Margarita & Stace Crews – Page 130

September 13, 2026

DRIVING OUT THOSE WHO WERE SELLING / LUKE 19:45

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:45

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

Cleansing the Temple: A Call for Holiness and Sincere Worship

In Luke 19:45, we witness a moment that is both startling and profound: Jesus enters the temple area and begins driving out those who were selling.

This event, often called the cleansing of the temple, serves as a powerful bookend to Christ’s public ministry. It is described as His first great public act in John 2:13-22 and His last great public act in Matthew 21:12-17 and Mark 11:15-17. Stirred by a strong but entirely justified anger, Jesus forced out those who were destroying the true spiritual purpose of God’s house.

His concern over what took place in the temple area then continues for what takes place in His churches today. Here is what Jesus’ righteous zeal teaches us about the state of our own hearts and modern congregations.

A Passion for Purity and Sincerity

Christ’s greatest concern for His church is holiness—moral purity, spiritual wholeness, separation from evil, and a total dedication to God. He did not die just to gather a crowd; He died to “make her holy, cleansing her… and to present her… holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

When worldly practices, greed, and superficiality creep into the church, they choke out authentic faith. True worship must be done “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). For our worship to be authentic, it cannot be a weekly performance. It must come from a spirit of deep devotion and reflect a life of godly character. The church must remain a house of prayer where people can genuinely encounter God and experience His presence.

The Danger of Self-Promotion

The moneychangers in the temple had turned a sacred space into a marketplace for personal gain. Today, the warning remains identical: Christ will judge all who use His church, His message, or His kingdom for personal gain, glory, or self-promotion.

When ministry becomes about building a personal brand rather than exalting Christ, it brings disrespect to the Lord’s reputation. Sincere love for God results in an intense passion and enthusiasm for His kingdom—a consuming zeal like the one that drove Jesus (John 2:17). Being like Jesus means refusing to tolerate unrighteousness and spiritual abuses within the body of believers.

A Choice Between Purification and Judgment

All true Christian ministry must take a stand against blatant irreverence and worldliness. We are left with a critical choice:

Allow Christ into our congregations and services right now to purify our hearts, driving out deceit, immorality, and corruption.
Face His judgment at His second coming, when He will cleanse His church Himself (Malachi 3:2).

Let us invite the refining fire of the Holy Spirit to evaluate our lives and our churches today, ensuring that our lives truly are a house of prayer.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging that You are holy, and You call us to be holy. Forgive us for the times we have allowed worldliness, selfishness, or a casual attitude to creep into our worship. We ask You to search our hearts today. Drive out any deceit, pride, or personal ambition that compromises our devotion to You. Set a fire of righteous zeal within us for Your kingdom. May our churches truly be houses of prayer, and may our lives bring honor to Your name. We invite Your Holy Spirit to purify us today, so that we may worship You in spirit and in truth. 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 13, 2026

YOUR ENEMIES … ENCIRCLE YOU / LUKE 19:43

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

When the Walls Close In: Understanding Jesus’ Tearful Warning in Luke 19:43

In Luke 19:43, Jesus delivers a chilling and highly specific prophecy: “For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.”

To the casual reader, this sounds like a general warning about the dangers of ancient warfare. However, history reveals that these words were a flawless, accurate prediction of a catastrophic event that would alter the course of human history exactly forty years later.

The Historical Realities of A.D. 70

When Jesus spoke these words, He was standing on the Mount of Olives, looking out over the magnificent city of Jerusalem. He didn’t speak with anger; He wept over the city. He saw the looming tragedy that the people could not yet perceive.

In A.D. 70, the Roman general Titus led his legions to crush a massive Jewish revolt. What followed aligns precisely with Jesus’ warning:

The Embankment (The Barricade): The Greek word used is charaka, referring to a military palisade. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus records that Titus ordered his troops to construct a massive, five-mile wooden wall and earthen embankment around the entire city perimeter—completed in a staggering three days.
Encircled and Hemmed In: This siege wall completely cut off all supply lines. Trapped inside during the Passover season, hundreds of thousands of citizens faced severe, unimaginable famine.
Total Devastation: When the walls were finally breached, Jerusalem and its majestic Temple were leveled to the ground. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, fulfilling the agonizing details of Luke 19:43-44.

Why Did This Happen?

Jesus provides the tragic answer in the very next verse: “Because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Jerusalem rejected her Messiah and missed the window of true, lasting spiritual peace.

This historical event serves as a sobering reminder for us today. God’s warnings are never empty. When we choose our own path and refuse to recognize His presence and grace in our lives, we slowly strip away our own spiritual defenses, leaving ourselves vulnerable to the overwhelming sieges of life.

If you feel surrounded by fear, worry, or spiritual opposition today, do not ignore His voice. Turn to the One who weeps for your peace, breaks down the enemy’s walls, and offers true refuge.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We look back at Your Word and marvel at Your perfect truth and absolute sovereignty over history. Lord, Your heart breaks for those who walk away from Your protection, and we thank You that You are a God who pursues us with love and mercy.

Forgive us for the times we have failed to recognize Your presence or ignored Your gentle warnings. When the enemy attempts to encircle us with doubt, anxiety, depression, or fear, we ask that You stand as our mighty fortress. Do not let us be hemmed in by the world, but let us be safely held within Your grip.

Open our spiritual eyes today to see Your movement in our lives. May we always choose the path of Your peace. We place our trust, our lives, and our future securely in Your hands.

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 13, 2026

SAW THE CITY HE WEPT / LUKE 19:41

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:41

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

When Jesus looked at the city of Jerusalem in Luke 19:41, He didn’t just shed a quiet tear. He wept.

In our modern English translations, the phrase “He wept” can feel brief, almost polite. But the original Greek word used here implies something much deeper. It describes an audible, heavy sobbing—the visceral, chest-heaving agony of a broken heart.

As Jesus rode toward the city on what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, the crowds were roaring with excitement. They were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). They expected a political liberator, a military king who would smash the Roman occupation and restore earthly glory to Israel.

But Jesus saw past the temporary celebration. He looked at the city and saw a tragedy in motion. He knew that because He didn’t fit their political expectations, these same crowds and their leaders would ultimately reject Him as God’s true Messiah. He saw the impending, terrible judgment that would follow that rejection.

The Father’s Broken Heart

This moment on the road to Jerusalem pulls back the curtain on the very nature of God. Jesus’ tears were not a sign of weakness; they were a revelation. In His heavy sobbing, Jesus reveals His Father’s broken heart over the spiritual lostness of humanity.

God does not view our rebellion with cold detachment. He doesn’t look at a world turning away from Him and feel indifferent. He grieves. The agony of Christ on the hill looking over Jerusalem is the same agony God feels today when the human race refuses to turn to Him, rejecting His ultimate gift of salvation.

Jesus wept because He knew what they were missing: true peace, true reconciliation, and eternal life. They wanted a king to change their immediate political circumstances, but Jesus came to change their eternal condition.

Refusing the Gift

The tragedy of Luke 19:41 is that the gift of rescue was standing right in front of them, yet they chose their own blindness.

It serves as a powerful reminder for us today. How often do we miss what God is doing because we are demanding He fulfill our political, financial, or personal agendas? How often do we break the heart of God by seeking a Savior who fits our terms, rather than submitting to the Lord who gave everything to save our souls?

Jesus is still looking out over our communities, our nations, and our individual lives. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but desires everyone to come to repentance. Let us not be a people who cause Him to weep over our hard hearts. Instead, let us accept His gift of salvation with humility, recognizing Him for who He truly is: our Savior, our Lord, and our God.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You humbled by the depth of Your love. Forgive us for the times our hearts have been hard, and for the moments we have valued our own expectations above Your perfect will. Thank You for revealing Your heart to us through the tears of Jesus. We pray that You would break our hearts for what breaks Yours.

Open our eyes to see the spiritual lostness around us, and give us a passion to share Your gift of salvation with a hurting world. We turn to You today, acknowledging Jesus not just as a Savior from our temporary troubles, but as the Lord of our eternity. May our lives bring You joy instead of sorrow.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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 13, 2026

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY / LUKE 19:28-44

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:28-44

The Unexpected King: Understanding the Triumphal Entry in Luke 19

When we picture a royal procession, we usually imagine symbols of absolute power: polished armor, marching armies, and a conquering ruler riding high on a magnificent stallion.

But when the ultimate King of the universe made His official public debut in Jerusalem, He completely rewrote the script.

In Luke 19:28-44, we witness the event traditionally known as The Triumphal Entry. Yet, a closer look at the text reveals that Jesus wasn’t staging a political coup or a military parade. Instead, He was offering a beautiful, radical counter-cultural demonstration of what God’s kingdom is truly about.

1. A Prophecy Fulfilled in Humility

As Jesus approaches the city, He carefully orchestrates the details of His arrival, instructing His disciples to find a specific, unridden donkey’s colt. This was not a random choice of transportation.

By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus publicly declares that He is Israel’s promised King and Messiah. Centuries earlier, the prophet Zechariah predicted this exact moment:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9

In the ancient Near East, a king riding a horse symbolized war, conquest, and military might. A king riding a donkey, however, signified that he came in peace and humility. Jesus was making it plain: He was the rightful King, but not the type of ruler the world expected.

2. A Spiritual Kingdom, Not a Political One

The crowds lining the road desperately wanted a political liberator. They threw down their cloaks and waved branches, shouting praises to the “King who comes in the name of the Lord”. They expected a Messiah who would overthrow the oppressive Roman occupation with physical force.

But Jesus’ humble entry was a symbolic action meant to show that His kingdom is not of this world. He did not come to rule with force, violence, or political leverage. His refusal to act as a military conqueror demonstrates that His kingdom is deeply spiritual. As He noted elsewhere in Luke 17:20-21, “the kingdom of God is within you.”

He came to conquer sin and death, not Caesar. He came to capture hearts, not capitals.

3. The Tears of the King

The narrative takes a poignant turn in Luke 19:41. As Jesus catches sight of Jerusalem, the cheers of the crowd are met with the weeping of the Savior.

Jesus wept because He knew the city’s enthusiasm was superficial. They loved the idea of a king who would solve their immediate, worldly problems, but they were blind to the spiritual peace He was actually offering. Within a week, the same city shouting “Hosanna” would cry out “Crucify Him.”

The Takeaway for Us

The Triumphal Entry challenges us to look closely at our own hearts. Do we worship Jesus for who He truly is—the Lord of peace, humility, and spiritual transformation? Or do we only seek Him when we want Him to execute our agenda, fix our immediate earthly discomforts, or fight our political battles?

Let us welcome Him today not as a tool for our own desires, but as the rightful, humble Sovereign of our lives.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,

You are the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, and the Savior of our souls. We praise You today for Your profound humility. Thank You for entering our world not with a weapon of destruction, but with the boundless strength of Your love.

Forgive us for the times we try to mold You into our own image, or expect You to serve our earthly plans. Give us spiritual eyes to recognize the moments of Your visitation in our daily lives. We invite You to ride into the chaotic spaces of our hearts today. Tear down our pride, establish Your peace, and rule over us as our humble King.

In Jesus’ mighty and holy 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 13, 2026

WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY / LUKE 19:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:26

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

Use It or Lose It: The Starling Truth of Luke 19:26

In the Parable of the Ten Minas, Jesus shares a principle that often catches readers off guard. In Luke 19:26, the king delivers a sobering declaration: “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” At first glance, this sounds incredibly harsh. We live in a world that thrives on safety nets, where we are taught that protecting what we have is the ultimate goal. But in the economy of God’s kingdom, spiritual stagnation is actually a form of regression.

The context of this passage reveals a deeper truth about human nature and faith. The servant who lost everything didn’t squander his resources on wild living. He didn’t steal, and he didn’t actively destroy what he was given. He simply buried it out of fear. He played it safe. He assumed that maintaining the status quo was enough to please the king. However, Jesus uses this moment to show that faith is inherently active. God does not give us gifts, grace, time, or truth simply for us to lock them away in a vault.

This brings us to the law of spiritual momentum. When we actively use the gifts, wisdom, and opportunities God provides, our capacity to receive more expands. Faith grows when it is exercised. On the flip side, when we choose passivity, our spiritual muscles atrophy. The truth we ignore eventually fades from our understanding. The opportunities we neglect are passed along to someone else. What we refuse to invest, we ultimately lose.

If you have been waiting for the “perfect time” to step out in faith, use your unique talents, or share your faith with someone else, let this verse be your wake-up call. Don’t let fear paralyze you into burying your potential. The safest place to be is not hiding in the shadows with your resources tucked away, but out in the open actively serving the King with whatever small amount you have in your hands today.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gifts, talents, and spiritual truths You have entrusted to my care. I confess that fear and complacency often tempt me to play it safe and bury what You have given me. Forgive me for the times I have chosen passivity over active faith.

Lord, stir my heart today. Give me the courage to step out, to take risks for Your kingdom, and to use my resources to serve others. Let my life be fruitful and pleasing to You. Multiply the little that I have so that it overflows in abundance for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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 13, 2026

YOU HAVE BEEN TRUSTWORTHY / LUKE 19:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:17

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

The Power of Small Things: Living a Life Trusted by the King

Have you ever felt like your daily efforts for God don’t matter much in the grand scheme of things? Maybe you are quietly serving behind the scenes, offering a kind word to a neighbor, or managing a small responsibility at church that no one else seems to notice.

It is easy to measure success by worldly standards—fame, wealth, or massive influence. However, God’s kingdom operates on a completely different metric. In Luke 19:17, Jesus gives us a powerful glimpse into how the Creator evaluates our lives:

“Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.”

This verse cuts straight to the heart of what it means to be a true disciple. The Master does not look at the size of our platform; He looks at the depth of our trustworthiness.

Faithfulness Here Echoes in Eternity

The Parable of the Minas reveals a beautiful truth about our future: whoever has been faithful to serve the Lord’s purposes and share His work here on earth will be richly rewarded in His future kingdom.

Our life on earth is a training ground. The tasks we are given today—no matter how small they seem—are a test of our character. When we treat a modest trust as significant, we prove that we can handle more.

Scripture hints that our stewardship today directly impacts our roles tomorrow. Faithful servants will be given greater responsibilities in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21:1). Conversely, those faithful to a lesser degree will receive a smaller place and responsibility. Eternity is not a passive existence; it is an active, purposeful reign alongside Christ, where small acts of obedience today blossom into immense authority tomorrow.

Knowing the True Heart of the King

To serve God faithfully, we must understand who He truly is. Later in this same parable, a wicked servant hides his resource out of fear, claiming the king is a “hard man” who takes what isn’t his.

It is important to remember that not all elements in a parable directly relate to real life. Though the king represents Christ, He never actually admits to the wicked servant’s harsh accusations. Instead, the king simply repeats the servant’s statement back to him as a question.

The tragic reality is that the servant had a deeply misguided view of his master. If he genuinely believed the king was that strict, he should have acted accordingly by at least putting the money in the bank. Fear paralyzed him because he didn’t truly know the king’s heart.

When we view God through a lens of fear, scarcity, or strict judgment, we bury our talents. But when we see Him as a generous Master who loves to reward his servants out of all proportion to their small actions, we are empowered to let our gifts fly.

Step Out in Trustworthiness Today

God has uniquely placed something valuable in your hands—your time, your unique talents, your voice, or your resources. He is not asking you to change the whole world overnight. He is simply asking you to be trustworthy with the “mina” you have today.

Speak the gospel truth to someone who needs hope.
Offer hospitality without expecting anything in return.
Serve in the quiet, unapplauded spaces with a joyful heart.

When the King returns, may we be found diligent, active, and deeply rooted in His love, ready to step into the honor He has prepared for us.

A Closing Prayer for Faithfulness

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a loving, generous, and just King. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear or a misguided view of Your character to paralyze me into doing nothing. I know that You are the Giver of all good gifts, and that everything I have belongs to You.

Lord, give me a loyal, steadfast, and trustworthy heart today. Help me not to look down on the small assignments or bury the opportunities You have placed right in front of me. Grant me the grace to be diligent with the little things, knowing that what I do now echoes in eternity. May my life bring glory to Your name, so that when I stand before You face to face, I may hear those sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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 13, 2026

UNTIL I COME BACK / LUKE 19:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Occupying Until He Returns: Living with Purpose and Stewardship

We live in a world full of waiting. We wait in traffic, we wait for news, and we wait for the next season of life. But as followers of Christ, we are not called to a passive, idle kind of waiting. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a powerful blueprint for how we are to live while we wait for His return.

In Luke 19:13, during the Parable of the Ten Minas, the nobleman calls his servants, hands them resources, and gives a direct, unmistakable command: “Occupy till I come” (KJV), or as other translations put it, “Do business with this until I come back.”

This single verse reveals a profound truth: each follower of Christ has a personal, inescapable responsibility to faithfully use what God has entrusted to them.

What is in Your Hand?

In the parable, each servant was given a mina—a sum worth about three months’ wages. In our lives today, that “mina” represents the unique combination of time, talents, and opportunities that God has deposited into our care.

None of us are left empty-handed:

Time: We all have the same 24 hours each day, but how much of it is consciously invested in things of eternal value?
Talents: Your unique skills, intellectual gifts, professional abilities, and spiritual gifts were not given just for self-advancement. They were given to point people back to the Creator.
Opportunities: Every conversation, every relationship, and every door opened to you is a platform to display the love and truth of Christ.

Making the Most of the Kingdom’s Resources

The core lesson of this scripture is that we are responsible for making the most of these resources to benefit God’s kingdom. True stewardship isn’t about safely burying what we have out of fear or complacency. It is about active deployment. It means taking risks for the Gospel, serving others selflessly, and intentionally building up the body of Christ.

When Jesus returns, He will not ask us how comfortable we made our lives. He will ask us what we did with what we were given. Let’s live in such a way that we are found working, growing, and multiplying the impact of His grace in the world around us.

A Closing Prayer for Faithful Stewardship

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible trust You have placed in us. You have uniquely gifted each of us with time, talents, and opportunities, and we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to You. Forgive us for the moments we have allowed fear, laziness, or the distractions of this world to keep us from doing Your business.

Holy Spirit, give us the wisdom to see the eternal value in our daily routines. Give us the courage to use our gifts boldly to honor Christ and expand Your kingdom. Help us to stay focused, urgent, and faithful in our calling, so that when Jesus returns, we may hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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 13, 2026

THOUGHT THE KINGDOM WAS GOING TO APPEAR / LUKE 19:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:11

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Misunderstood Timing: When We Expect the Kingdom Too Soon

We have all experienced the tension of waiting for something we desire deeply, only to realize our timeline does not match up with reality. In Luke 19:11, we find the disciples and the crowd traveling with Jesus toward Jerusalem. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The Bible notes that “he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.”

The people expected the Messiah to be a political liberator. They looked for a military commander who would overthrow the Roman occupation, reestablish the Davidic throne, and free the Jewish nation from their earthly enemies. They wanted an immediate, visible, political kingdom. But Jesus was about to turn their expectations completely upside down.

Because Jesus did not fulfill these narrow political expectations, the majority of the crowd would eventually reject Him. We see this reality mirrored in the parable He tells next, where the citizens declare, “We do not want this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). They wanted a kingdom on their own terms, and when Jesus offered a spiritual reality instead of a political revolution, they turned away.

Yet, their rejection did not diminish His kingship. Jesus went on to receive His kingdom—not yet visibly on earth, but in heaven. The parable of the ten minas that follows in Luke 19:12-27 illustrates a master who goes to a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Jesus was signaling to His followers that there would be a delay between His first coming and His second coming.

During this interim period, our calling as believers is not to passive waiting, but to faithful stewardship. We are given resources, gifts, and the message of the gospel to invest in the world around us. While Christ reigns from heaven today, we live in expectation of the day He will return to establish His kingdom physically on earth. Until that day comes, we must remain faithful to the end, trusting His timing rather than forcing our own expectations onto His perfect plan.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we confess that like the crowds on the road to Jerusalem, we often try to force Your plans into our own timelines and expectations. Forgive us for the times we seek earthly comfort and immediate political solutions over the eternal work of Your Spirit. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our true King, who rules even now from heaven. Give us the patience to endure the delay and the strength to remain deeply faithful until He returns. Help us to steward well everything You have entrusted to us, that we might honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
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September 13, 2026

SEEK AND TO SAVE / LUKE 19:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Seeking the Lost: Living Out the Heart of Jesus’ Mission

Every great story has a turning point—a single sentence that sums up the entire plot and reveals the true motive of the main character. In the Gospel of Luke, that turning point is found in a crowded street in Jericho, spoken to a short tax collector perched in a sycamore tree.

Jesus looks up at Zacchaeus and declares: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

This is more than just a beautiful statement; it is the key verse of Luke’s entire Gospel. It pulls back the curtain on the very heart of Jesus’ earthly ministry and, by extension, lays out the blueprint for our lives today.

The Heart of the Mission: Seek and Save

Before Jesus spoke these words, Zacchaeus was a man isolated by his choices. He was wealthy but deeply resented, viewed by his community as a traitor and a sinner. Yet, Jesus didn’t just happen to bump into him. Jesus sought him out.

That is the beauty of the Savior we serve. He does not sit back and wait for us to clean ourselves up or find our own way to Him. He initiates. He pursues. He enters into the messy, broken places of our world to rescue those who are drifting. To “save” in this context isn’t just about a future destination in heaven; it is about wholeness, restoration, and bringing a wandering soul back into right relationship with the Father.

Our Shared Call: From Rescued to Rescuer

As followers of Jesus, this cannot remain a one-sided story. We are not meant to simply celebrate our own rescue; we are called to join the search and rescue team. The mission of Jesus must become the core of our mission on earth.

Jesus made this explicitly clear before He ascended. In Matthew 24:14, He reminded us that the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Then, in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), He commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded.

If the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost, then we—as His hands and feet—cannot live in comfortable isolation. We are called to look up into the “sycamore trees” of our own lives. Who is the lonely coworker? Who is the broken neighbor? Who is the friend drifting without hope? Our purpose on this earth is wrapped up in sharing the same relentless love that first found us.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who pursues. Thank You that when I was lost, confused, and trapped in my own brokenness, You sought me out and brought salvation to my life. I am alive today because of Your relentless grace.

Lord, align my heart with Yours. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Forgive me for the times I have become too comfortable in my own salvation, forgetting the world around me that is still searching for hope. Give me Your eyes to see the people who are hurting, lonely, and lost.

*Grant me the courage to step out of my comfort zone, the words to speak Your truth in love, and a passion to live out the Great Commission every single day. Let my life be a living testimony of Your desire to seek and to save. *

In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
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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 13, 2026

I GIVE TO THE POOR / LUKE 19:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 19:8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

The Evidence of a Changed Heart: Lessons from Luke 19:8

When we look at the story of Zacchaeus, we see one of the most dramatic transformations in the New Testament. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus had built his entire lifestyle around greed, extortion, and social compromise. Yet, everything changed in a single moment when he welcomed Jesus into his home.

In Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus stands up and declares to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

This moment captures the very essence of what happens when grace takes root in a human heart. True confession of sin and genuine faith in Christ—the kind that brings spiritual salvation—will always result in a positive character change. This change becomes evident to everyone around us through our godly actions.

We cannot truly become acquainted with Jesus, accept His free offer of salvation, and remain the same. It is impossible to walk with Him while continuing to be defiant, dishonest, or uncharitable toward others. A real encounter with Christ means that our sinful habits are cast aside, apologies are made, and past wrongs are corrected.

Repentance is much more than an emotional response or shedding tears. True repentance is a radical heart transformation that reverses the entire direction of our lives. Zacchaeus did not give to the poor or pay back his victims to earn his salvation. Instead, his sudden generosity was the outward proof that salvation had already arrived in his heart.

When Christ changes us from the inside out, our relationship with our possessions, our money, and our neighbors changes too. If we have truly met Jesus, that encounter will show in our daily conduct at home, at work, and in our communities.

Let us examine our own lives today. Does our outward lifestyle reflect the beautiful, redeeming work that Jesus is doing on the inside?

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible joy and hope that Your salvation brings to our lives. We praise You for Your mercy, which reaches past our failures and redeems our broken stories.

Lord Jesus, we open our hearts and homes to You today. We ask that Your Holy Spirit empowers us to produce the true fruit of repentance. Shake away any lingering dishonesty, selfishness, or defiance inside us. Fill us instead with a spirit of radical generosity, humility, and love for those in need.

Help us to walk boldly in Your grace and to make right the things we have broken. Let our daily actions be a clear testimony of Your power to transform lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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