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.
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WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16

To have the mind of Christ means being able to understand His will (His plans and desires based on His character and purposes) and His plan to restore people to a personal relationship with God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). It means seeing and evaluating things from God’s perspective, adopting His values, loving what He loves and hating what He hates (1 Corinthians 2:15; Hebrews 1:9). It means understand God’s holiness (purity, perfection, completeness of character and separation from evil) and sin’s awfulness. Having the mind of Christ also means possessing and attitude of humility, servanthood and selflessness that put the needs of others and their best interest above our own – just as Christ did in giving His life to save us (Philippians 2:3-8). For this reason, receiving the Spirit and following the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12) cause a Christian’s values and worldview to become extremely different from the ways and wisdom of this world. We must “have the mind of Christ” in order to effectively live for 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. WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13
  2. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  3. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  4. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  5. PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT – PRAY WITH MY MIND / 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14-15
  6. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  7. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  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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WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

WORDS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:13

Though Paul is writing about the God-initiated, Spirit-directed nature of his preaching, (1 Corinthians 2:9-13 suggest the steps by which the Holy Spirit also inspired the writing of Scripture (God’s written Word).

Step 1: God desired to communicate His wisdom to humankind (1 Corinthians 2:7-9). This wisdom concerned His plans and purpose to restore us to a personal relationship with Himself through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 2:2, 5).

Step 2: It is only through the Holy spirit that God’s truth and wisdom are revealed to humanity (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Spirit knows God’s thoughts fully (1 Corinthians 2:11) as He too is God.

Step 3: God’s revelation was given to chosen believers through the presence of the Spirit within them (1 Corinthians 2:12; Romans 8:11, 15).

Step 4: The writers of Scripture recorded the words taught by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13). The Spirit not only directed the writers’ thoughts, but also the very choice of the words they used (Exodus 24:4; Isaiah 51:16; Jeremiah 1:9; Jeremiah 36:28, 32; Ezekiel 2:7; Matthew 4:4) so that they communicated exactly what God wanted. At the same time, the Spirit’s guidance in expressing God’s truth was not mechanical or impersonal; rather, the Spirit used each writer’s vocabulary and individual style.

Step 5: Believers can understand God-inspired Scripture as they examine its content through the help and insight of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).

The Spirit of God inspired both the thoughts and language of Scripture. Not a single writer used a false word or phrase. the Holy Spirit protected God’s Word from all error and untruth.

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. THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
  2. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  3. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  4. PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT – PRAY WITH MY MIND / 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14-15
  5. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  6. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  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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THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

THAT WE MAY UNDERSTAND / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12

God’s Spirit knows all things and fully understands the nature and depth of God’s plans. In the proper time and way, He will reveal and shine His light upon (1 Corinthians 2:10-16) the things that God has prepared for those who truly love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). As we read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit can enlighten our understanding of the truth. The Spirit also gives Christ’s faithful followers a strong assurance of the divine origin of the Bible (John 16:13; Ephesians 1:17).

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. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4
  2. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  3. PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT – PRAY WITH MY MIND / 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14-15
  4. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  5. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  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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A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVEOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:4

Because of Paul’s humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit, powerful works of the Spirit characterized his ministry.

  1. As evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 1:18, 24), Paul’s preaching included how the Holy Spirit does the following: (a)Exposes people’s sin and convinces them of their need to get right with God through faith in the risen Christ (1 Corinthians chapters 5-6; John 16:8; Acts 2:36-41. (b) Transforms lives (1 Corinthians 1:26-27; Acts 4:13). (c) Brings spiritual purity, wholeness and purpose to the believer’s life (1 Corinthians 5:3-5). (d) Manifests His power through signs and miracles (Acts 2:29-33; 4:29-30; 5:12; 14:3; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
  2. Several other New Testament passages point out how the preaching of the message about Jesus was accompanied by a special power of the Holy Spirit: Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19; Acts 28:3-6; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 4:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 2:4.
  3. All Christ’s followers – not only ministers – should pray that through their service for the Lord. (a) Individuals will come to know Jesus and be spiritually saved (Acts 2:41; 11:21, 24; 14:1). (b) New followers of Jesus I’ll be filled with the Holy Spirits (Acts 2:4; 4:31; 8:17; 19:6). (c) Evil spirits will be forced out of people’s lives (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18). (d) the sick will be healed (Acts 3:6; 4:29-30: 14:10). (d) People will become true disciples (disciplined followers and learners) of Christ who obey His commands and live by His standards and teachings (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 11:23, 26).

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. I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1
  2. PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT – PRAY WITH MY MIND / 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14-15
  3. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  4. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  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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I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:1
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

I DID NOT COME WITH … WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1

Paul’s preaching was not based on eloquent speech, popular appeal or the latest human “wisdom,” either in the world or the church. Instead, he concentrated on the central truth of the gospel – the “good news” of forgiveness, new life and an eternal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. He was well aware of his human and individual limitations. For this reason, relied not on himself, but on the message of Christ and on the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4). By doing this, people’s attention was drawn to God so their faith would be based on His authority and power.

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. PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT – PRAY WITH MY MIND / 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14-15
  2. CHRIST JESUS HAS BECOME FOR US WISDOM / 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
  3. THIS CUP / 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25
  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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THEY WILL FIGHT AGAINST YOU / JEREMIAH 1:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

THEY WILL FIGHT AGAINST YOU / JEREMIAH 1:19

God told Jeremiah that Judah’s kings, officials, priests and even the people would stand against him, opposing the message God had called him to proclaim (Jeremiah 1:18). But the prophet was encouraged to speak out boldly and to stand firm in his convictions. God promised to be with him and assured him that his enemies would not overcome him. God always stands with His faithful servants who speak the truth to those who forsake God and His Word and follow the ways of this world.

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. A FORTIFIED CITY AND IRON PILLAR / JEREMIAH 1:18
  2. FROM THE NORTH DISASTER / JEREMIAH 1:14
  3. BRANCH OF AN ALMOND TREE / JERMIAH 1:11
  4. TO UPROOT AND TEAR DOWN / JEREMIAH 1:10
  5. BEFORE I FORMED YOU … I KNEW YOU / JEREMIAH 1:5
  6. JEREMIAH / JEREMIAH 1:1
  7. MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH / JEREMIAH 1:9
  8. DO NOT BE AFRAID / JEREMIAH 1:8
  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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HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 5:26

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26

Jesus Christ’s own nature is a source of eternal life; it is part of who He is (John 1:4). This means that to know Christ is to know real life. God has not given us the power to have eternal life – a personal and eternal relationship with God – on our own. We can experience this life as God desires only as we trust Christ and remain devoted to close companionship with Him (John 15:4, 6; Galatians 2:20).

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. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  2. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  3. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  4. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  5. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  6. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  7. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  8. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  9. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  10. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  11. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  12. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  13. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  14. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  15. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  16. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  17. 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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A FORTIFIED CITY AN IRON PILLAR / JEREMIAH 1:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

A FORTIFIED CITY AN IRON PILLAR / JEREMIAH 1:18

Though Jeremiah was a sensitive and humble young man, God gave him a supernatural boldness, enabling him to become perhaps the strongest and bravest of all the prophets. He certainly endured more rejection than any other Old Testament prophet. He never really experienced a positive response to his message. This shows that God can use us in ways far beyond our own natural tendencies and abilities.

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. FROM THE NORTH DISASTER / JEREMIAH 1:14
  2. BRANCH OF AN ALMOND TREE / JERMIAH 1:11
  3. TO UPROOT AND TEAR DOWN / JEREMIAH 1:10
  4. BEFORE I FORMED YOU … I KNEW YOU / JEREMIAH 1:5
  5. JEREMIAH / JEREMIAH 1:1
  6. MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH / JEREMIAH 1:9
  7. DO NOT BE AFRAID / JEREMIAH 1:8
  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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FROM THE NORTH DISASTER / JEREMIAH 1:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Jeremiah 1:14
Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

FROM THE NORTH DISASTER / JEREMIAH 1:14

This verse refers to the Babylonian military campaigns that were to come against Judah and the siege, or full-force attack, against Jerusalem (when the Babylonians surrounded the city, cutting it off from outside help and supplies; 2 Kings 24:1; 25:1). Through this invasion from the north, God would bring an end to their offering sacrifices to false gods and worshiping idols, which they had made with their own hands (Jeremiah 1:16).

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. BRANCH OF AN ALMOND TREE / JERMIAH 1:11
  2. TO UPROOT AND TEAR DOWN / JEREMIAH 1:10
  3. BEFORE I FORMED YOU … I KNEW YOU / JEREMIAH 1:5
  4. JEREMIAH / JEREMIAH 1:1
  5. MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH / JEREMIAH 1:9
  6. DO NOT BE AFRAID / JEREMIAH 1:8
  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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BRANCH OF AN ALMOND TREE / JERMIAH 1:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Jeremiah 1:11

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

BRANCH OF AN ALMOND TREE / JERMIAH 1:11

In ancient Israel, the almond tree was the first tree to bud in the spring. This vision suggested two things:

  1. The word of the Lord spoken through Jeremiah would be fulfilled rapidly and
  2. the people would recognize that God was alive and was guiding the course of history to fulfill His purposes (Number 17:1-10).

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. TO UPROOT AND TEAR DOWN / JEREMIAH 1:10
  2. BEFORE I FORMED YOU … I KNEW YOU / JEREMIAH 1:5
  3. JEREMIAH / JEREMIAH 1:1
  4. MY WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH / JEREMIAH 1:9
  5. DO NOT BE AFRAID / JEREMIAH 1:8
  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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