Author: Margarita

I'm Margaret (AKA "Margarita"). I am a Christian, wife, mother of three, and grandmother (AKA "Mimi") of three. My husband Stace and I met many, many years ago. We have had our share of up and downs but I'm forever grateful that he is the man God blessed me with. I am happy to report we have been married for 25 years. I love this space on the internet. I create blog posts about faith, my Christian Walk, and our life on the farm. I have learned from the Word of the Lord. I hope this space will give you encouragement and inspiration in your walk with God. I speak on topics that make some breathe a sigh of relief and make others get pretty uncomfortable. I believe that there is power in transparency and that as children of God, we shouldn't hold anything back. Yes, even those raw and messy parts of our Life's Journey. Over the last several years, I have wrestled with my purpose, struggled with various sins, survived some severe injuries, and was diagnosed with severe illnesses that have stopped me in my tracks. Although these dark times have been tough, my walk with God and family has proven to be so fulfilling and sweet, regardless of any earthly circumstance. Christ is enough! And I want you to see that He is enough for you too. The Lord has put it on my heart to share His Word with you. I'm truly honored to meet you and hope you'll introduce yourself to me as well.
Posted on

ON THAT DAY / ZEPHANIAH 3:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Zephaniah 3:11

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

ON THAT DAY / ZEPHANIAH 3:11

When God brings the nations to a true and right relationship with Him, He will restore the honor and fortunes of His own people – the true Israel (Zephaniah 3:20).

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. BEYOND THE RIVERS OF CUSH / ZEPHANIAH 3:10
  2. HE DOES NO WRONG / ZEPHANIAH 3:5
  3. OFFICIALS … RULERS … PROPHETS … PRIESTS / ZEPHANIAH 3:3-4
  4. WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7
  5. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

BEYOND THE RIVERS OF CUSH / ZEPHANIAH 3:10

(KJV) Zephaniah 3:10

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.

BEYOND THE RIVERS OF CUSH / ZEPHANIAH 3:10

Cush represented on of the most distant lands known at that time. There will be people from all nations, even nations that are relatively unknown today, who will someday bring offerings of worship and gratitude to God in Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:18,20).

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. HE DOES NO WRONG / ZEPHANIAH 3:5
  2. OFFICIALS … RULERS … PROPHETS … PRIESTS / ZEPHANIAH 3:3-4
  3. WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7
  4. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

HE DOES NO WRONG / ZEPHANIAH 3:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Zephaniah 3:5

The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

HE DOES NO WRONG / ZEPHANIAH 3:5

Though humans fail and fall into sin, God remains pure, true, faithful and never does wrong. Thes traits are part of His very nature.

  1. The Lord maintains perfect truth and justice in all He does (Deuteronomy 32:4), and we must always trust Him to do what is right for us in all situations.
  2. Although things may happen to us that we do not understand, we can always be sure that His love, care and faithfulness to us will never cease. Every day He will work in our lives to do what is best for us. God cannot and will not fail.

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. OFFICIALS … RULERS … PROPHETS … PRIESTS / ZEPHANIAH 3:3-4
  2. WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7
  3. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

OFFICIALS … RULERS … PROPHETS … PRIESTS / ZEPHANIAH 3:3-4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Zephaniah 3:3-4

Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

OFFICIALS … RULERS … PROPHETS … PRIESTS / ZEPHANIAH 3:3-4

These were the four main categories of leadership in Judah. God condemned these people of influence for failing to follow Him and be holy (morally pure, spiritually whole and separated from evil). In fact, their example was leading people father away from God.

  1. The officials and rulers perverted, or distorted, the law and used their positions to gain money and property for themselves.
  2. The prophets changed God’s message and tried to gain popularity and approval by telling people only what they wanted to hear.
  3. The priests corrupted God’s house by violating His regulations and living immorally.
  4. We must avoid and resist leaders who tolerate or promote worldliness and immorality in God’s name. Such false leaders should be replaced with leaders who insist that God’s standards be followed. We must never lower our standards to make room for anyone’s sins.

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. WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7
  2. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Zephaniah 3:1-7

Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.

3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

5 The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

6 I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

WOE TO THE CITY OF OPPRESSORS / ZEPHANIAH 3:1-7

After condemning the other nations, Zephaniah turned his attention back to Jerusalem and God’s people. They had become rebellious toward God and opposed to His law. Moral corruption and ungodliness of heart and actions had moved into every level of society. People everywhere were refusing to listen to God’s true prophets.

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. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 2:7

Then the LORD God formed a man from the – Bible Gateway

A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7

God gave life to human beings in a special way that was different from all other living things. He specifically gave His life and breath to the first man, making human life higher than and in a different category from all other forms of life. There is a unique relationship between supremely holy God and human life (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 1:26). God is the ultimate source of human life.

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. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  2. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  3. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  4. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  5. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  6. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  7. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  8. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  9. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  10. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  11. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  12. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  13. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  14. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  15. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  16. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  17. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  18. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  19. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  20. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  21. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 2:4-6

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4

THE ACCOUNT

This second account of creation (Genesis 2:4-25) does not contradict Genesis 1:1 – Genesis 2:3. It explains in greater detail the creation of man and woman, their environment and the and the results of their sin and rebellion against God. Genesis 2 gives the chronological details, or the specific order in which things occurred.

THE LORD GOD

Another name for God is introduced in Genesis 2:4, the name “LORD” (Hebrew YHWH, “Yahweh”). Elohim, the general name given in Genesis 1:1, emphasizes God’s greatness and power. But “LORD” is the personal name God uses to reveal Himself to His own covenant people. The name reflects His love and concern for the human race. It is used in situations where He is seen in direct relationship to His people or to nature. The word “LORD God” coupled together point to God as the all-powerful Creator who has entered into a loving covenant (“life agreement”) relationship with humankind (Genesis 2:9-25; Exodus 6:6; Leviticus 11:44-45; Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 53: 5; Isaiah 53:6; Exodus 3:14).

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. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  2. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  3. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  4. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  5. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  6. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  7. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  8. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  9. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  10. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  11. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  12. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  13. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  14. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  15. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  16. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  17. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  18. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  19. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  20. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35

START YOU DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35

True godly love (Greek agape) must be the mark of distinction for Christ’s followers (1 John 3:23; 4:7-21). This agape love is basically a self-giving and sacrificial love that seeks and promotes the good of others (1 John 4:9-10). Relationships among Christians must be characterized by this kind of love and devotion. If this type of love is missing, people outside the church will not get an accurate picture of Christ’s love and may see no reason to consider being part of His church. Christians must befriend each other through difficulties, be careful of each other’s feelings and reputations and put aside their own interests in order to promote each other’s welfare (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 1:7; 1 John 3:23).

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. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  2. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  3. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  4. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  5. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  6. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  7. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  8. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  9. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  10. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  11. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  12. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  13. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  14. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  15. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  16. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  17. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  18. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  19. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  20. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  21. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  22. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  23. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  24. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  25. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34

Christ’s followers are commanded to love each other in a special way, though they may not belong to the same local church or denomination or may not agree on certain issues.

  1. Believers must distinguish true Christians from those who only pretend to follow Jesus by examining their love for and obedience to Christ and their loyalty to God’s Word (John 5:24; 8:31; 10:27; Matthew 7:21; Galatians 1:9).
  2. Any person who has a true and active faith in Jesus Christ and remains loyal to the authority of God’s Word (as revealed by the Holy Spirit through prayer and earnest study of the Bible) is a brother or sister in God’s family. Those who are willing to stand for Christ and resist the popular but ungodly beliefs and behaviors of our day deserve special love and support from one another.
  3. Loving all true Christians, including those outside of our local church or fellowship, does not mean that we must compromise our specific Biblical beliefs or agree totally with their doctrine. While these things should not divide us and prevent us from accomplishing our highest mission of leading others to accept the truth of Christ, we do not necessarily have to agree or come together on all issues of faith and organization.
  4. Christians must never compromise God’s holiness (purity, spiritual integrity and separation from evil) for the sake of a false unity. Loving God and His purposes as revealed in His Word will enable us to show God’s love to others – especially to those who believe differently than we do. Love for God must always be the top priority (Matthew 22:37, 39).

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. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  2. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  3. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  4. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  5. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  6. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  7. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  8. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  9. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  10. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  11. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  12. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  13. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  14. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  15. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  16. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  17. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  18. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  19. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  20. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  21. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  22. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  23. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  24. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace Home
Posted on

PIECE OF BREAD / JOHN 13:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 13:26

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

PIECE OF BREAD / JOHN 13:26

Jesus’ giving the piece of bread to Judas would have normally been an act of honor, but perhaps at this time it was a final appeal to turn from his evil plan. Judas, however, refused to change his mind, and Satan took control (John 13:27; Luke 22:3).

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. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  2. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  3. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  4. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  5. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  6. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  7. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  8. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  9. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  10. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  11. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  12. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  13. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  14. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  15. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  16. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  17. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  18. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  19. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  20. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  21. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  22. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  23. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  24. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace Home