Blog - Page 3 of 135 - Guided By Grace

July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

SHEEP FROM THE GOATS / MATTHEW 25:32-46

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

SHEEP FROM THE GOATS / MATTHEW 25:32-46

This judgment likely occurs after the tribulation and Christ’s physical return to earth but before the beginning of His earthly reign (Daniel 7:9-14; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-20:4). Its purpose will be to determine who is allowed to be part of God’s kingdom and who will be sent to the place of eternal punishment. Of all the parables, analogies and other word pictures that Jesus uses to describe God’s kingdom and the end times, this is one of the few that describe what will take place “on that day” (Matthew 7:22) – when Christ actually judges individuals for their time on earth and pronounces their eternal destiny. This passage reveals one of the primary bases of God’s judgment.

At the time of Christ’s coming, both the saved and the lost – those who have a personal relationship with Christ and those who do not – who survived the tribulation are still together on earth.
The judgment involves the separation of the wicked from the righteous (Matthew 25:32-33; 13:41).
The judgement will be based on outward works of love and kindness to those who follow Christ and who are suffering or in need. Although good works cannot save us, all accounts of judgment described in the Bible indicate that our actions and responses to opportunities on earth will affect our reward or punishment. The expression of true love and active compassion is a natural part of genuine Christian faith and salvation (Matthew 25:35-36).
The wicked will not be allowed to enter Christ’s kingdom but will go into eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 14:11).
The righteous will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:46, which is to know Christ and live forever with God, John 17:3) and the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:34; Revelation 20:4).

This account of end-time judgement is a lesson in how Jesus expects His followers to be aware of and help people who are hurting or in need.

In fact, one of the primary ways we can serve God in a very real way is to show kindness to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40, 45), which includes anyone – particularly those among God’s people (“my brothers,” Matthew 25:40) – who could use our help or attention (Matthew 25:35, 36). These are people whom others often overlook because they cannot repay the kindness. Jesus said that when His followers practice active compassion toward others, they are actually doing something for Him (Matthew 25:40). This means that if we want to see or touch Jesus directly, we will have to look for Him in people who are hurting or in need.

Notice that both the faithful and the unfaithful were unaware of times when they encountered Jesus in life (Matthew 25:37-39, 44). Even those who did the right thing were seemingly oblivious to when they acted with compassion. It seems that on those occasions when they helped others, the act or actions were not unusual or special in any way; serving others was simply a way of life for them. All of this shows that true service to God often takes place in the more routine and unassuming areas of life – when no one else notices. But God always notices when we do something for Him, and He will reward us accordingly on judgement day.

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

EVERYONE WHO HAS / MATTHEW 25:29

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 25:29

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

EVERYONE WHO HAS / MATTHEW 25:29

Jesus teaches an important principle about a Christian’s reward and position in heaven. What the followers of Christ receive in the future kingdom of God will depend on how much they lay hold of and pursue God’s purposes now. What we do to benefit God’s kingdom on earth will affect the “benefit” we receive in the kingdom of heaven. On the surface, it may seem unfair and unreasonable that the one who had originally received the most was given even more. However, Jesus is making the general point that a Christian’s reward in heaven will be in proportion to his or her present commitment to God and faithfulness to use what he or she has been given – regardless of whether it seems like a little or a lot (Luke 22:24-30).

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

TALENTS / MATTHEW 25:15

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 25:15

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

TALENTS / MATTHEW 25:15

The term “talent” was first used as a measure of weight (about 75 pounds) and then as currency or money. The parable of the talents warns us that our place and service in heaven will depend on our faithfulness and service on earth (Matthew 25:29). A talent represents our abilities, time, resources and opportunities to serve God (and others) while on earth. God has entrusted all of these things to us, and He expects us to use and apply these gifts in the wisest possible way so that Christ can see a return on His investment. Keep in mind that this parable – as any parable – is meant to make a point or teach a spiritual lesson. Not every aspect of the parable is a direct analogy or comparison to something else. For example, the master represents God, but God is not a hard master who harvests where He has not planted or takes what He has not worked for (Matthew 25:24). This was the judgment of the foolish servant who did not have a proper understanding and relationship with his master in the first place. Notice that the master never admitted to the servant’s incorrect judgment of his master but only repeated the lazy servant’s words back to him in the form of a question (Matthew 25:26).

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

OIL / MATTHEW 25:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 25:4

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

OIL / MATTHEW 25:4

Through a series of illustrations (Matthew 25), Jesus stresses the requirement of faithfulness and watchfulness (readiness and expectancy) until He returns. The parable of the ten virgins stresses the necessity of spiritual perseverance and preparedness because of the reality of Christ’s coming at an unforeseeable date (Luke 21:19). The oil in the parable represents true faith, a right relationship with God and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in a person’s life. All true followers of Jesus can enjoy that presence. If we want to be ready, like the wise virgins, our lives need to be pure and full of the faith and righteousness that come only from God’s Spirit. Five other parables that teach the lesson of perseverance are the Sower (Luke 8:4-15), the owner of the house (Luke 12:35-40), the manage (Luke 12:42-48), the tower builder (Luke 14:28-30) and the tasteless salt (Luke 14:34-35).

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS / MATTHEW 25:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 25:1

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS / MATTHEW 25:1

This parable (a brief story that makes a specific point or teaches a lesson) points out that all who believe in Christ must constantly examine their own spiritual condition in light of Christ’s coming at an unknown and unexpected time. They must remain true to their faith in Christ no matter what, so that when the day and hour arrive, they will be ready for Him and He will receive them when He returns (Matthew 25:10). Failure to be in a devoted personal relationship with the Lord when He returns will mean being left out of His kingdom.

The difference between the foolish and the wise virgins is that the foolish failed to recognize that the returning Lord (John 14:3) would come unexpectedly, without obvious signs as the time approached (Matthew 25:13; 24:36, 44).
Christ indicates here and elsewhere (Luke 18:8) that a large portion of the church will be unprepared at the time of His return (Matthew 25:8-13). He makes it clear that He will not wait until all churches and professing believers are prepared for His coming.
Notice that all the virgins (both faithful and unfaithful) were taken by surprise at the bridegroom’s coming (Matthew 25:5-7). This suggests that the parable of the ten virgins applies to believers living before the tribulation and not to those living during the tribulation, who will have adequate signs preceding Christ’s return at the end of the tribulation. It seems that all the virgins may have at one time been ready for the groom to return, but the foolish failed to prepare for the wait. Perhaps they planned to take care of things later but instead they fell asleep. By the time they awoke, it was too late. This should serve as a challenge to all those who make a decision to follow Christ. That initial choice is one thing but sticking to that decision and staying ready for Christ’s return takes persistence and deduction. If Christians do not stay active and grow spiritually – or if they view His return as being distant – the sense of urgency will easily fade. However, if we maintain a high level of expectancy, we will be ready at a moment’s notice.
The fact that both the faithful and the unfaithful “fell asleep” does not seem to be an issue in this story. In fact, if we are spiritually prepared, we can be at peace and enjoy rest in life. Then, when Jesus returns unexpectedly, we will be ready to go with Him.

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

GRAIN OFFERING / LEVITICU 2:1-2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Leviticus 2:1-2

And when any will offer a meat offering unto the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: ²And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord:

GRAIN OFFERING / LEVITICU 2:1-2

This was a gift presented to God as an act of worship, symbolizing that a person’s work was dedicated to God. It implied that all human work should be an opportunity to honor the Lord. It also expressed thankfulness to God for one’s daily food (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23).

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025

MY MASTER IS STAYING AWAY / MATTHEW 24:48-49

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 24:48-49

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; ⁴⁹And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

MY MASTER IS STAYING AWAY / MATTHEW 24:48-49

Christ’s unexpected return will not motivate those within the church who are unfaithful to the Lord and who see no need to be prepared and to remain ready.

Anyone who claims to be a Christian but continues to ignore God’s standard and lives in sin, believing that Christ will delay His coming for a few years, can be compared to the wicked servant. Such a person will feel no immediate threat that the Lord’s return will take him or her off guard (Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:45-46).
It is significant that Jesus connects spiritual unfaithfulness and insincerity with the belief and desire that Christ will not come anytime soon.

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025

AN HOUR WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM / MATTHEW 24:44

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 24:44

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

AN HOUR WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM / MATTHEW 24:44

Once again, Christ refers to His return for the faithful people in His churches at an unexpected and unknown time.

This warning is not for those who go through the tribulation). The only way to reconcile Christ’s teaching about His unexpected coming (Matthew 24:42; Matthew 24:44) with His statement about His expected coming (Matthew 24:33) is to assume that there will be two phases, or stages, to His “second coming.”

The first stage involves Christ’s return at an unexpected time to take His true church from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:3; Revelation 3:10). This happens prior to the antichrist’s rise to power and God’s end-time judgments on the earth (Revelation 6 – 19).
The second stage is Christ’s coming at the end of the tribulation, which will be at an expected time (after certain cosmic signs, Matthew 24:29; Matthew 24:30, and a certain time period, Daniel 9:25-27; Revelation 11:1-2; 12:6; 13:5-7). At that time, He will destroy the wicked and begin His reign on earth (Matthew 24:42; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:4).

2. This second coming of Christ – described as one event consisting of two phases – is similar to how the Old Testament predicted Christ’s first coming to earth as a human. The Old Testament prophets often spoke as if the Messiah’s (Christ’s) coming were a single event, but the fulfillment of those prophecies is seen in two phases:

His coming by birth to eventually die for sin and
His coming to reign on earth at the end of time as we know it (Isaiah 9:2-7; 40:3-5; compare Isaiah 61:1-3 with Luke 4:18-19).

3. Christ’s urgent warning to be always spiritually ready for His coming at the unknown time (the rapture) applies to all generations of Christians before the tribulation (Matthew 24:15-29). It should provide strong motivation for remaining true to our faith in Christ and our commitment to the standard of His Word.

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

THE THIEF / MATTHEW 24:43

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 24:43

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

THE THIEF / MATTHEW 24:43

This is not a direct or exact comparison of two things because Christ is certainly not like a criminal; when He comes, He will take what is rightfully His. The point here is that Christ’s coming at an unknown time will be as unexpected as that of a thief who breaks into a house. His devoted followers must be ready at any time for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:44).

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

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

Guided By Grace

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

THEREFORE KEEP WATCH – YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHAT DAY / MATTHEW 24:42

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

THEREFORE KEEP WATCH – YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHAT DAY / MATTHEW 24:42

THEREFORE KEEP WATCH

The words “keep watch” (Greek gregoreo) are in the present imperative tense, meaning this is a continuous action at the present time. That is, we must always be prepared right now and from here on – ready for the Lord’s return at any time (John 14:3). There will be no instant warning signs, so Christ’s followers must always live as if He could come today (Matthew 24:44; Mark 13:33-37).

YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHAT DAY

Christ’s warning that His followers must always be ready relates to His return from heaven to take His church out of the world during the rapture – the event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Matthew 24:40; John 14:3). This means that it applies to us today.

Jesus clearly states that His coming for His followers living before the tribulation will be at an unexpected time and without warning – “because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” In fact, Jesus says that He will return at a time when they “do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44). This clearly points to an element of surprise, amazement and unexpectedness, even for His faithful followers in the church. This is sometimes referred to as the first stage of Christ’s second coming (the second stage being His expected return to earth following the tribulation period).
Unlike Christ’s coming at the rapture, His final return “with power and glory” to judge the world after the tribulation (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-21) will be expected, anticipated and foreseen by His followers (Luke 21:28: Matthew 24:33). Some Bible passages even give time frames of the period preceding this event (Daniel 9:25-27; Revelation 11:1-2; 12:6; 13:5-7) The events and signs during the tribulation will create an attitude of certainty and expectancy for those who boldly follow Christ during this time of intense persecution. They will not experience the element of surprise that the present-day Christian church will have at the time of the rapture (Matthew 24:44; John 14:3). Christ’s coming after the tribulation is sometimes regarded as the second stage of Christ’s second coming (Matthew 24:44).

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

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

Guided By Grace

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

SHEEP FROM THE GOATS / MATTHEW 25:32-46

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

EVERYONE WHO HAS / MATTHEW 25:29

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

TALENTS / MATTHEW 25:15

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

OIL / MATTHEW 25:4

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS / MATTHEW 25:1

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

GRAIN OFFERING / LEVITICU 2:1-2

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

MY MASTER IS STAYING AWAY / MATTHEW 24:48-49

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

AN HOUR WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM / MATTHEW 24:44

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

THE THIEF / MATTHEW 24:43

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

THEREFORE KEEP WATCH – YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHAT DAY / MATTHEW 24:42

THEREFORE KEEP WATCH

YOU DO NOT KNOW ON WHAT DAY

Bible Study Tools I Use

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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