Month: July 2024

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STREAMS OF WATER / PSALMS 1:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Deep Roots, Rich Fruit: Finding Refreshment in Streams of Water

We all long for a life that feels vibrant, purposeful, and resilient. Yet, the demands of daily life can easily leave us feeling spiritually parched, dry, and exhausted.

Psalms 1:3 offers a beautiful blueprint for a life that never runs dry: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

The Source of True Refreshment

To understand how to become like this flourishing tree, we must look at where it is planted. It is not surviving on sporadic rainfall; it is intentionally rooted next to a constant, flowing river.

Those who faithfully pursue a deeper relationship with and a better understanding of God’s Word will find guidance from the Holy Spirit. In the Scriptures, water often represents God’s Spirit (John 7:38-39). Because of this, those who spend time in His Word and follow His instructions will also receive from the Spirit spiritual refreshment and power for life, much like drinking water that satisfies a thirst. When we open our Bibles, we are pulling literal life into our spiritual root systems.

Redefining True Prosperity

The promise that concludes this verse is often misunderstood. The phrase “whatever he does prospers” does not mean that problems or failures will never occur. It is not a guarantee of a trouble-free life or material wealth.

Instead, it means that a godly person will:

  • Know God’s purposes intimately
  • Experience His presence daily
  • Receive His peace unconditionally

That is to say, that person will live in God’s plans for his or her life in a fulfilling way (3 John 1:2). Even when droughts come or storms rage, a tree with deep roots in the Spirit remains unshaken, green, and productive.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the life-giving power of Your Word. Holy Spirit, we ask that You plant us deeply by Your streams of living water. Grant us a hunger to know Your Scriptures more intimately and the strength to follow Your instructions daily. Refresh our dry areas and fill us with Your power for life.

We pray that our lives would bear fruit in every season. When trials come, keep our leaves from withering. Help us to rest in the true prosperity of Your presence, Your purpose, and Your perfect peace, knowing that we are safely held within Your divine plans.

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. HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW / PSALMS 1:2
  2. BLESSED IS THE MAN / PSALMS 1:1
  3. YOUR WORD IS … A LIGHT FOR MY PATH / PSALMS 119:05
  4. CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE / PSALMS 50:15
  5. Guided By Grace About

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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THIS WOMAN … SATAN HAS KEPT BOUND / LUKE 13:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 13:16
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

THIS WOMAN … SATAN HAS KEPT BOUND / LUKE 13:16

According to Jesus, it is a most serious offense against God when a person refuses to recognize and respond to suffering people (Luke 13:11-14). Jesus teaches that people are imprisoned by sin, sickness and spiritual death and are in distress and great need (Luke 13:11; Luke 13:16; Matthew 4:23; Acts 26:18). Today we are in serious danger of becoming unconcerned and insensitive to the world’s misery and suffering – particularly spiritually. While many people and organizations appear to be more involved than ever in charitable causes and humanitarian efforts, the media continued to pollute the culture with images of immorality and violence as a form of entertainment. As a result, the general society is deceived into thinking that they are all right, but in reality, they are becoming more insensitive and unconcerned about the value of human life and individuals, real needs. True followers of Christ will be like their Master – able to recognize the true threats and distresses of life and to respond with real help for people’s spiritual needs (Luke 10:33-37; Romans 8:22).

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. HIS HEART / LUKE 6:45
  2. THE LORD’S GREAT SORROW / LUKE 13:34
  3. THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD / LUKE 4:5
  4. JESUS, FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / LUKE 4:1
  5. HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED ON HIM / LUKE 3:22
  6. THE WISE … LITTLE CHILDREN / LUKE 10:21
  7. DO NOT REJOICE / LUKE 10:20
  8. SNAKES AND SCORPINS / LUKE 10:19
  9. 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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THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 11:25
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25

Did Jesus use fermented or unfermented grape juice when He introduced the spiritual symbolism of the Lord’s Supper, communion (Matthew 26:26-29; Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)? The following information supports the conclusion that Jesus and His disciples probably drank unfermented grape juice on that occasion.

  1. Neither Luke nor any other Biblical writer uses the word “wine” (Greek oinos) in referring to the Lord’s Supper (the “last supper” Jesus shared with His disciples before His death). The first three Gospel writers use “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18), suggesting that it was pure, natural, and unfermented wine.
  2. The Lord’s Supper (which serves as a reminder of what Jesus did in giving His life for us, Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) was established when Jesus and His disciples were eating the Passover meal. The Passover law in Exodus 12:14-20 prohibited, during Passover week, the presence and use of seor (Exodus 12:15), a term used to refer to yeast or anything that can cause fermentation. In addition, all hametz (anything that contained fermentation) was forbidden (Exodus 12:19; 13:7). God had given these laws because yeast and fermentation often symbolized corruption and sin (Matthew 16:6, 12; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Since Jesus fulfilled the law in every respect (Matthew 5:17), it seems that He would have followed this law for the Passover and not have used fermented wine.
  3. The value of a symbol is determined by how well or correctly it represents the spiritual reality that one is attempting to communicate. Consider the fact THE BREAD REPRESENTING Christ’s pure body had to be unleavened (flat and unraised, unfermented, “uncorrupted” = made without yeast). To use unfermented wine would have been an effort to follow the same principle. After all, the wine symbolized the precious blood of Christ, without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:18-19).

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. 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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TRAMPLED THE SON OF GOD / HEBREWS 10:29

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Hebrews 10:29
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

TRAMPLED THE SON OF GOD / HEBREWS 10:29

 To keep on sinning deliberately after we have received the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26) is

  1. To be guilty of trampling on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:29), which means treating Him with contempt (hatred, disrespect, and rejection)
  2. To behave as if the blood of Christ – His sacrifice for us – is unworthy of our loyalty
  3. To insult and rebel against the Holy spirit, who brings God’s favor, love, and power to our lives. To reject Christ’s sacrifice is to reject the only sacrifice there is that can provide access to God and keep us in right relationship with Him.

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. SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE / HEBREWS 10:19
  2. MAKE THE PEOPLE HOLY / HEBREWS 13:12
  3. LET US DRAW NEAR / HEBREWS 10:22
  4. HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE / HEBREWS 5:8
  5. THE WORD OF GOD / HEBREWS 4:12
  6. OBEY THEM / HEBREWS 13:17
  7. LOOKIN FORWARD TO THE CITY / HEBREWS 11:3
  8. BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS / HEBREWS 11:6
  9. ABEL … ENOCH … NOAH / HEBREWS 11:4-7
  10. BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND / HEBREWS 11:3
  11. NOW FAITH IS / HEBREWS 11:1
  12. 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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ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18

Access the God the Father comes through His Son, Jesus Christ, by the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives. “Access” means that we who have faith in Christ have the freedom and right to approach our heavenly Father with confidence that we will be accepted, welcomed, and loved.

  1. This access is gained through Christ, who gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin and to restore our opportunity for a personal relationship with God (Ephesians 2:13; Romans 5:1-2). Even now, Christ continues to intercede – to mediate and plead our case – to His Father in heaven for all who come to Him (Hebrews 7:25; 4:14-16).
  2. Access to God requires the Holy Spirit’s help. The Spirit’s power withing the lives of Christ’s followers makes it possible for them to pray according to God’s perfect will and purpose (John 14:16-17; 16:13-14; Romans 8:15-16, 26-27).

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. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  2. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  3. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  4. 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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SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE / HEBREWS 10:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE / HEBREWS 10:19

The word “confidence” (Greek parrhesia) occurs four times in the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:14; 4:16; 10:19; 10:35). Sometimes it means “bedrock belief” (a solid foundation of faith) or “bold assurance.” Here, however, it indicated a bold (yet humble) freedom and authorized access into “the Most Holy Place” of God’s presence because of “the blood of Jesus.” Such access was not available under the old covenant, except once a year by one man (the high priest). When Jesus died, however, the temple’s curtain was “torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15:38), indicating that the barrier to God’s presence had been removed; the way is now open for people to come directly to Him through faith in Christ. The curtain symbolized Christ’s body (Hebrews 10:20) that was torn through His suffering and death, which gave us spiritual freedom and access to God. This means that we can, with gratitude and confidence, constantly come to God in prayer. 

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. MAKE THE PEOPLE HOLY / HEBREWS 13:12
  2. LET US DRAW NEAR / HEBREWS 10:22
  3. HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE / HEBREWS 5:8
  4. THE WORD OF GOD / HEBREWS 4:12
  5. OBEY THEM / HEBREWS 13:17
  6. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CITY / HEBREWS 11:10
  7. BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS / HEBREWS 11:6
  8. ABEL … ENOCH … NOAH / HEBREWS 11:4-7
  9. BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND / HEBREWS 11:3
  10. NOW FAITH IS / HEBREWS 11:1
  11. 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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IF WE CLAIM TO BE WITHOUT SIN / 1 JOHN 1:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT WITH DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 John 1:8

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

IF WE CLAIM TO BE WITHOUT SIN / 1 JOHN 1:8

John uses the noun “sin” (Greek hamartian) – wrong-doing, offense against God and being out of bounds by His standards – rather than the verb. This means that he is emphasizing sin not just as a matter of God-defying actions but as a basic principle or trait in human nature.

  1. John is probably arguing against those who claim that sin does not exist as a principle or power in human nature, or those who say that their evil actions are not really sin. This deceptive belief is still with us today in those who deny the fact of sin or have a deterministic view of evil. Those who follow this view believe that sin is determined by outside causes or things we cannot control such as biological, psychological, or social factors. Therefore, each person has little or no real choice in relation to who they are and what they do. This leads to the conclusion that no one is responsible for his or her own sinful actions (Romans 6:1-2; 7:9-11).
  2. Believers must be aware that the sinful nature is a very real and continuous threat in their lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within them, Christ’s followers must constantly put to death the God-defying tendencies and actions of the sinful nature (Romans 6:11; 8:13; Galatians 5:16-25).

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. BECAUSE WE OBEY HIS COMMANDS / 1 JOHN 3:22
  2. MUST WALK AS JESUS DID / 1 JOHN 2:6
  3. THE DEVIL / 1 JOHN 3:8
  4. ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL / 1 JOHN 5:14
  5. 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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MAKE THE PEOPLE HOLY / HEBREWS 13:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Hebrews 13:12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

MAKE THE PEOPLE HOLY / HEBREWS 13:12

Jesus’ death outside the city represented the removal of sin, just as the bodies from the Old Testament animal sacrifices were burned outside the Israelite camp. Jesus suffered outside the city gate of Jerusalem as an outcast so that He could separate His people from their old sinful lives and set them apart for God’s service.

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. LET US DRAW NEAR / HEBREWS 10:22
  2. HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE / HEBREWS 5:8
  3. THE WORD OF GOD / HEBREWS 4:12
  4. OBEY THEM / HEBREWS 13:17
  5. LOOKIN FORWARD TO THE CITY / HEBREWS 11:10
  6. BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS / HEBREWS 11:6
  7. ABEL … ENOCH … NOAH / HEBREWS 11:4-7
  8. BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND / HEBREWS 11:3
  9. NOW FAITH IS / HEBREWS 11:1
  10. 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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LET US DRAW NEAR / HEBREWS 10:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

LET US DRAW NEAR / HEBREWS 10:22

Faith and drawing near to God through Jesus Christ are inseparable.

  1. Faith is sincerely believing in God, entrusting one’s life to His care, relying on Him for help and strength and trusting in His goodness (Hebrews 11:6; John 1:12; 5:24). By coming to God through faith in Christ, one finds mercy, grace, help (Hebrews 10:1; 4:16; 7:19), salvation (Hebrews 7:25), spiritual growth development (Hebrews 10:14) and cleansing (Hebrews 10:22).
  2. Therefore, when there is no drawing near to God in prayer and companionship with Christ, there is no saving faith (Hebrews 10:38). Jesus Himself equates faith with sincere prayer to God (Luke 18:8).

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. HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE / HEBREWS 5:8
  2. THE WORD OF GOD / HEBREWS 4:12
  3. OBEY THEM / HEBREWS 13:17
  4. LOOKIN FORWARD TO THE CITY / HEBREWS 11:10
  5. BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS / HEBREWS 11:6
  6. ABEL … ENOCH … NOAH / HEBREWS 11:4-7
  7. BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND / HEBREWS 11:3
  8. NOW FAITH IS / HEBREWS 11:1
  9. 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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HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW / PSALMS 1:2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Psalms 1:2

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Rooted in the Word: Finding Our True Delight in Psalm 1:2

Have you ever watched someone who is completely captivated by a hobby, a good book, or a loved one? Their eyes light up, their focus is unbreakable, and they naturally clear out distractions just to spend time with the object of their affection.

In a world full of competing voices, Psalms 1:2 invites us into that exact kind of beautiful, all-consuming devotion. It describes a blessed person by pointing directly to the posture of their heart:

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

His Delight is in the Law

True followers of God do not just play defense by avoiding evil; they play offense by building their entire lives around God’s Word and actively serving His purposes. Obedience is not a heavy, begrudging chore. Instead, a godly person tries to follow God’s plans because they truly take pleasure in what He loves and desires.

This stands in stark contrast to the pattern of the world. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10, we see a sobering warning that the wicked perish because “they refused to love the truth.” True righteousness is never just about outward rule-following. A godly person’s actions are motivated by deep love for God and a heart that has been radically changed and made new by the truth of scripture.

On His Law He Meditates Day and Night

Those who desire to live with God’s blessing and favor actively meditate on His Word to shape their thinking, attitudes, and actions in a positive way.

But what does biblical meditation actually look like? It is not about emptying your mind; it is about filling it. Meditating on God’s Word involves reading a passage and thinking on it long and seriously to uncover its true meaning. It means comparing it with other Bible passages and determining how to rightly apply that truth to your daily life.

The next time you open your Bible, try sitting with a verse and filtering it through these transformative questions:

  • Present Situation: How might God’s Spirit be applying this verse to my current circumstances?
  • God’s Character: What is this passage teaching me about who God is?
  • Promises: Is there a promise here for me to recognize and claim?
  • Conviction: Is this passage revealing a particular sin I must try to avoid?
  • Command: Is God giving a specific command I need to obey?
  • Relationships: How should this truth affect my relationships with other people?
  • Alignment: Is my spirit truly in harmony with what the Holy Spirit is saying?
  • Understanding: Is the passage expressing a truth about God, salvation, sin, the world, or my personal behavior that I need to understand better with the Holy Spirit’s help?
  • Gratitude: Is there something in this passage I can thank or praise God for?
  • Intimacy: How can I grow closer to God in light of what He is showing me through His Word?

When we shift from casually reading Scripture to deeply dwelling on it, our roots grow deep. We are no longer tossed around by the shifting winds of culture, but firmly anchored in the truth that sets us free.

A Closing Prayer for a Devoted Heart

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of Your Word. Forgive us for the times we treat Scripture as a burden or a checklist rather than the life-giving treasure it is. We ask that You transform our hearts today. Give us a genuine hunger for Your truth, and help us to find our ultimate delight in Your law.

Holy Spirit, teach us how to meditate on Your Word day and night. As we read, open our eyes to see Your character, convict us of areas where we need to align with Your will, and give us the courage to obey Your commands. Let Your truth renew our minds and shape our relationships. May our lives be firmly rooted in Your love, bearing fruit that brings glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. BLESSED IS THE MAN / PSALMS 1:1
  2. YOUR WORD IS … A LIGHT FOR MY PATH / PSALMS 119:05
  3. CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE / PSALMS 50:15
  4. Guided By Grace About

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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