Margarita & Stace Crews – Page 116

September 17, 2026

A MUSTARD SEED / MATTHEW 13:31

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:31

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.

Small Beginnings, Mighty Grace: The Power of the Mustard Seed

Have you ever looked at your life, your faith, or your current circumstances and thought, “It’s just too small to make a difference”?

In a world that obsesses over the massive, the loud, and the instantly famous, it is incredibly easy to feel disqualified by our own insignificance. We look at our tiny budgets, our small acts of service, or our fragile, doubt-filled prayers, and we wonder if God can really use them.

If you have ever felt dwarfed by the mountains in front of you, Jesus has some incredibly comforting news for you in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Text: Matthew 13:31-32

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (NRSVUE)

1. God Loves Small Beginnings

Historically viewed as a proverb for something microscopic, Jesus used the tiny mustard seed to represent the grand reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. God is never intimidated by humble or small starts, welcoming simple acts of faith.

2. The Growth is Supernatural

The real power lies in the life God places within the seed rather than the seed itself. When we offer our modest faith and everyday obedience, God takes responsibility for the supernatural growth and the resulting fruit.

3. We Grow to Give Shelter

As the parable concludes, the mature shrub becomes large enough to offer nesting places for birds. Similarly, our spiritual maturation serves as a refuge and source of comfort for others navigating difficult seasons.

Plant Your Seed Today

Direct your focus toward a big God rather than measuring your own capabilities, offering your small “yes” to experience His work in your daily life.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I look at my life and feel like what I have to offer is completely insignificant. Forgive me for buying into the lie that bigger is always better, and help me to see my life through Your eyes.

Lord, I bring You my small faith, my quiet obedience, and my imperfect love today. I plant them in Your field. Take these tiny mustard seeds of my life and breathe Your supernatural growth into them. Let Your grace take deep root in my soul, transforming me from the inside out.

Expand Your Kingdom through my everyday actions. Make my life a place of refuge, kindness, and shelter for those who are weary and searching for hope. I trust in Your transforming power, knowing that You are not done with me yet.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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 17, 2026

LET BOTH GROW TOGETHER / MATTHEW 13:30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Growing Together: Grace, Discernment, and the Wheat among the Tares

In a world that thrives on instant reactions and immediate separation, patience is a rare virtue. We often want to root out the bad, fix the broken, and separate ourselves from anything that feels counter to our faith. But in Matthew 13:30, Jesus offers a different, deeply profound strategy for living out our faith in a flawed world: “Let both grow together until the harvest.”

This command comes from the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. It challenges us to look closely at how we navigate our faith, our churches, and our daily interactions with the world around us.

Here are three vital truths we must understand as we live out this calling:

1. The Reality of Coexistence

As long as God provides the opportunity for people to hear and accept the message of forgiveness and new life through Christ, both good and evil will exist together. God, in His infinite patience, will not command His angels to destroy the children “of the evil one” until the final end-time judgments (Matthew 13:38-41).

This coexistence isn’t an accident; it is a season of extended grace. Christ’s true followers must understand that they will encounter and have to deal with those who pretend to be true Christians but who are really promoting Satan’s work (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Our role is not to panic, but to remain rooted.

2. The Balance of Discipline and Final Judgment

Allowing both to grow together does not excuse sin among God’s people. This parable does not contradict the Bible’s clear instructions that the church must discipline rebellious members and expel those who refuse to turn away from sin (Matthew 18:15; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:1).

However, we must realize that human discipline—even at its absolute best—is only a partial solution to weeding out evil within the kingdom. We do not see the human heart perfectly. God and His angels will make the final, flawless separation. Our boundaries must be kept, but our hearts must leave final justice to the Ultimate Judge.

3. The Call to Spiritual Vigilance

Because the enemy plants counterfeits, faithful Christians must always be alert to deceptive and spiritually rebellious elements. Satan actively works to plant individuals within all areas of God’s word and work.

In many ways, these counterfeits will look exactly like true children of God (2 Corinthians 11:13). This reality demands that we develop deep spiritual discernment. We cannot rely on outward appearances alone; we must rely on the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture to guard our hearts.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Grant us the wisdom and discernment to navigate this world with grace and truth. Help us to stand firm in our faith, remaining alert to the deceptions of the enemy without losing our commitment to love and patience. Where there is counterfeit faith, let your truth expose it in your perfect timing. Keep our hearts pure, protect your church, and help us trust your final judgment. May we grow strong, deep, and unshakeable as we wait for your harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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 17, 2026

GOOD SEED … WEEDS / MATTHEW 13:24-25

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:24-25

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.

The Battle in the Field: Discerning the Good Seed and the Weeds

In Matthew 13:24-25, Jesus shares a profound truth through the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.”

This simple agricultural illustration reveals a sobering spiritual reality about the world we live in today.

The Two Sowers in the World

Jesus later explains that the “field” is the world. The “good seed” represents the children of the kingdom—those who know God and live faithfully by His Word. Christ’s message and His followers are intentionally planted throughout the globe to be light and salt.

However, we do not operate in a vacuum. The enemy, Satan, actively works to counteract God’s truth. He plants his own followers—the “sons of the evil one”—right alongside God’s people.

The Strategy of Deception

The enemy rarely attacks the church through obvious, external means alone. Instead, his primary strategy is counterfeiting and infiltration. The weeds mentioned in the parable are likely darnel, a weed that looks exactly like wheat in its early stages of growth.

The main task of these spiritual weeds is to:

Cause doubt: Questioning the absolute authority of God’s Word, echoing the ancient deception in Genesis 3:4.
Distort the truth: Promoting attitudes and actions that twist scripture to excuse unrighteousness.
Spread false teaching: Shifting focus away from the true Gospel to comfort human pride (Acts 20:29-30).

Jesus warned that this deception would be so subtle that even leaders claiming to be “Christian” would rise up as false teachers to turn people away from God (Matthew 24:11).

Living with Discernment

This mixed condition of believers living alongside unbelievers is a theme echoed throughout the Gospels (Matthew 22:11-14; 25:1-30). It requires us to live with deep spiritual discernment. We cannot blindly trust every voice; we must test everything against the unchanging truth of Scripture.

The good news is that this overlapping period will not last forever. This present age will come to a sudden end when Christ returns to earth to judge the wicked and gather His harvest (Matthew 13:38-43). Until that day, our calling is to remain rooted in truth, growing strong as the good seed God has planted.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for planting us as good seed in Your world. Give us the spiritual discernment to recognize the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Guard our hearts against doubt, and keep us firmly rooted in the authority of Your Word. Help us to stand strong, live faithfully, and bear good fruit until the day of Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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 17, 2026

EVIL ONE SNATCHES AWAY / MATTHEW 13:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:19

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

The Thief of Truth: When the Evil One Snatches the Word Away

We have all experienced moments where a powerful truth hits us—whether during a Sunday morning sermon, while reading a devotional, or during a quiet moment of prayer. We feel a sudden spark of inspiration and resolve to change our habits, deepen our faith, or treat others with more grace.

But then, Monday morning rolls around. The alarm blares, traffic is a nightmare, an email chain causes our blood to boil, and by noon, that powerful weekend truth is completely gone. What happened?

Jesus gives us a sobering explanation for this exact phenomenon in the Parable of the Sower. In Matthew 13:19, He warns us:

“When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”

The Danger of the Hardened Path

In this famous parable, Jesus compares the Word of God to seeds scattered by a farmer. The very first environment the seed encounters is “the path”—a walkway packed down tight by the heavy, constant foot traffic of life. Because the soil is hard, the seed cannot sink beneath the surface. It just sits exposed on top of the ground, completely vulnerable.

Jesus reveals a startling spiritual reality: Satan is on standby, ready to snatch the Word of God from you.

The enemy doesn’t need to wage a massive, dramatic war to neutralize the impact of God’s truth in your life. He just needs to wait for a moment of spiritual apathy or confusion. If the truth we hear remains entirely on the surface, the “birds of the air” will swoop in and carry it away before it ever has a chance to take root.

The Role of Understanding

Notice the specific condition Jesus mentions: the evil one snatches the seed when someone hears the message and does not understand it.

This isn’t just about intellectual capability or having a degree in theology. In the biblical sense, true understanding involves leaning in, pondering the message, and letting the Holy Spirit apply it directly to your life.

When we treat the gospel as mere background noise—or when we listen to a sermon out of obligation without actually contemplating how it applies to our lives—our hearts remain hard. The devil loves spiritual confusion and spiritual laziness. He uses distractions, busyness, and entertainment to ensure that the message never transitions from something you merely heard into something you actually live.

Cultivating Soft Soil

If you want to protect the truth God is speaking into your life, you have to intentionally break up the hard ground of your heart. You can do this by:

Slowing Down: Don’t rush away from your Bible study or a church service. Give the message room to breathe.
Asking Questions: Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what a passage means for your specific situation.
Guarding Your Heart: Be mindful of the distractions you allow into your mind immediately after receiving God’s word.

Don’t let the enemy rob you of the spiritual growth, peace, and transformation God has planned for you. Protect the seed, soften the soil, and watch the fruit grow.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today recognizing that Your Word is alive, powerful, and full of truth. Lord, we confess that all too often, we allow the foot traffic, worries, and distractions of this world to harden our hearts. We apologize for the times we have listened to Your voice but failed to truly lean in and understand.

We ask right now that You protect the seeds of truth You have planted within us. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, rebuke the enemy who stands ready to snatch Your Word away. Break up the hard, compacted soil of our hearts and give us a soft, receptive heart of flesh.

Open the eyes of our hearts so that we may truly grasp the message of Your Kingdom, live it out with confidence, and produce a harvest that honors 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

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

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

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 17, 2026

WHOEVER HAS WILL BE GIVEN MORE / MATTHEW 13:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:12

Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

Cultivating a Receptive Heart: Understanding the Kingdom Principle of Matthew 13:12

At first glance, Matthew 13:12 can sound incredibly jarring, almost unfair to our human ears:

“For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

In a world plagued by economic inequality, we might read this and mistakenly assume Jesus is endorsing a “rich get richer” philosophy. But Jesus wasn’t giving a lecture on financial economics. He was revealing a profound, foundational law of the Kingdom of Heaven: the principle of spiritual receptivity and stewardship.

When we understand what Jesus is truly offering, this verse transforms from a stern warning into a beautiful invitation to experience life in its absolute fullness.

The Context: Why Parables?

To understand this verse, we have to look at why Jesus said it. His disciples had just asked Him why He was suddenly speaking to the crowds in parables.

Jesus explained that the secrets of the Kingdom were being given to the disciples, but not to the crowds. Why? Because the religious leaders and many in the crowds had already hardened their hearts. They had seen the miracles, heard the truth, and willfully rejected it.

The “one who has” is the person who welcomes the truth of God with an open, eager, and humble heart. The “one who has not” is the person who closes their mind, letting their heart become hard like path-soil.

Use What You Have, and Watch it Multiply

This principle shows up everywhere in the Christian walk. God has entrusted every single one of us with a unique measure of spiritual wisdom, gifts, talents, and opportunities. He is watching to see how we steward them.

Faith: When you act on a small, mustard-seed size of faith, God expands your capacity to trust Him through deeper trials.
Wisdom: When you obey the spiritual insights God gives you through His Word, He trusts you with deeper revelations and clarity.
Service: When you use your natural and spiritual talents to bless others, God multiplies your opportunities and increases your impact.

Spiritual growth is never stagnant. If we are actively cultivating our relationship with Christ, we are moving forward into abundance. But if we neglect what we’ve been given—if we let our Bibles gather dust and keep our faith hidden away—even the spiritual momentum we once had will begin to wither.

Choosing Abundance Today

The good news is that the Kingdom of God operates on an economy of grace, not human effort. God does not expect you to generate your own righteousness or gifts; He simply asks you to surrender and receive what He has already provided.

If you feel like you “have not” much to give today, simply offer your willingness. Ask God to soften the soil of your heart, and watch how He richly furnishes your life with His peace, guidance, and spiritual fruit.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of Your Word and the grace of the gospel. Lord, we recognize that every good and perfect thing we possess comes directly from Your hand. We ask right now that You would search our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have been complacent, or when we have let our hearts grow hardened to Your voice.

We pray for a deeply receptive and humble spirit today. Break up any hard ground within us, and grant us the wisdom and courage to act faithfully on the truth You have already revealed to us. Multiply our faith, our love, and our capacity to serve Your Kingdom. May we live so closely aligned with Your Spirit that we walk daily in the spiritual abundance and fruitfulness You promised.

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
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 17, 2026

LET BOTH GROW TOGETHER / MATTHEW 13:30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 13:3

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

Cultivating the Soil of the Heart: Understanding the Parables of the Kingdom

Have you ever listened to a story that stayed with you for days, slowly revealing deeper meanings the more you thought about it? That is the profound power of a parable.

In Matthew 13:3, we read: “Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: ‘Behold, a sower went out to sow.’”

The word “parable” comes from the Greek parabole, which literally means “placing beside”—like holding up a mirror of daily life next to a profound spiritual reality. Jesus took everyday, familiar images—seeds, soil, weeds, and fishing nets—and used them to explain the mystery of the kingdom of heaven.

The Mystery of the Kingdom: Wheat and Tares Side by Side

Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 reveal a critical truth about our present world: until Christ returns, good and evil will exist together within the visible kingdom on earth.

This means that within the global community of those who claim to follow Christ, we will find both the sincere and the insincere. We will see remarkable faithfulness, but we will also witness worldly compromises and rebellion. Jesus did not share these stories to discourage us, but to alert and equip us. He wanted His true followers to expect opposition and to know how to overcome it.

How to Overcome: Wholehearted Devotion

We cannot control the weeds growing around us, but we can control the soil of our own hearts. The parables teach us that the only way to overcome the influence of evil and the deception of this world is through wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ.

True faith requires a radical commitment to what is right and true. Like the merchant who sold everything he had for the pearl of great price, we are called to value Jesus above all else. In the end, the shadows of compromise will be stripped away. As Jesus promises in Matthew 13:43, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

The Double-Edged Sword of Truth

The unique beauty of Jesus’ parables is that they act as a filter for the heart. To those who are spiritually sincere, open, and hungry for God, parables reveal beautiful, life-changing truth. But to those who are cynical, prideful, or resistant to God, the truth remains concealed.

Every time we encounter the words of Jesus, it demands a decision. Will we let the seed of His Word take deep root in our lives, or will we allow the cares of this world to choke it out? Let us choose today to be the good soil.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful truths hidden within Your Word. Lord, give us ears to hear and hearts that are soft, sincere, and open to Your teachings. We ask that You cultivate the soil of our hearts today. Root out any seeds of bitterness, compromise, or worldliness, and help us to stand firm against the opposition around us.

We desire to be wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus, placing Him above every earthly treasure. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live lives of pure godliness, so that we may shine like the sun in Your kingdom. We love You, we trust You, and we commit our ways to You.

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
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 17, 2026

THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27-28

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:27-28

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: ²⁸Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Rest and Royalty: Understanding Mark 2:27-28 and the Lord of the Sabbath

We live in a culture that treats busyness like a badge of honor. We run on tight schedules, reply to emails late at night, and push ourselves to the brink of burnout. In a world that demands constant production, stopping feels almost countercultural.

Yet, centuries ago, Jesus addressed this exact human tendency toward legalism and exhaustion. In Mark 2:27-28, He made a profound, two-part statement to the religious leaders of His day: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

If you have been feeling physically drained, mentally overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, these verses offer a life-giving reminder. God designed rest not as a rigid rule to trap you, but as a beautiful gift to sustain you—and it is fully managed by a loving Savior.

The Origin of the Gift

God established the principle of the Sabbath right at the beginning of time. After six days of creation, He rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but to set a pattern for us. Later, He formalized this as one of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8, calling His people to keep the Sabbath holy.

While Old Testament Jews observed the Sabbath on the seventh day (Saturday), modern Christians traditionally gather on the first day of the week (Sunday) to worship in honor of Christ’s resurrection. Regardless of the specific day your community observes, the core spiritual principle remains identical: we are called to regularly lay down our daily work, redirect our focus toward God, and refresh our souls.

The Danger of Reversing the Order

In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a burden. They created hundreds of strict regulations detailing exactly what a person could and could not do, completely missing God’s heart. When Jesus’ disciples plucked a few grains of wheat to eat because they were hungry, the Pharisees accused them of breaking the law.

Jesus corrected them by flipping their perspective. Humans were not created to serve a day; the day was created to serve humans.

When we ignore the principle of the Sabbath, we inadvertently rob ourselves of God’s intended blessings. Pushing through without rest doesn’t make us more productive; instead, it harms our physical health, clouds our mental clarity, and starves our spiritual lives. As Jesus demonstrated when He defended His hungry disciples in Matthew 12:1, God cares deeply about our baseline human needs.

The Lord of Your Rest

Jesus doesn’t just stop at explaining the purpose of the Sabbath; He elevates the conversation in Mark 2:28 by declaring that He is the Lord even of the Sabbath.

By calling Himself the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus is showing us that He has the authority to define what rest looks like. Rest is no longer about checking off a religious box or worrying if you are “doing it right.” True rest is found in a person. When we step away from our work, we are stepping directly into the grace, provision, and authority of Jesus. He is the one who protects our time, restores our souls, and validates our need to pause.

According to Isaiah 58:13-14, when we call the Sabbath a “delight” and honor it, we find our joy in the Lord and experience His profound strength. Let go of the pressure to produce, and allow yourself to simply breathe in His presence.

A Closing Prayer for Rest

Header Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of the Sabbath. Forgive us for the times we value our own busyness over Your commands, and for the times we treat rest like a luxury we have to earn rather than a blessing You have freely given.

Jesus, we acknowledge You today as the Lord of our rest. Thank You that our value is not tied to our productivity, but to Your finished work on the cross. Help us to lay down our tasks, our worries, and our striving today. We ask that You refresh our tired bodies, quiet our anxious minds, and renew our spirits as we focus on You. May our worship honor You, and may Your peace guard our hearts.

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 17, 2026

SABBATH / MARK 2:23

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:23

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Heart of the Sabbath in Mark 2:23

How often do you find yourself completely exhausted, yet unable to actually stop? We live in a culture that treats busyness like a badge of honor and rest like a luxury we haven’t quite earned. Even our efforts to rest can feel like another item on our to-do list.

But in Mark 2:23, we find a beautiful, disruptive moment where Jesus challenges everything we think we know about rest, rules, and renewal.

The Grainfield Confrontation

The passage begins simply: “One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain.”

The disciples were hungry, so they reached out, plucked some grain, and ate. It was a simple act of human need. Yet, watching from the margins were the Pharisees, ready to pounce. They immediately accused the disciples of breaking the law by “harvesting” on the Sabbath.

The religious leaders had taken a beautiful commandment meant for human flourishing and weaponized it into a exhausting list of restrictions. They had turned a boundary designed to protect humanity into a burden that trapped them.

Made for You, Not Against You

Jesus’ response reshapes our entire understanding of God’s character. He famously states just a few verses later: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27).

Consider the profound shift in that statement:

The Sabbath is a gift, not a test. God did not create humanity just to see if we could follow a rigid 24-hour rule. He created the Sabbath because He knew our bodies, minds, and souls would desperately need a pause button.
It is about relationship, not legalism. The Pharisees were focused on what was unlawful. Jesus focused on what was life-giving.
Jesus is the Lord of Rest. By declaring Himself Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus reminds us that true rest isn’t found in a day on the calendar; it is found in a person.

Shifting Our Perspective on Rest

When we look at Mark 2:23, we are invited to rethink our own rhythms. Do we treat rest as something we have to earn through endless work? Or do we receive it as a radical act of trust in God’s provision?

Practicing a true Sabbath mindset means stepping out of the “grainfields” of our daily labor and trusting that the world will keep turning even if we stop working. It is a weekly reminder that our identity is rooted in who we are as children of God, not in what we produce.

A Closing Prayer for Sabbath Rest

Lord of the Sabbath,

We come to You today carrying the heavy weight of our schedules, our anxieties, and our endless to-do lists. Forgive us for the times we have measured our worth by our busyness, and for the times we have viewed your invitation to rest as a burden rather than a grace.

Thank You for the reminding us through Your Word that You designed rest for our good. Help us to lay down our tasks, quiet our minds, and step away from the pressure to produce. Give us the faith to trust that You are holding the world together, even when we stop.

Teach us how to truly delight in Your presence, to renew our weary souls, and to find our ultimate refreshment in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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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
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September 17, 2026

NEW WINE INTO OLD WINESKINS / MARK 2:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:22

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

Embracing the Shift: Why God’s New Wine Needs New Wineskins

We have all experienced moments where we desperately want change, yet we try to maintain the exact same routines, mindsets, and habits. We pray for a fresh move of God in our lives, but we hold tightly to the comfortable patterns of our past.

Jesus addressed this exact human tendency with a brilliant, practical illustration found in Mark 2:22:

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

To understand what Jesus is saying, we have to look at how wine was stored in the ancient world.

The Science of the Wineskin

In the first century, wine wasn’t kept in glass bottles; it was stored in goatskins. When wine is new, it goes through a natural fermentation process. It bubbles, expands, and releases gases. A new wineskin is soft, pliable, and elastic. As the new wine ferments and expands, the new skin stretches right along with it.

However, over time, a wineskin loses its moisture. It becomes rigid, brittle, and fixed in its shape. If a winemaker pours expanding, fermenting new wine into that old, brittle wineskin, the skin cannot stretch. The pressure builds up until pop—the skin bursts, the wine spills, and everything is lost.

The Danger of a Rigid Mindset

When Jesus shared this parable, He was responding to critics who wondered why His disciples weren’t following the rigid, traditional fasting rituals of the Pharisees. Jesus was essentially telling them: “I am bringing something entirely fresh. The era of grace, freedom, and direct relationship with God cannot be squeezed into the rigid boxes of legalism.”

The same truth applies to our lives today. God is constantly doing new things, but we often miss out because we approach Him with old mindsets:

Old habits vs. New character: We want a deep, dynamic spiritual life, but we try to maintain old routines or toxic environments.
Old mindsets vs. New vision: We pray for breakthrough, but we continue to think with the same fear, negativity, or limiting beliefs we’ve always carried.
Comfort vs. Growth: Growth always requires us to stretch. Stretching is uncomfortable, but it is purposeful.

The Process of Renewal

Here is the beautiful piece of good news that history teaches us about ancient winemaking: old wineskins could actually be restored.

Tanners would take an old, dried-out wineskin and soak it thoroughly in fresh water. Then, they would vigorously massage rich oil back into the leather. Through soaking, oiling, and gentle stretching, the brittle skin became soft and usable once again.

If you feel like an “old wineskin” today—dry, rigid, tired, or stuck in a routine—you are not disqualified from the new wine. You just need to step into the restoration process. By soaking in God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit (often symbolized by oil in Scripture) to soften your heart, you can be made new.

God has a fresh anointing, fresh joy, and fresh purpose for this season of your life. Let go of the old structures that hold you back, open your hands, and prepare to expand.

A Closing Prayer for New Wine

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of fresh starts and new seasons. Lord, I confess that sometimes I hold tightly to my old ways of thinking, my old habits, and the comfortable routines that keep me stuck. Today, I ask You to transform my heart.

Soften me by Your grace. Pour the oil of Your Holy Spirit over my mind and my perspective, washing away all rigidity, bitterness, and fear. Stretch me where I need to be stretched, even if it feels uncomfortable. Make me a new wineskin—flexible, willing, and ready. I open my life to the fresh movement of Your power and love. Pour out Your new wine today, and let my life be a vessel that honors You. 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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 17, 2026

ON THAT DAY THEY WILL FAST / MARK 2:20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:20

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Hunger for the Bridegroom: Understanding Mark 2:20 and the Purpose of Fasting

In the modern world, fasting is often discussed through the lens of physical wellness, detoxing, or productivity hacks. But in the spiritual realm, fasting carries a much deeper, more intimate purpose. It is not a tool to twist God’s arm or a routine to prove our righteousness. True spiritual fasting is an expression of holy longing.

This truth is beautifully captured in a pivotal conversation in the Gospel of Mark. When onlookers questioned why His disciples skipped the traditional fasts practiced by the Pharisees and the followers of John the Baptist, Jesus responded with a powerful picture:

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.” — Mark 2:19-20

The Joy of the Presence

Jesus’ response shifts the entire conversation from external religious rules to a matter of presence and relationship. He compares Himself to a bridegroom and His disciples to wedding guests. A wedding is a time of unhindered celebration, feasting, and joy. It would be entirely inappropriate—even insulting to the host—for guests to fast during the wedding banquet.

While Jesus walked the earth, heaven had invaded time and space. The King was physically present with His people. It was a season for feasting on His words, rejoicing in His miracles, and resting in His immediate care.

The Shadow of the Cross

However, Jesus immediately introduces a somber note, which serves as the very first hint in the Gospel of Mark of His impending death. He warns that “the bridegroom will be taken away from them.” The Greek word used here for “taken away” carries a sense of a sudden, violent removal—a direct foreshadowing of the crucifixion.

When the crucifixion happened, the celebration stopped. The disciples wept, mourned, and faced a harsh reality. But even after the resurrection and His ascension into heaven, we entered a new era. While the Holy Spirit lives inside every believer today, we still experience the physical absence of Jesus on earth. We are living in the interim—the “in-between” time.

We are living in “those days” that Jesus spoke about.

Why We Fast Today

When Jesus said, “and then they will fast on that day,” He wasn’t giving a harsh command; He was stating a natural reality. Spiritual fasting is the physical exclamation point at the end of our prayers. It is a tangible way of saying to God, “I want Your presence, Your power, and Your kingdom in my life more than I desire my next meal.”

Fasting does several vital things for the believer today:

It expresses homesickness for heaven: We fast because we look forward to the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb, when we will see Jesus face-to-face.
It clears spiritual clutter: Abstaining from physical comforts humbles the flesh and sharpens our ability to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
It confesses our utter dependence: It reminds us that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

If you feel distant from God, or if you are facing a breakthrough that requires deep spiritual alignment, remember that fasting is an open invitation. We do not fast to earn God’s love, but because we are desperate to experience more of it.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, to reveal Your heart and break the chains of sin. Forgive us for the times we have treated our relationship with You as a list of rules rather than a sacred bond.

Lord, we acknowledge that we are living in the days where the Bridegroom is physically absent, and our hearts long for Your return. Teach us how to fast with the right heart. When we choose to lay down our physical appetites, let it be an authentic cry for more of Your presence, Your wisdom, and Your power in our lives. Realign our affections, humble our spirits, and help us to seek You above all else.

We look forward with joy to the day when we will feast with You eternally. Until that day, keep us faithful, alert, and deeply hungry for You.

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