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CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE / GENESIS 4:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Genesis 4:16

And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

The Illusion of the Self-Made World: Reflections on Genesis 4:16

“Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden.” — Genesis 4:16

It is one of the most tragic sentences in holy scripture. Cain, marked by his sin and carrying the weight of his brother’s blood, walks away from his Creator. He exits the presence of the Lord to build a life on his own terms.

In doing so, Cain became the architect of a new way of living. He and his descendants became the pioneers of a human civilization built entirely apart from God.

The Blueprint of Humanism

When we read the lineage of Cain, we see the rapid development of human culture. They built cities. They invented musical instruments. They forged tools of bronze and iron. On the surface, it looks like a triumph of human progress.

But beneath the innovation lies a deeper, darker reality. This first human society was established by people living as strangers to God.

This ancient system is the exact blueprint for modern humanistic societies. Today, the world operating apart from God mirrors Cain’s city in three distinct ways:

  • Self-Defined Morality: Humanistic systems reject divine truth. They determine their own values and standards, refusing to recognize God or His Word.
  • Overcoming the Curse by Human Might: Society tries to engineer its way out of suffering. It seeks to erase the consequences of a fallen world through technology, politics, and science alone.
  • Reinventing Paradise: Human hearts still long for Eden. Instead of returning to God, humanity tries to build a substitute paradise of luxury, pleasure, and self-glorification.

The Modern “Land of Nod”

The land where Cain settled was called “Nod,” which literally means “wandering.” This reveals the great irony of a world without God: the more civilization progresses technologically, the more it wanders spiritually.

1 John 5:19 reminds us that “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” The current world system is desperately trying to save itself through its own efforts. It preaches self-reliance, self-actualization, and human supremacy.

But human effort cannot wash away sin. True peace cannot be manufactured in a city built on rebellion. True paradise cannot be reclaimed without the Presence we walked away from. Progress without God is just a highly advanced form of wandering.

As believers, we are called to live in this world but not be shaped by its system. We must refuse the temptation to find our security in human institutions or our identity in self-defined standards. Our hope is not in the cities we build, but in the God who saves us.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You recognizing that true life is found only in Your presence. Forgive us for the times we have tried to operate in our own strength, building our own miniature kingdoms apart from Your will. We look at a world that is wandering, trying to save itself through its own intellect and effort, and we pray for Your mercy.

Deliver us from the spirit of Cain. Root out any self-reliance in our hearts that rejects Your Word or seeks satisfaction outside of Your grace. Help us to live as citizens of Your heavenly kingdom while we are here on earth. May our lives point a wandering world back to the ultimate paradise found in Christ Jesus.

In Jesus’ 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. I only recommend resources that genuinely encourage your faith walk.

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. A MARK ON CAIN / GENESIS 4:15
  2. NOW YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE / GENENSIS 4:11
  3. YOUR BROTHER’S BLOOD CRIES OUT TO ME / GENESIS 4:10
  4. IT DESIRES TO HAVE YOU / GENESIS 4:7
  5. AN OFFERING TO THE LORD / GENESIS 4:3-5
  6. ADAM LAY WITH HIS WIFE / GENESIS 4:1
  7. HE DROVE THE MAN OUT / GENESIS 3:24
  8. HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD, AND YOU WILL STRIKE HIS HEEL / GENESIS 3:15
  9. THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME / GENESIS 3:13
  10. THEY HID / GENESIS 3:8
  11. THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED / GENEIS 3:7
  12. LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER / GENESIS 2:24
  13. HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM / GENESIS 2:18
  14. THE LORD GOD COMMANDED THE MAN / GENESIS 2:16
  15. PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN / GENESIS 2:15
  16. TREE OF LIFE / GENESIS 2:9
  17. GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN / GENESIS 2:8
  18. A LIVING BEING / GENESIS 2:7
  19. THE ACCOUNT – THE LORD GOD / GENESIS 2:4
  20. GOD BLESSED THE SEVENTH DAY / GENESIS 2:3
  21. BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE / GENESIS 1:28
  22. THERE WAS EVENING, AND THERE WAS MORNING – THE FIRST DAY / GENESIS 1:5
  23. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED / GENESIS 1:1
  24. IT WAS GOOD / GENESIS 1:10
  25. HEART IS EVIL FROM CHILDHOOD / GENESIS 8:21
  26. THE SONS OF GOD / GENESIS 6:2
  27. HOW GREAT MAN’S WICKEDNESS /GENESIS 6:5
  28. ADAM LIVED 930 YEARS / GENESIS 5:5
  29. WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF ADAM’S LINE / GENESIS 5:1
  30. KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL / GENESIS 3:22
  31. GOD SAID LET US – LET US MAKE MAN / GENESIS 1:26
  32. I WILL GREATLY INCREASE YOUR PAINS / GENESIS 3:16-19
  33. SERVE AS SIGNS / GENESIS 1:14-15
  34. LET THERE BE LIGHT / GENESIS 1:8
  35. THE WOMAN … ATE IT … HER HUSBAND … WITH HER / GENESIS 3:6
  36. YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD / GENESIS 3:5
  37. YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE / GENESIS 3:4
  38. THE SERPENT / GENESIS 3:1
  39. 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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YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:51

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

YOU SHALL SEE HEAVEN OPEN / JOHN 1:51

Jesus describes Himself as the ladder by which God’s revelation comes to the world (Genesis 28:12; Luke 5:24). He is also the bridge between God and people (as He was both God and man, (John 1:14), making a way for people to come to God through faith in the Son of God.

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. CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42
  2. THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  3. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  4. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  5. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  6. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  7. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  8. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  9. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  10. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  11. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  12. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  13. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  14. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  15. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  16. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  17. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  18. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  19. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  20. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  21. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  22. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  23. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  24. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  25. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  26. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  27. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  28. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  29. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  30. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  31. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  32. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  33. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  34. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  35. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  36. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  37. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  38. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  39. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  40. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  41. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  42. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  43. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  44. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

CEPHAS … PETER / JOHN 1:42

Both of these names (one Aramaic and the other Greek) mean “rock.” Ironically, throughout the Gospel accounts, Peter is definitely no rock in the sense of being unmovable and reliable in his speech and actions. In fact, he is often shown as one who was driven to extremes by his emotions and spiritual instability. Yet in Acts he becomes a bold, powerful and faithful leader of the church. Jesus named Peter not for who he was, but for who he would become. (Notice that the turning point in Peter’s bold and powerful ministry was the baptism in the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2; John 1:33).

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 FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41
  2. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  3. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  4. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  5. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  6. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  7. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  8. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  9. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  10. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  11. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  12. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  13. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  14. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  15. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  16. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  17. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  18. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  19. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  20. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  21. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  22. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  23. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  24. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  25. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  26. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  27. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  28. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  29. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  30. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  31. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  32. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  33. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  34. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  35. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  36. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  37. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  38. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  39. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  40. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  41. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  42. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  43. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

THE FIRST THING ANDREW DID / JOHN 1:41

Notice the behaviors shown by Andrew: he followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37), and he immediately proceeded to introduce someone else to Christ (John 1:42). This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ.

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. GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17
  2. THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  3. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  4. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  5. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  6. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  7. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  8. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  9. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  10. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  11. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  12. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  13. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  14. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  15. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  16. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  17. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  18. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  19. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  20. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  21. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  22. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  23. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  24. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  25. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  26. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  27. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  28. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  29. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  30. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  31. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  32. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  33. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  34. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  35. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  36. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  37. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  38. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  39. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  40. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  41. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  42. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

GRACE AND TRUTH / JOHN 1:17

Before Jesus came to earth to die for humanity’s sins (offenses and rebellion against God), God’s people in the Old Testament had to maintain their relationship with Him based on the Old Testament law that God gave through the prophet Moses. But even before the law was given, living for God and being “right” with Him was not simply a matter of following commands and regulations. True faith in Him was still the most basic requirement. That was evident in the lives of individuals such as Enoch, Noah and Abraham (Genesis 5:24; 7:1; 15:6). Their faith and God’s promises of forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7; Leviticus 5:17-18) were evidence of God’s grace – His undeserved favor and love – even in Old Testament times. But now, through Christ, God’s grace and truth are available to the fullest measure (Romans 5:17-21). Truth is no longer veiled or hidden behind prophetic signs and symbolic activities (such as the sacrifices). Christ, the Word (John 1:1; John 1:14), has now full revealed God’s promises, principles and purposes. “One blessing after another” (John 1:16) means that God constantly provides the benefits of His presence and power to those who have responded to His grace and accepted Christ’s forgiveness and leadership in their lives. Spiritual salvation does not come by our own imperfect efforts to keep the law, but by the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of truth (John 14:17; John 16:2). The Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth and comes into the lives of those who receive Christ, renewing their spirit and re-creating them in Christ’s image. This means that they can respond to Him, have a personal relationship with Him and start to reflect His love, as well as His other characteristics.

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 WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14
  2. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  3. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  4. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  5. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  6. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  7. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  8. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  9. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  10. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  11. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  12. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  13. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  14. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  15. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  16. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  17. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  18. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  19. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  20. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  21. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  22. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  23. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  24. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  25. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  26. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  27. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  28. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  29. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  30. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  31. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  32. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  33. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  34. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  35. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  36. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  37. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  38. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  39. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  40. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  41. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

THE WORD BECAME FLESH / JOHN 1:14

Christ, the eternal God, became a human being (Philippians 2:5-9). Humanity and deity were united together in Jesus. In this humble way, He entered human life with the limitations of human existence (John 3:17; 6:38-42; 7:29; 9:5; 10:36). He would then experience all the difficulties and temptations we face – and overcome all of them with failing or disobeying God – so He could relate to us in every way (Hebrews 4:15). Because He became one of us, He also could give His life in our place, paying the complete penalty for our sin (our defiance and opposition toward God). In His sinlessness, He met the full requirement demanded by God; therefore, Jesus is the only one who could have bridged the gap that sin had created between God and humankind. As a result of His work, the opportunity for a personal relationship with God is offered to everyone. It is amazing that the opportunity continues to be rejected by so many (John 1:10-13; John 1:10; John 1:12; John 1:13).

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. BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13
  2. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  3. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  4. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  5. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  6. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  7. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  8. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  9. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  10. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  11. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  12. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  13. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  14. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  15. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  16. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  17. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  18. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  19. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  20. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  21. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  22. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  23. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  24. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  25. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  26. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  27. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  28. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  29. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  30. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  31. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  32. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  33. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  34. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  35. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  36. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  37. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  38. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  39. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  40. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

BORN NOT OF … HUMAN DECISION / JOHN 1:13

This verse reveals two truths:

  1. Birth into Christ’s family is a spiritual matter that requires a life transformation that only God’s Spirit can accomplish (John 3:5-7). It has nothing to do with physical conception and birth, which results from human effort alone.
  2. It was not God’s duty or obligation to offer us salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death for our sins. However, God did take the full responsibility to bring salvation to all of humankind. It was God’s own love, compassion and grace (undeserved favor, kindness, mercy and spiritual ability) that provided the opportunity for us to receive forgiveness, new life and an eternal relationship with Him (John 3:16; John 17:3).

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. RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12
  2. THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  3. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  4. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  5. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  6. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  7. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  8. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  9. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  10. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  11. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  12. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  13. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  14. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  15. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  16. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  17. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  18. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  19. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  20. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  21. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  22. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  23. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  24. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  25. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  26. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  27. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  28. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  29. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  30. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  31. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  32. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  33. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  34. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  35. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  36. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  37. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  38. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  39. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

RECEIVED … BELIEVED / JOHN 1:12

This verse reveals how having faith (which allows us to receive forgiveness from God and enter a personal relationship with Him) is both an immediate act and an ongoing process.

  1. To become a child of God, one must “receive” (Greek elabon, from lambno) Christ. The aorist (past) tense here gives the meaning of a definite act of faith and acceptance at a particular point in time.
  2. Following the act of faith, there must be a continual act of believing. The word “believed” (Greek pisteuousin, from pisteuo) is a form of the verb describing ongoing action and suggests the need for perseverance in faith. This means putting faith into practice by continuing to trust and rely on God (John 5:24). In order for a believer to be saved in the end, true faith must continue after the initial act of accepting Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:12-13; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:6; 12:15; 7:25).

BELIEVED … HE GAVE THE RIGHT

  1. It is important to recognize that John never uses the noun “belief” (Greek pistis). Yet he uses the verb “believe” (pisteuo) 98 times because saving faith in God is practical and active. “Believing” in the true Biblical sense is not just a mental exercise; it is an active faith that yields the leadership of one’s life to Christ. True faith reveals that continuing trust through selfless action, obedience and service (James 2:14-26). Our own actions do not save us spiritually, but they are a result of true faith and salvation, showing our ongoing gratitude and trust in God (John 5:24). True faith grows and constantly brings a person into a deeper, more dependent relationship with Christ as Lord (Leader and authority in one’s life) and Savior (Hebrews 7:25).

THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

A place in God’s kingdom is not something we can earn. Only as we surrender our lives to God does He give us the right of being His children. Therefore, membership in God’s family is by grace alone (as a result of God’s undeserved favor, mercy, kindness and help; Ephesians 2:8-9). Spiritual salvation is a gift from God – not something we earn by our efforts (John 1:13). Yet Chrit’s message must be “believed”, and the gift must be “received” in order for a person to become an adopted child of God. To “believe in His [Jesus’] name” is to stand firmly on the work and character of Christ – recognizing all that Christ is, all He has done and all He is capable of doing. When a person receives Christ and turns over the control of His or Her life to Jesus Christ in this way, then he or she is “born again” (John 3:7) and becomes a child of God (John 3:1-21). Only those people who make the decision to “believe” and “receive” are “children of God.”

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 WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10
  2. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  3. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  4. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  5. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  6. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  7. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  8. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  9. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  10. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  11. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  12. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  13. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  14. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  15. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  16. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  17. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  18. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  19. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  20. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  21. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  22. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  23. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  24. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  25. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  26. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  27. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  28. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  29. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  30. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  31. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  32. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  33. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  34. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  35. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  36. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  37. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  38. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

THE WORLD DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM / JOHN 1:10

The “world” is another word that is often used in John’s writings. It is found 78 times in his Gospel and 24 times in his letters (1 John; 2 John; 3 John). The term “world” includes a wide range of meanings, such as the universe, the earth, the people on the earth, most people, those opposed to God, or the worldly human system opposed to God’s purposes. In a general sense, it refers to the whole of society as it is organized and operating independently of God, His Word and His rule. Much of the world will never recognize or accept Christ; it will remain unresponsive and, in most cases, actively opposed to Christ and His message until He returns to finally defeat evil. John gives us the revelation of the world as the great opponent and enemy of the Savior (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-14; 4:5). The Bible describes friendship with the world as opposition to Go (James 4:4).

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. GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN / JOHN 1:9
  2. WITH GOD IN THE BEGINNING / JOHN 1:2
  3. THE WORD / JOHN 1:1
  4. TRUTH / JOHN 4:24
  5. WORSHIP … IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH / JOHN 4:23-24
  6. SAMARITANS WORSHIP WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW / JOHN 4:22
  7. WATER … ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 4:14
  8. SAMARITAN WOMAN / JOHN 4:7
  9. WHOEVER REJECTS / JOHN 3:36
  10. LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT / JOHN 3:19
  11. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD / JOHN 3:16
  12. KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES / JOHN 13:35
  13. LOVE ONE ANOTHER / JOHN 13:34
  14. AT A LOSS TO KNOW WHICH OF THEM HE MEANT / JOHN 13:22
  15. WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET / JOHN 13:14
  16. UNLESS I WASH YOU / JOHN 13:8
  17. WASH HIS DISCIPLES FEET /JOHN 13:5
  18. WILL BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 1:33
  19. LAMB OF GOD / JOHN 1:29
  20. HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF / JOHN 5:26
  21. LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS /JOHN 1:5
  22. LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN / JOHN 1:4
  23. TAKING FROM WHAT IS MINE / JOHN 16:14
  24. HE IS A LIEAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES / JOHN 8:44
  25. EVERYONE WHO SINS / JOHN 8:34
  26. HOLY SPIRIT / JOHN 14:26
  27. I WILL ASK THE FATHER – COUNSELOR / JOHN 14:16
  28. JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED / JOHN 7:39
  29. AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID – STREAMS OF LIVING WATER / JOHN 7:38
  30. YOU ARE GODS? / JOHN 10:34
  31. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE ME / JOHN 14:24
  32. REMAIN IN MY LOVE / JOHN 15:9-10
  33. ETERNAL LIFE / JOHN 17:3
  34. I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD / JOHN 8:12
  35. SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH / JOHN 17:17
  36. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE / JOHN 8:32
  37. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

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

Guided By Grace
Posted on

OCTOBER PRAYER

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as we step into the month of October, we are reminded of the changing seasons and the beauty of Your creation. We thank You for the blessings and gifts You have given us each and every day, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from you, the unchanging source of all goodness and light.

In this new month, Lord, we pray for open hearts and grateful spirits. Help us to recognize and appreciate Your abundant blessings, both big and small that surround us. May we never take Your grace and provision for granted but continue to offer our thanks and praise.

As Jesus taught us to be content and trust in Your provision, may we follow His example. Help us to rely on Your faithfulness, just as He relied on You during His earthly journey. In moments of doubt or worry, may we remember that You ae our constant source of hope and blessing.

Lord, as October unfolds, may it be a month of deepening faith and trust in You. May we live in the awareness of Your presence and Your unwavering love for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Bible Gateway King James Version
  • 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. LABOR DAY PRAYER
  2. WELCOME AUGUST
  3. JULY 4TH PRAYER
  4. 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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