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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BE BAPTIZES – WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

BE BAPTIZED – WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16

BE BAPTIZED

Water baptism went along with the preaching of the gospel from the beginning of the church’s mission (Acts 2:38, 41). It was a ceremony used in the New Testament to make a public statement that a person was committing himself or herself fully to Jesus Christ. By going into the water “in the name of the Father…Son and …Holy Spirt” (Matthew 28:19) or “the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5), believers visibly showed their faith to the entire Christian community.

  1. Water baptism “into Christ” (Galatians 3:27) or “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38; Matthew 28:19) was a sign that a person was identifying with Christ and that he or she now belonged to God. As God’s child, he or she now had a share in His life, His Spirit and His eternal inheritance with God (Romans 8:14-17; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16; Galatians 3:26 – 4:7).
  2. Water baptism is a response to what Christ has done for us. To be valid, true repentance (admitting and turning from our own rebellious way and surrendering to God’s direction and purposes, Acts 2:38) and a personal faith in Christ (Colossians 2:12) must come before water baptism.
  3. Water baptism, when experienced with faith and devotion to Jesus as the supreme authority over one’s life, is a means of receiving grace (undeserved favor, help, acceptance, and enablement) from Christ (1 Peter 3:21)
  4. Water baptism is an outward sign and testimony of a person’s inward acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord – the Forgiver of one’s sins and Leader of one’s life. It also is a sign of the cleansing of one’s life from sin and the washing away of guilt from all offenses toward God (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).
  5. Water baptism symbolizes how a follower of Jesus is identifying with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection from the dead (Romans 6:1-11; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12). This signifies an end (“death”) to a life of sin (Romans 6:3-4, 7, 10, 12; Colossians 3:3-14) and the beginning of a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4, 11; Colossians 2:12-13). Water baptism should indicate a commitment to a lifelong practice of turning from the evil and ungodly ways of the world (Romans 6:6, 11-13) and living a new life in the power of God’s Spirit – a life that reflects God’s standards of truth and right (Colossians 2:1-17).

WASH YOUR SINS AWAY

Paul surrendered his life to Christ and was spiritually saved on the Damacus road (Acts 9:5) His baptism was a public testimony of his forgiveness and spiritual transformation by God. It reflected his commitment to abandon his former God-defying life and to identify himself with the cause of Christ.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE BY THEIR DEEDS / ACTS 26:20
  2. YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER / ACTS 1:8
  3. SUFFER FOR MY NAME / ACTS 9:16
  4. THEY BELIEVED … THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST / ACTS 8:12
  5. WHEN THEY HEARD THIS / ACTS 11:18
  6. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM / ACTS 19:6
  7. SPEAKING IN TONGUES / ACTS 10:46
  8. GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM / ACTS 10:34
  9. THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 8:17
  10. HAD NOT YET COME UPON ANY OF THEM / ACTS 8:15-16
  11. THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 4:31
  12. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 2:4
  13. THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:15
  14. THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40
  15. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  16. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  17. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  18. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  19. 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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HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL / 2 TIMOTHY 2:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL / 2 TIMOTHY 2:13

Christ will most certainly carry out both His promises to us (Matthew 10:32) and His warnings (Matthew 10:33). God’s absolute faithfulness is a comfort for those who remain loyal (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23) and a solemn warning for those who abandon or reject faith in Him. Because of His perfect truth and character, God must remain faithful to His Word (2 Samuel 7:28; Jeremiah 10:10; Titus 1:2; Revelation 3:7).

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. BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON / 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-2
  2. 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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BECAUSE WE OBEY HIS COMMANDS / 1 JOHN 3:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 John 3:22
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

BECAUSE WE OBEY HIS COMMANDS / 1 JOHN 3:22

John declares that an effective prayer life is related to our devotion to God. Obeying, loving, and pleasing God (John 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:10; Hebrews 13:21) are basic conditions for what we ask for in prayer. Of course, receiving answers to prayer also requires asking with the right motives (James 4:3) and asking according to God’s own desires and purposes (1 John 5:14). Having proper motives and knowing God’s will ware directly linked to our personal relationship with Christ (Psalms 50:14-15; Proverbs 15:29; Isaiah 59:1-2; Matthew 6:15; Mark 11:25; James 5:16).

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. MUST WALK AS JESUS DID / 1 JOHN 2:6
  2. THE DEVIL / 1 JOHN 3:8
  3. ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL / 1 JOHN 5:14
  4. 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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LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD / ROMANS 8:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD / ROMANS 8:14

The Holy Spirit lives within a true child of God in order to lead him or her to think, speak and act according to the principles, standards, and examples of God’s Word.

  1. He leads mainly by inner promptings (urges, motivations, and inspirations within one’s spirit) that are aimed at guiding the Christian in daily life. These inner promptings
  1. The Spirit’s promptings come by

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. FAITH CREDITED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS / ROMANS 4:5
  2. SUBMIT … TO THE GOVERINING AUTHORITIES / ROMANS 13:1
  3. BURIED WITH HIM THROUGH BAPTISM / ROMANS 6:4
  4. DO NOT CONFORM … BUT BE TRANSFORMED / ROMANS 12:2
  5. THE SPIRIT HIMSELF TESTIFIES / ROMANS 8:16
  6. THE SPIRIT HELPS US / ROMANS 8:26
  7. 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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REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 15:9-10 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10

The only faith-filled response to Christ’s love is to obey His commands. It is His love that provided the opportunity for our spiritual salvation and a personal relationship with Christ. Our obedience is a large part of maintaining that relationship and fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives (John 14:15, 21, 23). Obedience and love must always go together in our relationship with God (1 John 2:5; 5:2-3).

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. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  2. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  3. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  4. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  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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ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3

This verse gives us a definition of Christ’s gift of eternal life. It is more than an endless existence. Eternal life is to know God, which is made possible through His Son, Jesus Christ. God in not looking to spend eternity with people who have not taken time to get to know Him in this life. Through faith and devotion to Christ, we can experience the highest fulfillment in life and accomplish the purpose God wants for us. Consider how the New Testament describes eternal life:

  1. It is a present reality (John 5:24; 10:27-28). Eternal life is something Christ’s followers receive as a gift (Romans 6:23). Christians experience it in part from the moment they accept His forgiveness for sin and yield their lives to Him. However, we do not maintain eternal life based merely on a past decision to accept Christ (John 5:24). That decision allows us to begin experiencing the benefits of this new life as we continue to grow in a relationship with Jesus. Experiencing eternal life right now requires an active, ongoing faith and a deepening relationship with Christ (1 John 5:12) because there is no eternal life apart from a relationship with Him (John 10:27; 11:25: 1 John 5:11-13).

It is a future hope. Eternal life is the glorious opportunity to live forever with God. Entering that aspect of eternal life is associated with either passing from this life through physical death or going with Christ when He returns for His faithful followers (John 14:3; Mark 10:30; 2 Timothy 1:1, 10; Titus 1:2; 3:7). But experiencing eternal life – both now and forever – is dependent on living by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-17; Galatians 6:8).

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 AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  2. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  3. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  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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I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVETION

(KJV) John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12

 Jesus is the true and complete revelation of God’s light (John 1:9); He removes spiritual darkness and deception by shining His light upon the right path to God and by revealing the opportunity for spiritual salvation through faith in Jesus.

  1. All those who accept Jesus’ forgiveness, abandon their own way of life, and follow Jesus are freed from the darkness of sin, the world and Satan. Those who do not follow Jesus are choosing to remain in spiritual darkness (1 John 1:6-7).
  2. “Whoever follows Me” is a present participle, indicating a continuing action – “whoever keeps on following” True Christian discipleship (following and becoming like Jesus) must be a way of life (John 8:31).

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. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  2. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  3. 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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HOLY AND GODLY LIVES / 2 Peter 3:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Peter 3:11

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

HOLY AND GODLY LIVES / 2 Peter 3:11

The temporary nature of the material universe should make a significant difference in our values, priorities, and outlook on life. God will soon destroy the world and judge those who did not accept Him, so we must not become attached to this world’s system or things within it. Instead, we must determine to live with holiness, which means moral purity, personal integrity, spiritual wholeness, separation from evil, dedication to God and devotion to His purposes. Our values, goals and purposes in life must be centered on God and the hope of a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. THE DAY OF THE LORD /2 PETER 3:10
  2. SPOKE WITH A MAN’S VOICE / 2 PETER 2:16
  3. 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!

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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THE DAY OF THE LORD / 2 PETER 3:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

THE DAY OF THE LORD / 2 PETER 3:10

“The day of the Lord” typically refers to the broad period of time beginning with Christ’s sudden return to take the faithful people to His churches to be with Him in heaven (Matthew 24:42, 44); and “the day” ends with the destruction of the present heaven and earth and the creation of the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21-22; Joel 1:14; Zephaniah 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). However, in this particular passage, “the day of the Lord” is referring more specifically to the latter end of that period. That is, it refers to the end of history and time as we know it – when the present heaven and earth (the material universe) are destroyed by God’s fiery judgment and are replaced by the creation of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22; Joel 1:14; Zephaniah 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). Keep in mind that this passage uses apocalyptic language (describing end-time destruction) similar to the language found in the Old Testament book of Daniel and the New Testament book of Revelation. This means that literal events are sometimes presented with the use of figurative language in an attempt to describe the indescribable. What seems to be described here is the destruction of the visible atmospheric heavens with a loud rushing sound (2 Peter 3:12) along with the burning up of all physical elements of the earth (2 Peter 3:12).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

  1. SPOKE WITH A MAN’S VOICE / 2 PETER 2:16
  2. 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!

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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THIS PSALM OF THANKS / 1 CHRONICLES 16:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Chronicles 16:7

Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

THIS PSALM OF THANKS / 1 CHRONICLES 16:7

This psalm (a poem or song) is a composite of Psalms 105:1-15; 96:1-13; 106:1, 47-48. David used this form of praise and thanksgiving to celebrate God’s mercy and wonderful acts for Israel. Under the new covenant, all of Christ’s true followers today are considered priests of God (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 20:6) and are authorized and responsible to offer the spiritual ministry of praise and thanksgiving to God. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). Christians must praise and worship God in both words and actions. When we live in such a way that truly brings honor to God, then our worship truly becomes a sacrifice to Him (1 Chronicles 16:29). Praise is only pleasing to God as long as the person offering it is genuinely committed to His Word and not conformed to the world’s ungodly pattern (Romans 12:1-2; Romans 12:2).

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 HOME

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

GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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