Month: July 2024

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ANOTHER HORN / DANIEL 8:9-10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Daniel 8:9-10
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
10And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

ANOTHER HORN / DANIEL 8:9-10

Out of one of the horns came another horn that “started small,” referring to the Greek ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who in 168 B.C. set up an image of the Greek god Zeus in the Jerusalem temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar (Daniel 8:23-25). Judas Maccabeus later recaptured Jerusalem, purifying and rededicating the temple and altar to the true God (165 B.C.).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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KILL ALL THE BOYS / MATTHEW 2:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

The Cost of Cruelty: Understanding the Tragedy of Matthew 2:16

The Christmas story is often painted with soft colors, gentle stable scenes, and peaceful nights. Yet, the Gospel of Matthew does not shield us from the brutal reality that immediately followed the birth of Christ. In Matthew 2:16, we encounter one of the darkest dictates in scripture: King Herod’s order to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem.

Driven by intense political paranoia and a desperate desire to protect his throne, Herod lashed out after being outsmarted by the Magi. He ordered the execution of every young boy under his reach. It is a narrative of absolute tyranny encountering absolute innocence.

The Real Scale of the Tragedy

When modern readers picture this historical event—often called the Massacre of the Innocents—they might envision thousands of children falling victim to Herod’s soldiers. However, historical and geographical context brings a different, deeply personal reality to light.

  • A Small Village: Bethlehem was not a sprawling metropolitan city. It was a modest village nestled about five miles south of Jerusalem.
  • Modest Population: Experts estimate that the entire population of Bethlehem and its immediate surrounding rural area sat between just one and two thousand people.
  • The True Number: Based on these demographics, historians calculate that the actual number of male children aged two and under would have been around twenty.

Why the Small Number Matters

Understanding that Herod targeted roughly twenty children does not minimize the tragedy; rather, it intensifies it.

In a tight-knit community of that size, everyone knew everyone. This wasn’t an anonymous, faceless military action. It was an intimate nightmare. Every single family in the village would have felt the immediate shockwave of grief. Neighbors wept with neighbors, fulfilling the heartbreaking prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted.

This historical detail also explains why secular historians of the time, such as Josephus, didn’t record the event. In an era dominated by massive Roman massacres, the localized execution of twenty children in a tiny village was considered minor news to the world—but it was everything to the families who lost their sons.

Light in the Darkness

Matthew includes this agonizing event to show us the exact world Jesus came to save. Christ did not enter a perfect, safe world. He entered a broken landscape dominated by ruthless rulers and deep human suffering.

Even in the face of Herod’s fierce political anger, God’s sovereign plan could not be derailed. Warned in a dream, Joseph safely guided the young Messiah away from danger. The survival of Jesus guarantees that earthly cruelty never gets the final word.

A Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to You acknowledging the deep pain and brokenness that still exists in our world today. Lord, our hearts heavy as we reflect on the historic grief of the mothers and fathers of Bethlehem. We thank You that You are a God who sees the vulnerable, hears the cries of the suffering, and counts every single tear.

Please protect the innocent children in our world today who find themselves caught in areas of violence, oppression, and fear. Grant wisdom and courage to those who stand as protectors of the weak. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, into our dark reality to bring everlasting hope, redemption, and justice. May we always find comfort knowing that no earthly power can ever conquer Your ultimate plan of salvation.

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. FORGIVENESS OF SINS / MATTHEW 26:28
  2. SATAN / MATTHEW 4:10
  3. DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS / MATTHEW 25:41
  4. MONEY / MATTHEW 6:24
  5. GO … MAKE DISCIPLES … BAPTIZING / MATTHEW 28:19
  6. SALT OF THE EARTH / MATTHEW 5:13
  7. YOU ARE WORTH MORE / MATTHEW 10:31
  8. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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!

GUIDED BY GRACE
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MY SON TODAY I HAVE BECOME YOUR FATHER / PSALMS 2:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Psalms 2:7

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

MY SON TODAY I HAVE BECOME YOUR FATHER / PSALMS 2:7

“Become your father” literally translates “brought you forth.” A similar phrase was used to describe a woman giving birth, but it was also a technical term for a king presenting his son before the people. The king proclaimed, or officially announced, his son as king along with his father (1 Kings 1:32-34, where David did this for his son, Solomon). Here it applies to Jesus’ public proclamation as God’s Son and His anointing (commissioning, empowerment, authority) as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king (Matthew 3:12; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; 7:28; 2 Peter 1:21).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THE WICKED / PSALMS 1:4-6
  2. MY ROCK MY FORTRESS AND MY DELIVERER / PSALMS 18:2
  3. HIS ANOINTED ONE / PSALMS 2:2
  4. STREAMS OF WATER / PSALMS 1:3
  5. HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW / PSALMS 1:2
  6. BLESSED IS THE MAN / PSALMS 1:1
  7. YOUR WORD IS … A LIGHT FOR MY PATH / PSALMS 119:05
  8. CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE / PSALMS 50:15
  9. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion.
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10

There are two possible interpretations of this verse.

  1. The “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” may refer to good angels (Colossians 1:16). They see God’s amazing wisdom shown through the church (1 Peter 1:10-12).
  2. The “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” may refer to the ruling powers of evil in the spiritual realm that currently exercise authority in the world (Ephesians 3:11) is being revealed against these enemies of God as the church continues to spread Christ’s message of spiritual salvation and as Christ’s followers wage spiritual warfare against Satan and his forces (Ephesians 6:12-18; Daniel 9:2-23; 10:12-13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

  1. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  2. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  3. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  4. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  5. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  6. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  7. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(JKV) 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30

Only because of what Jesus has accomplished for us and only through a personal relationship with Him can we truly understand and receive godly wisdom. Because of Christ, we can be rescued from sin and restored to a right relationship with God (Romans 3:24; Romans 4; Ephesians 4:30). In that relationship we can grow to become more like Christ in our character and purpose (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15). Because Christ is the source of all these blessings, it is only as we remain in a faithful and right relationship with Him that we can enjoy these blessings (John 15:1-6).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  2. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion.
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE
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THE WICKED / PSALMS 1:4-6

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Psalms 1:4-6

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

THE WICKED / PSALMS 1:4-6

Psalms 1 uses three thought-provoking pictures to describe those who resist God and choose to go their own way:

  1. They are like “chaff” (the dried coverings from grain or grass seeds) blown away by forces they cannot see (Psalms 1:4; Ephesians 2:2).
  2. They are the ones who will be condemned on the judgment day (Psalms 1:5; 76:7; Malachi 3:2; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 6:17).
  3. They are the ones who will perish for eternity (Psalms 1:6; Matthew 10:28).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. MY ROCK MY FORTRESS AND MY DELIVERER / PSALMS 18:2
  2. HIS ANOINTED ONE / PSALMS 2:2
  3. STREAMS OF WATER / PSALMS 1:3
  4. HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW / PSALMS 1:2
  5. BLESSED IS THE MAN / PSALMS 1:1
  6. YOUR WORD IS … A LIGHT FOR MY PATH / PSALMS 119:05
  7. CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE / PSALMS 50:15
  8. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion.
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24

START YOU DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24

Those who do not obey Christ’s teachings do not truly love Him, and without love for Jesus a person cannot truly possess saving faith (faith that actively entrusts one’s life to Christ and leads to a personal love relationship with Him; 1 John 2:3-4). People deny the truth of God’s Word if they say or believe that people can remain spiritually saved even though they live in ways that contradict His commands and teachings. The Holy Spirit will not remain in a person who lives in disobedience to God.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  2. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  3. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  4. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  5. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  6. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion.
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 1:14-15

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

Clear Signs or Twisted Stars? Reclaiming God’s Purpose in Genesis 1:14-15

When you look up at a clear night sky, what do you see? It is easy to feel small beneath the vast, glittering expanse of stars, the glowing moon, and the blinding sun. From the very beginning of time, these celestial bodies were placed in the sky with an intentional, beautiful design.

In the creation account, Genesis 1:14-15 states:

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so.”

God explicitly laid out His job description for the cosmos. He created the sun, moon, and stars to serve as signs that point directly back to Him while maintaining the natural order of our calendar. Unfortunately, humanity has twisted this purpose.

The Creator’s True Intent

God established the cosmic rhythm for two main reasons:

  • To point to His majesty: The cosmos acts as a massive billboard. The size and precision of the stars are signs meant to draw humankind’s attention upward to the power of the Creator.
  • To order our world: God built a functional clock and calendar into the universe. The movement of these celestial bodies marks days, predictable seasons, and passing years.

The Twist of Astrology

Despite God’s clear instructions, humanity often looks at creation rather than the Creator. This distortion is known as astrology: the study of stars and heavenly bodies to predict their supposed influence on human activity.

Astrology exchanges the truth for a lie by teaching the false theory that stars and planets guide individual lives. Stars do not possess a voice, a will, or power over your destiny. When we consult horoscopes or look to planetary alignments for guidance, we rob God of His position as the author and sustainer of our lives. The stars were created to be managed by God, not to manage you.

Reclaiming Our Focus

Our hope, identity, and future do not rely on the position of the planets. They rest securely in the hands of the One who spoke those planets into existence. The next time you marvel at a beautiful sunset or look up at a starry night, remember their true purpose. They are dynamic signs signaling that a loving, orderly, and powerful God is looking down on you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty and order of Your creation. Thank You for placing the sun, moon, and stars in the sky to give us light and to show us Your incredible power. Forgive us for the times we look to creation for guidance instead of looking to You. Help us reject the false promises of astrology and instead rest in the truth that You alone hold our future. May our eyes always be drawn to You whenever we look up at the heavens. 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

  1. NIV Bible
  2. King James Bible
  3. www. biblegateway.com
  4. www.biblestudytools.com
  5. Map Pencils
  6. Strong’s Concordance
  7. College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  8. Ballpoint Pens
  9. 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

  1. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  2. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  3. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  4. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  5. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  6. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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!

GUIDED BY GRACE
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LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 1:3

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

The Blueprint of Light: Understanding Genesis 1:3

In the absolute beginning, before time wore a groove into history, the cosmos was formless and empty. Darkness cloaked the surface of the deep. Then, the silence of eternity was broken by four monumental words: “Let there be light.”

With that single divine utterance, everything changed. But if you look closely at the original Hebrew text, you discover a profound layer of meaning that changes how we view creation, science, and our own purpose.

‘Or: The Inception of Energy

In Genesis 1:3, the Hebrew word used for light is ’or.

This specific term does not refer to a sun, a moon, or a distant star. Instead, ’or represents the very first waves of pure light energy that flooded the earth. Before God created any physical celestial bodies, He established the fundamental element of light itself. It was raw, foundational energy—the essential building block for life, warmth, and visibility.

When God spoke ’or into existence, He was setting the universe into motion, establishing the physical laws of energy that govern our reality to this day.

Ma’or: The Vessels of Reflection

Fast forward to the fourth day of creation in Genesis 1:14. We encounter a different Hebrew word translated as “lights”: ma’or.

Literally meaning “light-bearers,” a ma’or is a container or a vessel meant to hold, produce, or reflect the original light energy. God placed these light-bearers—the sun, the moon, and the stars—in the heavens.

The distinction between these two days is beautiful:

  • The sun was designed to generate and produce light.
  • The moon was designed to catch and reflect light.

Neither of these celestial bodies is the light; they are simply the stewards of it.

The Purpose of the Portals

God did not place these light-bearers in the sky solely for decoration. Genesis 1:14 explicitly states that their primary purpose was to mark seasons, days, and years. They were created to establish rhythm, order, and time.

By separating the light from the darkness, God created a cosmic clock. This structure provided a safe, predictable environment where humanity and nature could thrive, rest, and grow.

The Spiritual Parallel: Becoming Light-Bearers

This creative blueprint mirrors our spiritual lives perfectly.

Jesus declared in the New Testament that He is the ultimate Light of the World. He is the divine, uncreated ’or—the source of all truth, life, and energy.

We, as His followers, are called to be the ma’or—the light-bearers. We do not generate our own righteousness, joy, or peace. Our sole purpose is to position ourselves in the orbit of the Creator, catching His brilliant rays and reflecting them into a dark, formless, and hurting world. Some of us are called to boldly produce output like the sun, while others are called to quietly, beautifully reflect love in the midnight hours like the moon. Both are essential. Both mark the seasons of God’s grace on earth.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are the God who speaks into the void and commands light to shine out of darkness. Thank You for the gift of ’or—the foundational energy, life, and love that flows from Your presence. We praise You for Your meticulous design, from the grandest galaxy to the changing of the seasons.

We ask that You make us faithful ma’or—true light-bearers in our generation. Forgive us for the times we try to generate our own light or hide in the shadows. Position us perfectly in Your presence so that we may accurately reflect Your warmth, Your truth, and Your grace to everyone we meet. Let our lives serve as markers of Your goodness, helping others navigate the seasons of their lives.

When the world around us feels dark and formless, remind us of Your eternal decree: Let there be light. And let that light begin in us.

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

  1. NIV Bible
  2. King James Bible
  3. www. biblegateway.com
  4. www.biblestudytools.com
  5. Map Pencils
  6. Strong’s Concordance
  7. College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  8. Ballpoint Pens
  9. 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

  1. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  2. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  3. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  4. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  5. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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!

GUIDED BY GRACE
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FROM THE DOMINION OF DARKNESS / COLOSSIANS 1:13-14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Colossians 1:13-14
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

FROM THE DOMINION OF DARKNESS / COLOSSIANS 1:13-14

Central to our spiritual salvation and renewed relationship with God is our rescue and liberation from the power and control of Satan and his forces of evil (Matthew 4:8-11; Matthew 4:10; Luke 22:52-53; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12). We are now in Christ’s kingdom and under His rule (Romans 6:17-22; Acts 26:18).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

  1. GREED, WHICH IS IDOLATRY / COLOSSIANS 3:5
  2. ANYONE WHO DOES WRONG / COLOSSIANS 3:25
  3. DIED WITH CHRIST TO THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE WORLD / COLOSSIANS 2:20
  4. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion.
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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