Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog – Page 82

September 26, 2026

MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE / DEUTERONOMY 8:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

Living on Every Word: Finding True Nourishment in Life’s Deserts

We often measure our well-being by tangible comforts: a stable bank account, a full pantry, and physical comfort. However, scripture reveals that human life requires far more than material sustenance to truly thrive.

The Purpose of the Wilderness

In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites of their journey: “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

God intentionally led His people into a barren desert. He permitted hunger and hardship not to destroy them, but to shift their dependence away from physical resources and onto His divine provision. The wilderness was a classroom designed to teach a fundamental truth: true life does not consist only on the physical level. Your ultimate well-being—both physically and spiritually—depends entirely on a close relationship with God and obedience to His Word.

The Ultimate Weapon Against Temptation

Centuries later, the Lord Jesus quoted this exact passage during His own hour of temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4). Fasting for forty days, Jesus faced the devil, who targeted His physical hunger by demanding He turn stones into bread.

This echo of the ancient temptation in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4) met a completely different result. Where Adam and Eve doubted God’s word to satisfy a physical desire, Jesus stood firm. By quoting Deuteronomy, Jesus demonstrated that relying on the spoken truth of God is vastly more critical than satisfying immediate physical cravings.

Fatherly Discipline and Divine Training

When we face seasons of lack, uncertainty, or emotional drought, it is easy to feel abandoned. Yet, scripture reframes these struggles. At times, the Lord may permit difficulties in our lives as a form of fatherly discipline.

Deuteronomy 8:4-5 notes that during forty years of wandering, the Israelites’ clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell, proving God’s meticulous care amidst the trial. Moses concludes: “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.”

Hebrews 12:3-13 expands on this, encouraging believers not to lose heart under divine training. Godly discipline is not punitive wrath; it is loving education. God utilizes hardships to untangle us from worldly dependencies, training us to depend on Him more firmly and receive His Word more willingly.

If you are in a desert season today, look beyond the physical lack. Look to the Word that sustains you, and trust the Father who is shaping your character.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We confess that we often focus so much on our physical comforts that we neglect our spiritual dependency on You. Forgive us for the times we try to live on bread alone, trusting in our own strength and material resources.

Thank You for Your loving, fatherly discipline. Even when You permit trials and difficulties in our lives, we trust that You are training us for our own good, so that we may share in Your holiness. Teach us to depend on You more firmly in the desert seasons. Soften our hearts to receive Your Word more willingly, knowing that every syllable from Your mouth brings true life and lasting peace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

DETESTABLE THING INTO YOUR HOUSE / DEUTERONOMY 7:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.

Guarding the Gates: Why We Must Remove Every Detestable Thing From Our Homes

What we allow across our thresholds shapes the atmosphere of our lives. In Deuteronomy 7:26, Scripture issues a stark and sobering warning to God’s people: “Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is a thing set apart for destruction.“

Originally, this referred to the silver, gold, and physical idols of the Canaanites. God commanded Israel to completely destroy these items, warning that keeping them would bring a curse upon their households. Today, while we might not have carved wooden or stone idols on our shelves, the spiritual principle remains urgently alive. A “detestable thing” is anything that promotes sin, honors immorality, or contradicts the holy nature of God.

Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries of peace and holiness, yet we often compromise through what we tolerate. Here is how modern-day idols slip through our doors:

Media and Entertainment: Streaming choices, music, and games that glorify violence, sexual immorality, or the occult.
Toxic Influences: Openly welcoming behaviors, philosophies, or ungodly dynamics that actively erode biblical truth.
Material Obsessions: Possessions or habits that quietly take the place of God as our primary source of comfort and security.

To tolerate and enjoy evil within our homes is to invite spiritual decay and distance ourselves from God’s blessing. Romans 1:32 warns against not only doing evil but approving of those who practice it. We cannot expect God’s presence to fill a space where we willingly entertain what He hates.

As believers, we are called to a higher standard. We must aggressively guard the gates of our eyes, ears, and doors. Examine your living space today. If there is anything in your home—whether digital, physical, or relational—that grieves the Holy Spirit, purge it. Choose to make your home a dedicated altar of worship to the living God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy, righteous, and pure. We ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have been careless about what we allow into our homes and hearts. Give us the spiritual discernment to recognize the subtle idols and detestable things of this world that creep into our lives through media, entertainment, and ungodly compromises.

Grant us the courage and conviction to purge anything that grieves Your Holy Spirit. We desire our homes to be sanctuaries of Your presence, filled with peace, truth, and righteousness. Wash our households clean, protect our families from the enemy’s influence, and help us to love what You love and hate what You hate. May everything under our roofs bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

INFLICT HORRIBLE DISEASES /DEUTERONOMY 7:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 7:15

And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

Walking in Covenant Protection: Understanding Deuteronomy 7:15

When we read through the Old Testament, we often encounter powerful promises that feel both comforting and intensely serious. One such verse is Deuteronomy 7:15, which says:

“The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.” (NIV)

This scripture balances a profound guarantee of divine health with a sobering reality of judgment. To truly grasp what this means for our lives today, we have to look at the context of God’s covenant with His people and the contrast between the freedom He offers and the affliction left behind.

The Reality of the “Horrible Diseases”

To appreciate the first half of the promise—complete freedom from sickness—we have to understand what God was delivering Israel from. The verse specifically points back to the horrible diseases of Egypt.

Egypt, in the biblical narrative, represents a place of bondage, oppression, and separation from God. The plagues and sicknesses experienced there were a direct result of resisting God’s authority and mistreating His people. Sickness and infirmity break down the body, steal joy, and limit our ability to fulfill our purpose.

But God reveals Himself to His people as Jehovah Rapha—the Lord who heals. By reminding Israel of the affliction of Egypt, God is showing them that their new life under His covenant is meant to be completely different from their past captivity.

The Conditional Nature of Covenant Blessing

If you look closely at Deuteronomy 7, these promises of health, abundance, and protection are explicitly tied to obedience and a relationship with God. God is telling Israel that when they align themselves with His ways, love His commands, and remain faithful, they step under a divine umbrella of protection.

Sickness and the “horrible diseases” mentioned are part of a broken world, but God reserves the right to shield His people from them. Conversely, the scripture notes that He will allow or inflict these consequences upon those who persist in hating Him and opposing His righteousness. It serves as a reminder that God protects His own and handles our battles, acting as a shield against the threats that try to destroy us.

Embracing Divine Health Today

For modern believers, we can look at this verse through the lens of the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us that “by His stripes we are healed.” The same God who promised to keep ancient Israel free from the afflictions of Egypt desires wholeness, health, and vitality for your spirit, soul, and body today.

Choosing to walk with God means walking away from the “Egypt” of our past—leaving behind the habits, mindsets, and spiritual bondages that breed decay. When we build our lives on His truth, we can boldly claim His promise of protection and trust Him to keep sickness far from our dwelling.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You because You are the Lord our Healer. Your Word promises that You will keep us free from disease and protect us from the horrible sicknesses of this world. We choose to stand firmly under the protection of Your covenant today.

We pray that You would remove every trace of sickness, infirmity, and weakness from our bodies and minds. Shield us, our families, and our homes from the plagues and diseases that try to disrupt our peace. We trust You to fight our battles and to be our defender against every spiritual and physical adversary. Give us the grace to walk uprightly, honoring Your commandments and living in the fullness of Your divine health.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

COVENANT OF LOVE TO … THOSE WHO LOVE HIM / DEUTERONOMY 7:9

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

The Covenant of Love: Standing on God’s Faithful Promises

We often search for security in an unstable world. We look for constants in our careers, relationships, and daily routines. Yet, the truest form of security was defined thousands of years ago in the desert of Sinai.

In Deuteronomy 7:9, we find a profound declaration of who God is: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Driven by Divine Love

God did not choose the people of Israel because they were vast, powerful, or impressive. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 makes it clear that His choice was motivated entirely by His pure, unmerited love. He loved them simply because He loved them, and because He kept the oath He swore to their ancestors. His grace precedes our performance. He notices us, chooses us, and pursues us out of a deep heart of affection.

A Response of Love and Obedience

While God’s love is unconditional, the fullness of walking in His covenant blessings requires a response. Deuteronomy calls us into a reciprocal relationship. We are invited to love Him back and guard His commands. This is not a heavy burden of legalism. It is the natural overflow of a grateful heart. When we love Him, keeping His commandments becomes our highest joy, not a duty.

The Blessings of the Covenant

Moses reminds the people that their holistic prosperity is tied to this beautiful relationship of obedience. God promises to pour out tangible blessings on those who walk closely with Him:

Generational Mercy: His faithfulness stretches to a thousand generations.
Abundant Prosperity: Blessing the fruit of the land and the womb.
Divine Health: Removing sickness and protecting your physical well-being.
Victory: Granting victory over obstacles and adversaries that stand in your way.

God is inviting you today to rest in His unshakeable faithfulness. Trust His love, walk in His ways, and watch Him unlock His covenant promises across every area of your life.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for choosing me and loving me with an everlasting love. You are the faithful God who keeps His covenant to a thousand generations. I ask for a heart that loves You more deeply each day. Grant me the strength and desire to walk in obedience to Your commands.

I pray that Your covenant blessings of health, peace, prosperity, and victory rest upon my life and my family. Thank You for Your unshakeable loyalty to me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

DO NOT INTERMARRY WITH THEM / DEUTERONOMY 7:3-4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 7:3-4

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. ⁴For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Guarding Your Heart: The Spiritual Danger of Unequal Yokes

Every close relationship shapes the direction of your life. Who you allow into your inner circle alters your priorities, your habits, and your faith. In the Book of Deuteronomy, God gives a stark warning to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He knew that the greatest threat to their future was not the physical military power of the nations around them, but the subtle, emotional compromises within their own homes.

The Command: Absolute Separateness

In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, God commands His people regarding the surrounding nations:

“Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”

This command was not about ethnicity or culture. It was entirely about spiritual allegiance. God is holy, and He calls His people to be set apart. When we engage in deep, emotional covenants with those who do not serve the Lord, we open the door to spiritual drift.

The Subtle Erosion of Compromise

Any close and personal association with people who do not follow God’s commands will eventually destroy the separateness and holiness of God’s people. This is especially true in connections that involve deep feelings, emotions, and long-term commitments.

Compromise rarely happens overnight. It begins with small concessions:

Silent Approval: Overlooking ungodly behavior to maintain peace in the relationship.
Shifted Priorities: Skipping worship, prayer, or fellowship to accommodate an unbelieving partner.
Softened Convictions: Gradually adopting the worldview, language, and morals of those you love.

Whether it is entering into marriage with an unbeliever or cultivating an intimate, codependent friendship with someone who rejects God, the result is often the same. As Deuteronomy 7:4 warns, these relationships have the power to turn believers away from following God. You cannot walk closely with someone walking in the opposite direction without eventually changing your own course.

Protecting Your Witness

God calls you to love your neighbors, pray for your enemies, and share the gospel with the lost. However, there is a profound difference between reaching out to the world and tying your soul to it. To minister effectively, you must maintain your spiritual footing.

Protecting your inner circle is not unloving; it is essential for survival. Guard your affections, honor God’s boundaries, and choose companions who push you closer to the cross rather than pull you away from it.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are a holy God, and You have called me to live a life set apart for Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have compromised Your standards for the sake of human approval or emotional comfort. Grant me the discernment to recognize relationships that draw my heart away from You.

Give me the courage to establish holy boundaries in my life. Strengthen my resolve to seek partnerships and deep friendships that encourage my faith, honor Your Word, and push me toward righteousness. Keep my heart entirely Yours, and let my life be a pure reflection of Your truth.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

IMPRESS THEM ON YOUR CHILDREN / DEUTERONOMY 6:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Passing the Torch: Why Spiritual Legacy Begins at Home

Loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength isn’t a passive emotion. According to Deuteronomy 6:5, it requires action. One of the most profound ways we express this love is by fiercely protecting and nurturing the spiritual welfare of our children.

Godly training isn’t a secondary task to outsource to Sunday schools or youth groups. It is a primary assignment given directly to parents.

A Direct Commandment, Not an Option

Scripture makes it clear that building a devout home is a direct requirement from God. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs parents to “impress them on your children.” This implies intentional, diligent, and repetitive teaching.

This responsibility belongs to both the father and the mother working in unity. Throughout the Bible, honoring parents and listening to parental instruction are foundational laws of a holy society (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 1:8). When we cultivate devotion within our own walls, we fulfill a core commandment of the Lord.

The Ultimate Purpose of Parenting

Why does God place such a heavy emphasis on home-centered instruction? The goals of godly parenting are clear:

To teach children to fear the Lord and respect His authority.
To guide them to walk in all His ways through daily obedience.
To inspire them to love and appreciate Him for His goodness.
To prepare them to serve Him with all their heart and soul.

We are not just raising well-behaved citizens. We are raising passionate servants of the Living God (Ephesians 6:4).

Creating a God-Centered Environment

To impress these truths on the next generation, faith cannot be a Sunday-only event. It must saturate our daily lives. Deuteronomy 6:7-9 tells us to talk about God’s commandments when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up.

Every moment is a discipleship moment. Whether you are driving to soccer practice, eating dinner, or tucked into bed, everything should point back to God and His ways. Our children need to see a living, breathing faith modeled by the people they trust the most.

The effort required is immense, but the reward is eternal. By intentionally bringing our children into a faithful relationship with God, we ensure that the torch of faith continues to burn brightly for generations to come.

A Closing Prayer for Your Family

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible gift of our children. We recognize that they belong to You first, and You have entrusted them to our care. Fill us with Your wisdom, patience, and strength as we strive to lead them closer to You.

Forgive us for the moments we get distracted by the busyness of life and forget our primary calling. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and strength, so that our children can see a genuine faith modeled daily.

Open our eyes to the ordinary moments today—at the dinner table, in the car, or at bedtime—where we can impress Your truth upon their hearts. Give us the right words to say and the grace to show them Your love. May our children grow to fear You, walk in Your ways, and serve You with all their heart and soul.

Protect their minds, guard their hearts, and anchor their faith in Your unchanging Word. Let our home be a sanctuary of Your presence.

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

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

THESE COMMANDMENTS … UPON YOUR HEARTS / DEUTERONOMY 6:6

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Guarding the Treasure: How to Keep God’s Word Written on Your Heart

Imagine owning a priceless treasure but leaving it outside in the rain to rust. Many of us treat the Bible the same way. We leave it on a shelf, letting it collect dust, while our spiritual lives wither.

In Deuteronomy 6:6, God gives His people a vital command: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”

God does not want His Word to sit passively on a page or remain trapped in your intellect. He desires His truth to be deeply woven into the very fabric of who you are.

The Divine Desire for Your Heart

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s ultimate goal has always been intimacy through His Word.

A Shield Against Sin: The Psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11).
A New Covenant: God promised a day when He would make a new covenant, saying, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33).
A Rich Dwelling: The Apostle Paul echoes this in the New Testament, urging us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).

When Scripture moves from a book to your heart, it transforms from external rules into an internal compass. It shapes your desires, protects your mind, and guides your daily decisions.

The Danger of a Distant Heart

It is entirely possible to know the Bible without knowing the Author. God warns against the danger of empty religious routines: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13).

To prevent a distant heart, we must actively receive the truth. James 1:21 tells us to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” Acceptance requires action. You cannot plant a seed without breaking the soil, and you cannot implant the Word without making room for it daily.

The Blueprint: Daily and Continual Searching

How do we actually get the Word into our hearts? It does not happen by accident or through casual reading. It requires intentionality.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31; John 8:32). True freedom comes from remaining, abiding, and lingering in Scripture.

When you continually search the Scriptures, you gain wisdom that surpasses human intellect, making you wiser than your enemies and giving you more insight than your teachers (Psalms 119:97-100).

A Practical Plan for Your Spiritual Diet

If you want to fill your heart with God’s Word, you need a structured plan. Just as you eat physical food every day to stay strong, you need a consistent spiritual diet.

One highly effective approach to master the scriptures is to read through the New Testament twice every year and the Old Testament once.

Here is how you can easily break this down into a daily habit:

Morning Reading: Read 2–3 chapters of the Old Testament to understand the foundations of faith, God’s holiness, and the historical promises of a Savior.
Evening Reading: Read 1–2 chapters of the New Testament to anchor your mind in the grace of Jesus, the life of the early Church, and practical Christian living.

By committing to this steady rhythm, you will read the entire Bible in a year while keeping the life-giving words of Jesus and the Apostles fresh in your mind every six months.

Start Today

Do not let another day pass with God’s Word sitting on the sidelines of your life. Open your Bible today, ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, and begin writing His eternal truth on your soul.

A Closing Prayer for a Steadfast Heart

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your holy and living Word. Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed Your truth to collect dust on my shelf rather than letting it shape my life. Break the hard soil of my heart today.

By Your Holy Spirit, write Your commandments deeply upon my mind and soul. Give me a fresh hunger to search the Scriptures daily and the discipline to stay rooted in Your truth. Let Your Word dwell in me richly, guiding my steps, protecting me from temptation, and drawing me closer to You.

May my life honor You not just with my lips, but with a heart that loves and obeys You fully.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The Miracle of Rebirth: Understanding John 1:13

When we think about families, we often think about DNA, bloodlines, and family trees. We think about the choices parents make to bring a child into the world. But when it comes to entering the family of God, the Apostle John shatters our earthly categories.

In John 1:13, he describes the children of God as those “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

This single verse strips away human achievement and reveals two profound truths about our salvation.

1. A Spiritual Transformation, Not a Physical Birth

First, John makes it clear that entry into Christ’s family is a completely supernatural event. It has absolutely nothing to do with natural conception, physical lineage, or human effort.

No one is born a Christian by bloodline. You cannot inherit saving faith from your parents, nor can you rely on your heritage or religious background to secure a spot in God’s kingdom. It is also not something we can achieve through sheer willpower or self-improvement plans.

As Jesus later explains to Nicodemus in John 3:5-7, entering the kingdom requires being born of the Spirit. Physical birth results from human effort alone, but birth into Christ’s family is a radical, life-altering transformation that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish.

2. A Gift of Grace, Not a Divine Obligation

The second truth hidden in this verse is even more humbling: God was under no duty or obligation to offer us salvation.

When humanity chose sin, God could have justly left us to bear the eternal consequences of that choice. He did not owe us a rescue plan. Yet, motivated entirely by His own love, compassion, and grace, God took full responsibility to bring salvation to humankind.

Through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, we are given an opportunity we could never earn. Grace is not just a nice sentiment; it is God’s undeserved favor, mercy, and spiritual power giving us forgiveness, a brand-new identity, and an eternal relationship with Him (John 3:16; John 17:3).

Resting in His Sovereign Love

If you are a believer, your spiritual life does not rest on the shaky foundation of your own flawed decisions or human strength. You are a child of God because He chose to breathe new life into you. Take a moment today to rest in the security of that supernatural love. You didn’t force your way into His family—He lovingly brought you in.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We stand in awe of the mystery and magnitude of Your grace. Thank You that our position in Your family does not depend on our background, our physical heritage, or our own fragile willpower. Thank You for doing for us what we could never do for ourselves.

We praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our sins and for sending Your Holy Spirit to transform our hearts from death to life. Forgive us for the times we try to rely on our own human efforts to earn Your favor. Help us to rest daily in the secure, unchanging identity of being born of God. May our lives reflect the deep love and compassion You have so generously poured out on us.

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

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Received and Believing: The Lifelong Journey of Becoming a Child of God

There is a profound difference between visiting a home and being adopted into the family. In the opening chapter of his Gospel, the Apostle John lays out the breathtaking reality of how we enter the family of the King of Kings.

John 1:12 states: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

At first glance, this looks like a simple formula. But when we look closer at the original language and the depth of John’s message, we discover that saving faith is both a definitive, immediate moment and a beautiful, lifelong process.

1. Receiving: The Definitive Choice

John writes that to become a child of God, one must first “receive” Christ. In the original Greek, the word used here is elabon (from lambano). It is written in the aorist tense, which points to a specific, definite act in past time.

This represents your starting line. It is that precise moment when you move from curiosity to commitment—the day you open the door of your heart and consciously accept Jesus’ sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. It is a radical, point-in-time decision to stop running and surrender to His grace.

2. Believing: The Continual Walk

While receiving happens in a moment, John immediately pairs it with “believing.” The Greek word here is pisteuousin (from pisteuo), which carries an entirely different grammatical weight. It is a present participle, describing an ongoing, continuous action.

Remarkably, John never uses the noun form for “belief” or “faith” (pistis) in his entire Gospel. Instead, he uses the active verb believe 98 times! Why? Because to John, saving faith is not a stagnant mental agreement. It is a practical, moving, breathing relationship.

True faith requires perseverance. The scriptures remind us across the New Testament that the faith which saves is a faith that endures (Matthew 24:13; Colossians 1:21-23). We don’t just believe once to get a “ticket to heaven”; we wake up every morning putting our faith into practice by relying on, trusting, and leaning into God.

3. Yielding Control to the Name

To “believe in His name” means to anchor your entire existence to the character, authority, and finished work of Jesus. It means recognizing Him not just as a Savior who rescues us from guilt, but as the Lord—the rightful Leader and authority of our lives.

James reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Our good deeds, obedience, and selflessness do not earn our salvation—membership in God’s family is a gift of pure, unmerited grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, our actions are the natural overflow of a living faith. They are the evidence of our ongoing gratitude, proving that we are continuously being transformed into His likeness.

The Right of Adoption

You cannot force your way into God’s kingdom, nor can you buy a place at His table. It is a “right” or authority that He gives exclusively to those who surrender. When you make the decision to receive Him and continue believing in Him, you are spiritually born again (John 3:7). You are no longer an outsider; you are an adopted, deeply loved child of the Creator.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey today, remember that the Christian life is a daily walk of dependence. Secure in the moment you received Him, keep actively believing, actively trusting, and actively stepping out in obedience today.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

*Thank You for the unspeakable gift of Your grace. Thank You that membership in Your family is not a burden I have to earn, but a right You freely give through the work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. *

Lord, I thank You for the moment You drew me to receive You. Today, I ask for the strength and perseverance to keep believing actively. Let my faith be vibrant, moving, and practical. Help me to yield the leadership of my life to You in every decision, every conversation, and every thought.

May my obedience and service be a joyful reflection of my gratitude for Your mercy. Deepen my dependence on You today, and let me walk confidently in the beautiful identity of being Your child.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 26, 2026

THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

The Tragedy of the Unrecognized Creator: Reflecting on John 1:10

Imagine building a beautiful, intricate house with your own hands, only to walk through the front door and have the inhabitants look you in the eye and treat you like a dangerous trespasser.

This is the exact heartbreak captured in John 1:10. Jesus, the cosmic Architect of the universe, walked the very dust He created, yet the people He breathed life into looked right past Him. They did not recognize Him.

Understanding “The World”

To understand why this happened, we have to understand how the Apostle John uses the word “world” (Greek: kosmos). John uses this term 78 times in his Gospel and 24 times in his letters. While it can mean the physical universe or the human race, John most often uses it to describe a spiritually blind system.

The “world” represents human society as it is organized and operating completely independently of God. It is a system driven by self-reliance, pride, and opposition to God’s rule. James 4:4 warns us plainly that friendship with this worldly system is actually enmity against God.

Why the World Misses Jesus

The world didn’t miss Jesus because He was hiding; they missed Him because they were looking for a completely different kind of king.

The world values power; Jesus modeled humility.
The world pursues wealth; Jesus chose poverty.
The world demands judgment for its enemies; Jesus offered forgiveness on a cross.

Because the world operates on a completely different frequency than the Kingdom of God, it remains largely unresponsive—and often actively opposed—to Christ and His message.

The Choice Before Us

As believers, we live in this world, but we cannot be of it. The temptation to blend into a society that rejects our Savior is always present. John 1:10 stands as a permanent boundary line, reminding us that much of culture will never truly understand or accept our faith.

The question for us today is simple: Are we viewing reality through the lens of the world, or are we intentionally seeking to recognize and honor the Creator who walked among us?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We are humbled by the truth of Your Word. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the noise, the pride, and the independent spirit of this world to blind us to Your presence. We do not want to be like those who stood face-to-face with the Savior and missed Him entirely.

Give us eyes to see You working in our lives and ears to hear Your truth above the culture’s roar. Protect our hearts from conforming to a worldly system that is opposed to Your purposes. Help us to love the people of this world fiercely, while refusing to adopt its godless patterns.

May our lives be a clear reflection of Your light, so that those who are still blind might come to recognize and worship Jesus Christ, the Creator and Redeemer of all. In His holy name we pray, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

Blessings, Margarita & Stace