Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog – Page 102

September 20, 2026

BE ON YOUR GUARD AGAINST THE YEAST / MATTHEW 16:6

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Beware of the subtle influences that can quietly corrupt your faith.

In Matthew 16:6, Jesus gives His disciples a sharp, vital warning: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

While yeast is a small, seemingly harmless ingredient used to make bread rise, Scripture often employs it as a powerful symbol for evil, hypocrisy, and false teaching. Just a tiny pinch of yeast completely alters a massive lump of dough. In the same way, a small amount of compromised truth can influence an entire community, leading people away from the authentic gospel.

The Danger of Splitting Truth

The Pharisees and Sadducees represented two completely different religious extremes in Jesus’ day:

The Pharisees legalistically added human traditions to God’s word, creating a culture of performance and outward righteousness.
The Sadducees skeptically watered down God’s word, denying core truths like the resurrection and supernatural realities.

Jesus called both of their mindsets “yeast” because compromise is contagious. It starts with one small excuse, one minor compromise, or a slight twisting of Scripture. Before long, it permeates our entire heart, our families, and our churches. Protection requires active, daily guard rails built on the uncompromised Word of God.

Living On Guard

Being on your guard doesn’t mean living in fear, but living in intentional discernment. We must constantly examine what we allow to influence our minds. Are we feeding on the pure truth of Christ, or are we letting the subtle “yeast” of cultural compromise, legalism, or skepticism take root in our lives? Guard your heart, stay rooted in the Bible, and allow the Holy Spirit to keep your faith pure.

A Closing Prayer for Discernment

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the purity of Your Word and the truth that sets us free. Lord, give us open eyes and discerning hearts to recognize the subtle “yeast” in our world today. Keep us from the trap of legalistic performance and the danger of compromising Your truth for cultural approval.

Search our hearts, O God, and root out any hidden hypocrisy or doubt. We ask for the strength to stand firm on Your unadulterated Word. Let our lives be influenced solely by Your Holy Spirit, so that we may live authentically and bring glory to Your name. Guard our minds, protect our faith, and keep us walking closely with Jesus every single day.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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September 20, 2026

APOSTLES’ TEACHING … FELLOWSHIP … BREAKING OF BREAD … PRAYER / ACTS 2:42-47

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:42-47

Back to the Basics: The Four Pillars of a Powerful Church

Many churches today want to experience the same power, growth, and effectiveness seen in the New Testament. We often look for modern strategies, complex programs, or advanced technology to spark revival.

However, Acts 2 reveals that the secret to the early church’s miraculous power (Acts 2:43) and consistent growth (Acts 2:47) was remarkably plain and practical. They simply devoted themselves to four foundational pillars.

1. The Apostles’ Teaching: A Word-Centered Community

The first Christians were deeply devoted to Christ’s message. They paid close attention to the apostles, who were directly commissioned by Jesus to deliver His truth and establish the church. Today, these teachings form our New Testament Scriptures—God’s inspired and authoritative Word. Because of their deep hunger for the Bible, these early believers were spiritually nourished and grew strong in faith.

2. Fellowship: A Relationship-Building Community

The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia. The early church did not just focus on their vertical relationship with God; they committed to building open, honest, and spiritually encouraging horizontal relationships with each other. They spent time together, depended on one another, and stood unified in love and purpose (Ephesians 4:3).

3. Breaking of Bread: A Culture of Hospitality

In the New Testament, “breaking bread” carried multiple meanings. It meant sharing ordinary meals in one another’s homes, participating in the agape love feasts, and taking Holy Communion together. It was a tangible way to express thankfulness toward God and each other. They enjoyed each other’s company and built a culture of genuine gratitude and hospitality.

4. Prayer: A Power-Fueled Community

Prayer was a massive, non-negotiable priority for the early church (Acts 1:14; Acts 4:23-31). The believers recognized that prayer was their direct source of intimacy with God. Seeking His face gave them sensitivity to His direction and allowed His supernatural power to flow through them.

The Supernatural Results

When a church commits to these four disciplines, God moves. The early church experienced three powerful results that we still long to see today:

Signs and Wonders (Acts 2:43): Miracles accompanied their mission, validating the gospel message to those who did not yet know Christ.
Radical Generosity (Acts 2:44-47): Believers practiced selfless giving, selling possessions to care for practical needs and thriving in true community.
Consistent Growth (Acts 2:47): God honored their faithfulness by adding to their numbers daily. They were actively and effectively fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

If we want to see the power of the New Testament church, we must return to the practices of the New Testament church.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timeless blueprint of Your Word. Forgive us for trying to build Your church using human wisdom alone. We ask that You anchoring us back to the basics. Give us a deep hunger for the Apostles’ teaching and a heart for true, unified fellowship. Teach us to break bread with gladness, opening our homes and hearts in hospitality. Fire up our prayer lives, Lord, so that we may walk in total intimacy with You.

We pray that You would stretch out Your hand to heal, deliver, and perform miracles in our communities today. Cultivate a spirit of radical generosity among us. May our lives reflect Your love so clearly that people are drawn to salvation daily. Build Your church, Lord, and let Your power be displayed. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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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 20, 2026

THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40

Start Your Day Right Devotion

(KJV) Acts 2:40

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

This Corrupt Generation: The Urgent Call of Acts 2:40

In Acts 2:40, after delivering a powerful gospel message on the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter pleads with the crowd: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” His words were not a mild suggestion; they were an urgent warning. Today, this divine command remains just as critical for every believer.

Breaking Away from the Pattern of the World

No one can be spiritually saved and maintain a genuine relationship with God while clinging to the corrupt activities of present society. Scripture repeatedly warns us about the compromising nature of the world around us. Jesus Himself lamented the faithless and twisted generations of His day, a reality that has only magnified over time.

True salvation demands a definitive pivot. To walk with a holy God, we must actively refuse to participate in the systemic sins, compromised morals, and ungodly philosophies of our culture. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, we are called to be blameless and pure, shining like stars in a crooked and depraved generation.

The Foundation for New Believers

Following Christ requires radical subtraction and intentional addition. New Christians must be equipped with the spiritual truth that discipleship involves a complete shift in allegiance.

Sever Sinful Alliances: We must break off toxic, sinful relationships that pull us backward into darkness.
Abandon Ungodly Practices: Habits, entertainment, and lifestyles that grieve the Holy Spirit must be left behind.
Unite with Christ and His Body: True faith isolates us from worldly corruption but integrates us into the family of God, anchoring us in holy community.
Devote to God’s Purpose: Our time, energy, and resources must be entirely repurposed for the advancement of His kingdom.

We cannot walk with the world and run with God. Separation from the world is the only pathway to intimacy with the Father.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You recognizing the darkness and corruption of the world we live in. Lord, Your Word calls us to be holy, just as You are holy. We ask for the supernatural courage to stand apart from this present evil age. Grant us the discernment to recognize the subtle compromises of our culture and the strength to refuse them.

Forgive us for the times we have allowed the world to mold us. Cleanse our hearts and give us the fortitude to break away from sinful habits, ungodly relationships, and worldly mindsets. We desire to be completely united to Jesus Christ and deeply committed to His Church. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live as bright lights, fully devoted to Your eternal purposes.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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www.biblestudytools.com
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Strong’s Concordance
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September 20, 2026

FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39

Start Your Day Right Devotion

(KJV) Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

For You, Your Children, and All Who Are Far Off: The Enduring Promise of the Holy Spirit

On the day of Pentecost, a dramatic shift occurred in human history. The Holy Spirit descended, believers spoke in tongues, and a crowd gathered in amazement and confusion. In the midst of this atmosphere, the Apostle Peter stood up and delivered a powerful sermon that concluded with a timeless assurance: “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39).

This declaration is not a historical artifact or a regional blessing meant only for the early church. It is an active, open-ended inheritance available to every believer today.

A Promise Across Generations

Peter’s message broke through the boundaries of time and geography. He explicitly structured the scope of God’s gift into three distinct categories:

“For you” – The immediate audience standing in Jerusalem, hearing the gospel in their own languages.
“Your children” – The next generation, ensuring that the legacy of faith and spiritual power would be passed down.
“For all who are far off” – Every future generation and global community to come, stretching across centuries straight to us.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit was never intended to be a unique, once-for-all occurrence restricted to the book of Acts. Scripture demonstrates that this outpouring continued long after Pentecost, as seen in Samaria (Acts 8:15), Caesarea (Acts 10:44-46), and Ephesus (Acts 19:6). It did not conclude with the deaths of the apostles.

Purpose Over Pageantry

A common misconception is that the baptism in the Holy Spirit—and the accompanying evidence of speaking in tongues—was merely a flashy sign designed to jumpstart the early church. However, the true purpose of the Spirit runs much deeper than capturing attention or proving divine strength.

Jesus explained that the Spirit would provide His followers with ongoing guidance, truth, and revelation (John 16:13). The primary objective of this spiritual baptism is to grant believers the supernatural empowerment required to carry out Christ’s mission on earth (Acts 1:8). Because the church’s mission to reach the ends of the earth is still unfinished, our need for the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit remains just as urgent today as it was in the first century.

Your Spiritual Birthright

As a follower of Christ, it is your spiritual right to seek, expect, and experience the exact same baptism in the Holy Spirit that was promised to New Testament believers. God’s word does not change, and His gifts do not expire. If you hunger for greater spiritual depth, bolder witness, and a closer walk with God, the promise is waiting for you. Step out in faith, ask openly, and receive the empowerment intended to sustain you and your family.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the unchanging truth of Your Word and the enduring nature of Your promises. We praise You that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not a temporary sign for the past, but a living promise for us, our children, and everyone called by Your name today.

Lord, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in our lives. Baptize us anew with Your power, passion, and fire. Give us the spiritual boldness to share Your gospel and the divine guidance to navigate our daily lives. We claim this inheritance for ourselves and for the generations coming after us. May our families be marked by Your presence and empowered for Your mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
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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 20, 2026

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38

Start Your Day Right Devotion

(KJV) Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Heart of Acts 2:38: Understanding Repentance, Baptism, and the Spirit

In Acts 2:38, the Apostle Peter delivers a piercing directive to a convicted crowd: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

At first glance, this verse provides a sequential formula for the Christian walk. However, a deeper look into the New Testament reveals a beautiful, dynamic relationship between our public obedience and God’s spiritual empowerment.

The Foundation of True Repentance

Peter begins with a mandatory turning point: repentance. Repentance is far more than feeling generic remorse. It is a conscious decision to admit our sins, turn away from our own self-governed paths, and actively accept God’s forgiveness. True repentance and saving faith are the ultimate conditions for spiritual salvation. As Jesus notes in Mark 16:16, it is the refusal to believe—rather than the absence of water—that ultimately condemns.

The Context of Water Baptism

Why did Peter tie water baptism so tightly to the reception of the Holy Spirit in this moment? For his Jewish audience, baptism was a well-understood, public declaration of a radical life shift.

While water baptism is an essential act of obedience and an outward symbol of dying to sin (Romans 6:4), it is not a rigid, absolute requirement for salvation, nor does it automatically trigger the infilling of the Spirit. Scripture demonstrates that God operates outside of strict chronological formulas:

The Apostle Paul (Acts 9:17-18): Paul was filled with the Spirit through the laying on of hands before he was physically baptized in water.
Cornelius’ Household (Acts 10:44-48): This Gentile audience received the Holy Spirit while listening to Peter preach, speaking in tongues before they ever touched the baptismal waters.

Actively Receiving the Holy Spirit

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct gift that empowers believers for Christian living and witnessing. It is not an automated or passive upgrade that occurs without our awareness. Throughout the Book of Acts, the believers consciously desired, actively sought, and readily applied this gift (Acts 1:14; Acts 19:2-6).

We are invited to come before God with an active, expectant hunger. Salvation introduces us to the family of God, but the infilling of the Spirit equips us to live out our divine calling with supernatural power.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the piercing truth of Your Word. We repent of our self-reliance and turn our hearts fully toward You, accepting the complete forgiveness bought by Jesus Christ on the cross. Lord, we do not want to settle for a passive faith. We ask that You fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit today. Awaken a conscious hunger within us for Your presence, Your power, and Your spiritual gifts. May our lives be a bold testimony of Your grace, moving in obedience and empowered by Your Spirit to change the world around us. 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

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

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September 20, 2026

LORD AND CHRIST / ACTS 2:36

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Exalted: Understanding Jesus as Both Lord and Christ

What does it truly mean to call Jesus “Lord”? In our modern vocabulary, we might think of a master, a boss, or someone with a high title. But when the Apostle Peter stood before the crowds at Pentecost, his declaration in Acts 2:36 carried a weight that shook the hearts of his listeners to the core:

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36, NIV)

The Greek phrase Peter used is kurion kai christon. These two titles reveal the complete identity, authority, and mission of Jesus. Understanding them changes how we relate to Him every single day.

More Than a Master: Jesus as Lord (Kurion)

To say Jesus is “Lord” means far more than acknowledging Him as a teacher or master. He is the exalted Lord—the supreme Ruler and Leader with absolute authority over all creation.

Universal Authority: As Philippians 2:9 reminds us, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.
Our Only Hope: He is the sovereign One upon whom we must entirely depend for our spiritual salvation.
The Full Revelation: Jesus is the ultimate, complete revelation of God to humankind. To see Jesus is to see the Father.

The Promised Deliverer: Jesus as Christ (Christon)

“Christ” is not Jesus’s last name. It is His title. It is the New Testament Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew word Messiah. Both terms translate directly to “Anointed One” and Savior.

For centuries, God’s people waited for the promised Deliverer. By identifying Jesus as the Christ, Peter was declaring that the ancient prophecies were fulfilled. Jesus is the long-awaited King, anointed by God to rescue humanity from sin and restore our broken relationship with the Creator.

The Evidence of Pentecost

The dramatic events of Pentecost—the rushing wind, the tongues of fire, and the believers speaking in various languages—were not just random miracles. They were tangible, earthly proof of a heavenly reality. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit proved to the world that the crucified Jesus had been resurrected, ascended, and officially exalted as Lord and Christ in heaven.

He is reigning right now. Because He is Christ, we have salvation. Because He is Lord, He deserves our total allegiance.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the powerful truth of Your Word. We acknowledge today that Jesus Jesus is both Kurios and Christos—our absolute Lord and our anointed Savior. Forgive us for the times we have tried to rule our own lives. We surrender our calendars, our worries, and our futures to Your supreme authority. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to reveal Your glory to us. May our lives bear witness to the reality that Jesus is exalted on high. In His holy and mighty 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
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 20, 2026

THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD / ACTS 2:33

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

The Power of the Promise: Understanding Acts 2:33

In Acts 2:33, the apostle Peter delivers a powerful declaration to the crowds in Jerusalem: “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.”

This single verse serves as the ultimate proof of who Jesus is. The spectacular pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was not an accident; it was a visible, audible demonstration that Jesus is the resurrected, living, and exalted Messiah. He has taken the highest place of honor in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father. From this position of supreme authority, He continuously intercedes and pleads the case for His people on earth.

The Continuation of the Anointing

From the moment of His baptism, Jesus walked in the full anointing of the Holy Spirit. As the Christ—the Anointed One—He was perfectly commissioned and empowered to do the Father’s will. Now, from His heavenly throne, Jesus shares that very same power with us. He does not leave us to navigate this world in our own strength. Instead, He sends the exact same Spirit that rested upon Him to fill, equip, and work through everyone who serves Him today.

Empowered for Purpose

Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit to give us an undeniable, comforting sense of His presence. But this divine gift also comes with a sacred purpose. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to boldly continue the work that Jesus started during His earthly ministry. Through the Spirit, we receive the supernatural strength, wisdom, and boldness needed to be His hands and feet in a broken world.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise You for the exalted glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who sits at Your right hand in highest honor. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for sending the promised Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We ask that You fill us afresh today. Let Your Spirit grant us a profound awareness of Your presence and empower us with the strength and boldness to continue Your work on earth. May our lives honor Your holy 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
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 20, 2026

IMPOSSIBLE FOR DEATH TO KEEP ITS HOLD / ACTS 2:24

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

The Ultimate Overstep: Why Death Couldn’t Hold Jesus

Have you ever considered that the resurrection of Jesus Christ wasn’t just a display of divine power, but a legal and spiritual inevitability?

In Acts 2:24, the Apostle Peter proclaims a staggering truth: “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

It wasn’t just difficult for the grave to keep Jesus. It was impossible.

The Legal Claim of Death

To understand why the grave failed to hold Jesus, we have to look at why it successfully holds the rest of us. Death has a rightful claim on human life because of sin.

Scripture lays out this spiritual law clearly:

The Origin: As far back as Genesis 3:19, humanity was told that returning to dust was the consequence of rebellion.
The Penalty: The Apostle Paul cements this in Romans 6:23, stating that the wages of sin is death.

Because every single human being has sinned, death holds a valid, legal warrant over our physical lives.

Why Jesus Was Different

Jesus entered our world as a human, but He lived a flawless life. He never once rebelled against God, harbored a sinful thought, or offended His Heavenly Father. Because Jesus was completely sinless, death had absolutely no legal claim on His life.

So, why did He die? He chose to.

In John 10:18, Jesus made His authority clear: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.”

The Overstep That Changed Everything

When Jesus willingly gave up His spirit on the cross to pay for our sins, death stepped in. But because Jesus possessed no personal sin, death fundamentally overstepped its bounds.

The grave attempted to lock up a man over whom it had zero rightful authority. By trying to hold the sinless Son of God, death broke its own rules, overstepped its spiritual jurisdiction, and completely lost its power. The resurrection was the natural, guaranteed breaking of a contract that death had no right to enforce.

Because the grave couldn’t hold Him, it no longer has the final word over those who belong to Him. His victory is legally, spiritually, and eternally complete.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We stand in absolute awe of Your perfect wisdom and sovereign power. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to live the sinless life we never could live, and for willingly laying down His life on our behalf.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for breaking the power of the grave. We rejoice in the spiritual reality that it was impossible for death to hold You. Because You overthrew the power of sin and death, we live with the confident guarantee that our eternal future is secure in You.

Help us to live each day in the light and victory of Your resurrection power. Let fear lose its grip on our hearts, knowing that the ultimate enemy has already been defeated.

In the mighty and victorious name of Jesus, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 20, 2026

MY SERVANTS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN – IN THOSE DAYS / ACTS 2:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:18

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Empowered Together: The Lasting Promise of Acts 2:18

When the Holy Spirit fell on the Day of Pentecost, it wasn’t a exclusive event meant for a select few. It was the ignition of a new era. In Acts 2:18, Peter quotes the prophet Joel to declare a radical shift in how God empowers His people:

“Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

Acts 2:18 breaks down traditional barriers and establishes two powerful truths for our faith journey today.

My Servants, Both Men and Women

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is designed for those who already belong to God’s kingdom. According to Joel’s prophecy, this empowering gift is for the “born-again” followers of Christ (John 3:3-6). It is not a reward for the elite; it is a promise for the devoted.

Complete Equality: The Holy Spirit makes no distinction between male and female.
Universal Access: Every person who has surrendered their life to Jesus is an eligible vessel.
Shared Ministry: Both men and women are uniquely gifted to speak truth and advance the Gospel.

If you belong to God, this promise belongs to you. You are chosen, called, and qualified by the Spirit to serve.

In Those Days: A Promise for Right Now

When Peter used the phrase “in those days,” he wasn’t referring to a single 24-hour event on Pentecost. He was launching the church age. This age spans the entire period between Christ’s first coming and His glorious second coming.

No Expiration Date: The supernatural signs, gifts, and empowering of the Spirit were not limited to the early church.
The Church Age: We are living in the very timeline Peter prophesied about.
Active Power: The exact same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to believers today.

The outpouring did not stop in the upper room. God is still generously sending His Spirit to fill, empower, and live through His followers right now, in our present day.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for breaking down barriers and calling both men and women to be Your hands and feet on this earth. We recognize that we are living in the days of Your poured-out Spirit. Fill us afresh today. Empower us with supernatural boldness, wisdom, and love so that we can faithfully serve Your kingdom. May our lives reflect Your power to the world around us. 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
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 20, 2026

THE LAST DAYS / ACTS 2:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:17

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

The Outpouring of the Spirit: Living with Purpose in “The Last Days”

What does it actually mean to live in the “last days”? For many, the phrase conjures up immediate anxiety or cinematic scenes of global chaos. But on the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter stood before a bewildered crowd and offered a radically different perspective. Quoting the prophet Joel, he declared:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” — Acts 2:17

According to the New Testament, the last days are not just a future event—they are the era we are living in right now. This era began with the first coming of Jesus Christ and the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it will culminate when Christ returns in glory.

Let’s dive into what Acts 2:17 reveals about the age we live in, the power available to us, and the mission we have been given.

1. Shifting Horizons: From the Old to the New Testament

To truly appreciate Peter’s message, we have to look back. In the Old Testament, the “last days” were anticipated as a future, monumental time when God would intervene directly in human history to judge evil and rescue His people (Isaiah 2:2-21; Joel 1–3; Amos 9:9-12).

The New Testament reveals a beautiful mystery: this promised era is already in motion. It was initiated by Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection (Mark 1:15; Hebrews 1:1-2). Right now, we live in a historic window of mercy—a time characterized by authority over darkness, the active presence of God’s kingdom, and a widespread opportunity for human salvation before the final, severe judgments come upon the world (Revelation 6–19).

2. Power for Spiritual Warfare and Holy Boldness

Living in the last days means acknowledging that we are in the midst of an active spiritual battle. God’s work in this age is fueled entirely by the power of the Spirit (Matthew 12:28).

Invading the Enemy’s Realm: As followers of Christ, we are called to push back darkness, destroy the works of the devil, and reclaim lives for the Kingdom of God.
The Battle is Ongoing: While the victory is secured, Satan’s destructive activity is still present (Ephesians 6:10-18). The spiritual warfare we experience, and the suffering or opposition we face for our faith, requires us to rely fully on the active presence and power of God’s Kingdom (Luke 11:20; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
The Final Completion: This intense spiritual tension will only end when Jesus literally returns to earth at His Second Coming, completely putting an end to evil forces and finalizing the age (1 Peter 1:3-5).

3. A Season of Bold, Global Evangelism

The primary characteristic of the last days is not fear—it is mission. This is an age of urgent, bold evangelistic ministry meant to spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

We are called to prompt people everywhere to turn from rebellion, place their faith in Christ, and experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-40). Because a final day of accounting is approaching—what Luke calls “the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:20)—we must remain alert, working diligently to display Christ’s love and truth while waiting for Him to return and set all things right (John 14:3).

4. “Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy”: Empowered Without Exception

Perhaps the most breathtaking part of Acts 2:17 is the democratization of God’s power. In the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit came upon specific individuals—kings, prophets, and judges—for specific tasks. But now, the Spirit is given to empower all of God’s people, completely dismantling barriers of age, gender, or social status.

Peter directly links the supernatural ability to speak in other tongues on the day of Pentecost with the gift of prophecy. At its core, prophesying means using your voice under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit to praise, serve, and glorify God. We see this dynamic theme replay throughout the Book of Acts:

The original 120 believers spoke in tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4).
Cornelius and his household received the Spirit, speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:44-47).
The disciples at Ephesus spoke in tongues and prophesied upon receiving the Spirit (Acts 19:6).

Whether through prophetic words, speaking in tongues, visions, or God-given dreams, the Holy Spirit wants to express His presence through you. You are not a bystander in church history; you are an active participant.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible privilege of living in these momentous days. We praise You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit generously upon all flesh, breaking down every barrier so that your sons and daughters can serve You with power.

Forgive us for the times we have let fear or distraction dim our awareness of Your Kingdom. Fill us afresh today with the Holy Spirit. Give us bold speech, prophetic insight, and heavenly dreams to navigate the spiritual battles of our time. May Your power work through us to push back darkness, heal the brokenhearted, and share the glorious gospel of salvation with a world in desperate need.

Keep our hearts alert, our minds focused, and our hands busy doing Your work as we eagerly await the great and glorious day of Your return. We love You, we honor You, and we dedicate our voices to Your glory.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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