Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog – Page 164

September 1, 2026

JESUS GREW IN WISDOM / LUKE 2:52

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The Hidden Years: Finding Purpose in the Ordinary Growth of Jesus

We often look for the spectacular moments in faith, yet the Bible leaves a massive eighteen-year gap in the biography of Jesus. Between His presentation at the temple as a twelve-year-old and the start of His public ministry around age thirty, the scriptures offer us a single, powerful summary sentence:

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52

These “silent years” speak volumes about what God values. They remind us that the ordinary, everyday seasons of waiting, working, and growing are deeply sacred.

The Anatomy of Holistic Growth

Luke reveals that Jesus did not fast-track His way to maturity. He developed as a whole person, setting a blueprint for our own spiritual and human maturation across four distinct areas:

Intellectual Growth (Wisdom): His mind was constantly stretched through the active study of Scripture, prayer, and thoughtful reflection.
Physical Growth (Stature): He filled out physically, building his body through hard work and manual labor.
Social Growth (Favor with Man): He built healthy human relationships, learning how to love, serve, and live peaceably in community.
Spiritual Growth (Favor with God): He maintained an unbroken alignment with His Father, completely conscious of His divine calling.

Faithfulness in the Everyday Grind

Other Gospel accounts help us fill in the details of these eighteen years. From passages like Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, we learn that Jesus grew up in a busy house with younger siblings. He took up the trade of Joseph and worked with His hands as a carpenter.

Imagine the Savior of the world sweeping sawdust, fixing household items, making furniture, and shaping agricultural tools like plows and yokes. Because Joseph fades completely from the narrative, it is highly likely that Joseph died early, thrusting Jesus into the role of the primary provider for Mary and His siblings.

Before Jesus ever performed a single public miracle or preached to thousands, He was a faithful son, an older brother, and a reliable local tradesman. He was fully God, yet He completely embraced the slow, ordinary process of human life.

Your Hidden Season is Not Wasted Time

If you find yourself in a season that feels mundane, hidden, or frustratingly slow, take heart. Jesus spent the vast majority of His earthly life working a regular job and taking care of His family.

God uses our quiet years to build the internal character required to sustain our external calling. Every daily task, every family obligation, and every moment of patient waiting is an opportunity to grow deeper in wisdom and closer to God.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the powerful reminder that You value our quiet growth just as much as our public victories. Forgive us for the times we try to rush through the seasons of preparation You have placed us in. Help us to find purpose in our daily routines, our families, and our workplaces.

Grant us the grace to grow just as Jesus did. Expand our minds with true wisdom, strengthen our bodies to do Your will, teach us to love our neighbors genuinely, and draw our spirits into deeper intimacy with You. May our hidden lives bring You absolute glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

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 1, 2026

I HAD TO BE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE / LUKE 2:49-51

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:49-51

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? ⁵⁰And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. ⁵¹And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Fulfilling Our Purpose: Lessons from Jesus at Twelve

Have you ever felt a tug between what is expected of you and what you know God is calling you to do?

In Luke 2:49-51, we find a twelve-year-old Jesus facing a similar moment. After staying behind in Jerusalem, His anxious parents finally find Him in the temple. His response to them gives us a powerful blueprint for balancing our divine purpose with our daily responsibilities.

The Priority of the Father’s Mission

When Mary asks why He treated them this way, Jesus responds with clarity: “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49).

Jesus was not trying to defy His parents. This was a pivotal moment where His higher mission in life took priority over what was convenient. He came to earth to fulfill His heavenly Father’s purposes. That was His primary duty.

Notice how Jesus gently shifts the perspective. He contrasts Mary’s mention of “your father” (referring to Joseph in verse 48) with His own declaration of “my Father” (referring to God). Even at just twelve years old, Jesus was fully aware of His unique relationship to God. He knew where He belonged.

Holy Submission and Obedience

While Jesus understood His divine identity, His actions immediately following this moment teach us about true humility. Luke 2:51 tells us that He went down to Nazareth with them and “was obedient to them.”

Knowing His higher calling did not make Him look down on His earthly boundaries. This was not a matter of disrespect. Jesus modeled perfect submission by honoring His parents and waiting on God’s perfect timing before launching His public ministry.

Key Takeaways for Today

Know Your ‘Why’: Like Jesus, your primary identity is found in your relationship with your heavenly Father.
Prioritize Purpose over Convenience: Living out God’s plan sometimes requires making choices that others might not immediately understand.
Honor the Season of Waiting: Submitting to authority and serving where you are is part of God’s preparation for your future.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the powerful example of Jesus, who even as a youth understood the weight of His divine purpose. Forgive us for the times we prioritize our own comfort over Your kingdom. Give us the clarity to discern Your calling and the courage to say that we must be about our Father’s business.

Help us balance our ultimate allegiance to You with holy obedience and humility in our daily lives. Give us patience during the seasons of waiting and preparation. May our hearts always find their true home in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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 1, 2026

THE CHILD GREW / LUKE 2:39-40

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:39-40

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. ⁴⁰And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

The Hidden Years: Embracing the Process of Growth (Luke 2:39-40)

Jesus Christ, though fully divine, intentionally embraced the limitations of human development to experience a true childhood. In Luke 2:39-40, the Bible provides a rare and beautiful glimpse into the quiet years of Savior’s upbringing:

“And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”

We often focus on the grand milestones of Christ’s earthly life—His miraculous birth, His powerful public ministry, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection. Yet, God chose for His Son to spend decades in absolute anonymity, living a normal life as a child in Nazareth.

Embracing Our Human Limitations

As a true human child, Jesus did not bypass the process of physical, mental, and spiritual development. He learned to walk, speak, and read. He kept increasing in wisdom through regular study of the Scriptures, learning a trade, and experiencing daily life.

Unlike anyone else who has ever lived, Jesus was perfect in His human nature. He developed exactly as God desired in every way, navigating the seasons of life without a single hint of rebellion, pride, or sin. He proved that human growth is not fundamentally flawed; rather, it is a magnificent process designed by the Creator.

The Lessons of Nazareth

Growth takes time: If the Savior of the world required decades of quiet preparation before launching His ministry, we must learn to trust God in our own slow seasons of personal maturation.
True strength is holistic: Jesus grew physically strong and intellectually sharp, but His development was rooted deeply in the spirit. True maturity requires focusing on our spiritual health.
Favor follows submission: The grace and favor of God rested upon Christ because He remained completely dependent on and submissive to the Father’s perfect will.

No matter what season of life you find yourself in today, know that God values your quiet growth just as much as your public victories. Trust the process, study His Word, and allow His grace to shape you day by day.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your perfect wisdom. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to earth—not just to die for our sins, but to show us exactly how to live. Thank You that He understands our weaknesses and human limitations, having walked through the very process of human growth Himself.

Lord, we ask that You grant us a posture of continual growth. Help us to increase daily in spiritual wisdom, discernment, and physical strength. Pour out Your unmerited favor and grace upon our lives, our families, and our ministries. Teach us to submit to Your timing, to find contentment in the quiet seasons of preparation, and to say without hesitation, “Thy will be done.” In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, Amen.

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 1, 2026

ANNA … WORHIPED / LUKE 2:36-38

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:36-38

Devoted Hearts: Finding Purpose in the Waiting

Waiting is rarely easy. In a world that demands instant results, the seasons of lingering can feel empty or forgotten. Yet, the Christmas story introduces us to a woman whose entire life was defined by patient, devoted waiting. Her name was Anna.

In Luke 2:36-38, we meet this remarkable prophetess. After only seven years of marriage, Anna became a widow. Instead of letting grief or loneliness consume her, she chose a path of radical devotion. For decades, she never left the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.

The Blessing of Undivided Devotion

Anna’s life beautifully illustrates a truth that the Apostle Paul would later write about in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. While marriage is an honorable calling, singleness offers a unique and powerful blessing. Unmarried individuals often possess a greater opportunity to focus their concerns, time, and efforts entirely on God’s purposes.

Anna lived out this reality. Free from the daily anxieties of domestic life, she gave her undivided attention to the Lord. Her long decades of waiting were not wasted; they were invested in the presence of the Almighty.

From Worship to Witness

Because Anna remained anchored in worship, she did not miss the moment God moved. When the infant Jesus was brought into the temple, her spiritual eyes were wide open.

She gave thanks: The moment she saw the child, her heart overflowed with gratitude.
She spoke of Him: She immediately began telling everyone who was looking for the redemption of Jerusalem that the Savior had arrived.

Anna’s story reminds us that our seasons of waiting—whether single, married, or grieving—are fertile ground for worship. When we devote our hearts entirely to God, He prepares us to recognize His hand at work and empowers us to share His hope with a waiting world.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Your faithful servant Anna. Deliver us from the restlessness of waiting, and anchor our hearts in Your presence. Whether we find ourselves single or married, help us to pursue an undivided devotion to You. May our daily lives be marked by prayer, fasting, and continuous worship. When You move in our lives, give us the spiritual clarity to recognize Your hand and the boldness to speak of Your redemption to everyone around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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 1, 2026

A SWORD WILL PIERCE YOUR OWN SOUL / LUKE 2:33-35

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:33-35

The Piercing of the Soul: Mary’s Sword and the Cost of Love

The Christmas season often paints a picture of serene peace. We see a quiet stable, a glowing mother, and a sleeping baby. But early in Luke’s Gospel, a startling prophecy shatters this tranquil imagery.

When Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple, an old, devout man named Simeon takes the child in his arms. He praises God, but then turns to Mary with words that must have chilled her heart: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35).

This profound statement is the very first reference in Luke’s Gospel to the suffering and death of Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder that the shadow of the cross was cast over the manger from the very beginning.

The Meaning of the Sword

Simeon’s prophecy did not mean Mary would die by a literal blade. Instead, the piercing sword signified a future of immense emotional and spiritual agony. This suffering would come because people would reject Christ.

Mary’s pain was uniquely tied to the destiny of her Son in two distinct ways:

The Pain of Rejection: Mary watched as the child she nursed and raised was slandered, hunted, and called a deceiver by His own people.
The Agony of the Cross: The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy took place at Calvary. Mary stood at the foot of the cross, watching her innocent Son endure a brutal execution. In that moment, the nails that pierced His hands and feet truly pierced her soul.

The Cost of Saying “Yes”

When Mary first answered the angel Gabriel, she said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). She gave a wholehearted “yes” to God.

However, Simeon’s prophecy reveals that saying “yes” to God does not exempt us from pain. Mary’s deep love for Jesus required an equally deep willingness to suffer. Because she loved completely, she grieved completely.

The rejection Jesus faced from the world became her own heartbreak. Her story teaches us that following Christ in a world that rejects Him will often bring its own sharp, piercing moments. Yet, Mary remained faithful, standing by her Son until the very end.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We are reminded today of the great cost of love and obedience. Thank You for the faithfulness of Mary, who bore the weight of a pierced soul as she watched her Son, our Savior, be rejected and crucified for our sins.

Lord, we know that following Jesus in a world that often rejects Him can bring its own sorrow and opposition. When our hearts are heavy or when our faith feels tested by the sharp edges of life, give us the strength to stand firm. Help us to love as Mary loved, and to trust Your ultimate plan of redemption, even when a sword pierces our own souls.

May we look past the suffering of the cross to the joy of the empty tomb, knowing that You heal every broken heart.

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

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 1, 2026

RIGHTEOUS AND DEVOUT – WAITING FOR THE CONSOLATION / LUKE 2:25-32

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:25-32

Righteous and Devout: Waiting for the Consolation

In a world filled with noise, distraction, and shifting values, waiting is rarely celebrated. We prefer instant results, immediate answers, and quick fixes. Yet, the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel introduce us to a man whose entire legacy is defined by patient, faithful waiting. His name was Simeon.

Luke 2:25-32 paints a powerful portrait of this man: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.”

Simeon’s life offers us a blueprint for how to live faithfully in times of spiritual darkness.

Righteous and Devout

Luke uses two distinct words to describe Simeon: righteous and devout.

To be “righteous” (from the Greek dikaios) means to be straight or upright. In the Old Testament tradition, righteousness was not about legalistic perfection. It described a heart in a right relationship with God, characterized by true faith, love, and reverence. Righteous people like Simeon, or John the Baptist’s parents, were not morally flawless. However, they followed God sincerely. When they failed, they sought His forgiveness with a broken and contrite heart.

To be “devout” means to be cautious, reverent, and carefully attentive to the things of God. Simeon’s outer life of righteousness flowed directly from this inner posture of devotion.

Waiting for the Consolation

Simeon lived during a dark period in Israel’s history. The nation was under Roman occupation, and the prophetic voice had been silent for centuries. Yet, instead of giving in to despair or compromising his faith, Simeon waited.

He was waiting for the “Consolation of Israel”—a beautiful title for the Messiah, the one who would bring comfort, deliverance, and restoration to God’s people. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon held onto a divine promise: he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, the Holy Spirit guided Simeon to them. Taking the child in his arms, Simeon praised God, recognizing that this tiny baby was the salvation prepared in the sight of all nations—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

Our Posture in the Last Days

Simeon’s story is not just a historical account; it is a mirror for our times. Scripture warns us that in the days leading up to Christ’s return, the spiritual condition of the world will challenge our faith. Many will abandon the truth, and others will place their hope in temporary, worldly security.

Like Simeon, we are called to be the loyal servants who stay alert through the long night. Our greatest hope should not be anchored in the comforts of this world, but in the eager anticipation of seeing “the Lord’s Christ” face to face.

Are we living as people who are ready for His return? Let us anchor our hearts in true faith, living righteously and devoutly, as we wait for the ultimate consolation of His final coming.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the example of Your servant Simeon, who lived with a heart fully devoted to You. In a world that often loses its way, grant us the grace to live righteous and upright lives. Align our hearts with Your will, and let our actions reflect a deep reverence for Your name.

Forgive us for the times we grow impatient or place our hope in temporary things. Holy Spirit, guide us daily just as You guided Simeon. Keep our faith alive, our eyes alert, and our hearts burning with anticipation for the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we be found ready and faithful when He comes again.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen

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 1, 2026

A PAIR OF DOVES / LUKE 2:24

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:24

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

The Poverty of the King: Lessons from a Pair of Doves

When we picture the birth and early life of Jesus, we often think of the majestic star, the wise men bringing gold, and the heavenly hosts singing. But the reality of Jesus’ daily life on earth was grounded in deep humility and financial struggle.

In Luke 2:24, we see a powerful glimpse into the financial status of Joseph and Mary. The verse notes that they offered a sacrifice of “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

To understand the weight of this statement, we have to look back at the law given in Leviticus 12:8. The standard offering after childbirth was a lamb. However, the law made a compassionate exception: if a mother could not afford a lamb, she was permitted to bring two doves or two pigeons instead.

Joseph and Mary did not bring a lamb. They brought the offering of the poor.

Identified with the Underprivileged

From the very beginning of His earthly journey, Christ was intentionally identified with common, marginalized, and underprivileged people. He did not enter the world surrounded by royal luxury or economic privilege. Instead, He was born into a working-class family that qualified for the poverty exemption of the Levitical law.

This theme followed Jesus throughout His entire earthly ministry:

No permanent home: He later reminded His followers that “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58; Matthew 8:20).
Rich in spirit, poor in wealth: He consistently poured His life into the broken, the sick, and the social outcasts, choosing spiritual wealth over material abundance (Revelation 2:9).

By choosing to be born into poverty, Jesus demonstrated that God’s kingdom operates on a completely different value system than our world. True worth is not measured by financial success or social status, but by faithfulness and devotion to God. He understands our lacks, our struggles, and our insecurities because He lived through them Himself.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

*Thank You for the beautiful reminder found in the sacrifice of Joseph and Mary. Thank You that Jesus did not come to earth demanding luxury or royal treatment, but instead chose to be identified with the humble, the poor, and the common people. *

Forgive us for the times we measure our worth by our material possessions or social standing. Help us to find our true identity and value in You alone. Comfort those who are struggling financially today, and remind them that the King of Kings fully understands their journey.

Fill our hearts with the same humility that defined the life of Christ. Teach us to love and serve the underprivileged, just as Jesus did.

In His holy name we pray, Amen.

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 1, 2026August 31, 2026

SEPTEMBER PRAYER

Welcoming the Harvest of Autumn

As the calendar turns to September, we stand on the threshold of a beautiful season of transition. The intense heat of summer begins to soften, yielding to crisper mornings, golden afternoons, and the early hints of autumn color. September is a month of shifting rhythms—a return to routine, the start of a new school year, and the natural invitation to slow down and take inventory of our lives.

In many ways, September behaves like a second New Year. It offers us a clean slate to look at the goals we set months ago and re-align our focus. Just as the trees prepare to shed their leaves, this season prompts us to look at what we need to let go of to make room for new growth and quiet rest. It is a time to harvest the lessons of the past months and prepare our hearts for the quieter season ahead.

A Closing Prayer for the Month

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of September and the beautiful turning of the seasons. As the world around us begins to change, we thank You that Your love and faithfulness remain completely constant.

We ask for Your wisdom and guidance as we step into new routines and responsibilities this month. Grant us the clarity to see the harvest of blessings in our lives, and give us a spirit of deep gratitude for Your daily provisions. Lord, help us to let go of the worries, habits, and burdens that weigh us down, trusting that You are making all things beautiful in their proper time.

Protect our families, guide our steps, and fill our homes with Your perfect peace. May our lives reflect Your grace to everyone we encounter this month.

In Your holy name, we pray, 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

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

MUSIC MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2026

Get Your Worship On: Music Monday with Jennifer Villareal

Looking for the perfect way to kick off your week? We have got you covered! Welcome to Music Monday, your weekly destination for uplifting worship tunes that will nourish your soul and focus your heart.

Brought to you by Jennifer Villareal, Music Monday is all about starting the week with faith, hope, and incredible music. Jennifer posts a new song every single Monday, offering an inspiring moment of reflection to help you navigate whatever the week brings.

Discover the “Guided By Grace” Playlist

If you are seeking fresh, faith-filled music to brighten your mornings, Jennifer’s Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist on YouTube is a fantastic resource. It is curated specifically to bring joy, peace, and deep worship right into your daily routine.

Listening is incredibly simple. Just head over to YouTube and search for Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist to dive straight into her handpicked selections.

Keep the Worship Flowing Nonstop

Want to keep the uplifting vibes going all day long? For a full, nonstop playlist experience, check out the Guided By Grace top praise and worship songs on YouTube.

This special collection features over two hours of continuous gospel hits and powerful praise anthems. It is the perfect background soundtrack for your work week, your morning commute, or your personal prayer time.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to listen to some of the best worship music around. Head over to YouTube, find the playlist, and get your worship on today!

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 1, 2026

PRESENT HIM TO THE LORD / LUKE 2:22-23

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 2:22-23

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; ²³(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

Presenting Our Most Precious Gifts: A Reflection on Luke 2:22-23

When we hold a child in our arms, we are holding a miracle. In those quiet moments, the weight of responsibility settles in alongside an overwhelming amount of love. How do we guide this little life in a world full of twists and turns?

Scripture provides a beautiful blueprint in the Gospel of Luke.

The Standard of Faithfulness

In Luke 2:22-23, we catch a glimpse of Joseph and Mary navigating early parenthood:

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’).”

Before Jesus performed miracles, before He taught crowds, and before He walked the road to Calvary, His parents walked up the steps of the temple. They were faithful to the law, but more importantly, they were faithful to the heart of God. They recognized that this child—though entrusted to their care—belonged first and foremost to the Father.

The Heart of Dedication

To “present Him to the Lord” was an act of holy surrender. It was a declaration that Jesus was consecrated, set apart for God’s divine purposes.

As parents, guardians, and mentors today, we are called to the very same posture of heart. Dedicating a child to God is not merely a beautiful church tradition or a moment for a family photo. It is a profound, lifelong commitment.

Surrendering Control: We acknowledge that our children belong to God. He knew them before they were formed in the womb, and His plans for them are far greater than our own dreams.
Intentional Parenting: Dedication means committing to raise children in a environment that honors Christ. It is teaching them to love the Word, modeling grace in the home, and guiding their steps toward the cross.
Continual Intercession: Our prayers shouldn’t just be for their physical safety or future success. Our deepest prayers should be for their hearts. We must pray continually that from the beginning to the end of their lives, they will choose to follow Christ and find joy in fulfilling His plans.

Raising children to honor God is a daily choice. It happens in the quiet conversations before bed, in the way we handle conflicts, and in the consistency of our own faith walk. When we present them to the Lord, we trust that the One who started a good work in them will be faithful to complete it.

A Closing Prayer for Our Children

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the incredible gift of the children You have placed in our lives. They are arrows in our hands, and we acknowledge that they belong entirely to You. Today, we choose to present them back to You, surrendering our control and trusting in Your perfect love for them.

Give us the wisdom, patience, and strength to raise them in a way that honors Your name. Guard their hearts and minds as they grow. We pray urgently that from the very beginning of their days to the end, they will commit their lives to Jesus Christ. May they be fiercely devoted to You, bold in their faith, and aligned with Your divine plans.

When we feel weak, be our strength. When we lack wisdom, guide our steps. We place our families into Your hands, trusting that Your grace is always enough.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
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Blessings, Margarita & Stace