Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog

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WINE – THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 2:3

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

The Miracle of New Wine: Understanding John 2:3 and Jesus’ First Sign

In the Gospel of John, the public ministry of Jesus kicks off not with a booming sermon or a dramatic exorcism, but at a joyful neighborhood celebration: a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Yet, right in the middle of the festivities, a crisis hits. Mary turns to her son and utters five words that set a profound miracle into motion: “They have no more wine” (John 2:3).

For centuries, this story has sparked intense discussion. What kind of wine did Jesus create? To truly understand the depth of this miracle, we have to look past modern assumptions and look closely at the language, the culture, and the very character of Christ.

Defining “Wine” in the Ancient World

To understand this passage, we must first realize that the ancient understanding of “wine” was much broader than ours today. In the New Testament, the word used for wine is a generic term that could refer to a wide variety of grape beverages. It could mean fermented, intoxicating wine, or it could just as easily refer to fresh, unfermented grape juice.

Because the word itself is neutral, the true nature of the drink must be determined by its context. When we examine the context of the wedding at Cana, a purely alcoholic interpretation raises some difficult moral and logical questions.

The Dilemma of Excess

If we assume the wine at the wedding was highly intoxicating and consumed in massive quantities, we run into several troubling probabilities:

  • The State of the Guests: The host had already run completely out of wine, implying the guests had been drinking freely for some time. If the beverage was heavily alcoholic, many in the crowd would have been highly intoxicated by the time Jesus was intervened.
  • Mary’s Request: It would mean Mary, knowing the guests were potentially drunk, showed regret that the intoxicating supply had ended and asked her holy Son to keep the intoxication going.
  • The Massive Volume: According to the text, Jesus filled six stone water jars, resulting in roughly 120 to 180 gallons of wine. If this was intoxicating liquor, it would be enough to cause extreme drunkenness for the entire village.
  • The Revelation of Glory: Scripture tells us this was the very first of Jesus’ miraculous signs, through which He “revealed His glory” (John 2:11). Would the pure, spotless Son of God choose to reveal His divine identity by fueling a night of heavy intoxication?

To argue that Jesus manufactured a massive surplus of intoxicating wine seems to directly contradict the moral and holistic principles woven throughout the rest of God’s Word, which consistently warns against drunkenness and excess.

The Superiority of the “New Wine”

When we consider God’s perfectly holy nature, Christ’s deep love for humanity, and Mary’s righteous character, a different conclusion becomes clear. The wine Jesus created was likely “new wine”—pure, sweet, unfermented, and freshly expressed from the vine.

In the ancient world, this type of fresh, pure grape beverage was highly prized. This explains why the master of the banquet tasted it and marvelled at its superior quality. It wasn’t “better” because it had a higher alcohol content; it was better because it was miraculously perfect, untainted, and sweet—created directly by the hands of the Creator Himself.

Jesus did not come to dull the senses of the wedding guests, but to reveal His glory as the provider of life, joy, and abundance. He met a human need with divine purity, reminding us that what He offers is always untainted, complete, and truly good for the soul.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beautiful reminders of Your provision and joy found in Your Word. Just as Jesus stepped into a moment of scarcity at a wedding feast, we ask that You step into the areas of our lives where we feel empty or lacking. Lord, keep our hearts and minds aligned with Your holy nature. Help us to seek the pure, sweet, and life-giving joy that only comes from You, rather than the fleeting completions of this world. May our lives reflect Your glory, and may we always trust in Your abundant goodness. 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. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  2. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  3. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  4. THE TENTH HOUR /JOHN 1:39
  5. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  6. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  7. PHARISEES / JOHN 1:24
  8. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  9. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  10. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  11. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  12. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  13. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  14. HIS NAME WAS JOHN / JOHN 1:6
  15. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS / JOHN 1:5
  16. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  17. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  18. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  19. 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

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ASK … PLUNDER THE EGYPTIANS / EXODUS 3:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:22

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

The Spoils of Victory: Understanding Exodus 3:22

During Joseph’s time, the Israelites had been invited into a region of Egypt called Goshen, but they were later forced to be slaves there. They deserved back wages to pay them justly for the years of hard slave labor, but they were not supposed to take anything by force.

God had a different plan. He promised that He would cause the Egyptians to have favor toward the Israelites so that when they asked for silver, gold, and clothing, the Egyptians would give them far more than they asked for. Instead of hiding their escape out of Egypt like runaway slaves, they would be able to go out like a victorious army carrying the fruits of victory.

When God frees us from a season of captivity, hardship, or lack, He doesn’t just bring us out empty-handed. He restores what was stolen, pays the back wages of our spiritual labor, and prepares us for the journey ahead with abundance. We don’t have to fight, manipulate, or take by force; we simply have to stand in the favor that God provides.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God of justice, restoration, and favor. We thank You that even when we find ourselves in seasons of hardship or heavy labor, You see our toil and You hold our future. Lord, teach us to rely on Your favor rather than our own strength. We ask that You open doors of provision and restore the years that have felt lost or stolen. May we walk out of our trials not as weary survivors, but as victorious overcomers, clothed in Your blessings and carrying Your abundance. We trust Your timing and Your perfect plan for our lives.

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. I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14
  2. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  3. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  4. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  5. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  6. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  7. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  8. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  9. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  10. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  11. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  12. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  13. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  14. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  15. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  16. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  17. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  18. 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

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I AM WHO I AM / EXODUS 3:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:14

 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

The Power of “I AM”: Experiencing the God Who Is Present and Active

We often look for ways to define the components of our lives. We label our seasons, our struggles, and our successes. But when Moses stood before a burning bush and asked God for His name, the answer he received broke every human category: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

From this powerful phrase, we get the sacred Hebrew name Yahweh. It is not a stagnant title; it is a name pulsing with movement, action, and life. By declaring Himself as “I AM,” God wasn’t just giving Moses a vocabulary word. He was delivering a promise: “I want to be known as the God who is present and active.”

A Promise of Constant Presence

The name Yahweh reflects God’s unwavering commitment to be with His people. We see this beautifully paired with His reassurance to Moses just a few verses earlier: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12).

This is the foundation of the covenant promise woven throughout Scripture: “to be your God” (Genesis 17:7, Psalms 46). It expresses a profound, faithful love and a deep desire to bring us into a right relationship with Himself. When the world feels chaotic or unpredictable, Yahweh stands as an unchanging anchor. He is the God who shows up, stays present, and actively works on our behalf. And as He declares in Exodus 3:15, this is His name forever.

From the Bush to the Manger: Immanuel

The story of “I AM” doesn’t end in the wilderness of Sinai. Centuries later, the ultimate expression of this name arrived in a manger. When Jesus Christ was born, He was called Immanuel, which literally means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus made this connection unmistakable during His earthly ministry. He looked at the religious leaders of His day and boldly claimed the divine name for Himself: “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58).

Through Jesus, the abstract concept of a present God became flesh and blood. He walked our streets, felt our hurts, and carried our sins to the cross. He proved once and for all that God is not distant or detached. He is active in our rescue and present in our pain.

Walking in the Reality of “I AM”

Whatever you are facing today, remember that you do not face it alone. You serve the Great I AM.

  • If you need strength, He is your strength.
  • If you need peace, He is your peace.
  • If you need a way forward, He is the way.

He is not the God who was or the God who might be. He is the God who is—right here, right now, active in your life.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Yahweh, the Great I AM,

Thank You for being a God who is both present and active in my life. Forgive me for the times I treat You as distant or uninvolved. Today, I rest in the truth of Your name. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Immanuel, to show us exactly what ‘God with us’ looks like. Whatever unknown territory I am walking through, I ask for a fresh awareness of Your constant presence. Be my strength, my provider, and my peace today. Bring me closer into a right relationship with You, and let Your faithful love guide my every step. 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. I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12
  2. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  3. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  4. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  5. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  6. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  7. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  8. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  9. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  10. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  11. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  12. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  13. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  14. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  15. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  16. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  17. 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

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I WILL BE WITH YOU / EXODUS 3:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

The Promise of the Presence: Finding Strength in “I Will Be With You”

When God calls us to step out of our comfort zones, our first response is often a flood of excuses. We look at our limitations, our past mistakes, and our current circumstances, and we ask the same question Moses asked in the desert: “Who am I?”

In Exodus 3, Moses is staring at a burning bush, listening to the Creator of the universe commission him to stand before the most powerful ruler on earth and demand the freedom of an enslaved nation. Moses, a fugitive shepherd who struggled with his speech, felt entirely inadequate. He focused heavily on his own weakness.

But God didn’t answer Moses by listing Moses’ qualifications. He didn’t give him a pep talk about self-confidence or outline a detailed five-step strategic plan. Instead, God shifted the focus entirely away from who Moses was and pointed to who He is.

In Exodus 3:12, God gives a simple, world-changing guarantee: “I will be with you.”

With those five words, the entire equation changed. It no longer mattered that Moses was inadequate, because the Almighty God is more than enough. The burden of success didn’t rest on Moses’ strength, but on God’s presence.

We face our own “Pharaohs” and daunting tasks today. It might be a difficult medical diagnosis, a broken relationship that seems impossible to mend, a new career path that feels overwhelming, or the daily struggle of trying to live faithfully in a chaotic world. Like Moses, we look at ourselves and feel small.

But the promise given to Moses is the exact same promise extended to you today through Jesus Christ, whose very name is Immanuel—God with us.

Your adequacy is not the deciding factor in your life; God’s presence is. When He calls you to a task, or when life forces you into a season of trial, He does not send you ahead alone. He walks beside you, goes before you, and stands as your rear guard. You do not need to have all the answers, all the strength, or all the resources. You only need to trust the One who promises to be there.

The next time you find yourself asking, “Who am I to handle this?” listen closely for the quiet, unshakable response of your Heavenly Father: “I will be with you.” That is more than enough.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful reminder that You never call us to walk alone. Forgive us for the times we focus so much on our own weaknesses, fears, and inadequacies that we forget how big and powerful You are.

When we face seasons of uncertainty, difficult decisions, or overwhelming challenges, give us the faith to rest in Your presence. Quiet our anxious thoughts with the truth of Your promise in Exodus 3:12. Help us to step forward boldly, knowing that our strength comes from You alone.

Thank You for being Immanuel, the God who is always with us. Guide our steps today and let Your peace fill our hearts.

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. MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8
  2. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  3. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  4. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  5. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  6. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  7. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  8. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  9. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  10. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  11. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  12. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  13. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  14. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  15. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  16. 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

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MILK AND HONEY / EXODUS 3:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

The Promise of Abundance: Understanding the “Land Flowing with Milk and Honey”

In Exodus 3:8, God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, promising to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt and bring them into a “land flowing with milk and honey.” [1] This iconic phrase has echoed through generations as the ultimate symbol of divine provision, prosperity, and hope.

But what did this description actually mean to the ancient Israelites?

More Than Just a Metaphor

To a people weary from generations of harsh labor in the brick kilns of Egypt, this promise wasn’t just poetic language—it was a literal picture of rich resources and agricultural abundance.

  • The Meaning of Milk: In the ancient Near East, a land flowing with milk meant there was abundant, lush pastureland. Healthy livestock produced a surplus of milk, signaling a sustainable ecosystem and a reliable source of nourishment.
  • The Meaning of Honey: While we often think of honeybees, the word used in this context also referred to the thick, sweet syrups made from grapes or dates, alongside wild bee honey. It represented the ultimate luxury of sweetness, fertility, and joy.

To be promised a land of milk and honey meant promising a future where survival would turn into thriving. It was a shift from the scarcity of slavery to the overflow of God’s blessing.

Trusting the Provider

The beauty of Exodus 3:8 is that God didn’t just see the suffering of His people; He actively stepped down to rescue them and guide them into a spacious, fertile place. Today, the promise reminds us that God remains a God of restoration. He takes us out of our “Egypts”—our places of bondage, burnout, and lack—and leads us toward His peace and spiritual abundance.

A Closing Prayer for God’s Provision

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who sees our struggles, hears our cries, and knows our sorrows. Just as You promised to lead the Israelites into a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey, we trust that You have a plan of abundance and purpose for our lives today. [1]

Deliver us from the areas where we feel trapped or lacking. Restore sweetness to our lives where things have felt bitter, and nourish our souls with Your constant presence. Help us to trust Your guidance, even when the journey between the wilderness and the promise feels long.

We thank You for Your faithful provision, Your grace, and the rich spiritual heritage we have in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7
  2. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  3. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  4. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  5. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  6. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  7. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  8. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  9. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  10. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  11. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  12. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  13. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  14. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  15. 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

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SEEN THE MISERY OF MY PEOPLE / EXODUS 3:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:7

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Seen the Misery of My People

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings.” — Exodus 3:7

When the ancient Israelites were enduring bitter slavery under the heavy hands of Egyptian taskmasters, it often felt like they were completely forgotten. Generations passed in bondage, and to human eyes, heaven seemed silent. But one historic morning at Mount Horeb, God shattered that silence from a blazing, unconsumed bush. He revealed a powerful truth to Moses: God was watching all along. He didn’t just casually look down; He surely saw their misery, heard their desperate cries, and deeply knew their sorrows.

This timeless truth remains completely unchanged today. Just as God was intimately concerned about the plight of His people in Egypt, He continues to be profoundly aware of all human suffering.

The God Who Sees, Hears, and Knows

We live in a broken world where many find themselves trapped in their own personal “Egypts.” Your pain might stem from heavy external circumstances, unfair people taking advantage of you, spiritual warfare, or the crushing weight of personal mistakes and sin. Regardless of the source of your trouble, you serve a living God who responds to your pain in three distinct ways:

  • He Sees Your Affliction: Nothing escapes His view. When you are mistreated, overlooked, or hurting behind closed doors, the Lord beholds your situation with eyes of compassion.
  • He Hears Your Cry: Your sighs and tears are not lost in the void. He listens intently to those who are troubled and hurting, valuing every prayer poured out in secret.
  • He Knows Your Sorrows: The Hebrew word for “know” in this passage implies an intimate, experiential awareness. God doesn’t just know about your problems—He feels the weight of your suffering with you.

Boundless Grace for Your Present and Future

Because our God is attentive and full of mercy, His people can and should boldly call on Him to intervene. We do not have to rely on our own fading strength. As Romans 8:32 reminds us, if God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, He will certainly give us all the comfort, grace, and help we need to endure our trials.

Though deliverance doesn’t always come instantly, we can find deep peace knowing that God’s timing is flawless. He has a history of long-term faithfulness; centuries before the Exodus, He already outlined the timeline of deliverance to Abraham (Genesis 15:13). In His perfect time and way, He will bring about your rescue and cause every broken chain to fall. Until that moment comes, the steady anchor of His presence is more than enough to sustain you.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that nothing escapes Your perfect view. You are a God who sees my affliction, hears my cries, and knows the exact depth of my sorrows. Forgive me for the times I have allowed my circumstances to convince me that You have forgotten me.

I bring my current trials, hurts, and heavy burdens to Your throne of grace today. Please make Your comforting presence known in the middle of my pain. Grant me the patience to endure and a steadfast heart to trust in Your perfect provisions and timing. I rest in the assurance that Your grace is completely sufficient for me, and that You are already working out a plan for my ultimate good and rescue.

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. HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5
  2. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  3. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  4. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  5. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  6. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  7. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  8. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  9. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  10. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  11. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  12. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  13. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  14. 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

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HOLY GROUND / EXODUS 3:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Holy Ground: Encountering the Purity of God

In the quiet of the desert, a bush burns but is not consumed. Intrigued, Moses turns aside to look at this strange sight. But before he can get too close, a voice echoes through the wilderness, stopping him in his tracks: “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).

This profound moment marks a massive shift in how humanity relates to the Creator. While God first revealed His boundless power to Abraham, His first major revelation to Moses was of His absolute holiness.

What Does it Mean that God is Holy?

Holiness is not just a secondary trait of God; it is the core of who He is. It refers to the completeness, purity, and total perfection of His character. Because God is entirely holy, two things are required of us:

  • Separation from sin: Light cannot coexist with darkness, and God’s perfect purity requires an absolute separation from sin and evil.
  • A commitment to righteousness: Standing on holy ground means committing to do what is right and actively remaining in a right relationship with God.

Moses quickly learned that the God he served was so perfectly holy that a flawed human could not look fully at Him and survive (Exodus 3:6). Throughout Scripture, from Isaiah’s vision in the temple to Paul’s letters to Timothy, we see this same truth: God dwells in unapproachable light (Isaiah 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:16).

The Journey of Progressive Revelation

Why did God show His power to Abraham but wait until Moses to reveal His holiness? This illustrates the beautiful principle of progressive revelation.

God does not dump the entirety of His vast nature on us all at once. Instead, He reveals Himself and His master plan through a patient process of stages over time (Exodus 6:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-2). He meets us where we are, building our faith block by block, era by era, and season by season.

Today, we no longer have to take off physical sandals at a burning bush. Through Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Yet, we must never lose our sense of holy awe. Every day we walk with Him is an invitation to live a life set apart, recognizing that our lives are now the “holy ground” where His Spirit dwells.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We bow before You today in awe of Your absolute purity, perfection, and majesty. You are holy, set apart from all sin, and worthy of all our praise. Thank You for revealing Your character to us in stages, meeting us in our weakness, and drawing us closer to Your heart.

Lord, teach us to respect the holy spaces in our own lives. Forgive us for the times we treat Your presence casually. Help us to cast off the things that weigh us down or compromise our walk with You, just as Moses dropped his sandals in the desert. Give us the strength to pursue righteousness and keep our hearts pure before You.

May our daily lives reflect Your goodness to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2
  2. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  3. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  4. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  5. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  6. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  7. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  8. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  9. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  10. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  11. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  12. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  13. 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

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THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / EXODUS 3:2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:2

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

The Fire That Does Not Consume: Encountering the Angel of the LORD

In the quiet heart of the wilderness, a routine day of herding sheep turned into a defining moment in human history. Moses encountered a sight that arrested his attention: a bush burning with fire, yet completely unconsumed.

“There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”

— Exodus 3:2

This moment introduces us to a profound biblical title: the Angel of the LORD. While the word “angel” often brings to mind a created heavenly being, the scriptures reveal a much deeper truth. This specific Messenger is not merely an emissary; He is the Lord Himself.

God Among Us

We see this truth unfolded just a few verses later. In Exodus 3:4-6, the voice speaking from the fire shifts from “the angel” to God Himself, declaring, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”

This is not the first time God revealed Himself this way. Years earlier, He appeared to Abraham on Mount Moriah as the “angel of the LORD” to stay his hand and provide a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:11).

Theology calls these moments theophanies—visible manifestations of God to humanity. Many scholars believe these occurrences in the Old Testament are christophanies, pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ. Long before He was born in a manger, the Son of God was already stepping into human history, drawing near to His people in their times of deepest need and isolation.

The Burning Bush in Your Life

The burning bush is a powerful picture of God’s nature:

  • His Holy Presence: Fire in the Bible represents God’s consuming holiness and glory.
  • His Sustaining Grace: The bush did not burn up. When God enters our lives, His presence does not destroy us; it refines, sustains, and empowers us.
  • His Attention to Suffering: God chose a lowly, thorny desert bush to display His glory, signaling that He dwells with the humble and meets us in our dry wilderness seasons.

Just as He did for Moses, the Lord meets us exactly where we are. He calls us by name, breaks into our ordinary routines, and invites us into His extraordinary purposes.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who draws near to us. Thank You for the mystery and beauty of Your presence, revealed to Moses in the wilderness and given to us fully through Jesus Christ. We marvel at Your holiness—that You are a consuming fire, yet in Your mercy, You do not consume us. Instead, You sustain us.

When we find ourselves in dry and weary wilderness seasons, open our eyes to see the burning bushes around us. Help us to hear Your voice calling our names. Ignite our hearts with the fire of Your Holy Spirit, so that we may shine with Your glory without being burned out by the cares of this world. Send us out in Your power to bring hope and deliverance to those around us. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1
  2. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  3. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  4. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  5. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  6. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  7. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  8. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  9. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  10. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  11. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  12. 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

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MOSES WAS TENDING THE FLOCK / EXODUS 3:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 3:1

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

From the Palace to the Pasture: How God Prepares Us in the Wilderness

We often think that the highest credentials, the grandest platforms, and the most impressive resumes are what qualify us for great things. We chase the “palace moments” of life, believing that success is built on the visible, prestigious heights of our achievements.

But God’s training ground looks completely different.

In Exodus 3:1, we find a simple yet profound statement about one of history’s greatest leaders: “Moses was tending the flock…”

Before he was the deliverer of Israel, before he parted the Red Sea, and before he stood face-to-face with Pharaoh, Moses was a shepherd.

The Education the Palace Couldn’t Give

Moses spent his first forty years receiving the highest level of education available in Pharaoh’s royal household. He knew the laws, the culture, the military strategies, and the language of the world’s most powerful empire. Yet, all that worldly wisdom was not enough to equip him for God’s work.

The palace taught Moses how to be a ruler, but God needed him to be a shepherd.

To bridge that gap, God took Moses out of the royal courts and placed him in the Midian desert for forty difficult years. Why? Because the natural mind cannot understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). The palace had filled his head, but the wilderness needed to transform his heart.

The Purpose of Your Hidden Season

Caring for stubborn, vulnerable sheep in a harsh, dry desert wasn’t a waste of Moses’ time; it was the exact preparation he needed. The patience, humility, and endurance he learned while guiding a flock through the wilderness were the exact qualities required to lead and care for millions of Israelites through that very same desert.

Are you currently in a season that feels beneath your potential? Are you working in obscurity, doing tasks that feel ordinary or exhausting?

Remember this: God never wastes a wilderness season.

  • The desert is where your dependency on God is built.
  • The desert is where your pride is stripped away.
  • The desert is where you learn to listen to the still, small voice of the Father.

If you are tending a “flock” in obscurity right now, take heart. God is not ignoring you; He is preparing you. He is shaping your character in private so that you can endure the calling He has for you in public. Trust the process, embrace the hidden years, and let the Chief Shepherd form His heart in you.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the seasons of preparation that we don’t always understand. Forgive us for the times we rush toward the platform when You are calling us to the pasture. We ask that You give us the humility and patience of Moses. Help us to serve faithfully exactly where we are, trusting that the hidden work You are doing in our hearts today is equipping us for the calling of tomorrow.

When the wilderness feels long and difficult, remind us that You are right there with us, shaping our character and teaching us Your ways. May we lean not on our own understanding or worldly credentials, but entirely on Your Holy Spirit.

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. THEIR CRY WENT UP TO GOD / EXODUS 2:23
  2. MIDIAN / EXODUS 2:15
  3. KILLED THE EGYPTIAN / EXODUS 2:12
  4. MOSES / EXODUS 2:11
  5. HEBREW BABIES / EXODUS 2:6
  6. A SON / EXODUS 2:1-2
  7. SLAVE MASTERS OVER THEM TO OPPRESS THEM / EXODUS 1:11
  8. WHO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JOSEPH / EXODUS 1:8
  9. MULTIPLIED GREATLEY / EXODUS 1:6-7
  10. THE SONS OF ISRAEL / EXODUS 1:1-5
  11. 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

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PURGE THE EVIL / DEUTERONOMY 17:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Purging the Evil: The Timeless Call to Community Purity

Maintaining the spiritual integrity of a community is a sacred responsibility. In Deuteronomy 17:7, God issues a stark command to ancient Israel regarding those who broke the covenant: “You must purge the evil from among you.”

This scriptural mandate was not about cruelty. It was about protection. The Israelites were commanded to keep themselves pure by removing ungodly influences that threatened to corrupt the entire nation.

Remarkably, this call to holiness did not expire with the Old Covenant. The New Testament carries this exact same principle forward into the local church.

The Old Testament Standard: Radical Purity

In the ancient Near East, Israel was called to be a distinct, holy nation. Sin in the camp was like a contagious disease. If left unchecked, the rebellion of a few individuals could cause the entire community to fall out of favor with God. Purging evil was a necessary act of spiritual surgery to save the body.

The New Testament Echo: Guarding the Church

The early church adopted this identical standard, transitioning from physical consequences to spiritual discipline. The New Testament explicitly requires that congregations discipline sinning members to protect the flock and honor Christ.

  • The Process of Restoration: In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a loving, step-by-step process for confronting a sinning brother or sister. The ultimate goal is always reconciliation, but if they refuse to listen even to the church, they are to be removed from fellowship.
  • The Danger of Corruption: In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, the Apostle Paul addresses a church tolerating flagrant immorality. He uses the metaphor of yeast, warning that “a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.” He commands them to “expel the wicked person from among you.”
  • The Goal of Repentance: Church discipline is never vindictive. As seen in 2 Corinthians 2:6-7, once the discipline achieves its purpose and the individual repents, the church is called to instantly pivot to forgiveness, comfort, and restoration.

Living it Out Today

True Christian love does not mean tolerating destructive sin. Healthy boundaries protect the spiritual health of our families and churches. When we address sin with humility and biblical truth, we guard the purity of Christ’s bride and invite wayward hearts back into right relationship with God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are holy, righteous, and pure. Thank You for calling us into a covenant relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, give us the courage and wisdom to pursue holiness in our personal lives and within our churches. Forgive us for the times we have tolerated evil or compromised Your standards out of fear or convenience.

Help us to guard the purity of our communities with deep humility, absolute truth, and genuine love. We pray for those who have wandered into ungodly living; use biblical discipline to break the chains of sin and lead them to true repentance and restoration. Keep our hearts pure, our testimonies bright, and our fellowships faithful to Your Word.

In Jesus’ powerful 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. FEAST OF WEEKS / DEUTERONOMY 16:10
  2. PASSOVER / DEUTERONOMY 16:1
  3. NOT SEND HIM AWAY EMPTY-HANDED / DEUTERONOMY 15:13
  4. A POOR MAN / DEUTERONOMY 15:7-11
  5. WINE OR OTHER FERMENTED DRINK … YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD / DEUTERONOMY 14:26
  6. NOT LISTEN TO THAT PROPHET / DEUTERONOMY 13:3
  7. THE PLACE … GOD WILL CHOOSE / DEUTERONOMY 12:5
  8. DESTROY COMPLETELY ALL THE PLACES / DEUTERONOMY 12:2
  9. BLESSING AND A CURSE / DEUTERONOMY 11:26
  10. TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN / DEUTERONOMY 11:19
  11. LOVE HIM … WITH ALL YOUR HEART / DEUTERONOMY 10:12-13
  12. NOT BECAUSE OF YOUR RIGHTOUSNESS / DEUTERONOMY 9:5
  13. WICKEDNESS OF THESE NATIONS / DEUTERONOMY 9:4
  14. ABILITY TO PRODUCE WEALTH / DEUTERONOMY 8:18
  15. EAT AND ARE SATISFIED … FORGET THE LORD / DEUTERONOMY 8:12-14
  16. LAND WITH STREAMS AND POOLS / DEUTERONOMY 8:7
  17. MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE / DEUTERONOMY 8:3
  18. DETESTABLE THING INTO YOUR HOUSE / DEUTERONOMY 7:26
  19. INFLICT HORRIBLE DISEASES /DEUTERONOMY 7:15
  20. COVENANT OF LOVE TO … THOSE WHO LOVE HIM / DEUTERONOMY 7:9
  21. DO NOT INTERMARRY WITH THEM / DEUTERONOMY 7:3-4
  22. IMPRESS THEM ON YOUR CHILDREN / DEUTERONOMY 6:7
  23. THESE COMMANDMENTS … UPON YOUR HEARTS / DEUTERONOMY 6:6
  24. LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD / DEUTERONOMY 6:5
  25. THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE / DEUTERONOMY 6:4
  26. HEAR O ISRAEL / DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9
  27. OH THAT THEIR HEARTS WOULD BE INCLINED TO FEAR ME / DEUTERONOMY 5:29
  28. TEN COMMANDMENTS / DEUTERONOMY 5:7-21
  29. A COVENANT / DEUTERONOMY 5:2
  30. ALL YOUR HEART … SOUL / DEUTERONOMY 4:29
  31. HEAVEN AND EARTH AS WITNESSES: THE SIX PROPHECIES OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY / DEUTERONOMY 4:26
  32. CONSUMING FIRE – JEALOUS GOD / DEUTERONOMY 4:24
  33. IDOL AN IMAGE OF ANY SHAPE / DEUTERONOMY 4:16
  34. LEARN TO REVERE ME / DEUTERONOMY 4:10
  35. THAT YOU DO NOT FORGET TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN / DEUTERONOMY 4:9
  36. THE NATIONS / DEUTERONOMY 4:6
  37. WHY WE CANNOT ADD OR SUBTRACT FROM GOD’S WORD / DEUTERONOMY 4:2
  38. FOLLOW THEM SO THAT YOU MAY LIVE / DEUTERONOMY 4:1
  39. LET ME GO OVER / DEUTERONOMY 3:25
  40. THE LORD … WILL FIGHT FOR YOU / DEUTERONOMY 3:22
  41. THE LORD … MADE HIS SPIRIT STUBORN / DEUTERONOMY 2:30
  42. GOD HAS BEEN WITH YOU / DEUTERONOMY 2:7
  43. FOLLOWED THE LORD WHOLEHEARTEDLY / DEUTERONOMY 1:36
  44. NOT A MAN … SHALL SEE THE GOOD LAND / DEUTERONOMY 1:35
  45. REBELLED AGAINST THE COMMAND / DEUTERONOMY 1:26
  46. THE WORDS MOSES SPOKE / DEUTERONOMY 1:1
  47. 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

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