By Contributor


CHRIS & DANIELLE MARTIN
aka Danielle Johnson

 Bible Gateway
 
 

Friday, February 27, 2026

Holy Is The Lord Almighty by Danielle

 Scripture: Colossians 1:22 (ESV) – “he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”

 

Message: This Lenten season I wanted to meditate on the holiness of God.  While studying the Word, I’m reminded that a personal relationship with a Holy God is only possible through the resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead.  That power is the only thing capable of granting the forgiveness required to bridge the gap between our sinful nature and a righteous God.  Thanks to the forgiveness that we receive, we can experience God’s holiness “here and now”.

 

Colossians 1:22 explains that Christ’s death was intended to “present you holy and blameless” in His sight.  It is not due to our own actions that we are made holy and blameless, but we are presented as holy and blameless only through Christ’s mediation.  That is what enables us to stand in front of God without condemnation.

 

As we prepare for Easter we can show that Christ lives in us by living “set apart”.  A few examples include practicing gratitude and joy, looking for opportunities to help others, and making choices that honor God even when no one is watching.  We should strive to confess our sins, seek God’s help and remain humble knowing that it is not in our own power, but in Christ’s power that we are set free.  I hope we are continually renewed by Christ’s presence in our lives, and are stirred to share our faith with others, so that they too may stand “holy and blameless” before the Father.

 

Prayer: Lord, You are so worthy of our praise and devotion.  Open our hearts and minds to be in awe of Your holiness as we prepare for and celebrate Your resurrection this Easter.  Enable us to live “set apart” so we can point others to You and let it be done all for Your glory.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

 Danielle Martin

Northside Presbyterian Church, Melbourne, Florida

Back to top

Monday, December 22, 2025

The Heart Of Christmas by Danielle

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Message: One Christmas Eve, our family gathered to watch “The Nativity Story” (2006), a thoughtful movie retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.  It’s a powerful story inviting us to reflect on the narrative, and to share the light of Christ with others.

The following year just before Christmas break, I asked my classmates what they believed was the most important part of Christmas.  Some spoke of Jesus’ birth; others mentioned family, friends, or gifts.  I shared with them that for me the heart of Christmas is grace.

Grace is the gift of salvation through a relationship with Christ, the promise of heaven, and the joy of passing the Gospel message to others.

This season, I encourage you to gather and watch “The Nativity Story”, a thoughtful portrayal of Mary and Joseph’s journey and Jesus’ birth.  Let it spark reflection and conversation, and not just serve as entertainment.  Let Christmas be a time to share the love of Christ with friends, family, and those you encounter who may not have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation.  Empower us to live as Your witnesses, shining Your grace in every conversation and action.  Amen.

Danielle Martin
 Northside Presbyterian Church
Melbourne, Florida

Back to top

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Embracing The Gift Of Grace: Remembering His Sacrifice by Danielle

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
 Gateway Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama

Back to top

Monday, December 2, 2024

Christmas Light: A Call To Shine by Chris & Danielle

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

Back to top

Home By Contributor Miscellaneous By Date

Link to Danielle's Devotionals under her maiden name, Danielle Johnson

Revised: February 17, 2026