Month: February 2026

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DO NOT HOLD ON TO ME / JOHN 20:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 20:17

 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Letting Go to Move Forward: The Powerful Message of John 20:17

We have all experienced moments we wished could last forever. Imagine being Mary Magdalene in the garden outside the empty tomb. Deep in grief, she suddenly hears her name spoken by a familiar voice. It is Jesus—alive, risen, and standing right in front of her. In a rush of overwhelming joy and relief, her natural instinct is to cling to Him, determined never to let Him go again.

But Jesus gently stops her with words that have puzzled readers for centuries: “Do not hold on to me.” (John 20:17)

At first glance, this command might sound distant or harsh. However, when we look closer at the context, we discover a beautiful truth about transitions, reassurance, and our divine purpose.

Shift from Clinging to Sending

When Jesus tells Mary, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father,” He isn’t rejecting her affection. Instead, He is shifting her perspective.

The original phrasing implies a continuous action—essentially meaning, “You can let go of me; I am not going back to my Father quite yet. You will still have the opportunity to see me again.”

Jesus was assuring Mary that this wasn’t a fleeting, ghostly apparition. He was truly there, and His final departure was not happening that very second. She didn’t need to hold on out of fear that He would vanish if she let go.

But more importantly, Jesus had an urgent, historic task for her. He tells her: “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

The First Apostle to the Apostles

By telling Mary to let go, Jesus was inviting her into a grander mission. If she remained there clinging to His feet in the garden, the rest of the disciples would remain trapped in their despair locked behind closed doors.

Through her obedience, Mary Magdalene became the very first person to spread the wonderful news of the risen Christ. She was commissioned to announce the turning point of human history. Her letting go was directly tied to her going.

What Are You Holding Onto?

Jesus’ words echo in our lives today. Sometimes, we cling so tightly to a specific season, a past comfort, or our own expectations of how God should work that we miss what He is calling us to do next.

Holding on can keep us stagnant. Jesus reminds us that letting go of our comfort zones is often the prerequisite for stepping into our calling. He gives us the reassurance of His presence so that we have the courage to go and share His love with a world that desperately needs to hear it.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the glorious reality of the resurrection and the life-changing joy found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we cling too tightly to our own comforts, our past seasons, and our fears of the unknown.

Give us the faith of Mary Magdalene. Help us to hear You call our names, to release our grip on the things that hold us back, and to trust Your perfect timing. Fill us with the urgency and joy of the resurrection message. Boldly send us out into our communities, workplaces, and families to be the first to speak hope, to share truth, and to spread the wonderful news that Jesus is alive.

In the mighty and beautiful 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. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. JESUS APPEARS TO MARY / JOHN 20:16
  2. A NEW TOMB / JOHN 19:41
  3. IT IS FINISHED / JOHN 19:30
  4. WINE VINEGAR / JOHN 19:29
  5. DEAR WOMAN HERE IS YOUR SON / JOHN 19:26
  6. WE HAVE NO KING BUT CAESAR / JOHN 19:15
  7. THE SIXTH HOUR / JOHN 19:14
  8. POWER … GIVEN TO YOU FROM ABOVE / JOHN 19:11
  9. I FIND NO BASIS FOR A CHARGE / JOHN 19:4
  10. TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH / JOHN 18:37
  11. MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD / JOHN 18:36
  12. THE CUP / JOHN 18:11
  13. THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME / JOHN 17:22-23
  14. THAT ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE / JOHN 17:21
  15. I SANCTIFY MYSELF / JOHN 17:19
  16. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  17. THEY HAVE OBEYED YOUR WORD / JOHN 17:6
  18. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  19. JESUS’ PRAYER JOHN 17:1
  20. THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU / JOHN 16:27
  21. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  22. HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH / JOHN 16:13
  23. CONVICT THE WORLD / JOHN 16:8
  24. IF I GO I WILL SEND HIM / JOHN 16:7
  25. THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO / JOHN 15:20
  26. GO AND BEAR FRUIT / JOHN 15:16
  27. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  28. ASK WHATEVER YOU WISH / JOHN 15:7
  29. LIKE A BRANCH THAT IS THROWN AWAY / JOHN 15:6
  30. REMAIN IN ME / JOHN 15:4
  31. EVERY BRANCH / JOHN 15:2
  32. WE WILL … MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM / JOHN 14:23
  33. I AM THE TRUE VINE / JOHN 15:1
  34. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  35. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  36. WE WILL … MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM / JOHN 14:23
  37. WHOEVER HAS MY COMMANDS / JOHN 14:21
  38. I WILL COME TO YOU / JOHN 14:18
  39. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH – WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU / JOHN 14:17
  40. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  41. IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL OBEY / JOHN 14:15
  42. ASK IN MY NAME / JOHN 14:13
  43. GREATER THINGS / JOHN 14:12
  44. I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE / JOHN 14:6
  45. I WILL COME BACK / JOHN 14:3
  46. MY FATHER’S HOUSE / JOHN 14:1-4
  47. LOVED PRAISE FROM MEN / JOHN 12:42-43
  48. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  49. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  50. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  51. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  52. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  53. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  54. LOVED PRAISE FROM MEN / JOHN 12:42-43
  55. THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE / JOHN 12:39-40
  56. DRAW ALL MEN TO MYSELF / JOHN 12:32
  57. PRINCE OF THIS WORLD WILL BE DRIVEN OUT / JOHN 12:31
  58. WHOEVER SERVES ME / JOHN 12:26
  59. HATES HIS LIFE IN THIS WORLD / JOHN 12:25
  60. SON OF MAN … GLORIFIED / JOHN 12:23-24
  61. MARY … POURED IT ON JESUS’ FEET / JOHN 12:3
  62. FOR THE SCATTERED CHILDREN OF GOD / JOHN 11:52
  63. THE DEAD MAN CAME OUT / JOHN 11:44
  64. JESUS WEPT / JOHN 11:35
  65. DEEPLY MOVED IN SPIRIT / JOHN 11:33
  66. I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST / JOHN 11:27
  67. I AM THE RESURRECTION / JOHN 11:25-26
  68. STAYED WHERE HE WAS TWO MORE DAYS / JOHN 11:6
  69. JESUS LOVED MARTHA AND HER SISTER AND LAZARUS / JOHN 11:5
  70. SICKNESS … FOR GOD’S GLORY / JOHN 11:4
  71. THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH / JOHN 10:28
  72. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  73. THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH / JOHN 10:28
  74. MY SHEEP LISTEN TO MY VOICE / JOHN 10:27
  75. I KNOW MY SHEEP / JOHN 10:14-15
  76. I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD / JOHN 10:11
  77. THE THIEF COMES … I HAVE COME / JOHN 10:10
  78. I AM THE GATE / JOHN 10:9
  79. JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD / JOHN 10:1
  80. THOSE WHO SEE WILL BECOME BLIND / JOHN 9:39
  81. THEY THREW HIM OUT / JOHN 9:34
  82. WORK OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED / JOHN 9:3
  83. BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS BORN, I AM / JOHN 8:58
  84. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  85. IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER / JOHN 8:42
  86. YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED / JOHN 8:36
  87. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  88. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  89. IF YOU HOLD TO MY TEACHING / JOHN 8:31
  90. I PASS JUDGMENT ON NO ONE / JOHN 8:15
  91. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  92. NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU / JOHN 8:11
  93. IF ANY ONE OF YOU IS WITHOUT SIN / JOHN 8:7
  94. GAIN HONOR FOR HIMSELF / JOHN 7:18
  95. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  96. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  97. GAIN HONOR FOR HIMSELF / JOHN 7:18
  98. IF ANYONE CHOOSES TO DO GOD’S WILL / JOHN 7:17
  99. IT HATES ME / JOHN 7:6-7
  100. FEAST OF TABERNACLES / JOHN 7:2-3
  101. JESUS HAD KNOWN FROM THE BEGINNING / JOHN 6:64
  102. EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD / JOHN 6:54
  103. THE FATHER … DRAWS HIM / JOHN 6:44
  104. MY FATHER’S WILL / JOHN 6:40
  105. I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY / JOHN 6:37
  106. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE / JOHN 6:35
  107. MIRACLES / JOHN 6:1-2
  108. DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT HE WROTE / JOHN 5:47
  109. ACCEPT PRAISE FROM ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 5:44
  110. YOU DILIGENTLY STUDY / JOHN 5:39-40
  111. THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD – RISE TO LIVE – THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL / JOHN 5:29
  112. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  113. HEARS … BELIEVES – WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED / JOHN 5:24
  114. MAKING HIMSELF EQUAL WITH GOD / JOHN 5:18-24
  115. PERSECUTED HIM / JOHN 5:16
  116. STOP SINNING / JOHN 5:14
  117. THE MAN WAS CURED / JOHN 5:9
  118. THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS / JOHN 5:5
  119. SIGNS AND WONDERS / JOHN 4:48
  120. CROP FOR ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:36
  121. SURPRISED TO FIND HIM TALKING WITH A WOMAN / JOHN 4:27
  122. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  123. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  124. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  125. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  126. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  127. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  128. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  129. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  130. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  131. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  132. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  133. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  134. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  135. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  136. WINE – THEY HAVE NOT MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  137. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  138. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  139. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  140. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  141. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  142. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  143. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  144. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  145. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  146. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  147. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  148. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  149. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  150. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  151. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  152. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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JESUS APPEARS TO MARY / JOHN 20:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 20:16

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Called by Name: The Radical Grace of Jesus’ First Resurrection Appearance

In the quiet, morning mist of the empty tomb, the course of human history changed forever. Yet, the first witness to the greatest event in eternity was not a powerful ruler, a high priest, or even one of the prominent male disciples. It was Mary Magdalene.

In John 20:16, we witness one of the most intimate and revolutionary moments in scripture: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”

This single interaction reveals the profound depths of Jesus’ heart and the nature of His kingdom.

Seeing the Overlooked

In the culture of Jesus’ time, a woman’s testimony was not legally valid or highly valued. Yet, Jesus deliberately chose Mary to be the first apostle to the apostles—the very first person to carry the Good News of His resurrection.

While the Gospels show Mary as a simple, faithful follower rather than a public leader, Jesus upends human hierarchies by revealing His glory to her first. Throughout history, Jesus has consistently revealed His presence, power, and deep love to those whom the world overlooks, undervalues, or deems less important.

A Ministry of Devotion

Jesus never viewed or treated women with the cultural prejudices of His era. Women played vital, foundational roles in Jesus’ ministry, supporting Him and standing by Him when others fled.

Like Mary, many of Christ’s most faithful followers today maintain a deep, quiet devotion that goes unnoticed by others. You might serve behind the scenes, pray in secret, or feel invisible both inside and outside the church walls. But John 20:16 reminds us that you are never invisible to Jesus. He does not measure worth by worldly status or titles; He looks at the heart.

He Knows Your Name

Mary did not recognize Jesus when she thought He was the gardener. She recognized Him the exact moment He spoke her name.

Jesus knows your name, your sorrows, and your quiet devotion. If you feel unnoticed or unimportant today, take heart. The Risen Savior sees you, values you, and calls you by name to share in His resurrection life.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the radical, beautiful grace we see at the empty tomb. Thank You that You do not look at the world’s standards of importance, power, or status, but that You intimately see and value the heart of every believer.

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us by name, just as You called out to Mary in the garden. For anyone reading this who feels overlooked, invisible, or undervalued, let them feel the warmth of Your gaze and the comfort of Your presence today. Strengthen our devotion, renew our joy, and help us to live boldly in the power of Your resurrection.

In Jesus’ mighty and 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. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. A NEW TOMB / JOHN 19:41
  2. IT IS FINISHED / JOHN 19:30
  3. WINE VINEGAR / JOHN 19:29
  4. DEAR WOMAN HERE IS YOUR SON / JOHN 19:26
  5. WE HAVE NO KING BUT CAESAR / JOHN 19:15
  6. THE SIXTH HOUR / JOHN 19:14
  7. POWER … GIVEN TO YOU FROM ABOVE / JOHN 19:11
  8. I FIND NO BASIS FOR A CHARGE / JOHN 19:4
  9. TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH / JOHN 18:37
  10. MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD / JOHN 18:36
  11. THE CUP / JOHN 18:11
  12. THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME / JOHN 17:22-23
  13. THAT ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE / JOHN 17:21
  14. I SANCTIFY MYSELF / JOHN 17:19
  15. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  16. THEY HAVE OBEYED YOUR WORD / JOHN 17:6
  17. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  18. JESUS’ PRAYER JOHN 17:1
  19. THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU / JOHN 16:27
  20. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  21. HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH / JOHN 16:13
  22. CONVICT THE WORLD / JOHN 16:8
  23. IF I GO I WILL SEND HIM / JOHN 16:7
  24. THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO / JOHN 15:20
  25. GO AND BEAR FRUIT / JOHN 15:16
  26. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  27. ASK WHATEVER YOU WISH / JOHN 15:7
  28. LIKE A BRANCH THAT IS THROWN AWAY / JOHN 15:6
  29. REMAIN IN ME / JOHN 15:4
  30. EVERY BRANCH / JOHN 15:2
  31. WE WILL … MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM / JOHN 14:23
  32. I AM THE TRUE VINE / JOHN 15:1
  33. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  34. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  35. WE WILL … MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM / JOHN 14:23
  36. WHOEVER HAS MY COMMANDS / JOHN 14:21
  37. I WILL COME TO YOU / JOHN 14:18
  38. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH – WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU / JOHN 14:17
  39. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  40. IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL OBEY / JOHN 14:15
  41. ASK IN MY NAME / JOHN 14:13
  42. GREATER THINGS / JOHN 14:12
  43. I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE / JOHN 14:6
  44. I WILL COME BACK / JOHN 14:3
  45. MY FATHER’S HOUSE / JOHN 14:1-4
  46. LOVED PRAISE FROM MEN / JOHN 12:42-43
  47. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  48. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  49. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  50. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  51. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  52. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  53. LOVED PRAISE FROM MEN / JOHN 12:42-43
  54. THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE / JOHN 12:39-40
  55. DRAW ALL MEN TO MYSELF / JOHN 12:32
  56. PRINCE OF THIS WORLD WILL BE DRIVEN OUT / JOHN 12:31
  57. WHOEVER SERVES ME / JOHN 12:26
  58. HATES HIS LIFE IN THIS WORLD / JOHN 12:25
  59. SON OF MAN … GLORIFIED / JOHN 12:23-24
  60. MARY … POURED IT ON JESUS’ FEET / JOHN 12:3
  61. FOR THE SCATTERED CHILDREN OF GOD / JOHN 11:52
  62. THE DEAD MAN CAME OUT / JOHN 11:44
  63. JESUS WEPT / JOHN 11:35
  64. DEEPLY MOVED IN SPIRIT / JOHN 11:33
  65. I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST / JOHN 11:27
  66. I AM THE RESURRECTION / JOHN 11:25-26
  67. STAYED WHERE HE WAS TWO MORE DAYS / JOHN 11:6
  68. JESUS LOVED MARTHA AND HER SISTER AND LAZARUS / JOHN 11:5
  69. SICKNESS … FOR GOD’S GLORY / JOHN 11:4
  70. THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH / JOHN 10:28
  71. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  72. THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH / JOHN 10:28
  73. MY SHEEP LISTEN TO MY VOICE / JOHN 10:27
  74. I KNOW MY SHEEP / JOHN 10:14-15
  75. I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD / JOHN 10:11
  76. THE THIEF COMES … I HAVE COME / JOHN 10:10
  77. I AM THE GATE / JOHN 10:9
  78. JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD / JOHN 10:1
  79. THOSE WHO SEE WILL BECOME BLIND / JOHN 9:39
  80. THEY THREW HIM OUT / JOHN 9:34
  81. WORK OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED / JOHN 9:3
  82. BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS BORN, I AM / JOHN 8:58
  83. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  84. IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER / JOHN 8:42
  85. YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED / JOHN 8:36
  86. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  87. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  88. IF YOU HOLD TO MY TEACHING / JOHN 8:31
  89. I PASS JUDGMENT ON NO ONE / JOHN 8:15
  90. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  91. NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU / JOHN 8:11
  92. IF ANY ONE OF YOU IS WITHOUT SIN / JOHN 8:7
  93. GAIN HONOR FOR HIMSELF / JOHN 7:18
  94. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  95. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  96. GAIN HONOR FOR HIMSELF / JOHN 7:18
  97. IF ANYONE CHOOSES TO DO GOD’S WILL / JOHN 7:17
  98. IT HATES ME / JOHN 7:6-7
  99. FEAST OF TABERNACLES / JOHN 7:2-3
  100. JESUS HAD KNOWN FROM THE BEGINNING / JOHN 6:64
  101. EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD / JOHN 6:54
  102. THE FATHER … DRAWS HIM / JOHN 6:44
  103. MY FATHER’S WILL / JOHN 6:40
  104. I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY / JOHN 6:37
  105. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE / JOHN 6:35
  106. MIRACLES / JOHN 6:1-2
  107. DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT HE WROTE / JOHN 5:47
  108. ACCEPT PRAISE FROM ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 5:44
  109. YOU DILIGENTLY STUDY / JOHN 5:39-40
  110. THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD – RISE TO LIVE – THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL / JOHN 5:29
  111. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  112. HEARS … BELIEVES – WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED / JOHN 5:24
  113. MAKING HIMSELF EQUAL WITH GOD / JOHN 5:18-24
  114. PERSECUTED HIM / JOHN 5:16
  115. STOP SINNING / JOHN 5:14
  116. THE MAN WAS CURED / JOHN 5:9
  117. THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS / JOHN 5:5
  118. SIGNS AND WONDERS / JOHN 4:48
  119. CROP FOR ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:36
  120. SURPRISED TO FIND HIM TALKING WITH A WOMAN / JOHN 4:27
  121. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  122. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  123. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  124. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  125. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  126. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  127. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  128. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  129. JUST AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SNAKE / JOHN 3:14-15
  130. THE WIND … THE SPIRIT / JOHN 3:8
  131. BORN OF WATER / JOHN 3:5
  132. DROVE ALL FROM THE TEMPLE AREA / JOHN 2:15
  133. SIGNS / JOHN 2:11
  134. CHOICE WINE – HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK / JOHN 2:10
  135. WINE – THEY HAVE NOT MORE WINE / JOHN 2:3
  136. YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51
  137. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  138. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  139. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  140. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  141. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  142. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  143. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  144. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  145. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  146. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  147. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  148. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  149. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  150. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  151. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER / 1 PETER 4:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

The Narrow Gate of Grace: Understanding the Ungodly and the Sinner in 1 Peter 4:18

In the Christian walk, few verses arrest our attention quite like 1 Peter 4:18: “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

This is not a verse meant to cause despair, but rather one that invites deep, sobering reflection. To truly grasp the weight of the Apostle Peter’s words, we must look closely at the two terms he uses to describe those outside of Christ: the ungodly and the sinner. By examining their original biblical context, we can better understand the magnitude of the grace we have received and the urgency of our mission.

The Ungodly: A Heart of Contempt

The word “ungodly” translates from the Greek word asebes. Originally, this term simply meant “not reverent.” However, as language and theological understanding developed, its meaning deepened into something much more severe. By the time the New Testament was written, asebes described an active attitude of disrespect, defiance, and contempt toward God.

We see this same word used in Jude 1:4 to describe those who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Ungodliness is not just the absence of religion; it is a heart posture that rejects God’s authority, mocks His holiness, and attempts to live entirely independent of Him. It is a prideful refusal to give God the reverence He deserves as Creator and King.

The Sinner: Missing the Absolute Mark

While the ungodly person characterized by defiance, the “sinner” highlights our universal human failure. The Greek word for sinner is hamartolos, which comes from an archery term meaning “to miss the mark.”

To miss the mark can happen in two ways:

  • Falling short: Failing to reach the destination or standard.
  • Going astray: Veering off to the left or the right of the intended goal.

Scripture repeatedly uses this concept to describe the human condition. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Isaiah 53:6 describes our tendency to wander: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” Whether we openly rebel or simply wander off the path of righteousness, we miss the perfect standard of God’s holiness.

The Scarcity of Salvation and the Greatness of Grace

When Peter asks what will become of the ungodly and the sinner if the righteous are “scarcely saved,” he is highlighting the absolute difficulty—indeed, the human impossibility—of salvation. The righteous are not saved because of their own perfection, but through a narrow gate, enduring trials, refining fires, and relying entirely on the scandalous mercy of the cross.

If those who strive to follow Christ require such overwhelming, costly grace to be delivered, what hope is there for those who hold God in contempt (asebes) or continually miss His mark (hamartolos)?

The answer is found only in Jesus Christ. He is the one who took the penalty for the ungodly and bridged the gap for the sinner. This verse serves as a powerful wake-up call. It urges us to examine our own hearts, to strip away any lingering attitudes of disrespect toward God, and to repent of the ways we miss His mark. Simultaneously, it breaks our hearts for a world that does not know Him, driving us to share the gospel with an urgent love.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humbled and sober hearts, recognizing the weight of Your holy standard. Lord, we acknowledge that apart from Jesus, we are the ungodly and the sinners. We have missed Your mark, fallen short of Your glory, and turned to our own ways.

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have treated Your holiness with casual indifference or disrespect. Search our hearts today. Root out any attitude of pride, self-reliance, or contempt. We thank You for the unspeakable gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who endured the cross so that we, who were scarcely saveable, could be fully redeemed.

Increase our gratitude for Your grace, and burn within us a passion for the lost. Let our lives reflect Your righteousness, and use us as instruments to point the ungodly and the sinner toward the life-saving hope of the gospel.

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. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. JUDGMENT TO BEGIN WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD / 1 PETER 4:17
  2. THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD / 1 PETER 4:14
  3. REJOICE THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN / 1 PETER 4:13
  4. THE PAINFUL TRIAL / 1 PETER 4:12
  5. EACH ONE SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT HE HAS RECEIVED / 1 PETER 4:10
  6. LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS / 1 PETER 4:8
  7. END OF ALL THINGS IS NEAR / 1 PETER 4:7
  8. THOSE WHO ARE NOW DEAD / 1 PETER 4:6
  9. THEY THINK IT STRANGE / 1 PETER 4:4
  10. HE WHO HAS SUFFERED / 1 PETER 4:1
  11. PREACHED TO THE SPIRITS / 1 PETER 3:19-20
  12. BAPTISM THAT NOW SAVES YOU ALSO / 1 PETER 3:20-22
  13. PREACHED TO THE SPIRITS / 1 PETER 3:19-20
  14. CHRIST DIED … ONCE FOR ALL / 1 PETER 3:18
  15. IN YOUR HEARTS SET APART CHRIST AS LORD – ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER / 1 PETER 3:15
  16. LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS / 1 PETER 3:10
  17. HUSBANDS – SO THAT NOTHING WILL HINDER YOUR PRAYERS / 1 PETER 3:7
  18. BEAUTY … OF YOUR INNER SELF / 1 PETER 3:3-4
  19. HUSBANDS … MAYBE WON OVER / 1 PETER 3:1
  20. BORE OUR SINS / 1 PETER 2:24
  21. CHRIST SUFFERED … FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS / 1 PETER 2:21
  22. LIVE SUCH GOOD LIVES AMONG THE PAGANS / 1 PETER 2:12
  23. ALIENS AND STRANGERS / 1 PETER 2:11
  24. A HOLY NATION / 1 PETER 2:9
  25. A ROCK THAT MAKES THEM FALL / 1 PETER 2:8
  26. A HOLY PRIESTHOOD / 1 PETER 2:5
  27. THE LIVING STONE – REJECTED BY MEN / 1 PETER 2:4
  28. CRAVE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK / 1 PETER 2:2
  29. THE WORD OF THE LORD STANDS FOREVER / 1 PETER 1:24-25
  30. CHOSEN BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD / 1 PETER 1:20
  31. THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST / 1 PETER 1:19
  32. REDEEMED / 1 PETER 1:18
  33. BE HOLY / 1 PETER 1:16
  34. PREPARE YOUR MINDS FOR ACTION / 1 PETER 1:13
  35. PREACHED … BY THE HOLY SPIRIT – EVEN ANGELS LONG TO LOOK / 1 PETER 1:12
  36. SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN THEM / 1 PETER 1:11
  37. HAVE NOT SEEN HIM YOU LOVE / 1 PETER 1:8
  38. YOUR FAITH … PROVED GENUINE / 1 PETER 1:7
  39. THROUGH FAITH ARE SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER / 1 PETER 1:5
  40. THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD – GOD THE FATHER … THE SPIRIT … JESUS CHRIIST / 1 PETER 1:2
  41. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

JUDGMENT TO BEGIN WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD / 1 PETER 4:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Peter 4:17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

The Crucible of Grace: Why Judgment Begins at the House of God

We live in a world that loves to point fingers. It is easy to look out the window at a culture in decline, shake our heads, and call out the sins of society. But the Apostle Peter points a mirror directly at our faces.

In 1 Peter 4:17, he delivers a sobering truth: “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

1 Peter 4:17 shatters our tendency toward self-righteousness. It reminds us that before the Church can ever hope to influence the world, it must first be willing to let God examine its own heart.

Looking Inward Before Reaching Out

As Christians, we cannot evaluate the world by a standard we refuse to live by ourselves. We cannot demand that those who do not know Christ defy their nature, while we who claim to know Him defy His Word through our own disobedience.

Scripture repeatedly calls us to radical self-examination. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used the vivid imagery of wood to make this exact point. He asked why we worry about the speck of sawdust in our neighbor’s eye while ignoring the massive plank in our own (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41-42).

Jesus wasn’t saying we should never help a brother or sister overcome sin. He was teaching us the proper order of operations. We must first deal with our own sin, settle our own issues with God, and humble ourselves. Only then can we see clearly enough to offer true, Christ-like restoration to others.

The Blueprint for True Revival

We often pray for spiritual revival in our communities, our nations, and our world. But revival is not a political shift or a cultural makeover. True revival is an inside job that starts within the walls of the church and the chambers of our own hearts.

God gave us the ultimate blueprint for this in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Notice who God is addressing: His people. He does not condition the healing of the land on the repentance of the secular world. He conditions it on the humility and repentance of the Church.

When the family of God allows the Holy Spirit to judge, convict, and cleanse us of our apathy, pride, and hidden sins, something beautiful happens. Our light stops being blocked by our hypocrisy. The church becomes a beacon of genuine holiness, love, and power.

Let us stop looking out the window at the world’s darkness and start asking God to search the rooms of our own hearts. True influence begins with internal integrity.

A Closing Prayer for Self-Examination and Revival

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humbled hearts, acknowledging that You are a holy and righteous Judge. Forgive us for the times we have been quick to judge the world around us while remaining blind to the compromises within our own lives and churches.

Lord, let Your Holy Spirit search us today. Reveal the hidden areas of pride, disobedience, and apathy in our hearts. Give us the courage to confront our own sins and the humility to turn back to Your Word. Cleanse Your Church from the inside out.

We pray not for a superficial change, but for a deep, spiritual revival. Let Your judgment begin with us, so that Your grace, mercy, and truth can shine clearly through us. May our lives be a true reflection of the Gospel, drawing those who do not know You into Your saving grace.

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. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD / 1 PETER 4:14
  2. REJOICE THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN / 1 PETER 4:13
  3. THE PAINFUL TRIAL / 1 PETER 4:12
  4. EACH ONE SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT HE HAS RECEIVED / 1 PETER 4:10
  5. LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS / 1 PETER 4:8
  6. END OF ALL THINGS IS NEAR / 1 PETER 4:7
  7. THOSE WHO ARE NOW DEAD / 1 PETER 4:6
  8. THEY THINK IT STRANGE / 1 PETER 4:4
  9. HE WHO HAS SUFFERED / 1 PETER 4:1
  10. PREACHED TO THE SPIRITS / 1 PETER 3:19-20
  11. BAPTISM THAT NOW SAVES YOU ALSO / 1 PETER 3:20-22
  12. PREACHED TO THE SPIRITS / 1 PETER 3:19-20
  13. CHRIST DIED … ONCE FOR ALL / 1 PETER 3:18
  14. IN YOUR HEARTS SET APART CHRIST AS LORD – ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER / 1 PETER 3:15
  15. LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS / 1 PETER 3:10
  16. HUSBANDS – SO THAT NOTHING WILL HINDER YOUR PRAYERS / 1 PETER 3:7
  17. BEAUTY … OF YOUR INNER SELF / 1 PETER 3:3-4
  18. HUSBANDS … MAYBE WON OVER / 1 PETER 3:1
  19. BORE OUR SINS / 1 PETER 2:24
  20. CHRIST SUFFERED … FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS / 1 PETER 2:21
  21. LIVE SUCH GOOD LIVES AMONG THE PAGANS / 1 PETER 2:12
  22. ALIENS AND STRANGERS / 1 PETER 2:11
  23. A HOLY NATION / 1 PETER 2:9
  24. A ROCK THAT MAKES THEM FALL / 1 PETER 2:8
  25. A HOLY PRIESTHOOD / 1 PETER 2:5
  26. THE LIVING STONE – REJECTED BY MEN / 1 PETER 2:4
  27. CRAVE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK / 1 PETER 2:2
  28. THE WORD OF THE LORD STANDS FOREVER / 1 PETER 1:24-25
  29. CHOSEN BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD / 1 PETER 1:20
  30. THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST / 1 PETER 1:19
  31. REDEEMED / 1 PETER 1:18
  32. BE HOLY / 1 PETER 1:16
  33. PREPARE YOUR MINDS FOR ACTION / 1 PETER 1:13
  34. PREACHED … BY THE HOLY SPIRIT – EVEN ANGELS LONG TO LOOK / 1 PETER 1:12
  35. SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN THEM / 1 PETER 1:11
  36. HAVE NOT SEEN HIM YOU LOVE / 1 PETER 1:8
  37. YOUR FAITH … PROVED GENUINE / 1 PETER 1:7
  38. THROUGH FAITH ARE SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER / 1 PETER 1:5
  39. THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD – GOD THE FATHER … THE SPIRIT … JESUS CHRIIST / 1 PETER 1:2
  40. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

MUSIC MONDAY FEBRUARY 2026

LISTEN TO MUSIC MONDAY

Looking for worship music? We got you covered! Get your Worship on with Music Monday Brought to you by Jennifer Villareal. Jennifer posts a new song every Monday.

An inspiring way to kick off the week with some uplifting worship tunes! Jennifer Villareal’s “Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist” on YouTube is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking fresh, faith-filled music to nourish the soul.

You can simply listen to Jennifer’s play list by going to YouTube and clicking on Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist

What are you waiting for? It’s time to listen to some of the best worship music!

For a full nonstop playlist experience, check out the Guided By Grace top praise and worship songs on YouTube – it’s over 2 hours of continuous gospel hits to keep the worship flowing.

Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. MUSIC MONDAY JANUARY 2026
  2. MUSIC MONDAY DECEMBER 2025
  3. MUSIC MONDAY NOVEMBER 2025
  4. MUSIC MONDAY OCTOBER 2025
  5. MUSIC MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2025
  6. MUSIC MONDAY AUGUST 2025
  7. MUSIC MONDAY JULY 2025
  8. MUSIC MONDAY JUNE 2025
  9. LISTEN WITH US ON MUSIC MONDAY
  10. MUSICE MONDAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: JENNIFER VILLARREAL

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

WELCOME FEBRUARY 2026

WELCOME FEBRUARY 2026

Welcome February as a powerful, underrated opportunity to reset, focusing on self-love, steady growth, and realistic, nurture relationships, and turn initial January goals into sustainable, consistent daily practices. It is the perfect month to replace “all-or-nothing” thinking with consistent, small, and nurturing steps.

FEBRUARY PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for the grace to see this beautiful month of February. I declare that this month will be filled with Your blessings, protection, and goodness for me and my loved ones. I ask for open doors, divine favor, and restoration on every matter that concerns me. May this month exceed my expectations! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

February is about turning the page with grace, honoring where you are, and steadily moving toward where you want to be.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. JANUARY PRAYER FOR 2026
  2. WELCOME DECEMBER BLESSINGS
  3. NOVEMER
  4. OCTOBER BLESSINGS
  5. HELLO SEPTEMBER
  6. WELCOME AUGUST
  7. JULY BLESSINGS
  8. JUNE PRAYER 2025
  9. HELLO MAY BLESSINGS
  10. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2025
  11. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025
  12. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025
  13. THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT
  14. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
  15. NOVEMBER HAPPY NEW MONTH!
  16. OCTOBER PRAYER
  17. LABOR DAY PRAYER
  18. WELCOME AUGUST
  19. JULY 4TH PRAYER
  20. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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