Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog – Page 128

September 12, 2026

IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD? / GENESIS 18:13-14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 18:13-14

And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? ¹⁴Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? Trusting God’s Power in Impossible Seasons

We have all been there. You look at your bank account, a broken relationship, a medical report, or a dream that has been deferred for years, and your mind whispers a single word: Impossible.

When circumstances overwhelm us, our vision narrows. We begin to view our problems through the lens of human limitation. But thousands of years ago, on a dusty plains ridge in Mamre, God asked a foundational question that echoes down through history to meet us in our mess today: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).

The Context of the Question

To appreciate the weight of this question, we have to look at the couple who first heard it: Abraham and Sarah. God had promised them a son, a biological heir from whom nations would rise. Years passed. Decades rolled by. By the time God reiterated the promise, Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 99. Physically speaking, the ship had sailed. The biological clock hadn’t just run out; it had crumbled to dust.

When Sarah overheard the Lord saying she would give birth by the following year, she laughed. It wasn’t a laugh of joy; it was a laugh of weary disbelief.

In response, the narrative captures a powerful moment of divine confrontation: “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, “Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord?'” (Genesis 18:13-14). God did not reprimand her with anger. Instead, He exposed the root of all human doubt by pointing directly to His own limitless nature.

Moving From Human Limits to Divine Logic

God wants us to understand a fundamental truth about His character: He has the sovereign power to accomplish exactly what He has promised. He does not operate under the constraints of time, biology, or economics.

Centuries after Sarah laughed in the tent, Jesus stood before His disciples and underscored this exact reality. Reflecting on human limitations regarding salvation and life, Jesus looked at them and emphasized: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

When we say a situation is impossible, we are correct—if we are relying only on human strength. But when we bring God into the equation, the word “impossible” loses all its power.

What Are You Facing Today?

Your “impossible” situation might look different than Abraham and Sarah’s, but the question remains identical:

Is that fractured marriage too hard for the Lord to restore?
Is that terminal diagnosis too hard for the Lord to heal?
Is that deeply rooted addiction too hard for the Lord to break?
Is that financial crisis too hard for the Lord to turn around?

The rhetorical answer is a resounding no. Human delays are not divine denials. What feels like a dead end to us is merely the perfect staging ground for God to reveal His glory. If He can speak the universe into existence, guide a wandering nation through a parted sea, and raise Jesus from the grave, He can handle the burden weighing on your heart today. Trust His heart, lean on His promises, and remember that He is always right on time.

A Closing Prayer for Faith and Assurance

Hexavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging that You are the Sovereign Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Forgive us for the times we have looked at our mountains and forgotten the power of the One who moves them. Forgive us for letting our doubts outshine our faith.

Lord, we lift up the areas of our lives that feel completely impossible right now. We lay our brokenness, our waiting seasons, and our anxieties at Your feet. We choose to anchor our souls in Your truth rather than our changing circumstances. We declare today that absolutely nothing is too hard for You.

Strengthen our hearts to trust Your timing and Your perfect plan. Expand our vision to see past our human limitations, and give us the peace that surpasses all understanding while we wait for Your breakthrough. We praise You because You are faithful, You are able, and Your promises are always true.

In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

THREE MEN / GENESIS 18:2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Welcoming the Holy: What Genesis 18:2 Teaches Us About Unexpected Encounters

We have all had moments where our day is interrupted by the unexpected. Maybe it is a knock at the door, a sudden phone call, or a stranger crossing our path when we are in the middle of our routine. In Genesis 18:2, we witness one of the most profound interruptions in biblical history:

“Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.”

At first glance, this looked like an ordinary, albeit busy, moment. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day, likely looking for a bit of shade and rest. But when he looked up, everything changed.

The Mystery of the Three Visitors

The identity of these three travelers holds deep spiritual significance. Biblical scholars largely agree that this encounter was a theophany—a visible manifestation of God to humanity. One of these three men was God Himself appearing in human form, while the other two were angels accompanying Him.

What makes this story so relatable is that Abraham may not have initially recognized who they were. To him, they simply looked like three travelers weary from the desert sun. Yet, his instinct wasn’t to ignore them or guard his privacy. His instinct was to run toward them, offer his best hospitality, and bow low. He treated ordinary-looking visitors with extraordinary honor.

Looking Up from Our Comfort Zones

It is easy to get caught up in our own “tents”—our daily routines, our comfort zones, and our immediate worries. Abraham was resting, but he kept his eyes open.

How often do we miss God’s presence because He doesn’t look the way we expect Him to? God rarely shows up with a grand announcement. More often, He comes to us in the quiet whispers, the minor interruptions, and the people who need our help. Hebrews 13:2 beautifully echoes this exact moment, reminding us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

When we learn to “look up” like Abraham, we open our lives to holy encounters. We begin to see that a sudden interruption might actually be an invitation to stand in the presence of the Almighty.

A Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who meets us right where we are, even in the middle of our ordinary days. Give us eyes like Abraham to look up and notice Your presence around us. Help us to welcome the interruptions in our lives with grace, love, and hospitality, knowing that You often show up in the ways we least expect.

Teach us to treat every person we meet with the dignity and honor fit for Your kingdom. May our hearts always be open to hosting Your presence.

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

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Map Pencils
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 12, 2026

ASK THE LORD TO SEND / MATTHEW 9:38

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

The Divine Prerequisite: Why God Waits for Your Prayers

Have you ever stopped to wonder how God chooses to execute His grand master plan on earth? As sovereign as He is, Scripture reveals a breathtaking spiritual principle: God has chosen to limit Himself, partnering with the prayers of His faithful people to accomplish His plans.

Before God takes action, He usually inspires His people to pray. Only after they have prayed does He respond and finish what He desires to happen. Our part in the work is absolutely necessary. Nowhere is this divine partnership clearer than in Matthew 9:38, where Jesus looks at a broken world and gives a direct command: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The Kind of Workers Jesus Desires

When we look at the immediate context of this passage—spanning from Matthew 9:35 – Matthew 10:8—we get a crystal-clear picture of the specific kind of kingdom workers Jesus wants us to pray for. He is looking for individuals who are willing, spiritually prepared, and ready to engage in three distinct areas of ministry:

Spreading His Message: Workers who will faithfully teach others what it means to follow Jesus and live according to His divine purposes, just as Jesus did when proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 9:35).
Healing the Sick: Servants who step out in compassion to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration to those who are hurting (Matthew 9:35; 10:1, 8).
Driving Out Evil Spirits: Believers who are ready to engage in spiritual warfare, standing against darkness to set captives free (Matthew 10:1, 8).

Powered by the Holy Spirit

None of these supernatural acts are possible through human strength, talent, or clever strategies. To be the kind of worker Jesus describes requires total reliance on God and the power of His Holy Spirit.

When we pray for the harvest, we aren’t just asking for volunteers; we are asking God to launch Spirit-empowered, spiritually prepared laborers into a world that desperately needs Him. And don’t be surprised if, while you are praying for the Lord to send workers, the Holy Spirit begins to prepare your heart to be the answer to that very prayer!

A Closing Prayer for the Harvest

Heavenly Father, Lord of the Harvest, we come before You acknowledging that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are truly few. We thank You for the profound privilege of partnering with Your divine plans through the power of prayer.

Lord, we ask You today to send forth faithful, spiritually prepared workers into Your harvest field. Awaken Your Church and raise up men and women who are willing to spread Your message, teach Your truth, bring healing to the sick, and drive out darkness in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us the grace to rely completely on Your supernatural strength and not our own. Fill us with compassion for the lost, and let Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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Map Pencils
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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September 12, 2026

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL / MATTHEW 9:37

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

The Harvest Is Plentiful: An Urgent Call to Reach the Lost

We live in a world bustling with activity, technology, and endless connections. Yet, beneath the surface of our busy routines lies a sobering spiritual reality. Millions of people around us are completely disconnected from the One who created them.

In the Gospels, Jesus pulls back the curtain on this reality and challenges His followers to see the world through His eyes. He reminds us that those who are spiritually lost—who do not know and follow God—possess a priceless, eternal soul. Scripture tells us clearly that every single person will spend eternity in either heaven or hell (Matthew 10:28). With eternity on the line, our mission to share Christ’s love carries an undeniable urgency. We must reach them while there is still time.

Seeing the Field Through Jesus’ Eyes

In Matthew 9:37, Jesus turns to His disciples and says:

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

It is easy to look at our modern culture and see only opposition, hostility, or indifference to the Gospel. But Jesus didn’t see a wasteland; He saw a harvest. He saw fields heavy with fruit, waiting to be gathered.

The truth is, many people are spiritually ready to receive the message of truth right now. They are hurting, confused, and searching for purpose. But a harvest left in the field will eventually spoil. These souls can be saved only if someone steps out in faith to present them with the good news of forgiveness, grace, and new life through Jesus Christ.

The Problem Isn’t the Harvest—It’s the Laborers

Jesus makes a profound point: the issue is never the lack of people ready to hear. The bottleneck is the lack of workers willing to go into the field.

Sharing the Gospel doesn’t require a theology degree or a platform. It simply requires a heart of compassion and a willingness to speak. When we share how Jesus transformed our own lives from darkness to light, the Holy Spirit works through our obedience to point others toward the Savior.

The fields are ripe, the time is short, and the stakes are eternal. Will you answer the call to be a laborer in His vineyard?

Closing Prayer

Lord of the Harvest, our hearts break for the millions of souls who do not yet know Your saving grace. Open our eyes to see the people around us the way You see them—distressed, scattered, and deeply in need of a Shepherd. Give us the courage to step out as laborers into Your plentiful harvest field. Boldly fill our mouths with Your truth and ignite our hearts with unconditional love. We pray that those who are spiritually lost will be set free, experiencing the ultimate joy of Your forgiveness and new life. 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!

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September 12, 2026

NEW WINE INTO OLD WINESKINS / NEW WINE PRESERVED / MATTHEW 9:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 9:17

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

New Wine in New Wineskins: Guarding the Purity of the Gospel

In Matthew 9:17, Jesus shares a profound, rustic parable that has captivated readers for centuries: “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

To fully appreciate this teaching, we have to look past our modern glass bottles and step into the ancient world, where wine was stored in goatskins. Over time, Biblical commentators have explored different angles of this parable. Let’s look at two powerful perspectives on what Jesus is teaching us about growth, purity, and the gospel.

Two Perspectives on the Parable

1. The Perspective of Expansion and Form

The first traditional view focuses on the physical elasticity of the wineskins. As new wine ferments, it releases gases and expands. A fresh, pliable goatskin can stretch to accommodate this intense pressure. However, an old, brittle wineskin has already reached its limit; under the pressure of fermentation, it will inevitably burst.

From this viewpoint, the “new wine” represents the revolutionary message of Jesus. The Gospel brought a vibrant newness and spiritual freedom that simply could not be contained within the rigid, legalistic structures of the old religious establishment.

2. The Perspective of Purity and Preservation

A second compelling interpretation focuses heavily on Jesus’ final words in the verse: that both are preserved. In this view, the “new wine” represents fresh, unfermented, and pure grape juice—symbolizing the unadulterated message of salvation and the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Ancient agricultural experts, like the first-century Roman writer Columella, noted that to keep wine “always sweet” and unfermented, it had to be sealed in a pristine, clean container. This perspective highlights two critical spiritual warnings:

The Danger of Contamination: Old wineskins harbored leftover yeast cells from previous batches. If fresh juice was poured into them, the residual yeast would immediately trigger fermentation, causing the skin to burst and the wine to spoil.
The “Yeast” of False Teaching: Jesus frequently warned His disciples to beware of the “yeast” or teachings of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:6). Just as a tiny amount of yeast alters and ferments an entire batch of juice, legalism and human traditions corrupt the true spirit of God’s commands.

The Takeaway for Our Lives

Whether we focus on the flexibility to receive the Holy Spirit’s movement or the fierce dedication to keeping the Gospel message pure from worldly corruption, the ultimate lesson remains clear. Jesus did not come to patch up old, failing human systems. He came to make us entirely new creations.

To hold His pure truth, we must ask Him to renew our minds daily—cleansing us of past bitterness, rigid self-righteousness, and the “yeast” of compromise.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today thanking You for the new wine of the Gospel—the beautiful, life-giving truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. We thank You for the powerful movement of Your Holy Spirit in our lives.

Lord, we ask that You make us new wineskins today. Search our hearts and purge any residual yeast of pride, legalism, or hypocrisy that might corrupt Your truth. Keep our hearts soft, pliable, and entirely devoted to You. Deliver us from the rigid compliance of tradition, and pull us into a vibrant, living relationship with Your Son. Guard the purity of our faith, protect us from teachings that distort Your grace, and let both our lives and Your truth be fully preserved for Your glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

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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!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

THEN THEY WILL FAST / MATTHEW 9:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 9:15

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Then They Will Fast: Longing for the Bridegroom

In Matthew 9:15, Jesus answers a question about why His disciples don’t fast like those of John the Baptist or the Pharisees. He asks them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

With those simple words, Jesus laid out a powerful expectation for the Church. Fasting—periodically abstaining from food to dedicate our time and attention to prayer and spiritual matters—isn’t an obsolete ritual. It is a vital practice for the era we live in right now.

We reside in the period of the “Bridegroom’s” absence: the time between Christ’s ascension into heaven and His glorious return. As the Church—Christ’s chosen “Bride” (Revelation 19:7; 22:17)—we look forward to the day the shout goes out that the Bridegroom has arrived (Matthew 25:6; John 14:3). Until that day comes, fasting serves as a profound spiritual anchor in four distinct ways:

A sign of our longing: It is a physical expression of our deep desire to be fully united with Christ at His return.
A means of preparation: It clears away the noise of the flesh, sharpening our spiritual focus and preparing our hearts for His coming.
A way of mourning His absence: It acknowledges that as good as earthly blessings are, this world is not our final home, and we feel the weight of our Savior being away.
A sign of sorrow for the world: It stands as an expression of grief over the sin, brokenness, and spiritual decay we see in the culture around us (Matthew 6:16).

When we fast, we empty ourselves of earthly sustenance to declare that our ultimate hunger is for Jesus alone. It is a quiet, powerful protest against the complacency of this world, reminding our souls that the Bridegroom is coming back.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom. Lord, as we live in this season of waiting, we confess our deep hunger for Your presence. Teach us how to fast with pure hearts—not out of obligation, but out of a fierce longing to see You face-to-face. Let our physical hunger remind us of our greater spiritual need for You.

We pray for strength to resist the distractions of this world. May our fasting be a powerful tool of preparation, refining our faith and aligning our hearts with Your kingdom. We look forward with joy to the day when the waiting ends and we are united with You forever. Until that day, keep us watchful, holy, and faithful.

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!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

EAT WITH ‘SINNERS’ / MATTHEW 9:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 9:11

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

Eating with “Sinners”: The Purpose of Our Presence

When the Pharisees saw Jesus reclining at the table in Matthew’s home, surrounded by tax collectors and outcasts, they asked a question packed with judgment: “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11).

Jesus’ response in the following verses reshapes how we view evangelism, relationships, and our everyday interactions with the world: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13).

For followers of Christ, this passage establishes a vital blueprint for navigating relationships with those who do not yet know or follow Him.

Purposeful Presence, Not Worldly Pursuit

Jesus did not join the table in Matthew’s house for personal pleasure, shallow entertainment, or to conform to the lifestyle of the outcasts (Matthew 9:10-13). He was there as a Spiritual Physician.

Our primary interaction with the culture around us should be guided by this same intentionality. We are called to step into people’s lives to do good, set a godly example, and point them toward the path of salvation.

The Blessing of Boundaries: Psalms 1:1 reminds us not to walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. There is a vast difference between entering a space to bring Christ’s light and sitting down to indulge in the darkness.
Being the Influence: When we spend time with unbelievers, we must remain the influencer rather than the influenced. Our ultimate goal is helping them discover what it means to have a genuine, personal relationship with God.

Guarding the Closest Alliances

While Jesus models a willingness to pull up a chair for the lost, Scripture draws a firm line regarding our most intimate bonds. Pulling up a chair to minister is not the same as joining your life to someone in marriage or dating.

The Bible explicitly cautions believers against entering unequal spiritual partnerships:

A Faithful Command: At no time should a follower of Christ date or marry someone who is not a committed Christian. As 1 Corinthians 7:39 highlights, believers are free to marry, but “only in the Lord.”
Protecting Your Foundation: A marriage or dating relationship is built on shared spiritual convictions. To bind yourself to someone without a foundation in Christ compromises your primary allegiance to God and invites spiritual division into your life.

Pulling Up a Chair with Mercy

Jesus tells the legalistic critics to go and learn the heart of God: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). May we avoid the trap of the Pharisees, who isolated themselves out of pride and self-righteousness. Instead, let us carry the truth of the Gospel into the broken spaces of our world with strong convictions, clear boundaries, and a heart full of redeeming love.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Physician for our souls when we were still sick in our sins. Lord, give us the wisdom and grace to navigate our relationships with those who do not know You. Help us to be bold witnesses, shining Your light, doing good, and modeling the way of salvation without compromising our holiness.

Guard our hearts and our closest steps, Lord. Give us the discernment to maintain biblical boundaries in our friendships and relationships, keeping our commitments rooted firmly in You. Fill us with Your mercy so that we don’t hide from the world, but instead look at the lost with compassion and point them directly to Your grace. 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 12, 2026

THEY PLEADED WITH HIM TO LEAVE / MATTHEW 8:34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:34

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

The Cost of Comfort: When We Ask Jesus to Leave

We often like to think that if we witnessed a undeniable, life-altering miracle, we would immediately fall to our knees in worship. We imagine ourselves throwing a celebration, inviting the whole neighborhood to meet the healer.

But Matthew 8:34 gives us a sobering look at a completely different human reaction. The verse states:

“And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.”

It is one of the most tragic sentences in the New Testament. The Savior of the world arrived, brought freedom, and the community’s collective response was to hand Him His eviction notice. Why would anyone ask Jesus to leave?

1. The Cost of the Miracle

To understand their reaction, we have to look at what happened just moments before. Jesus had entered the region of the Gadarenes and was met by two severely demon-possessed men who lived in the tombs, terrorizing the local road. With a single word—“Go!”—Jesus cast the demons out. The spiritual dark forces entered a nearby herd of pigs, which then rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the sea.

When the townspeople rushed out, they didn’t see two dangerous men anymore. They saw two human beings completely restored, clothed, and in their right minds. But they also saw an empty pasture.

The people of the Gadarenes were instantly faced with the economic reality of Jesus’ ministry. The drowning of the swine meant immense financial loss. Tragically, they became more concerned about the inconvenience to their daily routine and the disruption of their businesses than they were amazed by the spiritual liberation of those who had been suffering.

2. The Fear of the Supernatural

There was also a profound sense of fear gripping the community. They had learned how to manage the “predictable” danger of the demoniacs—they simply avoided that road. But they had absolutely no formula for a man who could command the spiritual realm with a whisper.

Jesus’ holiness and raw, supernatural power threatened their status quo. True transformation is chaotic to an untransformed environment. Rather than confronting their own fears or altering their lifestyles to accommodate the King, they decided it was safer to protect their comfort zones.

Our Own “Gadarene” Moments

It is easy to judge the townspeople, but we often echo their plea in subtler ways.

We want Jesus to heal us, as long as He doesn’t touch our livelihoods.
We want His blessings, but we beg Him to leave when His truth convicts our habits or relationships.
We prefer the predictability of our sins and struggles over the unfamiliar weight of divine freedom.

Jesus is a gentleman; He does not force Himself where He is not wanted. When the town pleaded for Him to leave, He got into a boat and departed. Let us take warning from this text and choose to value His presence above our temporary comfort, open to whatever disruptive, beautiful things He wants to do in our lives.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for the times we have prioritized our own convenience, finances, and predictability over your transformative power. We confess that sometimes your holiness scares us, and we tend to hold tightly to our “pigs”—our material securities and comfortable sins—rather than rejoicing in the freedom you bring.

Lord Jesus, do not let us push you away. Break down our walls of fear. We invite you into every corner of our lives, our communities, and our livelihoods. Have your way, even if it costs us our comfort. We choose your presence over our security.

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

DEMON-POSSESSED MEN /MATTHEW 8:28

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:28

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

The Authority That Breaks Every Chain: Reflection on Matthew 8:28

We all face areas in our lives that feel completely untamable. Whether it is an overwhelming anxiety, a destructive habit, or a past trauma that keeps us isolated, there are moments when we feel bound to the “tombs” of our own circumstances.

In Matthew 8:28, we encounter a scene of utter desperation and fierce spiritual warfare:

“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.”

This passage gives us a vivid picture of what it looks like when life is completely fractured. Yet, it also reveals a profound truth about the reach, power, and authority of Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus Crosses Storms to Reach the Isolated

Before arriving in the region of the Gadarenes, Jesus had just calmed a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. He didn’t take His disciples on a treacherous boat ride for a scenic vacation; He crossed a raging sea to reach a graveyard.

The two men he met were cast out by society, living among the dead, and terrorizing the local paths. Society had given up on them, but Jesus had not. No matter how isolated you feel, or how deep in the “tombs” of life you find yourself, Jesus will cross any distance to meet you right where you are.

2. The Darkness Knows His Name

The moment Jesus arrived, the spiritual forces controlling these men panicked. They cried out, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29).

While the disciples in the boat were still wondering, “What kind of man is this?”, the enemy instantly recognized His divine identity. The demons knew they were defeated before a battle even began. Your struggles—no matter how loud or overwhelming they seem—must bow to the authority of Jesus. With a single word—“Go!”—He completely delivered the men.

3. People vs. Possessions: A Heart Check

The tragedy of this account doesn’t end with the demons; it ends with the townspeople. After Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs, causing them to rush down a steep bank and drown, the townspeople didn’t celebrate the miraculous healing of their neighbors. Instead, they begged Jesus to leave.

They valued their material wealth and comfortable status quo more than the restoration of human souls. It forces us to ask ourselves a difficult question: Are we willing to let Jesus disrupt our comfort zones and our livelihoods if it means experiencing His true, transforming power?

Moving Forward in Freedom

The story of the Gadarene men reminds us that nothing is too broken for Jesus to fix. He breaks spiritual chains, restores identity, and brings peace into the midst of chaos. Let us be a people who welcome His disruptive grace rather than asking Him to leave our shores.

🛐 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You acknowledging that You hold supreme authority over both the natural and spiritual realms. Lord, we thank You that no matter how deep our isolation or how heavy our chains, Your love crosses every storm to rescue us.

We pray for anyone reading this who feels trapped in their own personal “tombs” today. Speak Your word of authority over their lives and break every chain of anxiety, addiction, fear, or despair. Grant us the courage to choose You over our own temporary comforts. May we never beg You to leave our lives, but instead open our hearts fully to Your transforming power.

In the mighty 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
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 12, 2026

LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR OWN DEAD / MATTHEW 8:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

The Radical Cost of Following Jesus: Understanding Matthew 8:22

We often look to the Gospels for comfort, searching for words that soothe our worries and calm our fears. But every so often, we encounter a statement from Jesus that stops us completely in our tracks. One of the sharpest examples is found in Matthew 8:22, where Jesus delivers a command that sounds incredibly harsh at first glance: “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead”.

What did Jesus mean by this? Was He truly telling a grieving son to abandon his father’s funeral?

When we look closer at the context, we find a profound lesson about the true cost of discipleship, the urgency of the Kingdom, and what it really means to put God first.

The Trap of “But First…”

To understand Jesus’ response, we have to look at the verse right before it. A disciple comes to Jesus and says, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father”.

In the ancient Near East, honoring one’s parents was a sacred duty, and taking care of their burial was a top priority. However, biblical scholars suggest that the disciple’s father likely hadn’t just passed away. If the father were already dead, the son would have been at home preparing the body, not out traveling and listening to Jesus.

Instead, the disciple was likely saying, “Let me wait until my elderly father passes away years from now, and then I will be ready to follow you.”

It was a request for a postponement. It was the classic human trap of saying, “Jesus, I want to follow You… but first…”

Spiritually Dead vs. Physically Dead

Jesus responds with a brilliant play on words: “Let the dead bury their own dead”.

Essentially, Christ’s saying means, “Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead.” Jesus was pointing out that the world is full of people who are spiritually asleep—people who are fully capable of handling worldly obligations, traditions, and social expectations.

But the call to the Kingdom of God is a call to life. Jesus knew that His time on earth was short, and His ministry demanded full attention and commitment. He was telling the disciple that the urgent work of spreading the Gospel cannot be put on hold for comfort or convenience.

The Extreme Demands of Discipleship

This encounter is a stark example of the extreme demands and sacrifices required of those who follow Christ. Jesus wasn’t anti-family; rather, He was drawing a line in the sand regarding our priorities.

When we give Jesus our “but first,” we are ultimately keeping ourselves in the driver’s seat. Jesus challenges us to consider: What are the things in our lives that we are putting ahead of obedience to God? Is it financial security? Social approval? Comfort?

Following Jesus requires wholehearted dedication. It means that when He calls, the time to move is now.

A Closing Prayer for Ultimate Commitment

Heavenly Father,

We come before You acknowledging that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your call on our lives is absolute. Forgive us for the times we have offered You excuses, and the moments we have said, “I will follow You, but first…”

Give us the courage to let go of the things holding us back. Help us to trust You with our families, our futures, and our responsibilities, knowing that You care for them far better than we ever could. Awaken our hearts to the urgency of Your Kingdom. Give us the grace to choose spiritual life every single day, and the strength to give You our full, undivided commitment.

May our lives reflect the radical love and radical devotion that You deserve.

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