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2025 Embracing The Gift Of Grace 3 6 25 - Danielle |
2024 Christmas Light: A Call To Shine 12 2 24 - Chris & Danielle
Link to Danielle's Devotionals |
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 Embracing The Gift Of Grace: Remembering His Sacrifice by Danielle |
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Scriptures: Luke 23:36-37 (ESV) – “The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’” Romans 8:32 (ESV) – “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Luke 22:41-42 (ESV) – “And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’” (bolded for emphasis) Message: This Lenten season, as we reflect on the crucifixion, Luke 23:36-37 stands out: the soldiers mock Jesus, saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” This moment reveals not only the depth of Jesus’ suffering, but also His profound submission to God’s will. Despite His power, He chose to endure the cross, echoing His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: “not my will, but yours, be done.” This struggle emphasizes the depth of His love as He willingly accepted the punishment for all our sins. Romans 8:32 resonates deeply with me: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him, graciously give us all things?” God’s ultimate sacrifice of His Son is the greatest gift, showcasing His grace and provision. If He did not spare His Son, how can we doubt His graciousness? This Lenten season, let us be assured of God's graciousness as we prepare for Easter. Jesus’ birth and death bring us salvation and hope. May we walk boldly in faith, confident in His plans for us, knowing we are loved and provided for by our Creator. Prayer: Lord, help us remember Your sacrifice and embrace Your grace in every moment of life. We are so grateful for the gift of Your Son and ask that You help us come to You for anything, big or small, knowing that You care for us with unwavering love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Danielle
Johnson Martin |
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Monday, December 2, 2024 Christmas Light: A Call To Shine by Chris & Danielle |
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Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV) – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Isaiah 60:1 (ESV) – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” John 1:4-5 (ESV) – “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Message: During dinner one night, I shared my concerns with Chris about the evil in the world and my struggle to understand God’s plan. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed by these issues and long for Jesus to return and end all suffering. Thankfully, Chris often knows just the right thing to say. He reminded me that darkness exists so that light can shine more brightly. Chris said, “Consider a lamp outside during the day; it’s nearly invisible, lacking purpose in the bright sunlight. In contrast, when surrounded by darkness, a lamp draws attention and provides hope.” This analogy, although well-known from sermons and Scripture, resonated deeply with me and eased my worries. It echoed Paul’s description of the gospel as a light piercing through the darkness of unbelief, drawing on Isaiah’s prophetic words and those in John 1:4-5. On his journey to Damascus, Paul experienced a literal light from heaven that blinded him, leading to a profound transformation. This pivotal moment turned him into a key figure of the Apostolic Age and established him as an important role model for Christians today. This Christmas, think of someone in your life who needs God’s light. You never know how their encounter with that light could lead them to become a vital messenger of the gospel. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for shining Your light into our hearts through Jesus Christ, illuminating our lives with Your truth and grace. Help us to reflect that light to those around us, sharing the knowledge of Your glory and guiding others from darkness to the hope found in You. May our lives testify to Your love and lead many to seek You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Chris & Danielle Martin |
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Link to Danielle's Devotionals under her maiden name, Danielle Johnson Revised: March 14, 2025 |
