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MY FORMER BOOK / ACTS 1:1-2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Acts 1:1-2

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

The Unfinished Story: How Jesus Continues His Work Through You

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” — Acts 1:1-2

When Luke penned the opening lines of the Book of Acts, he dropped a subtle yet life-changing truth in the phrase: “all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”

If Luke’s Gospel was just the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, it means the story didn’t end when Christ ascended to heaven. Instead, the Book of Acts opens the second chapter of an ongoing mission. Jesus continues to work, speak, and transform lives today—and He does it directly through His followers.

The Continuation of the Gospel

In Luke’s Gospel, we see the blueprint of Jesus’ earthly life. But in Acts, often called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit,” we see that same life reproduced in the early Church. Empowered by the same Holy Spirit that characterized Jesus’ ministry, ordinary believers began to spread the same message, perform the same miracles, and live out the same sacrificial love.

As true followers of Christ, we are part of a worldwide, interconnected community. We are the hands and feet through which the Holy Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus on earth today.

Why the History of Acts Matters to Us Today

Luke’s inspired historical record isn’t just an ancient textbook; it is alive, relevant, and filled with divine purpose. All of God’s written Word is highly beneficial for our modern lives for two distinct reasons:

  • Scripture is Divinely Inspired: As 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The historical accounts in Acts are carefully preserved by God to build our faith.
  • Historical Accounts Serve as Patterns: The Apostle Paul notes that historical biblical accounts are given specifically as examples with practical and spiritual relevance for us today (1 Corinthians 10:11, Romans 15:4). If Old Testament history serves to instruct us, the New Testament record of the early church provides a direct roadmap for how we are called to live.

The book of Luke showed us the Savior. The book of Acts shows us the Savior at work through His people. You are a living page in that continuing story. Guided by the Holy Spirit, your daily life can echo the very ministry that Jesus began two thousand years ago.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the living power of Your Word. We praise You that the story of Jesus did not end at the ascension, but continues even now through Your Church. Holy Spirit, we ask that You fill us afresh today. Reproduce the life, love, and power of Jesus Christ in and through us. Help us to share His truth boldly, serve others selflessly, and live as faithful witnesses of His grace. May our lives be a continuation of the good news to a world that desperately needs Him. 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.

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. I WAS NOT DISOBEDIENT / ACTS 26:19
  2. PAUL’S GOD-GIVEN COMMISSION / ACTS 26:17-18
  3. HIS WITNESSES TO OUR PEOPLE / ACTS 13:31
  4. SAUL WHO WAS CALLED PAUL – PAUL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT /ACTS 13:9
  5. LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM / ACTS 6:6
  6. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 13:52
  7. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 9:17
  8. MY SERVANTS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN – IN THOSE DAYS / ACTS 2:18
  9. HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM AS HE HAD COME ON US AT THE BEGINNING / ACTS 11:15
  10. THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD / ACTS 2:33
  11. WASH YOUR SINS AWAY / ACTS 22:16
  12. PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE BY THEIR DEEDS / ACTS 26:20
  13. YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER / ACTS 1:8
  14. SUFFER FOR MY NAME / ACTS 9:16
  15. THEY BELIEVED … THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST / ACTS 8:12
  16. WHEN THEY HEARD THIS / ACTS 11:18
  17. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM / ACTS 19:6
  18. SPEAKING IN TONGUES / ACTS 10:46
  19. GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM / ACTS 10:34
  20. THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 8:17
  21. HAD NOT YET COME UPON ANY OF THEM / ACTS 8:15-16
  22. THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 4:31
  23. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / ACTS 2:4
  24. THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:15
  25. THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40
  26. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  27. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  28. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  29. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  30. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

AGAINST EVERYONE / GENESIS 16:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 16:12

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

AGAINST EVERYONE / GENESIS 16:12

Ishmael, along with his descendants, would be a man of power and courage, but he would know conflict also. His desire for conflict would cause him to struggle for God or against God. The choice would be his.

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. ISHMAEL / GENESIS 16:11
  2. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / GENESIS 16:7
  3. THE LORD HAS KEPT ME FROM HAVING CHILDREN / GENESIS 16:2
  4. THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAM / GENESIS 15:17-21
  5. A COUNTRY NOT THEIR OWN / GENESIS 15:13
  6. HE BELIEVED … HE CREDITED IT TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS /GENESIS 15:6
  7. YOUR SHIELD, YOUR VERY GREAT REWARD / GENESIS 15:1
  8. I WILL ACCEPT NOTHING BELONGING TO YOU /GENESIS 14:22-23
  9. GAVE HIM A TENTH OF EVERYTHING / GENESIS 14:20
  10. MELCHIZEDEK KING OF SALEM / GENESIS 14:18
  11. CALLED OUT THE 318 TRAINED MEN / GENESIS 14:14
  12. PITCHED HIS TENTS NEAR SODOM / GENESIS 13:12
  13. LOT LOOKED UP AND SAW / GENESIS 13:10
  14. SAY YOU ARE MY SISTER / GENESIS 12:13
  15. A FAMINE IN THE LAND / GENESIS 12:10
  16. THE LORD APPEARED TO ABRAM / GENESIS 12:7
  17. ABRAM LEFT, AS THE LORD HAD TOLD HIM / GENESIS 12:4
  18. ALL PEOPLES ON EARTH WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH YOU / GENESIS 12:3
  19. LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY / GENESIS 12:1
  20. HIS SON ABRAM / GENESIS 11:31
  21. UR OF THE CHALDEANS / GENESIS 11:28
  22. LET US BUILD … THAT WE MAY MAKE A NAME / GENESIS 11:4
  23. A PLAIN IN SHINAR / GENESIS 11:1-2
  24. BORN TO SHEM / GENESIS 10:21-31
  25. THE SONS OF HAM / GENESIS 10:6-20
  26. THE SONS OF JEPHETH / GENESIS 10:2-5
  27. THE ACCOUNT OF SHEM, HAM AND JAPHETH / GENESIS 10:1
  28. CURSED BE CANAAN / GENESIS 9:25
  29. HAM / GENESIS 9:22
  30. DRANK SOME OF ITS WINE, HE BECAME DRUNK / GENESIS 9:21
  31. MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUDS / GENESIS 9:13
  32. I NOW ESTABLISH MY COVENANT / GENESIS 9:9-17
  33. WHOEVER SHEDS THE BLOOD OF MAN, BY MAN SHALL HIS BLOOD BE SHED / GENESIS 9:6
  34. BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH / GENESIS 8:1
  35. EVERY LIVING THING … WAS WIPED OUT … ONLY NOAH WAS LEFT / GENESIS 7:23
  36. THE GREAT DEEP BURST FORTH / GENESIS 7:11-12
  37. THE FLOODWATERS CAME ON THE EARTH / GENESIS 7:6
  38. I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH YOU / GENESIS 6:18
  39. AN ARK / GENESIS 6:14
  40. NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN, BLAMELESS AMONG THE PEOPLE / GENESIS 6:9
  41. THE LORD WAS GRIEVED / GENESIS 6:6
  42. GOD TOOK HIM/ GENESIS 5:24
  43. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD / GENESIS 5:22
  44. SETH … FATHER OF ENOSH / GENESIS 5:6
  45. CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD / GENESIS 4:26
  46. MARRIED TWO WOMEN / GENESIS 4:19
  47. CAIN … HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:17
  48. CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE / GENESIS 4:16
  49. A MARK ON CAIN / GENESIS 4:15
  50. NOW YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE / GENENSIS 4:11
  51. YOUR BROTHER’S BLOOD CRIES OUT TO ME / GENESIS 4:10
  52. IT DESIRES TO HAVE YOU / GENESIS 4:7
  53. AN OFFERING TO THE LORD / GENESIS 4:3-5
  54. ADAM LAY WITH HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:1
  55. HE DROVE THE MAN OUT / GENESIS 3:24
  56. HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD, AND YOU WILL STRIKE HIS HEEL / GENESIS 3:15
  57. THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME / GENESIS 3:13
  58. THEY HID / GENESIS 3:8
  59. THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED / GENEIS 3:7
  60. LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER / GENESIS 2:24
  61. HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM / GENESIS 2:18
  62. THE LORD GOD COMMANDED THE MAN / GENESIS 2:16
  63. PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN / GENESIS 2:15
  64. TREE OF LIFE / GENESIS 2:9
  65. GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN / GENESIS 2:8
  66. A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7
  67. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  68. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  69. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  70. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  71. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  72. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  73. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  74. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  75. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  76. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  77. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  78. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  79. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  80. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  81. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  82. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  83. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  84. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  85. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  86. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  87. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

ISHMAEL / GENESIS 16:11

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 16:11

And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.

ISHMAEL / GENESIS 16:11

The name “Ishmael” means “God hears.” It signifies that God realized how unfairly Abram and Sarai had treated Hagar. The name is a judgment against Abram because God hates injustice among His people. The New Testament emphasizes that God will impose justice and judgment on people who mistreat those within the church (Colossians 3:25).

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 ANGEL OF THE LORD / GENESIS 16:7
  2. THE LORD HAS KEPT ME FROM HAVING CHILDREN / GENESIS 16:2
  3. THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAM / GENESIS 15:17-21
  4. A COUNTRY NOT THEIR OWN / GENESIS 15:13
  5. HE BELIEVED … HE CREDITED IT TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS /GENESIS 15:6
  6. YOUR SHIELD, YOUR VERY GREAT REWARD / GENESIS 15:1
  7. I WILL ACCEPT NOTHING BELONGING TO YOU /GENESIS 14:22-23
  8. GAVE HIM A TENTH OF EVERYTHING / GENESIS 14:20
  9. MELCHIZEDEK KING OF SALEM / GENESIS 14:18
  10. CALLED OUT THE 318 TRAINED MEN / GENESIS 14:14
  11. PITCHED HIS TENTS NEAR SODOM / GENESIS 13:12
  12. LOT LOOKED UP AND SAW / GENESIS 13:10
  13. SAY YOU ARE MY SISTER / GENESIS 12:13
  14. A FAMINE IN THE LAND / GENESIS 12:10
  15. THE LORD APPEARED TO ABRAM / GENESIS 12:7
  16. ABRAM LEFT, AS THE LORD HAD TOLD HIM / GENESIS 12:4
  17. ALL PEOPLES ON EARTH WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH YOU / GENESIS 12:3
  18. LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY / GENESIS 12:1
  19. HIS SON ABRAM / GENESIS 11:31
  20. UR OF THE CHALDEANS / GENESIS 11:28
  21. LET US BUILD … THAT WE MAY MAKE A NAME / GENESIS 11:4
  22. A PLAIN IN SHINAR / GENESIS 11:1-2
  23. BORN TO SHEM / GENESIS 10:21-31
  24. THE SONS OF HAM / GENESIS 10:6-20
  25. THE SONS OF JEPHETH / GENESIS 10:2-5
  26. THE ACCOUNT OF SHEM, HAM AND JAPHETH / GENESIS 10:1
  27. CURSED BE CANAAN / GENESIS 9:25
  28. HAM / GENESIS 9:22
  29. DRANK SOME OF ITS WINE, HE BECAME DRUNK / GENESIS 9:21
  30. MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUDS / GENESIS 9:13
  31. I NOW ESTABLISH MY COVENANT / GENESIS 9:9-17
  32. WHOEVER SHEDS THE BLOOD OF MAN, BY MAN SHALL HIS BLOOD BE SHED / GENESIS 9:6
  33. BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH / GENESIS 8:1
  34. EVERY LIVING THING … WAS WIPED OUT … ONLY NOAH WAS LEFT / GENESIS 7:23
  35. THE GREAT DEEP BURST FORTH / GENESIS 7:11-12
  36. THE FLOODWATERS CAME ON THE EARTH / GENESIS 7:6
  37. I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH YOU / GENESIS 6:18
  38. AN ARK / GENESIS 6:14
  39. NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN, BLAMELESS AMONG THE PEOPLE / GENESIS 6:9
  40. THE LORD WAS GRIEVED / GENESIS 6:6
  41. GOD TOOK HIM/ GENESIS 5:24
  42. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD / GENESIS 5:22
  43. SETH … FATHER OF ENOSH / GENESIS 5:6
  44. CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD / GENESIS 4:26
  45. MARRIED TWO WOMEN / GENESIS 4:19
  46. CAIN … HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:17
  47. CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE / GENESIS 4:16
  48. A MARK ON CAIN / GENESIS 4:15
  49. NOW YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE / GENENSIS 4:11
  50. YOUR BROTHER’S BLOOD CRIES OUT TO ME / GENESIS 4:10
  51. IT DESIRES TO HAVE YOU / GENESIS 4:7
  52. AN OFFERING TO THE LORD / GENESIS 4:3-5
  53. ADAM LAY WITH HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:1
  54. HE DROVE THE MAN OUT / GENESIS 3:24
  55. HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD, AND YOU WILL STRIKE HIS HEEL / GENESIS 3:15
  56. THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME / GENESIS 3:13
  57. THEY HID / GENESIS 3:8
  58. THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED / GENEIS 3:7
  59. LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER / GENESIS 2:24
  60. HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM / GENESIS 2:18
  61. THE LORD GOD COMMANDED THE MAN / GENESIS 2:16
  62. PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN / GENESIS 2:15
  63. TREE OF LIFE / GENESIS 2:9
  64. GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN / GENESIS 2:8
  65. A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7
  66. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  67. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  68. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  69. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  70. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  71. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  72. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  73. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  74. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  75. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  76. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  77. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  78. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  79. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  80. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  81. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  82. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  83. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  84. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  85. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  86. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace

Posted on

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / GENESIS 16:7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 16:7  

And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD / GENESIS 16:7

As this story unfolds, the “angel of the LORD” is revealed as God Himself speaking to Hagar (Genesis 16:13; 18:1; Judges 6:12, 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. THE LORD HAS KEPT ME FROM HAVING CHILDREN / GENESIS 16:2
  2. THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAM / GENESIS 15:17-21
  3. A COUNTRY NOT THEIR OWN / GENESIS 15:13
  4. HE BELIEVED … HE CREDITED IT TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS /GENESIS 15:6
  5. YOUR SHIELD, YOUR VERY GREAT REWARD / GENESIS 15:1
  6. I WILL ACCEPT NOTHING BELONGING TO YOU /GENESIS 14:22-23
  7. GAVE HIM A TENTH OF EVERYTHING / GENESIS 14:20
  8. MELCHIZEDEK KING OF SALEM / GENESIS 14:18
  9. CALLED OUT THE 318 TRAINED MEN / GENESIS 14:14
  10. PITCHED HIS TENTS NEAR SODOM / GENESIS 13:12
  11. LOT LOOKED UP AND SAW / GENESIS 13:10
  12. SAY YOU ARE MY SISTER / GENESIS 12:13
  13. A FAMINE IN THE LAND / GENESIS 12:10
  14. THE LORD APPEARED TO ABRAM / GENESIS 12:7
  15. ABRAM LEFT, AS THE LORD HAD TOLD HIM / GENESIS 12:4
  16. ALL PEOPLES ON EARTH WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH YOU / GENESIS 12:3
  17. LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY / GENESIS 12:1
  18. HIS SON ABRAM / GENESIS 11:31
  19. UR OF THE CHALDEANS / GENESIS 11:28
  20. LET US BUILD … THAT WE MAY MAKE A NAME / GENESIS 11:4
  21. A PLAIN IN SHINAR / GENESIS 11:1-2
  22. BORN TO SHEM / GENESIS 10:21-31
  23. THE SONS OF HAM / GENESIS 10:6-20
  24. THE SONS OF JEPHETH / GENESIS 10:2-5
  25. THE ACCOUNT OF SHEM, HAM AND JAPHETH / GENESIS 10:1
  26. CURSED BE CANAAN / GENESIS 9:25
  27. HAM / GENESIS 9:22
  28. DRANK SOME OF ITS WINE, HE BECAME DRUNK / GENESIS 9:21
  29. MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUDS / GENESIS 9:13
  30. I NOW ESTABLISH MY COVENANT / GENESIS 9:9-17
  31. WHOEVER SHEDS THE BLOOD OF MAN, BY MAN SHALL HIS BLOOD BE SHED / GENESIS 9:6
  32. BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH / GENESIS 8:1
  33. EVERY LIVING THING … WAS WIPED OUT … ONLY NOAH WAS LEFT / GENESIS 7:23
  34. THE GREAT DEEP BURST FORTH / GENESIS 7:11-12
  35. THE FLOODWATERS CAME ON THE EARTH / GENESIS 7:6
  36. I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH YOU / GENESIS 6:18
  37. AN ARK / GENESIS 6:14
  38. NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN, BLAMELESS AMONG THE PEOPLE / GENESIS 6:9
  39. THE LORD WAS GRIEVED / GENESIS 6:6
  40. GOD TOOK HIM/ GENESIS 5:24
  41. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD / GENESIS 5:22
  42. SETH … FATHER OF ENOSH / GENESIS 5:6
  43. CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD / GENESIS 4:26
  44. MARRIED TWO WOMEN / GENESIS 4:19
  45. CAIN … HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:17
  46. CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE / GENESIS 4:16
  47. A MARK ON CAIN / GENESIS 4:15
  48. NOW YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE / GENENSIS 4:11
  49. YOUR BROTHER’S BLOOD CRIES OUT TO ME / GENESIS 4:10
  50. IT DESIRES TO HAVE YOU / GENESIS 4:7
  51. AN OFFERING TO THE LORD / GENESIS 4:3-5
  52. ADAM LAY WITH HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:1
  53. HE DROVE THE MAN OUT / GENESIS 3:24
  54. HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD, AND YOU WILL STRIKE HIS HEEL / GENESIS 3:15
  55. THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME / GENESIS 3:13
  56. THEY HID / GENESIS 3:8
  57. THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED / GENEIS 3:7
  58. LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER / GENESIS 2:24
  59. HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM / GENESIS 2:18
  60. THE LORD GOD COMMANDED THE MAN / GENESIS 2:16
  61. PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN / GENESIS 2:15
  62. TREE OF LIFE / GENESIS 2:9
  63. GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN / GENESIS 2:8
  64. A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7
  65. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  66. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  67. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  68. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  69. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  70. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  71. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  72. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  73. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  74. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  75. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  76. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  77. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  78. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  79. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  80. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  81. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  82. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  83. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  84. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  85. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE LORD HAS KEPT ME FROM HAVING CHILDREN / GENESIS 16:1-2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 16:1-2

Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

THE LORD HAS KEPT ME FROM HAVING CHILDREN / GENESIS 16:1-2

It was customary among the people of Mesopotamia for a wife who could not have children to have her servant bear children for her. The children would then belong to the wife.

  1. Regardless of this custom, having children this way was not how God intended to give Abram and Sarai a family (Genesis 2:24).
  2. The New Testament compares Hagar’s son to the result of human effort, that which is received or attained “in the ordinary way” rather than “by the power of the Spirit” (Galatians 4:29). The Bible teaches in the Old Testament and New Testament that we can accomplish God’s purpose only if we do things His way, through the power of His Spirit and through prayer.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
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  • www. biblegateway.com
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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAM / GENESIS 15:17-21
  2. A COUNTRY NOT THEIR OWN / GENESIS 15:13
  3. HE BELIEVED … HE CREDITED IT TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS /GENESIS 15:6
  4. YOUR SHIELD, YOUR VERY GREAT REWARD / GENESIS 15:1
  5. I WILL ACCEPT NOTHING BELONGING TO YOU /GENESIS 14:22-23
  6. GAVE HIM A TENTH OF EVERYTHING / GENESIS 14:20
  7. MELCHIZEDEK KING OF SALEM / GENESIS 14:18
  8. CALLED OUT THE 318 TRAINED MEN / GENESIS 14:14
  9. PITCHED HIS TENTS NEAR SODOM / GENESIS 13:12
  10. LOT LOOKED UP AND SAW / GENESIS 13:10
  11. SAY YOU ARE MY SISTER / GENESIS 12:13
  12. A FAMINE IN THE LAND / GENESIS 12:10
  13. THE LORD APPEARED TO ABRAM / GENESIS 12:7
  14. ABRAM LEFT, AS THE LORD HAD TOLD HIM / GENESIS 12:4
  15. ALL PEOPLES ON EARTH WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH YOU / GENESIS 12:3
  16. LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY / GENESIS 12:1
  17. HIS SON ABRAM / GENESIS 11:31
  18. UR OF THE CHALDEANS / GENESIS 11:28
  19. LET US BUILD … THAT WE MAY MAKE A NAME / GENESIS 11:4
  20. A PLAIN IN SHINAR / GENESIS 11:1-2
  21. BORN TO SHEM / GENESIS 10:21-31
  22. THE SONS OF HAM / GENESIS 10:6-20
  23. THE SONS OF JEPHETH / GENESIS 10:2-5
  24. THE ACCOUNT OF SHEM, HAM AND JAPHETH / GENESIS 10:1
  25. CURSED BE CANAAN / GENESIS 9:25
  26. HAM / GENESIS 9:22
  27. DRANK SOME OF ITS WINE, HE BECAME DRUNK / GENESIS 9:21
  28. MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUDS / GENESIS 9:13
  29. I NOW ESTABLISH MY COVENANT / GENESIS 9:9-17
  30. WHOEVER SHEDS THE BLOOD OF MAN, BY MAN SHALL HIS BLOOD BE SHED / GENESIS 9:6
  31. BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH / GENESIS 8:1
  32. EVERY LIVING THING … WAS WIPED OUT … ONLY NOAH WAS LEFT / GENESIS 7:23
  33. THE GREAT DEEP BURST FORTH / GENESIS 7:11-12
  34. THE FLOODWATERS CAME ON THE EARTH / GENESIS 7:6
  35. I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH YOU / GENESIS 6:18
  36. AN ARK / GENESIS 6:14
  37. NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN, BLAMELESS AMONG THE PEOPLE / GENESIS 6:9
  38. THE LORD WAS GRIEVED / GENESIS 6:6
  39. GOD TOOK HIM/ GENESIS 5:24
  40. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD / GENESIS 5:22
  41. SETH … FATHER OF ENOSH / GENESIS 5:6
  42. CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD / GENESIS 4:26
  43. MARRIED TWO WOMEN / GENESIS 4:19
  44. CAIN … HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:17
  45. CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE / GENESIS 4:16
  46. A MARK ON CAIN / GENESIS 4:15
  47. NOW YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE / GENENSIS 4:11
  48. YOUR BROTHER’S BLOOD CRIES OUT TO ME / GENESIS 4:10
  49. IT DESIRES TO HAVE YOU / GENESIS 4:7
  50. AN OFFERING TO THE LORD / GENESIS 4:3-5
  51. ADAM LAY WITH HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:1
  52. HE DROVE THE MAN OUT / GENESIS 3:24
  53. HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD, AND YOU WILL STRIKE HIS HEEL / GENESIS 3:15
  54. THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME / GENESIS 3:13
  55. THEY HID / GENESIS 3:8
  56. THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED / GENEIS 3:7
  57. LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER / GENESIS 2:24
  58. HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM / GENESIS 2:18
  59. THE LORD GOD COMMANDED THE MAN / GENESIS 2:16
  60. PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN / GENESIS 2:15
  61. TREE OF LIFE / GENESIS 2:9
  62. GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN / GENESIS 2:8
  63. A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7
  64. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  65. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  66. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  67. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  68. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  69. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  70. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  71. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  72. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  73. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  74. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  75. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  76. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  77. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  78. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  79. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  80. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  81. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  82. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  83. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  84. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

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

Guided By Grace
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DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 1:33-24

 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34

Luke says in Luke 4:41 of his gospel that Jesus did not permit the demons to speak “because they know he was the Christ.” Perhaps Jesus wanted to reveal His identity and purposes through His own words and actions in His own time; therefore, He would not allow demons to interrupt His plans. He sometimes gave people the same instructions not to tell what He had done (Mark 1:44), but probably for different reasons, including the fact that He did not want people to focus too heavily on His miracles and miss His message. He also did not want to cause overwhelming opposition to His ministry before He had completed His mission.

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. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  2. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  3. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  4. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  5. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  6. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  7. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  8. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  9. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  10. Guided By Grace About

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

Guided By Grace
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SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 1:21

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21

The term means “gathering place” or “place of assembly.” During and after the Jewish exile into Babylon the synagogue became the Jewish gathering place for prayer, teaching and worship. Every village with twelve or more Jewish men had at least one synagogue. It was also used as a schoolroom and a place for other community activities.

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. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  2. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  3. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  4. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  5. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  6. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  7. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  8. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  9. Guided By Grace About

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

Guided by Grace
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COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 1:17

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17

The first and primary calling (appointed task, purpose) of anyone who would be disciples of Jesus is to be with Him (Mark 3:14) – to follow Him and to know Him personally (Philippians 3:8-10). In fact, the term “disciple” refers to a disciplined learner and follower. As a result of this relationship, Christ’s followers must learn to lead others into a devoted personal relationship with Jesus (Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; 1 Corinthians 9:22).

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. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  2. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  3. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  4. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  5. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  6. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  7. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  8. Guided By Grace About

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

Guided By Grace
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KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 1:15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15

In general, God’s kingdom refers to His divine and complete power and authority, as well as His purposes and way of life, both on earth and into eternity. Christ’s coming brought both the message and the evidence of God’s kingdom near to people. His coming fulfilled and completed many purposes of God’s kingdom on earth. God’s kingdom was the theme of Jesus’ earthly message (Matthew 4:17). It appears and develops through several stages throughout history as part of God’s overall plan to bring people into a relationship with Himself:

  1. The kingdom in Israel. The kingdom in the Old Testament consisted of God’s plans and actions involving Israel, which prepared the way for His more complete plan of spiritual salvation of the human race. Because Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah (the “Anointed One,” Savior, Christ), the kingdom was taken from them (Matthew 21:43).
  2. The kingdom in Christ. God’s kingdom – its authority, power and purposes – was present and active on earth in the person and work of Jesus, who is the King (Luke 11:20).
  3. The kingdom in the church. Presently, God’s kingdom is active through His faithful followers in His church (in local congregations and in the worldwide community of all true Christians). This kingdom is established and continues to grow as people accept His message of forgiveness and new life by admitting their sins, turning from their own way and making Christ the Ruler of their hearts and lives (John 3:3, 5; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:13). This kingdom is not a political or material kingdom, but a powerful spiritual one in which God works through and among His people to overcome the powers of Satan, sin and evil in the world (Mark 1:27; 9:1).
  4. The kingdom in its completion on earth. This refers to the time foretold by many of the Old Testament prophets (Psalms 89:36-37; Isaiah 11:1-9; Daniel 7:13-14). It takes place at the end of history after Christ has returned to earth to defeat the forces of the antichrist and judge the wicked. Christ will establish a peaceful reign on earth for a thousand years (Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 20:4).

The kingdom in eternity. At the conclusion of the thousand years, God’s eternal kingdom will be established in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4). The center of the new earth will be the Holy city – the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-11). Its residents will be those throughout history who were faithful to their relationship with God, represented by both His Old Testament people (Revelation 21:12) and His New Testament followers (Revelation 21:14). Their greatest blessing is “they will see His face” (Revelation 22:4; 21:1).

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. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  2. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  3. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  4. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  5. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  6. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  7. Guided By Grace About

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

Guided By Grace
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BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 1:8

 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

The Power of the Promise: Reflecting on Mark 1:8

John the Baptist standardizes the message of preparation. He stood at the threshold of a new covenant, pointing away from himself to the One who was to come. In Mark 1:8, John declares a pivotal shift: “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” This single sentence bridges the gap between external ritual and internal transformation.

From Water to Fire

Water baptism represents repentance and cleansing. It is a vital step of alignment with God. However, John knew water could only wash the outside. Jesus came to saturate our entire being. To be baptized in the Holy Spirit means to be immersed, cleansed, and permanently empowered from within.

Your Role in the Mission

This baptism is not a historical event locked in the book of Acts. It is a present reality for everyone who accepts Christ as Savior and Lord. When Jesus forgives your sins and leads your life, He also equips you. You are called to carry the same torch as John, sharing the truth that Jesus still empowers His followers today to change the world.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending John the Baptist to prepare the way, and thank You for sending Jesus to fulfill the promise. We thank You that we are not left to live this life in our own strength.

Lord Jesus, immerse us afresh in Your Holy Spirit today. Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, and empower our hands for Your service. Give us the boldness to share Your good news with a world that desperately needs hope. Let our lives reflect Your leadership and Your love.

In Jesus’ name, 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.

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 WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  2. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  3. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  4. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  5. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  6. Guided By Grace About

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

Guided By Grace
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