Margarita & Stace Crews – Page 75

September 28, 2026

NOT LISTEN TO THAT PROPHET / DEUTERONOMY 13:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 13:3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Guarding Your Heart: Why God Says “Do Not Listen to That Prophet”

The foundation of a believer’s relationship with the Lord is rooted entirely in faithfulness to Him and His revealed Word. As Deuteronomy 8:3 reminds us, we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. However, our loyalty to that Word will not go untested.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 delivers a sobering warning: the temptation to compromise our loyalty to God will often come from those who appear to be deeply spiritual. God will, at times, test the sincerity of our love and our commitment to Him and His Word to reveal where our true loyalty lies.

The Test of Signs and Wonders

According to Deuteronomy 13:1-2, God sometimes allows individuals to rise up among His people who claim to speak for Him and even provide “a miraculous sign or wonder.” This is where the deception becomes dangerous. These individuals may speak under what looks like a great anointing, predict the future accurately, and perform genuine miracles.

Yet, despite their supernatural displays, their message carries a hidden poison. They preach a gospel contrary to Biblical revelation, adding to or subtracting from the scriptures instead of teaching God’s Word in its fullness. Deuteronomy 13:3 commands us plainly: “You must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.” If we follow these false leaders, we will inevitably be led away from absolute loyalty to the Living God.

The Ultimate Standard for Truth

The New Testament echoes this ancient warning, declaring that false prophets and teachers will greatly distort the gospel of Christ in the last days. As the end of this age approaches, standard metrics of ministry success will become increasingly undependable.

We cannot determine the validity, truth, or soundness of a ministry based on:

Charismatic gifts of preaching
Supernatural powers of prophecy
The performance of miracles and signs
Massive numbers of conversions or followers

The ultimate standard for truth must always be the infallible Word of God. Believers must firmly set their hearts and minds to remain faithful to God’s written revelation. If a ministry’s teaching contradicts the Bible, no amount of miracles can make it true. Trust God’s Word over human wonder.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

We come before You recognizing that You alone are the absolute truth. Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear according to Your Holy Spirit. Grant us the gift of discernment in these deceptive times so that we may easily recognize the voice of the stranger and flee from it.

Forgive us for the times we have been swayed by performance, popularity, or signs and wonders instead of anchoring our souls in Your infallible Word. We set our hearts and minds today to remain fiercely loyal to You. Give us the courage to turn away from any voice, no matter how gifted, that attempts to lead us away from Your commandments.

May Your written Word be the final authority in our lives, a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Keep us faithful to the very end.

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!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 28, 2026

THE PLACE … GOD WILL CHOOSE / DEUTERONOMY 12:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 12:5

But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

THE PLACE … GOD WILL CHOOSE / DEUTERONOMY 12:5

Finding Your Sacred Space: The Power of Gathering Where God Puts His Name

In Deuteronomy 12:5, God gives the Israelites a specific command as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go.”

For the ancient Israelites, this meant traveling from their homes to a central location—which eventually became the temple in Jerusalem. God did not want His people isolated in their individual worship. He demanded a common, holy ground where they could unite as one family under His presence.

Today, we no longer journey to a physical temple in Jerusalem, but the principle remains unchanged. Believers still need a shared space to gather, worship, and grow together. We cannot live out our faith entirely alone in our living rooms.

What does a true place of worship look like today? According to Scripture, it is defined by three critical pillars:

Truth: It must be a place where God’s Word is truly believed and taught without compromise.
Presence: It must be a sanctuary where His Holy Spirit is actively moving and felt.
Holiness: It must be marked by a community striving for pure living and Christlike character, just as Paul describes the sanctified church in 1 Corinthians 1:1-2.

When we find a local church family that honors these values, we find the place where God has put His Name. If you have been wandering or trying to practice your faith in isolation, prioritize finding your sacred gathering space. God is waiting to meet you in the assembly of His people.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Christian community and for choosing to dwell among Your people. Forgive us for the times we have tried to walk this faith journey alone or neglected the gathering of believers.

Lead us, Lord, to the places where You have truly put Your Name. Direct our steps to a healthy, vibrant local church where Your Word is boldly preached, Your Holy Spirit is welcomed, and holiness is pursued. Help us to contribute to the unity and purity of Your house. Fire our hearts with a passion to worship You alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 28, 2026

DESTROY COMPLETELY ALL THE PLACES / DEUTERONOMY 12:2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 12:2

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

DESTROY COMPLETELY ALL THE PLACES / DEUTERONOMY 12:2

Guarding Your Heart: The Danger of Halfway Obedience

We often want to compromise with our past. We try to build a new life with God while leaving the old altars standing. In Deuteronomy 12:2–15, God gives the Israelites a strict, non-negotiable command as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. They must completely destroy every single place of pagan worship. God knew that if those altars remained, the people would eventually face temptation and fall into compromise.

The Trap of Leftover Altars

God did not tell the Israelites to remodel the pagan shrines or repurpose them for His glory. He commanded total destruction. High places, altars, sacred pillars, and wooden images all had to go.

Leaving the remnants of pagan worship intact creates an open door for temptation. When we leave pieces of our old, sinful habits alive, we invite compromise back into our lives. Halfway obedience is still disobedience. True devotion to God requires a clean sweep of anything that competes for our allegiance.

True Worship in God’s Appointed Place

God did not just tell His people what to avoid. He told them how to live. He instructed them to worship exclusively at the place He would choose to establish His name.

Divine Order: God defines how He is to be worshiped. We do not get to make up the rules based on our feelings.
Holy Unity: Worshiping in one appointed place kept the nation united in truth and guarded them against false doctrines.
Pure Devotion: Bringing sacrifices exactly as commanded shifted the focus away from human preference and onto God’s holiness.

Our worship today must reflect this same purity. We cannot mix the holy truths of Scripture with the shifting morals of the culture around us. Guarding your heart means identifying your personal “high places”—those habits, relationships, or mindsets that pull you away from God—and tearing them down completely.

A Closing Prayer for Pure Devotion

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your uncompromising holiness and Your desire for my complete devotion. Forgive me for the times I have allowed modern-day altars of compromise to remain standing in my heart. Search me, Lord, and reveal any hidden areas where I am tolerating sin or trying to mix the holy with the profane.

Give me the courage and the strength to tear down these high places completely. Help me to worship You in spirit and in truth, according to Your Word and not my own desires. Let my life be a clean, holy sanctuary where Your name is truly honored. Guard my heart from temptation and keep my eyes fixed entirely on 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!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 28, 2026

BLESSING AND A CURSE / DEUTERONOMY 11:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 11:26

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

BLESSING AND A CURSE / DEUTERONOMY 11:26

Choosing the Path: The Reality of the Blessing and the Curse

Every day, we stand at a spiritual crossroads. The choices we make in the quiet moments of our lives do not just shape our day; they define our spiritual reality. In Deuteronomy 11:26, God speaks a truth that echoes from the ancient plains of Moab directly into our modern lives: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.”

God never leaves us guessing about where our paths will lead. He lays the map out clearly, showing us the exact destinations of our choices.

The Blueprint of Choice

In the Old Testament, God laid out the terms of His covenant with Israel with absolute clarity.

The Path of Blessing: If the people obeyed God’s word and remained separated from the sin of the surrounding nations, God’s blessing would overtake them wherever they went (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Their crops would flourish, their families would thrive, and they would live under the umbrella of divine protection.
The Path of the Curse: Conversely, if they slowly adopted the ways of the ungodly, a curse would come upon them, gradually robbing them of life, peace, and prosperity (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Unfortunately, Israel’s history shows a tragic pattern. They did not take God’s warning seriously. They rationalized small compromises, slowly adopted the habits of unbelievers, and repeatedly fell under the weight of the curse.

The Choice Before Us Today

We often look at ancient Israel and wonder how they could wander so easily. Yet, God places the exact same choice before the followers of Christ today. Compromise rarely happens in a giant leap; it happens in slow, unnoticed drifts.

When we hate sin, actively follow Christ, and seek to serve Him continually, His blessing, power, and peace flow naturally through our lives. We enjoy the fullness of His presence.

However, if we depart from God and begin to look just like the culture around us, we willingly walk out from under His covenant protection. We lose His close presence, His active help, and the peace that keeps our hearts secure. God loves us too much to bless our disobedience. Today, choose the path of life. Choose obedience. Choose the blessing.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us enough to give us clarity and truth. Your Word shows us that our choices matter deeply to You and directly impact our lives. Lord, forgive us for the times we have drifted, compromised, or taken Your warnings lightly.

We ask for the strength and wisdom to choose the blessing today. Give us a holy hatred for sin and a burning desire to follow Christ with undivided hearts. Keep us separated from the toxic patterns of this world, and anchor our souls in Your truth. May Your presence, power, and covenant protection rest heavily upon our lives, our families, and our homes. We choose to serve You faithfully.

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 28, 2026

TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN / DEUTERONOMY 11:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 11:19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Passing the Torch: Living Out Deuteronomy 11:19 Everyday

We live in a loud world. From the moment our kids wake up to the time they drift off to sleep, they are bombarded with messages from screens, peers, and culture. They are constantly being taught something. The question for us as parents, grandparents, and mentors isn’t whether our children are learning; it’s who is doing the teaching.

Thousands of years ago, God gave us a beautifully organic blueprint for navigating this exact challenge.

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” — Deuteronomy 11:19

Faith is Caught, Not Just Taught

Notice what this verse doesn’t say. It doesn’t say, “Set up a formal lectern in your living room and lecture your kids for an hour every Tuesday.” While intentional family devotions are wonderful, God points us toward something much more natural: the everyday rhythm of life.

When you sit at home: Over breakfast or around the dinner table, share how God answered a prayer or helped you through a stressful work day.
When you walk along the road: Whether you are driving them to soccer practice or running errands, use ordinary moments to point out God’s creation or talk about treating others with kindness.
When you lie down: Bedtime is a sacred window. Use those quiet moments to pray over their anxieties and remind them of who they are in Christ.
When you get up: Start the morning by setting a tone of gratitude, reminding your household that today is a gift from the Lord.

This isn’t about being a perfect theologian. It’s about being a faithful witness. When our children see us reading Scripture, handling stress with prayer, and practicing forgiveness, faith shifts from a Sunday morning routine into the very fabric of their daily reality.

Small Rhythms, Eternal Impact

Your child’s salvation is ultimately between them and God, but our responsibility is to cultivate the soil. By turning our homes into places where God’s name is spoken naturally and habitually, we weave a safety net of truth around their hearts.

Don’t let the enemy convince you that your small, daily efforts don’t matter. The casual car ride conversation you have today might just be the truth they anchor themselves to twenty years from now.

A Closing Prayer for Our Families

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible gift and responsibility of the children in our lives. We confess that the world is loud, and we often feel ill-equipped to compete with all the distractions around them.

Lord, stir our hearts today. Give us the wisdom to see the holy opportunities hidden within our ordinary routines. Give us the right words to say when we sit at home, when we drive along the road, when we say goodnight, and when we wake up.

Help us to model a life of true devotion. Where we fall short, let Your grace abound, and let our children see our joy in living for You. We commit the next generation into Your hands, trusting that You love them even more than we do.

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 28, 2026

HOLY SPIRIT … TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM / ACTS 5:32

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 5:32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Living in the Flow: Why the Holy Spirit Demands Our Obedience

Many of us long for the full, dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We pray for revival, ask for spiritual gifts, and long to feel God’s presence. Yet, a crucial truth is often overlooked in modern faith conversations: the Holy Spirit is not a resource to be used, but a Ruler to be obeyed.

Scripture draws an unbreakable line between the power of the Spirit and the submission of the believer.

The Divine Condition: Acts 5:32

In Acts 5:32, Peter delivers a bold, uncompromising statement to the religious authorities: “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 5:32 reveals a fundamental kingdom principle. The Holy Spirit is given—and continuously flows through—those who walk in active obedience.

If there is no real obedience to Christ, or an earnest effort to pursue what is right by His standards, any claim to have the fullness of the Holy Spirit is invalid. We cannot separate the Spirit’s power from the Savior’s standards. God’s kingdom is defined by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), and our primary pursuit must be His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).

Power Requires Submission

It is simply not possible to live continually in the power of the baptism in the Spirit without submitting to the lordship of Christ. To ask for the Spirit’s power while rejecting Christ’s leadership and authority is a contradiction.

Early believers understood this intimately. In Acts 2:28-42, we see that the outpouring of the Spirit immediately led to a lifestyle of radical submission—devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, breaking bread, praying, and aligning their lives entirely under Christ’s authority.

The Spirit in all His power is reserved for those living in the “obedience that comes from faith” (Romans 1:5). This is not a legalistic, performance-based obedience. It is a heart-level surrender that says, “Lord, because I trust You, I will follow You.”

If you find yourself feeling spiritually dry, powerless, or distant from God, look closely at your path. Is there an area where you have withheld your obedience? Surrender that area today, step under His lordship, and watch the living water of the Spirit begin to flow freely once again.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit, who comforts, guides, and empowers us. Lord, convict our hearts where we have sought Your power without submitting to Your authority. We confess that we cannot walk in the fullness of the Spirit while holding onto our own way.

Forgive us for areas of compromise and disobedience. Today, we choose to submit afresh to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Give us the grace, courage, and strength to live in the obedience that comes from faith. Let Your Spirit flow unhindered through our lives so that we may honor Your standards and advance Your kingdom. 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

September 28, 2026

OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN / ACTS 5:29-30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 5:29-30

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Standing Firm: Why We Must Obey God Rather Than Men

One of the greatest questions facing every Christian today is not, “Is this particular thing or activity convenient, pleasurable, or popular with people?” Instead, the ultimate question is, “Is this particular thing or activity right with God—is it what He desires?”

As Paul boldly reminds us in Galatians 1:10, those who make it their life’s aim to please people will never be able to truly serve and please God. Living out our faith requires an unwavering compass. When the expectations of the world collide with the commands of Scripture, our allegiance must remain clear.

The Ultimate Boundary: Acts 5:29-30

In Acts 5, the apostles found themselves in direct conflict with the religious and political authorities of their day. They had been strictly commanded to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. Yet, filled with the Holy Spirit, they refused to back down.

When brought before the high priest to answer for their defiance, Peter and the other apostles delivered a definitive line in the sand:

“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a cross.’” — Acts 5:29-30 (NIV)

Peter did not offer a polite compromise. He did not look for a middle ground to avoid conflict or protect his reputation. He drew a sharp contrast between human demands and divine mandates. The apostles understood that God’s authority reigns supreme over any earthly power.

The Cost of Pleasing People

It is easy to default to people-pleasing. We naturally desire approval, peace, and comfort. However, culture is a shifting sand. What society celebrates today, it may condemn tomorrow.

If we anchor our morality and our actions to human consensus, we will constantly compromise our convictions. True Christian integrity means doing what is right in the eyes of God, even when it makes us unpopular, misunderstood, or isolated in the eyes of the world.

Obeying God over men is not about being needlessly argumentative or rebellious. It is about deep, loving loyalty to the Creator who redeemed us. The apostles could stand firmly before their accusers because they were anchored by a historic, life-altering truth: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus conquered the grave, He holds the final word over our lives.

Living with Holy Courage

Choosing divine obedience over human approval will cost you something. It might cost a friendship, a business opportunity, or social status. But the reward of walking in alignment with God’s will far outweighs any earthly loss.

When you face your next crossroad—whether at work, in your relationships, or in your private thoughts—ask yourself: Whose approval am I seeking?

Let us choose to be a people who stand firm, speak truth in love, and proudly declare through our actions that we serve a higher King.

A Closing Prayer for Strength and Obedience

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the powerful example of the early church and the boldness of the apostles. Lord, You know how easily we can fall into the trap of seeking human approval. Forgive us for the times we have stayed silent or compromised our faith just to fit in or keep the peace.

Fill us with the Holy Spirit today. Grant us the courage of Peter to declare that we must obey You rather than men. When the world pressures us to compromise, anchor our hearts securely in Your truth. Give us the discernment to know what pleases You and the holy boldness to carry it out, no matter the cost. May our lives bring glory to the name of Jesus, our risen Savior, 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 28, 2026

FULL MESSAGE / ACTS 5:20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 5:20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Embracing the Full Message: Complete Freedom in Christ

When the religious leaders imprisoned the apostles for preaching the gospel, God sent an angel to stage a supernatural jailbreak. But the angel’s instructions weren’t to run and hide.

Instead, the angel gave a bold command: “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” (Acts 5:20).

The angel did not tell them to share a watered-down, comfortable version of the truth. They were called to proclaim the “full message”—the complete, unedited reality of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross.

What is the “Full Message”?

It is easy to minimize the gospel into a simple ticket to heaven. While eternal security is an incredible promise, the “full message” of Christ encompasses so much more. It is a declaration of complete salvation and freedom for the whole person—spirit, soul, and body.

Total Forgiveness: It begins with the wiping away of sins (Acts 13:38). Your past is erased, your guilt is removed, and you are made completely righteous in God’s eyes.
Physical and Emotional Healing: Jesus did not just carry our sins; He carried our brokenness. The full benefits of His sacrifice include healing for our bodies and comfort for our minds.
Spiritual Freedom: The full message breaks every chain. It offers absolute deliverance from spiritual oppression, fear, anxiety, and every kind of spiritual trouble.

Holding Nothing Back

The apostles went straight back to the temple courts at daybreak. They refused to hold back because they knew a partial gospel cannot bring complete freedom.

Today, God is calling us to live in—and share—the same full reality. We do not have to live with partial freedom or settled-for peace. Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem the whole person. Embrace the full scope of His sacrifice today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the full message of new life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your salvation is not partial, but complete. We receive the full benefits of the cross today: the total forgiveness of our sins, the healing of our bodies, and absolute freedom from every spiritual burden, fear, or oppression. Give us the boldness of the apostles to stand firm, hold nothing back, and live out the fullness of this new life. May Your power be on display in us and through us.
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 28, 2026

ALL OF THEM WERE HEALED / ACTS 5:15-16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 5:15-16

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. ¹⁶There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

All of Them Were Healed: The Overflowing Power of God’s Kingdom

Have you ever met someone so full of joy, peace, or energy that it felt contagious? Just being near them lifts your spirits. In the early church, the apostles carried something infinitely greater. They were so entirely filled and overflowing with the presence of the Holy Spirit that God’s miraculous power traveled with them wherever they stepped.

In Acts 5:15-16, we witness one of the most astounding displays of divine power in the New Testament:

“As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”

The Power of a Point of Contact

Think about that imagery. People were lining the streets just hoping Peter’s shadow would brush against them.

Of course, Peter’s shadow had no magical properties. A shadow is simply the absence of light caused by an object blocking a source. The shadow itself couldn’t fix a broken bone or cure a disease. Neither did the aprons and handkerchiefs that touched Paul in Acts 19:12, nor the hem of Jesus’ cloak in Matthew 9:20.

These material elements were simply points of contact. When a desperate individual reached out—or lay waiting in the street—and mixed that point of contact with genuine faith, it unlocked the supernatural presence of God. It proved that the smallest shred of faith, meeting the absolute fullness of the Spirit, is enough to rewrite a person’s reality.

Continuing the Ministry of Jesus

These dramatic miracles were not random acts of showmanship. They were direct evidence that Jesus’ disciples were successfully continuing the exact work of their Master. They did just as their Lord had done: they healed the sick and emancipated those tormented by evil spirits (Mark 1:34).

This uniform, widespread healing—where all of them were healed—served as a massive billboard to the ancient world. It declared that the Kingdom of God had officially arrived, and it was operating with unquenchable power.

Our Invitation Today

God has not changed, and His desire to see people set free from the bondages of sickness and spiritual oppression remains the same. Acts 4:30 reminds us that it is always pleasing to God when we boldly pray for Him to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

We are called to be those same vessels today. When we allow ourselves to be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, we become walking points of contact for a hurting world. God wants His presence to go wherever you go—into your workplace, your home, your grocery store, and your neighborhood—breaking chains and bringing wholeness.

A Closing Prayer for Healing and Empowerment

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in awe of Your unchanging, miraculous power. Just as You poured out Your Holy Spirit upon the early church, we ask that You fill us to overflowing today. Let Your presence be so tangible in our lives that we carry Your light, peace, and healing virtue into every room we walk into.

Lord, we pray according to Your Word in Acts 4:30. Stretch out Your hand to heal. We lift up every person reading this who is currently tormented by sickness, pain, or spiritual oppression. By the authority of Jesus’ name, we pray for complete wholeness. Free those who are troubled. Restore those who are broken.

Increase our faith, Lord. Help us to be bold points of contact for Your Kingdom so that a hurting world can encounter Your love and power. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in us and through us.

In the mighty 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
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 28, 2026

GREAT FEAR SEIZED THE WHOLE CHURCH / ACTS 5:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

The Missing Element in Modern Faith: Why “Great Fear” is Essential for the Church

We live in a culture that loves to talk about the casual, comfortable aspects of faith. We readily embrace God as our friend, our comforter, and our provider. While He is all of those things, modern Christianity has largely forgotten another foundational truth: God is holy, and He is a consuming fire.

When we look back at the early Church in the Book of Acts, we find a community that experienced explosive growth, undeniable miracles, and the raw power of the Holy Spirit. However, they also experienced something else that kept them grounded in truth—a profound, holy awe.

The Shocking Reality of Acts 5

In Acts 5:1–11, we encounter one of the most sobering accounts in the entire New Testament. A married couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of property. They wanted the public reputation of being radically generous, so they brought a portion of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount.

They weren’t killed for keeping their money; they were judged for their calculated hypocrisy and for lying to the Holy Spirit. When their deception was exposed, both dropped dead on the spot.

The immediate result is recorded in Acts 5:11:

“Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”

[ Sin of Hypocrisy ] ──> [ Swift Divine Judgment ] ──> [ Great Fear & Humility ]

What Does it Mean to Fear the Lord?

This “great fear” was not a paralyzing terror that caused the believers to run away from God. Instead, it was an immediate response of deep humility and reverent awe.

Holy Awe: A profound recognition of God’s absolute purity and sovereignty.
True Accountability: A waking awareness that we cannot wear spiritual masks before an all-knowing Creator.
Right Alignment: Understanding that while God is slow to anger, His judgment against intentional, unrepentant sin is entirely justified.

The Consequence of Losing Holy Fear

Without a proper fear of God and His justified anger against sin, God’s people will soon conform to the ungodly ways of the world. When a church treats God’s grace as a license to compromise, the spiritual landscape changes drastically:

Conformity to the World: We begin tolerating the very sins that Christ died to break.
Quenching the Spirit: We cease to experience the power, benefits, and miraculous presence of the Holy Spirit.
Loss of Favor: We find ourselves operating in our own strength, cut off from God’s divine mercy, protection, and supernatural favor.

The fear of the Lord was not an Old Testament relic that expired at the cross. It was a necessary, vibrant element of New Testament faith, and it must be restored as a non-negotiable part of Biblical Christianity today. True intimacy with God requires us to honor Him not just as Savior, but as the Holy Sovereign King.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging Your absolute holiness, majesty, and power. Lord, forgive us for the times we have treated Your grace casually or allowed the apathy of this world to dull our spiritual sight.

We ask You to restore a right, biblical fear of the Lord within our hearts and within the modern Church. Strip away all spiritual pretense, hypocrisy, and hidden compromise. Search our hearts today, and expose any area where we are trying to manage our image rather than walking in total surrender to You.

Let a holy awe and reverence seize us once again. May we live with a constant awareness of our accountability to You, our Almighty God. Do not let us conform to this world, but let Your Holy Spirit pour out His power, miracles, and favor in our lives as we walk in truth, integrity, and reverence.

In the mighty 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
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