GIVES THE SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMIT / JOHN 3:34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Rivers of Grace: Understanding the Spirit Without Limit

In our everyday lives, we are constantly encountering limits. Data plans, bank accounts, energy levels, and even our patience all have a breaking point. We are conditioned to think in terms of scarcity. But in John 3:34, the Apostle John shatters this scarcity mindset by revealing the overwhelming generosity of God:

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

This powerful verse reminds us that when it comes to God’s grace, presence, and power, there is no measuring cup. He does not dole out His blessings in calculated portions.

The Context of Infinite Pouring

In the ancient world, oil, wine, and water were carefully measured. To give something “without measure” was a sign of immense wealth and extraordinary favor. John the Baptist uses this imagery to explain the unique authority of Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus perfectly speaks the words of God, the Father has poured out the Holy Spirit upon Him in absolute fullness. And the beautiful truth for believers today is that through Jesus, we too have access to this limitless river.

Living in the Overflow

When you feel spiritually exhausted or emotionally drained, remember that God’s resources are not depleted. You don’t have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for peace, joy, or strength.

  • Limitless Comfort: In seasons of grief, His comfort outlasts our sorrow.
  • Limitless Wisdom: When we don’t know what step to take next, His guidance is readily available.
  • Limitless Power: To overcome temptation and serve others, He provides supernatural strength.

We serve a God of the overflow. Stop living out of a cup that you fear will run dry, and start dipping into the ocean of His boundless Spirit.

A Closing Prayer for the Limitless Spirit

Heavenly Father,

We praise You because You are a God of abundance, not of scarcity. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to speak words of eternal life to us. Thank You that You do not ration Your love or measure out Your grace with a stingy hand.

Lord, we confess that we often live as if Your resources are limited. We let fear, anxiety, and exhaustion take over. Today, we ask that You fill us afresh. Open the floodgates of heaven and pour out Your Holy Spirit upon our lives without limit.

Give us the strength to face our challenges, the wisdom to make the right choices, and a supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. Let our lives overflow with Your love so that others may see Your goodness through us.

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

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

  1. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  2. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16
  3. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  4. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  5. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  6. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  7. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  8. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  9. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  10. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  11. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  12. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  13. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  14. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  15. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  16. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  17. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  18. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  19. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  20. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  21. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  22. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  23. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  24. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  25. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  26. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  27. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  28. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  29. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  30. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Choosing the Light: Understanding John 3:19 in a Dark World

In a world filled with shifting truths and cultural pressures, a sobering reality check is found in John 3:19: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

This verse cuts straight to the heart of the human condition. It reveals that the ultimate rejection of Christ isn’t just an intellectual disagreement—it is a matter of the heart’s affections.

The Pull of the Darkness

A defining characteristic of a life apart from Christ is a profound love for darkness. This doesn’t just mean hiding in the shadows; it means taking active pleasure in immoral behaviors—both our own and the behavior of those around us.

When people reject the Light, they become unconcerned with defying God’s standards of right, wrong, and absolute truth. Scripture warns us about this progression of the hardened heart across many eras:

  • Romans 1:18-32 outlines how suppressing the truth leads to a mind given over to degrading passions.
  • Philippians 3:19 speaks of those whose “glory is in their shame” and whose minds are set purely on earthly things.
  • 2 Timothy 3:2-5; 2 Peter 2:12-15 describe a contemporary-sounding landscape of people who are lovers of self, lovers of money, and completely enslaved to their own destructive desires.

In contemporary society, this love for darkness is often on open display. From media to cultural norms, activities that encourage lust and defy God’s design are celebrated and normalized.

The Identity of the Redeemed

Truly born-again believers stand in stark contrast to this mindset (John 3:16). Having been rescued from the kingdom of darkness, believers are given new affections and a new nature.

Instead of hiding from the Light, the redeemed run toward it:

  • They love what is right: Believers take genuine pleasure in doing what pleases God and rejoices in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6).
  • They hate wickedness: Following the example of Christ, who loved righteousness and hated lawlessness (Hebrews 1:9), believers develop a holy aversion to sin.
  • They feel godly sorrow: Rather than celebrating ungodly behavior, believers feel a deep sense of grief when they see society reject God’s standards (2 Peter 2:8).

The call for the Christian is clear: Psalms 97:10 commands, “You who love the Lord, hate evil!” (see also Proverbs 8:13 and Romans 12:9). We cannot love the Light while simultaneously entertaining, enjoying, or applauding the very darkness that crucified our Savior.

Examining Our Affections

Today, let us look inward. What do we expose our minds to? What do we tolerate, laugh at, or find entertainment in?

Living as children of the Light means allowing Christ to illuminate every corner of our hearts, trading the fleeting pleasures of darkness for the enduring joy of His presence.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, to rescue us from the blindness of our own sin. Forgive us for the times we have flirted with the shadows or taken pleasure in things that grieve Your Holy Spirit. Give us a profound love for what is right, pure, and true.

Help us to hate wickedness just as You do, and grant us a heart of compassion and sorrow for a world that is lost in darkness. Guard our eyes, our minds, and our affections from the ungodly influences of our contemporary culture. Let Your Light shine brightly through us so that others may see our good works and give glory to You. 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

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

  1. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16
  2. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  3. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  4. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  5. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  6. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  7. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  8. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  9. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  10. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  11. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  12. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  13. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  14. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  15. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  16. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  17. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  18. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  19. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  20. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  21. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  22. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  23. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  24. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  25. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  26. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  27. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  28. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  29. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD /JOHN 3:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Heart of Love: Living Out John 3:16 Every Day

It is the most famous verse in the Bible, written on billboards, stitched into home decor, and memorized by children worldwide: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16).

We often immediately associate this verse with the ultimate physical sacrifice—Jesus dying on the cross. And while Christ did lay down His physical life for us, limiting “giving” to only physical death can make the verse feel distant from our daily routine. After all, most of us will not be called to physically die for someone today.

But what if God’s radical love is calling us to a different kind of daily sacrifice?

Laying Down Our “Rights” for Others

True love does not wait for a life-or-death crisis to show up. Loving the world the way God does means a daily, intentional decision to put aside our own rights, interests, and comforts for the benefit of those around us.

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that Christlike love looks like active selflessness:

  • Honor others above yourself: We are called to “be devoted to one another in love” and “honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
  • Seek the good of others: Rather than obsessing over our own preferences, we are told, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24).
  • Adopt the mindset of Christ: In humility, we should value others above ourselves, looking out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

When we willingly pause our busy schedules to listen to a friend, give up our right to be right in an argument, or use our resources to lift up someone in need, we are living out the essence of John 3:16. We are “giving” ourselves away so that others can catch a glimpse of God’s massive heart for them. Our daily sacrifices become a bridge that brings people closer to Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving the world—and loving us—so deeply that You gave Your only Son. Thank You, Jesus, for not only dying for us but showing us how to live.

Lord, expand our understanding of sacrifice today. Help us to willingly lay down our own rights, our pride, and our selfish ambitions for the sake of others. Open our eyes to the people around us who need to see Your love in action. Give us the humility to put their interests ahead of our own, so that through our daily lives, they might be drawn closer to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  2. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  3. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  4. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  5. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  6. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  7. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  8. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  9. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  10. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  11. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  12. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  13. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  14. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  15. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  16. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  17. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  18. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  19. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  20. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  21. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  22. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  23. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  24. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  25. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  26. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  27. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  28. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:14-15

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The Bronze Snake and the Cross: Finding Healing in Your Darkest Moments

We all know what it feels like to feel bit by the consequences of a broken world. Whether it is the sting of a bad decision, the ache of a broken relationship, or the heavy weight of anxiety, there are moments when our spirits feel completely poisoned.

If you are walking through a desert season right now, a strange and powerful story from the Old Testament holds the exact key to the healing you are looking for.

In the New Testament, Jesus brings up this obscure moment from Israel’s history to explain His entire mission on earth. In John 3:14–15, He says:

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

To understand the depth of what Jesus is promising us, we have to look back at where this story began.

The Cursed Community

In Numbers 21:4–9, the Israelites were wandering through the desert, weary, frustrated, and complaining against God. Their rebellion opened the door to a terrifying plague of venomous snakes. People were dying, panic was spreading, and the community was completely helpless against the poison in their veins.

They cried out for mercy, and God provided a highly unusual cure.

He didn’t make the snakes disappear. Instead, He commanded Moses to make a snake out of bronze and lift it high on a pole in the middle of the camp. God’s instruction was simple: Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze snake and live.

It made no medical sense. Looking at a metal image cannot cure snake venom. But it wasn’t about the bronze—it was about faith and obedience. Those who chose to look up, trusting God’s word despite their pain, were instantly healed.

From Physical Cure to Eternal Healing

Jesus uses this vivid picture to show us what He came to do for you and me.

The bronze snake was a prophetic shadow; Jesus is the reality. The Israelites were dying of physical venom; humanity is suffering from the spiritual poison of sin, shame, and separation from God.

Just like that bronze snake, Jesus was “lifted up” on a wooden cross outside Jerusalem.

The beauty of the Gospel is the parallel: Healing requires a look.

  • The Israelites didn’t have to extract their own venom. They just had to look up.
  • You don’t have to fix yourself, clean up your past, or earn your way into God’s good graces. You just have to look to Jesus in faith.

When we look to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the poison loses its power. Our spiritual wounds are mended, our guilt is washed away, and we are given a vibrant, eternal life that starts right now. If you feel overwhelmed today, stop looking at the depth of your wounds and start looking at the height of your Savior.

A Closing Prayer for Healing and Faith

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who meets us in our wilderness. Forgive us for the times we complain, wander, and let the bitterness of life poison our hearts. We confess that we cannot cure ourselves.

Today, we look up. We turn our eyes away from our pain, our failures, and our fears, and we fix our gaze squarely on Jesus lifted up on the cross. Thank You, Lord Christ, for taking our curse so that we could receive Your healing. Let Your perfect love drive out our poison. Restore our joy, heal our broken paths, and fill us with the confidence of eternal life.

In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  2. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  3. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  4. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  5. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  6. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  7. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  8. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  9. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  10. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  11. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  12. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  13. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  14. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  15. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  16. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  17. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  18. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  19. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  20. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  21. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  22. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  23. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  24. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  25. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  26. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  27. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:8

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

The Unseen Force: Understanding the Wind and the Spirit in John 3:8

There are moments in life when we long for tangible proof of God’s presence. We want to see His hand, touch His blueprint, or have a clear, predictable map of how He is moving. Yet, Jesus describes the life of faith not as a rigid structure, but as something beautifully fluid, powerful, and mysterious.

In John 3:8, Jesus gives us a vivid word picture that bridges the natural world with the supernatural:

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The Activity of the Wind

The wind is one of the most fascinating forces in creation. You cannot see the wind itself. You cannot reach out and grab a handful of air to prove it exists. By all physical accounts, it is invisible.

Yet, no one denies the reality of the wind. Why? Because we see its activity and hear its sound.

We see the autumn leaves dancing across the pavement. We see the tops of massive oak trees bending under its weight. We hear the rustle through the trees and feel the cool breeze against our skin. The wind is completely identified by its impact on the environment around it. It blows wherever it pleases, answerable to no man, operating on a scope and schedule entirely its own.

The Evidence of the Spirit

Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit operates in the exact same way.

When a person is born again, the transformation itself is an internal, spiritual miracle. You cannot physically witness the exact moment the Holy Spirit rewrites a human heart. You cannot pull out a microscope and see the exact mechanics of grace.

But just like the wind, the Spirit is undeniably observed by His effects.

When someone who was once full of hatred suddenly overflows with love, you are witnessing the movement of the Spirit. When someone trapped in addiction finds supernatural freedom, or when a broken heart experiences a peace that surpasses all human understanding, you are hearing the “sound” of the Wind of God.

The Holy Spirit is not a passive doctrine; He is a living, active, dynamic force. He blows through our lives, changing our desires, shifting our perspectives, and leaving a trail of radical transformation in His wake. We may not know exactly where He will blow next, but we can always trace His steps by the love, joy, peace, and righteousness He leaves behind.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the beautiful mystery of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we try to box You in, or demand that You move only in ways we can predict and control. Help us to yield to the Holy Spirit today.

Blow fresh wind through our lives, our families, and our communities. Even when we cannot see Your face, let us perceive Your activity. May the fruit of our lives be undeniable evidence that Your Spirit is at work within us. Let Your love, Your kindness, and Your truth be heard and felt through everything we do.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  2. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  3. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  4. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  5. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  6. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  7. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  8. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  9. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  10. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  11. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  12. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  13. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  14. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  15. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  16. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  17. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  18. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  19. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  20. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  21. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  22. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  23. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  24. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  25. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  26. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Born of Water, Even the Spirit

When Jesus famously told Nicodemus in John 3:5 that “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit,” He sparked a theological conversation that has spanned centuries. What exactly does it mean to be “born of water”?

While different traditions and scholars interpret this phrase in a few distinct ways, looking closer at the original language and context reveals a beautiful truth about how God transforms our lives.

Three Common Perspectives on “Water”

To understand this passage, it helps to look at the three primary ways Bible scholars approach the word “water” in John 3:5:

1. Physical Birth

Some scholars suggest that “water” refers to the amniotic fluid of natural birth. In this view, Jesus is telling Nicodemus that a person must first be born physically into the world, and then born a second time spiritually through faith.

2. Spiritual Cleansing Through the Word

Another common view connects water to the purifying nature of Scripture. Throughout the New Testament, the Word of God is frequently described as a washing or cleansing agent that leads to salvation and sanctification (Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 1:23).

3. The Purifying Work of the Holy Spirit

A third—and highly compelling—view looks at the grammar of the original Greek text. The conjunction kai (“and”) can also be translated as “even” or “that is.”

If we apply this translation, John 3:5 reads: “born of water, even the Spirit.”

Rather than describing two separate things, Jesus is likely using “water” as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Just three verses later in John 3:8, Jesus simplifies the phrase by saying a person must simply be “born of the Spirit.”

The Washing of Rebirth

This metaphorical connection between water, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit echoes throughout the rest of the New Testament. In Titus 3:5, Paul mirrors Jesus’ words perfectly, writing that God saved us “through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit performs a profound, spiritually purifying work within us. He washes away the guilt of our past and breathes new, eternal life into our hearts. It is a complete renewal—a true spiritual rebirth.

If you are seeking a fresh start or wondering how to enter into the kingdom of God, look to the Spirit. Let Him do the work of cleansing, renewing, and transforming your heart today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of new life. We praise You for the profound work of the Holy Spirit, who washes us clean, renews our hearts, and allows us to enter into Your kingdom. Lord, we ask that You continue to purify us from the inside out. Let Your Spirit flow through our lives like living water, guiding our steps and renewing our minds daily. Thank You for saving us not by our own works, but according to Your deep mercy. 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

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

  1. BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3
  2. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  3. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  4. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  5. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  6. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  7. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  8. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  9. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  10. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  11. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  12. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  13. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  14. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  15. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  16. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  17. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  18. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  19. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  20. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  21. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  22. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  23. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  24. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  25. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

BORN AGAIN / JOHN 3:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again

In John 3:3, Jesus delivers one of the most profound and foundational truths of the Christian faith. During a late-night conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent religious leader, Jesus declares, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

For Nicodemus, this concept was completely baffling. He immediately wondered how an adult could physically enter their mother’s womb a second time. Like many of us, Nicodemus was looking at a spiritual reality through a purely physical lens. But Jesus was speaking of a radical, internal transformation—a spiritual rebirth.

To understand why we must be born again, we have to recognize our natural state. Physical birth brings us into this world with a human nature, but that nature is inherently broken and separated from God by sin. No amount of self-improvement, religious rule-following, or moral striving can bridge that gap. Nicodemus was a moral, deeply religious man, yet Jesus told him that even his best efforts were not enough to see the kingdom of God.

Being born again means receiving a completely new life from above. It is an act of the Holy Spirit where our old, spiritually dead nature is replaced with a living spirit, reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a modification of our old life, but the beginning of an entirely new one. When we surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts, giving us new desires, a new identity, and a citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom.

If you have been trying to earn your way into God’s favor or feeling exhausted by the weight of trying to be “good enough,” Jesus offers a beautiful release. You do not need to fix your old life; you need a new birth. By turning away from self-reliance and placing your trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, you can experience the profound, transformative reality of being born again.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful truth found in Your Word. We praise You that You do not leave us to rescue ourselves from our own brokenness, but instead offer us a fresh start and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, we ask that You search our hearts today. If there is any area where we are relying on our own strength, our own goodness, or our own religious efforts, help us to surrender it to You. For anyone reading this who has not yet experienced this spiritual rebirth, I pray that You would open their eyes to the beauty of Your gospel and give them the faith to trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Thank You for making us new creations. Help us to walk daily in the power of Your Holy Spirit, living out the reality of Your kingdom here on earth. We love You, and we give You all the glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. TEMPLE / JOHN 2:19
  2. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  3. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  4. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  5. WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  6. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  7. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  8. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  9. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  10. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  11. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  12. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  13. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  14. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  15. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  16. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  17. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  18. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  19. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  20. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  21. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  22. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  23. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  24. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

THE LORD WAS ABOUT TO KILL HIM / EXODUS 4:24

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 4:24

And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.

Understanding the Strange Incident at the Inn: God’s Standard for Leaders

It is one of the most jarring and unexpected verses in the entire Old Testament. Exodus 4:24 states, “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him.“

Just chapters earlier, God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, calling him to rescue Israel from Egypt. Moses was the chosen deliverer, armed with miraculous signs and divine authority. Yet, on his journey back to Egypt, his life was suddenly placed in mortal danger—not by Pharaoh, but by the very God who called him.

Why would God threaten to kill the man He just commissioned?

The Crisis of Disobedience

The answer lies in a critical, personal neglect: Moses had failed to perform the covenant sign of circumcision on his own son.

Centuries earlier, God established circumcision with Abraham as an everlasting covenant, calling it a physical sign of belonging to Him (Genesis 17:11). To refuse or neglect this sign was to break the covenant. In Moses’ case, this was a glaring act of disobedience. He was on his way to lead an entire nation into a covenant relationship with Yahweh, yet his own household was not in order.

Whether due to fear, procrastination, or opposition from his wife, Zipporah, Moses allowed compromise into his home. To correct this, God likely afflicted Moses with a sudden, life-threatening condition at the inn, bringing him to the brink of death until the obedience was fulfilled.

Private Character Precedes Public Calling

This intense passage reveals a profound truth that echoes across scripture: God’s special purpose for our lives depends entirely on our personal obedience to Him.

  • No one is above God’s law: True leadership in God’s kingdom is not measured by spiritual gifts or public platforms, but by private faithfulness.
  • Holiness is non-negotiable: God will not use a leader to preach covenant faithfulness to others while that leader willfully ignores it in their own life.
  • A Call to Diligence: As the Apostle Peter later wrote, we must “be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure” (1 Peter 1:10).

Moses’ story reminds us that God takes our secret compromises seriously. He loves us too much to let us carry hidden rebellion into our divine destiny. Before Moses could face Pharaoh, he had to face his own compromised devotion.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You humbled by the holiness of Your character and the weight of Your calling. Forgive us for the areas in our lives where we have neglected Your commands or allowed compromise to take root. We ask that You search our hearts today and reveal any hidden disobedience.

Give us the courage to make things right, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. Help us to remember that public service for Your kingdom can never replace private obedience to Your word. May our households and our hearts reflect Your holiness. Sanctify us, use us, and keep us faithful to Your covenant.

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

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

  1. ISRAEL MY FIRSTBORN / EXODUS 4:22
  2. I WILL HARDEN HIS HEART / EXODUS 4:21
  3. WHO MAKES HIM BLIND? / EXODUS 4:11
  4. I AM SLOW OF SPEECH / EXODUS 4:10
  5. STAFF … BECAME A SNAKE / EXODUS 4:2-3
  6. ASK … PLUNDER THE EGYPTIANS / EXODUS 3:22
  7. I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14
  8. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  9. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  10. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  11. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  12. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  13. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  14. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  15. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  16. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  17. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  18. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  19. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  20. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  21. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  22. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  23. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  24. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

ISRAEL MY FIRSTBORN / EXODUS 4:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 4:22

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

Israel, My Firstborn: Understanding God’s Special Relationship

When we read the narrative of the Exodus, we often focus on the dramatic plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh. However, tucked away in Exodus 4:22 is a profound statement that defines the heart of God’s relationship with His people:

“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: Israel is My son, My firstborn.’”

This is the very first time in Scripture that God refers to Israel collectively as His “son” and “firstborn.” It is a title dripping with intimacy, covenant, and purpose.

The Meaning of the Firstborn

In the ancient Near East, the firstborn held a position of unique privilege, inheritance, and responsibility. By calling Israel His firstborn, God was declaring His special love and unique relationship with this nation. They were not chosen because they were greater or more righteous than others, but because of God’s sovereign affection and covenant promises.

But being the firstborn also meant being the exemplar for the rest of the family. Israel was called to be a light to the nations, showing the rest of the world what it meant to belong to the living God.

From a Nation to a King

As redemptive history unfolds, God begins to narrow and clarify what this “sonship” means. Centuries after the Exodus, God established a covenant with King David. In 2 Samuel 7:14, God promises concerning David’s royal line: “I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.”

This relationship is echoed beautifully in the messianic Psalms 2:7: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” The title of God’s son shifted from the collective nation of Israel to the specific, anointed King who would rule over them.

The Ultimate Firstborn: Jesus Christ

The ultimate fulfillment of this language points directly to Jesus Christ, who came through the line of David. The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus is the true, perfect embodiment of Israel and the ultimate Firstborn.

  • Luke 1:35; Luke 3:22: At His birth and His baptism, the heavens declare Him to be the holy Son of God.
  • Hebrews 1:5-13: The author of Hebrews uses the exact Old Testament royal sonship passages to prove that Jesus is superior to angels, reigning as the ultimate heir of all things.

Jesus is God’s only begotten Son—the Firstborn of all creation. Through Him, the privilege of sonship is no longer limited by genealogy. Anyone who trusts in Jesus is adopted into the family of God, receiving the inheritance of the firstborn.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We marvel at the depth of Your love and the consistency of Your promises throughout history. Thank You for choosing Israel as Your firstborn and for revealing Your heart of fatherly devotion. We thank You most of all for Jesus Christ—the ultimate Firstborn, the perfect Son, and our Savior.

Thank You that through His sacrifice and resurrection, we have been adopted into Your family. Help us to walk worthy of the calling we have received, reflecting Your light and holiness to the world around us. May our lives honor You as our Father.

In Jesus’ beautiful 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

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

  1. I WILL HARDEN HIS HEART / EXODUS 4:21
  2. WHO MAKES HIM BLIND? / EXODUS 4:11
  3. I AM SLOW OF SPEECH / EXODUS 4:10
  4. STAFF … BECAME A SNAKE / EXODUS 4:2-3
  5. ASK … PLUNDER THE EGYPTIANS / EXODUS 3:22
  6. I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14
  7. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  8. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  9. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  10. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  11. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  12. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  13. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  14. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  15. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  16. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  17. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  18. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  19. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  20. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  21. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  22. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  23. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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

I WILL HARDEN HIS HEART / EXODUS 4:21

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 4:21

And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Plia-ble or Petrified? The Mystery and Warning of a Hardened Heart

It is one of the most troubling phrases in the entire Old Testament. Before Moses even packs his bags to return to Egypt, God gives him a startling preview of the upcoming battle of wills:

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go

.’” — Exodus 4:21

At first glance, this verse feels deeply uncomfortable. It makes us ask tough questions about free will, fairness, and the character of God. Did Pharaoh even have a choice? Did God manipulate him into being the villain just to show off His power?

When we look closer at the full narrative of Exodus, we find a profound warning about human pride—and an urgent call to check the condition of our own hearts.

The Two Sides of a Hard Heart

To understand Exodus 4:21, we have to trace the phrase throughout the entire story. The book of Exodus actually uses three different Hebrew words for “harden” and attributes the action to both God and Pharaoh.

  • Pharaoh Hardened His Own Heart: In the early plagues, the text repeatedly states that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (e.g., Exodus 7:13, 8:15, 8:32). He was driven by ego, pride, and the belief that he himself was a god. He chose rebellion.
  • God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart: Only after Pharaoh repeatedly chose to shut out the truth did God actively step in to “harden” what was already stiffening.

Think of it like the sun shining on two different materials. The exact same sun that softens wax will bake clay until it is rock-hard. God’s signs and wonders were the sun. Moses’s message was the sun. But because of who Pharaoh chose to be, the warmth of God’s presence only cemented his rebellion. God did not force an innocent, soft-hearted king to become evil; He simply handed Pharaoh over to the natural consequences of his own stubborn choices.

The Danger of Living in “Egypt”

We like to distance ourselves from Pharaoh, but the truth is that the human heart is highly susceptible to the same condition. Pride, unresolved emotional trauma, spiritual apathy, and ongoing compromise can quietly calcify our hearts over time.

When we disregard God’s promptings, ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or insist on having our own way, a microscopic layer of stone forms over our souls. Do it enough times, and we find ourselves completely desensitized to His voice.

The Good News: Hearts of Stone Can Melt

The warning of Exodus is severe, but it points us directly to our need for a Savior. God does not want us to stay trapped in a state of spiritual bankruptcy or pride. Hundreds of years after Moses, God made a beautiful promise to His people through the prophet Ezekiel—a promise that directly counters the tragedy of Pharaoh:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36:26

No matter how cold, defensive, or stubborn your heart has felt lately, it is never too stubborn for the grace of God. If you ask Him for a soft, pliable heart today, He will always answer. Let’s make that our prayer.

A Closing Prayer for a Soft Heart

Heavenly Father,

We come to You acknowledging that our hearts can easily grow cold, proud, and defensive. Forgive us for the times we have resisted Your voice, chosen our own comfort over Your truth, and allowed the cares of this world to harden our spirits.

Lord, remove any trace of a heart of stone within us today. Break through our outer defenses, heal our inner wounds, and give us hearts of flesh—pliable, soft, and ready to be molded by Your Word and Spirit. We pray also for those around us whose hearts seem entirely hardened to Your love; we ask that Your Holy Spirit draw them, open their eyes, and reveal the beauty of Jesus to them.

Keep us humble, keep us listening, and help us always to submit our will to Yours.

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

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

  1. WHO MAKES HIM BLIND? / EXODUS 4:11
  2. I AM SLOW OF SPEECH / EXODUS 4:10
  3. STAFF … BECAME A SNAKE / EXODUS 4:2-3
  4. ASK … PLUNDER THE EGYPTIANS / EXODUS 3:22
  5. I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14
  6. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  7. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  8. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  9. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  10. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  11. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  12. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  13. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  14. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  15. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  16. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  17. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  18. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  19. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  20. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  21. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  22. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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