do our best to evaluate and aggressively remove from our families, our homes, our churches, and our own personal lives anything that might tempt others or influence them to sin against God. This demands honest reflection. We must ask ourselves: Is the environment I am cultivating in my home protecting the spiritual health of my family? Are the conversations and media I endorse in my church community elevating holiness, or are they introducing compromise?

True discipleship requires us to protect the spiritual trajectory of those around us. Let us resolve to be builders of faith rather than authors of offense, ensuring that our lives serve as signposts to Christ rather than stumbling blocks to the kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble and reverent hearts, recognizing the weight of Your holy Word. Forgive us for the times we have been careless with our influence, our words, and the environments we create. Lord, we ask that You search our hearts, our homes, and our churches today. Expose any stumbling blocks that we have allowed to take root.

Give us the courage and the wisdom to remove anything that promotes compromise, false teaching, or ungodly desires. Holy Spirit, empower us to live lives that protect and nurture the faith of those around us, especially the young and the weak. May our homes be sanctuaries of Your purity, and may our lives always point others closer to Your truth and grace. We pray that we would be instruments of righteousness, building up Your kingdom and honoring You in all that we do.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

September 21, 2026

MILLSTONE … AROUND HIS NECK / MATTHEW 18:6

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:6

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

The Weight of Influence: Understanding Jesus’ Warning in Matthew 18:6

In the Gospels, Jesus often uses vivid, unforgettable imagery to drive home eternal truths. But perhaps one of His sharpest, most sobering warnings is found in Matthew 18:6: “But whoever causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

A millstone was an incredibly heavy, massive stone used to grind grain. To have one fastened around your neck meant absolute, irreversible destruction. Through this graphic illustration, Christ makes one thing entirely clear: leading others away from God carries a terrifying spiritual weight.

A Strict Warning for Influencers

This verse serves as a strict warning to anyone who holds a position of influence. While Jesus specifically points to children, the term “little ones” also encompasses childlike, vulnerable, or new believers who are growing in their faith.

It is one thing to deliberately choose our own path and sin against God. It is an entirely different, far greater offense to actively cause someone else to fall away. When we spiritually mislead those who look to us for a godly example, we provoke Christ’s justified anger and judgment. We must examine our lives daily to ensure our actions, words, and attitudes are stepping stones—not stumbling blocks.

The High Calling of Pastors, Teachers, and Parents

While this command applies to all Christians, it speaks with particular urgency to pastors, teachers, and especially parents.

Scripture places the primary responsibility of spiritual formation directly on the shoulders of parents. According to passages like Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Ephesians 6:4, parents are called to diligently instruct their children in the ways of God. This assignment involves two critical actions:

Active Cultivation: Proactively feeding their hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word so they are rooted in a genuine faith.
Vigilant Protection: Guarding them from the ungodly influences of the world, secular philosophies, and spiritual deception (Titus 1:10-11; 1 John 2:15-17).

Guarding the Hearts of the Next Generation

In today’s digital age, the world has unprecedented access to the minds of our children. If parents are not careful, the world will happily step in to disciple them through education, peer groups, and mainstream entertainment.

As a digital generation, our children are constantly bombarded by messages through television, internet platforms, music, and streaming media. Psalms 101:3 reminds us, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” Christian parents must be intentional gatekeepers, carefully monitoring the media and the friendships (Colossians 3:21) that shape their children’s hearts.

Influence is a stewardship. Let us commit to protecting the innocence and faith of the “little ones” God has placed in our care, leading them closer to the Savior rather than clearing a path toward the world.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You humbled by the weight of Your Word in Matthew 18:6. Lord, forgive us for the times our examples have been flawed, and where our actions or words may have caused a weaker brother, sister, or child to stumble. Give us a profound reverence for the influence You have granted us.

We pray specifically for our pastors, teachers, and parents. Equip them with divine wisdom, courage, and discernment to lead the next generation in truth. Help parents to be vigilant guardians of their children’s hearts and minds, shielding them from the deceptive influences of this world. May our homes, churches, and lives be safe havens of faith where Your little ones are nurtured, protected, and drawn closer to Jesus.

In His 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
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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

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

September 21, 2026

UNLESS YOU CHANGE / MATTHEW 18:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Unless You Change: Embracing the Childlike Heart of True Conversion

True spiritual transformation begins with a fundamental shift in our posture before God. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus delivers a striking truth to His disciples: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This call to become childlike—not childish—is the absolute starting point for the positive changes Jesus desires to make in our lives.

When we approach the heavenly Father with a childlike attitude, we lay down our pride. We adopt a posture that is humble, honest, dependent, trusting, and ready to be molded by His hands. It is through this initial act of submission that the Holy Spirit begins the profound work of character transformation, making us fit for His kingdom.

The Two Fold Nature of Turning to God

Genuine conversion is much more than a single moment of regret or a fleeting feeling of sorrow over past mistakes. According to Scripture, true life change is an ongoing, two-part turning point:

Radically Turning Away: We must deliberately turn away from everything that is selfish, ungodly, and rooted in our old nature. By default, human nature tends to follow a path that leads away from God and toward eternal death (Romans 1:18-32). Repentance requires us to actively resist that gravity.
Deliberately Turning Toward: We must actively align our lives with God’s standards. This means seeking His plan with all our heart and producing tangible spiritual fruit—positive actions and transformed character—as evidence of a true change of heart (Matthew 3:8).

A Complete Life Transformation

Because true conversion changes our ultimate allegiance, it naturally ripples into every single area of our existence. It is a total transformation of our:

Relationships & Priorities: Re-evaluating how we treat others and what we put first.
Habits & Interests: Walking away from destructive patterns and finding joy in what honors God.
Commitments & Outlook: Shifting our overall view of life from self-centered to Christ-centered.

This all-encompassing change is only possible by God’s grace—His undeserved favor, love, and enablement—and the power of the Holy Spirit received through faith. It is both the evidence of genuine saving faith and the strict requirement for ongoing spiritual growth.

If we want to experience the fullness of His kingdom, we must answer the call to change, stripping away our self-sufficiency to embrace the beautiful, dependent trust of a child.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging our need for a total change of heart. Forgive us for the times we have allowed pride, self-sufficiency, and worldly wisdom to harden our hearts. We ask that You grant us a truly childlike spirit today. Help us to be humble, completely dependent on Your grace, and deeply trusting of Your perfect will.

Holy Spirit, work within us to bring about a radical conversion. Give us the strength to turn away from everything that is ungodly and selfish, and fill us with the desire to run wholeheartedly toward You. May our lives bear good fruit that reflects Your character, and may our priorities, habits, and relationships be transformed by Your power. Thank You for Your endless love and the grace that enables us to grow day by day. 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

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

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

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

September 21, 2026

WHO IS THE GREATEST / MATTHEW 18:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 18:1

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Rethinking Status: Who is the Greatest?

We live in a culture obsessed with ranking. From sports MVPs and corporate ladders to social media follower counts, we are constantly told that value is tied to status, influence, and staying at the top.

Surprisingly, this isn’t a modern problem. Even the closest followers of Jesus struggled with it.

In Matthew 18:1, the disciples came to Jesus with a burning question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

The World’s Ladder vs. The Kingdom’s Posture

At this point in their journey, the disciples were still thinking like the rest of the world. They anticipated an earthly messianic empire where they could secure positions of power, prominence, and prestige. They wanted a hierarchy.

But Jesus completely upended their expectations. Instead of naming a political leader, a wealthy benefactor, or even one of the inner-circle disciples, He did something radical. He called a small child over and stood them in the middle of the group.

In the first-century Roman world, children held no social status, legal rights, or independent power; they were completely dependent on their parents for survival. By elevating a child, Jesus redefined greatness entirely.

True greatness in God’s kingdom is not about climbing a ladder; it is about a posture of the heart.

The Call to Childlike Humility

Jesus told them, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

Notice that Jesus did not say we should be childish—He calls us to be childlike. There is a profound difference:

Childishness is marked by selfishness, entitlement, and demanding our own way.
Childlike humility is marked by total dependence, trust, and a freedom from prideful comparison.

To become like a child means letting go of the need to prove our worth to the world. It means recognizing our own insufficiency and resting securely in the sufficiency of God. The greatest in the kingdom is the person who is content to be small so that God can be seen as big.

Living It Out Today

If we want to reflect the greatness of Jesus, we have to change our metrics for success. Kingdom greatness is found when we:

Stop Comparing: True security means we don’t have to compete with others for God’s love or recognition.
Serve Secretly: True humility values the tasks and the people that the rest of the world overlooks.
Depend Intentionally: Real spiritual growth doesn’t mean outgrowing our need for God; it means realizing we need Him more with every passing day.

Let’s step off the worldly treadmill of striving and comparison, and embrace the beautiful, freeing position of absolute trust in our Heavenly Father.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding us that Your kingdom operates on grace, not status. Forgive us for the times we have let pride, comparison, and the pursuit of recognition shape our ambitions. We confess that we often try to climb worldly ladders instead of taking the lowly position You modeled for us.

Help us to turn away from our self-reliance and turn toward You with the heart of a child. Teach us what it means to live in total, joyful dependence on Your goodness. Give us eyes to see and value the people and the moments that the world overlooks. May our lives reflect Your selfless love, finding true greatness not in being served, but in serving others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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September 21, 2026

FAITH … NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSIBLE / MATTHEW 17:20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Faith: Moving Mountains and Making the Impossible Possible

We often hear about the power of faith, but what does it truly look like in the life of a believer? In Matthew 17:20, Jesus delivers a radical promise to His disciples: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

This imagery of moving mountains is breathtaking, but it often leaves us asking: What is the true nature of this kind of faith? If nothing is impossible, why do we sometimes feel so stuck?

The answer lies not in the size or strength of our own willpower, but in the object of our focus.

1. It’s Not the Size of Your Faith, It’s the Size of Your God

Jesus explicitly mentions the mustard seed—one of the tiniest seeds known to the culture of His day. By pointing to something so minuscule, Jesus shifts the pressure away from us. The “amount” of faith you generate is not the issue. By God’s grace, every follower of Christ already possesses enough faith to experience the miraculous; it is the very faith we exercised to receive salvation in the first place (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8).

True faith is not a belief in “faith” itself as some mystical, cosmic force. Mark 11:22 gives us the exact blueprint: “Have faith in God.” It is not about how much faith you have, but what you do with it. We must direct our small seed of faith toward an infinite God. He must be both the source and the object of our focus.

2. Faith is a Gift, Not Grit

We cannot manufacture true faith through sheer mental effort, positive thinking, or hype. True faith is a divine work within our hearts (Philippians 2:13). It is a God-given awareness—inspired by the Holy Spirit—that assures us He hears and answers our prayers.

Because it is a gift, we don’t have to stress about “brewing it up” on our own. Instead, we look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

3. Connection is the Secret to Confidence

Since faith flows from God, our confidence grows the closer we get to Him. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and intimacy with Jesus, our dependence on Him deepens.

Jesus was incredibly clear in John 15:5: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Reaching for the “impossible” requires absolute dependence on His constant presence and obedience to His Word. When we abide in Him, our hearts align with His, and our faith naturally grows.

4. Surrendered to His Sovereignty

Finally, true faith is entirely under God’s control. He dispenses faith on the basis of His perfect love, wisdom, and eternal purposes. He gives us exactly what we need, right when we need it, to accomplish His will—not our own selfish interests (James 4:3).

When Jesus says “nothing will be impossible,” He is inviting us into total alignment with the Kingdom of God. When your tiny seed of faith is placed in the hands of an Almighty God, the mountains in your life don’t stand a chance.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the powerful reminder that You do not demand a giant, perfect faith from me. You only ask for my willingness, even if it is as small as a tiny mustard seed. Lord, forgive me for the times I have looked at my problems instead of looking at You. I confess that apart from You, I can do nothing.

I pray that the Holy Spirit would grow my faith today. Help me to anchor my trust deeply in Your character, Your Word, and Your perfect timing. I surrender the “mountains” in my life to You, knowing that nothing is impossible under Your control. Let my life be a reflection of Your grace and power, used entirely for Your glory and Your good will.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 21, 2026

UNBELIEVING AND PERVERSE / MATTHEW 17:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 17:17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

Moving Beyond Powerless Christianity: Stepping into the Authority of God’s Kingdom

We live in a world desperate for the tangible power of God. Everywhere we look, people are troubled, broken, and oppressed by spiritual darkness. Yet, too often, the modern Church stands by—well-meaning but powerless.

In Matthew 17:17, Jesus confronts this exact reality with a harsh and sobering challenge to His followers:

“You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I stay with you? Bring the boy here to me.”

These are heavy words from a compassionate Savior. Why was Jesus so grieved? Because His disciples had been given the mandate and the authority to heal the sick and drive out demons, yet they utterly failed to help a desperate father and his suffering boy.

Their failure exposed a critical diagnosis that we must pay attention to today: a form of godliness that lacks real spiritual power.

The Cost of Spiritual Impotence

When the disciples asked Jesus privately why they couldn’t cast out the demon, He didn’t offer a polite excuse. He pointed directly to their hearts: their inability to free those troubled by demonic powers revealed a distinct lack of faith, spiritual understanding, and spiritual authority (Matthew 17:20-21).

The disciples had the “position” of being followers of Christ, but they lacked the active connection to the Source. Jesus’ frustration stems from a profound spiritual truth: He is grieved when His people fail to participate in His active ministry against the forces of Satan.

We are not called to be passive spectators in a spiritual war. Jesus never intended for His followers to cede ground to evil. From the very beginning, He authorized His Church to release His power against spiritual darkness:

Matthew 10:1; Matthew 10:8: He gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease.
Luke 9:1: He gave them power and authority to overcome all demons.
John 14:12: He promised that those who believe in Him would do the works He had been doing.

When we fail to influence and serve others with the real power of God’s Kingdom, we leave the oppressed in their chains.

Cultivating a Faith That Moves Mountains

The Holy Spirit did not record this failure in scripture to shame the disciples, but to shift our focus to what is possible through Christ. Just as Jesus forced demons out of people’s lives, He wants His followers to do the exact same through faith in His authority.

How do we step out of an “unbelieving generation” mindset and into kingdom authority?

Trade Self-Sufficiency for Pure Faith: The disciples’ failure often came from relying on their past successes or their own methods rather than an active, present-moment reliance on Jesus. True authority requires total dependence on God.
Commit to Prayer and Fasting: In Matthew 17:21, Jesus reminds us, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Stubborn spiritual strongholds cannot be broken by casual, half-hearted faith. It requires a lifestyle of deep spiritual preparation, self-denial, and aligning our hearts completely with God’s will.
Show Up to the Fight: We cannot push back darkness if we refuse to step onto the battlefield. Jesus wants us to step out in faith, confront the brokenness in our vicinities, and expect His power to back His name.

It is time to stop settling for a powerless faith. Let us seek the Lord with a renewed fervor, laying aside unbelief, so that we can be the hands, feet, and delivering power of Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

A Closing Prayer for Spiritual Authority

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we have operated in unbelief and allowed ourselves to be shaped by a perverse, faithless culture. We repent for the times we have chosen comfort over spiritual preparation, standing by powerlessly while people around us suffer under spiritual darkness.

Lord Jesus, we remind our souls today of the authority You have given us. We ask that You awaken Your Church. Break the spirit of slumber and self-sufficiency over our lives. Ignite in us a hunger for deep prayer and fasting so that our faith may grow to move mountains.

Fill us with the Holy Spirit and let Your kingdom power be released through us to heal the sick, break chains, and drive out every work of the enemy in our families, cities, and nations. May we actively participate in Your ministry of deliverance and bring ultimate glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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