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FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS HATRED TOWARD GOD / JAMES 4:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS HATRED TOWARD GOD / JAMES 4:4

“Friendship with the world” is spiritual adultery; it shows unfaithfulness to God and our pledge of devotion to Him (1 John 2:15-17; Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:20). This friendship involves embracing the world’s attitudes, values, practices, ungodly pleasures, and corrupt ways. God will not accept such a relationship (Matthew 6:24) because He is jealous for our undivided love and loyalty (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9). One example of the way we pursue friendship with the world is involvement in clubs, organizations, or sacred orders (lodge memberships) that require one to participate in ungodly activities, make ungodly commitments or take unbiblical religious oaths. These things can bind a person in strict devotion with those who do not follow God, which is forbidden in God’s Word (Matthew 5:33-37; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Christians cannot belong to such groups without compromising Christian faith and teaching (2 Peter 3:16) and loyalty to Christ (Matthew 6:24).

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

  1. TRIALS /JAMES 1:2
  2. TO THE TWELVE TRIBES / JAMES 1:1
  3. CONFESS … PRAY … BE HEALDED / JAMES 5:16
  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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HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:18-21

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21

In order for Christians to gain spiritual strength and ability, achieve victory over Satan and sin, communicate Christ’s message effectively and receive final salvation, they must have God’s power flowing into them continually. This power is a result of the strength and activity of the Holy Spirit working within faithful followers of Christ, purifying, refining, and preparing them for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:5). It is the same power and Spirit that raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him to God’s right hand – the highest place of honor and authority (Ephesians 1:20; Romans 8:11-16, 26-27; Romans 8:16; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-25).

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. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  2. 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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GOD OF THIS AGE HAS BLINDED THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

GOD OF THIS AGE HAS BLINDED THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4

The “god of this age” refers to Satan (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19), who holds power over much of the activity in the world at the present time. His power is, however, temporary, and conditional. He continues only as God allows, which presents people with the real choice of whether to accept and follow Christ or to continue in their own ways and follow evil. But Satan’s influence will end at the close of history when he is thrown into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 19:11 – 20:10). Yet, at the present time, Satan continues his evil work, and those who do not submit themselves to Jesus Christ remain under Satan’s influence. He deceives them and blinds them to the truth of God’s Word so that they do not understand their need for Christ. In their darkness, they refuse to accept His spiritual Salvation. Those of us who know Christ must realize that because people are blinded to the truth, we need to view them through God’s eyes of mercy. Although it may be easier to become discouraged or angered by their rebellious ways, Christians must continue to pray and share Christ’s message with humility and active compassion. The Holy Spirit will enable us to do so (Acts 1:8) in order that all may hear, understand, and choose to believe or disbelieve the truth – to accept or reject Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5-6; Matthew 4:10).

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. GIVEN OVER TO DEATH / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:11-12
  2. WEAPONS WE FIGHT WITH 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4
  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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GIVEN OVER TO DEATH / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:11-12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Corinthians 4:11-12

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

GIVEN OVER TO DEATH / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:11-12

In order that we might share Christ’s love and life with other, we also must share Christ’s sufferings and relate to His death (Romans 6:10-11) in relation to our own selfish desires and defiance toward God (2 Corinthians 4:12). Self-denial, trouble, disappointment, personal sacrifice and suffering for Christ’s sake will allow us to show to others God’s love, care and provision (2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Romans 8:36-27; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:14). Jesus taught this same principle of humility, self-sacrifice and surrender in John 12:24-25).

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. WEAPONS WE FIGHT WITH / 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4
  2. 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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THE DEVIL … THE LAKE OF BURNING SULFUR / REVELATION 20:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

THE DEVIL … THE LAKE OF BURNING SULFUR / REVELATION 20:10

Satan’s final attempt to defeat and dethrone God fails miserably, and his power and deception come to their final end. God will throw him into the lake of burning sulfur (Isaiah 14:9-17), where the antichrist and his false prophet had already been thrown (Revelation 19:20). There he will not rule but will be tormented day and night forever.

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. SURROUNDED THE CAMP OF GOD’S PEOPLE / REVELATION 20:9
  2. DECEIVE THE NATIONS / REVELATION 20:8
  3. SATAN WILL BE RELEASED / REVELATION 20:7
  4. SPIRITS OF DEMONS PERFORMING MIRACULOUS SIGNS / REVELATION 16:14
  5. FROGS / REVELATION 16:13
  6. WAR IN HEAVEN / REVELATION 12:7-9
  7. A THIRD OF THE STARS / REVELATION 12:4
  8. FALSE PROPHET … THE MIRACULOUS / REVELATION 19:20
  9. THE LAMB OPENED / REVELATION 6:1
  10. 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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HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM AS HE HAD COME ON US AT THE BEGINNING / ACTS 11:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM AS HE HAD COME ON US AT THE BEGINNING / ACTS 11:15

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (when God generously sent His Spirit to fill and empower His followers, Acts 2:4) had set a pattern for receiving the Spirit from that point on. The baptism in the Spirit would involve a noticeable transformation in the individual from the inside out, including an expression of increased joy, Spirit-inspired praise in tongues (a language not learned by the speaker) and boldness to speak about Christ (Acts 2:4; Acts 4:31; Acts 8:15-19; Acts 10:45-47; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6). For this reason, when Peter pointed out to the others in Jerusalem that Cornelius’ household had spoken in tongues when they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45-46), the Jews were convinced that God was granting salvation through Christ to the Gentiles (non-Jews, Acts 11:18). We should not assume that baptism in the Spirit has taken place if there is no outward evidence such as speaking in tongues. Nowhere in Acts is the baptism in the Holy Spirit simply assumed by faith or perception without outward evidence (Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16; Acts 19:6).

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. THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD / ACTS 2:33
  2. WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16
  3. PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE BY THEIR DEEDS / ACTS 26:20
  4. YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER / ACTS 1:8
  5. SUFFER FOR MY NAME / ACTS 9:16
  6. THEY BELIEVED … THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST / ACTS 8:12
  7. WHEN THEY HEARD THIS / ACTS 11:18
  8. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM / ACTS 19:6
  9. SPEAKING IN TONGUES / ACTS 10:46
  10. GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM / ACTS 10:34
  11. THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 8:17
  12. HAD NOT YET COME UPON ANY OF THEM / ACTS 8:15-16
  13. THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 4:31
  14. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 2:4
  15. THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:15
  16. THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40
  17. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  18. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  19. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  20. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  21. 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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THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD / ACTS 2:33

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 2:33
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD / ACTS 2:33

The pouring out of the Holy Spirit by Jesus proves that He is the resurrected and exalted Messiah (Christ, Savior), who is now at the highest place of honor in heaven. There He intercedes (pleads the case) for His representatives on earth (Hebrews 7:25).

  1. From Jesus’ baptism onward, the Spirit’s anointing was fully upon Him as the Christ (the One anointed – or commissioned and empowered- by the Spirit; Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1; Luke 4:14, 18-19). From His place of highest honor and authority with His Father, He now sends the same Spirit to fill and work through those who serve Him.
  2. In pouring out the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ desire is that the Spirit will give His followers a strong sense of His presence and empower them to continue the work He started while on earth.

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. WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16
  2. PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE BY THEIR DEEDS / ACTS 26:20
  3. YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER / ACTS 1:8
  4. SUFFER FOR MY NAME / ACTS 9:16
  5. THEY BELIEVED … THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST / ACTS 8:12
  6. WHEN THEY HEARD THIS / ACTS 11:18
  7. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM / ACTS 19:6
  8. SPEAKING IN TONGUES / ACTS 10:46
  9. GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM / ACTS 10:34
  10. THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 8:17
  11. HAD NOT YET COME UPON ANY OF THEM / ACTS 8:15-16
  12. THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 4:31
  13. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 2:4
  14. THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:15
  15. THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40
  16. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  17. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  18. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  19. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  20. 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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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.

WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16

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).

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. 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