Devotions: Who Can Stand?
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Who Can Stand?

Day 1: The Sovereignty of God

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Reflection: The shaking earth in Revelation 6 reminds us of the psalmist’s declaration: God is our refuge even when the earth gives way. The Lamb controls the seals; nothing is outside His authority. In our own lives, even chaos is under His sovereign hand.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust in Your sovereignty, knowing You hold the world and my life in Your hands. Amen.

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Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven

Day 1: The Search for One Who is Worthy

Reading: Revelation 5:1-4
Reflection: In Revelation 5, a search unfolds for someone worthy to open God’s scroll. John's sorrow reminds us of humanity's helplessness apart from Christ—no one in heaven or earth can unlock God’s plan. Our worth doesn’t depend on our power or achievements but on the Lamb’s sacrifice and victory.
Prayer: Lord, I am unworthy on my own. Thank You for Jesus, the only one worthy of my hope and trust. Draw me closer to Your strength and mercy. Amen.

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Devotions: Before the Throne
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Before the Throne

Day 1: The Sovereign Throne of God

  • Reading: Psalm 93

  • Reflection: This psalm reminds us that God reigns with majesty and power, even when the world seems chaotic. Like the waves that seem relentless, life’s struggles can overwhelm us. But the psalmist’s focus on God’s unshakeable throne reminds us that God’s power is above all. John’s vision in Revelation 4 draws us to the same truth—that God is unmovable and in control.

  • Prayer: Lord, help me find peace in Your eternal rule, knowing that You reign above all. Set my heart on Your majesty and sovereignty. Amen.

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Devotions: Not By Bread Alone
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Not By Bread Alone

Day 1: The Bread that Sustains

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-3 

Reflection: Just as God provided manna to sustain the Israelites, He provides His Word to sustain us today. It’s not just about physical bread but about the spiritual nourishment that comes from every word from God’s mouth. Consider how you’ve been feeding your soul lately. Are you relying on God’s Word as your daily bread? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your Word as my source of life. Give me a hunger for Your truth each day.

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Devotions: A Lamp Unto My Feet
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: A Lamp Unto My Feet

Day 1: God's Word Is Accessible

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Reflection: God's Word is not hidden or out of reach—it is near, knowable, and written for us to understand. Just as Moses reminded Israel that God’s commands were not too difficult to grasp, we are also invited to engage with Scripture, trusting that God wants us to know Him and His will.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making Your Word accessible to us. Help me to engage with it daily and to understand the truths You have for my life. Amen.

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Devotions: Everything We Need
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Everything We Need

Day 1: The Sufficiency of Scripture for Salvation

Reading: Romans 10:9-17
Reflection: Paul emphasizes that faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ. Salvation is not something we earn; it is a gift from God, revealed through His Word. We don’t need extra rituals or human philosophies to be saved—God’s Word is sufficient to bring us to faith.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Word. Help me fully trust the gospel and rely on Christ alone for salvation.

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Devotions: The Final Word
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: The Final Word

Day 1: Scripture’s Authority in Our Lives
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reflection: The Bible is not just another voice; it is the authoritative word of God. It instructs, corrects, and equips us for every good work. Consider today how you are responding to the authority of scripture in your life. Are you allowing it to direct your thoughts and actions?
Prayer: Lord, help me submit to the authority of Your Word. Shape my life through Your truth and guide me in all that I do. Amen.

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Devotions: From Suffering to Salvation
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Devotions: From Suffering to Salvation

Day 1: The Depths of Despair

Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:1-5

Reflection: David’s cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echoes the anguish we sometimes feel in our darkest moments. Yet, even in his despair, David remembers God’s past faithfulness. When we feel abandoned, we too can look back on God’s faithfulness in our lives and trust that He is near.

Prayer: Lord, when I feel forsaken, help me to remember Your faithfulness and trust in Your presence.

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Devotions: Praising Through the Storm
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Devotions: Praising Through the Storm

Day 1: Trusting God in Trials

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4

Reflection: James encourages believers to find joy in trials because of the endurance they produce. Consider how this aligns with the assurance of God's sovereignty in Psalm 21.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see trials as opportunities to deepen my trust in You, knowing that You are refining my faith for Your glory.

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Devotions: Beyond Chariots and Horses
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Beyond Chariots and Horses

Day 1: Trusting God in Times of Need

Scripture Reading: Psalm 20:1-5
Reflection: In the face of overwhelming odds, King Jehoshaphat turned to prayer, declaring his dependence on God. Psalm 20 echoes this trust, inviting us to seek divine help in our times of trouble. Where do you need to place your trust in God today instead of relying on your strength or resources?
Prayer: Lord, help me turn to You in every situation, trusting in Your power and guidance rather than my strength.

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Devotions: From the Heavens to the Heart
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: From the Heavens to the Heart

Day 1: Recognizing God in Creation

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:19-20

Reflection: Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—being clearly seen through what has been made, so that people are without excuse. As we reflect on creation's testimony, consider how nature points you toward the intricacies of God’s design and character.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see the evidence of Your power and divinity in the world around me, that I may be drawn closer to You in awe and worship.

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Devotions: Strength for the Battle
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Strength for the Battle

Day 1: God as Our Guardian

Scripture Reading: Psalm 18:1-3; Psalm 91:1-2

Reflection: Reflect on God being our refuge and fortress. In times of trouble, we can trust Him as our ultimate protector. Just as a fortress provides safety, God offers security and peace in His presence.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Help me to trust in Your protection and to seek shelter under Your mighty wings. Amen.

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Devotions: Awaken to Righteousness
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Awaken to Righteousness

Day 1: Integrity Tested

Scripture Reading: Job 1:8-12

Reflection: Like David's, Job’s integrity was tested through extreme hardships. Reflect on how integrity shapes your responses to challenges in your life.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hold fast to righteousness when trials come, trusting that You see and value my faithfulness even when others do not.

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Devotions: In His Presence
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: In His Presence

Day 1: The Nature of God as Our Refuge

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3

Reflection: Consider how God being our refuge and strength offers immediate help in times of trouble, reflecting on the serene confidence this should instill in us, regardless of life’s upheavals.

Prayer: Lord, help me to feel the security of Your presence today. Teach me to rely on You as my refuge, especially when I feel overwhelmed by the challenges around me.

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Devotions: Immovable
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Immovable

Day 1: Reflecting on Righteousness

Scripture Reading: James 1:22-25

Reflection: True righteousness isn't just about external adherence to the law; it's about being a doer of the Word. How does the mirror of the Word reflect your true character?

Prayer: Lord, help me to not only hear Your word but to act upon it, reflecting true righteousness in my daily life.

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Devotions: Folly’s Echo, Wisdom’s Call
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Folly’s Echo, Wisdom’s Call

Day 1: Understanding Our Depravity

Scripture Reading: Romans 3:9-12

Reflection: Romans reiterates the theme of universal sinfulness, a concept explored in Psalm 14. Reflect on how acknowledging our sinfulness without despairing is possible only through understanding Christ's work on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, help me see my sin clearly but through the lens of Your mercy and grace. Grant me the humility to confess and the courage to change.

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Devotions: When God Seems Silent
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: When God Seems Silent

Day 1: The Legitimacy of Lament

Scripture Reading: Psalm 13:1-2; Psalm 42:9-11

Reflection: David's lament in Psalm 13 echoes the deep sorrow and confusion many of us feel during difficult times. He openly expresses his feelings of abandonment, showing us that it is okay to be honest with God about our struggles. Similarly, in Psalm 42, the psalmist cries out to God, expressing his soul’s turmoil. Both passages remind us that lament is a legitimate and important part of our faith journey.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for hearing our cries and understanding our pain. Help us to be honest with You about our struggles, trusting that You care deeply for us. Teach us to bring our laments to You, knowing You are a loving and compassionate Father. Amen.

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Dwell in the Word: Psalm 18:33-50
Dwell in the Word Mark Groen Dwell in the Word Mark Groen

Dwell in the Word: Psalm 18:33-50

As we have worked our way through Psalm 18, we've seen David speak of how God is his rock and his fortress and how God has rescued David even though he was in significant peril. The conflict that had such a deep impact on the life of David was King Saul pursuing him in jealousy. As we saw when we started this psalm, it's a psalm of praise to God for the deliverance that God gave him from this terrible situation. And as we close up this Psalm with verses 33 through 50, we're going to see a repetition of these ideas and we're going to see continued praise to God for the deliverance that he provides. When we wrapped up last time, David was making a statement by asking a question, Who is God but Yahweh and who is a rock except our God? The psalmist was making it very clear that God is in control and that God is faithful to keep the promises that he makes to his people.

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Devotions: Enduring Words
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Enduring Words

Day 1: The Power of God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:5-6

Reflection: Today’s reading reminds us of God's word's perfect truth and reliability. Unlike human words, which can be flawed and deceitful, God's words are pure and protect those who trust in Him. As we navigate a world filled with misinformation and deceit, let’s anchor ourselves in the certainty and safety of God’s promises.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth and purity of Your word. Help me to rely on Your promises and teachings as my ultimate source of truth. Protect me from the temptation to add to or distort Your words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Devotions: Above the Storm
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Above the Storm

Day 1: Trusting in God’s Refuge

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3

Reflection: Today's passage from Psalm 46 reminds us of God's unshakeable presence as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Like the psalmist in Psalm 11, we are encouraged to trust in God’s protection when everything around us seems chaotic. Despite the earth giving way or mountains falling into the heart of the sea, our confidence remains firm in the Lord, who is our sanctuary.

Prayer: Lord, in times of turmoil and uncertainty, help me to remember that You are my refuge and strength. When fears assail me and the ground shakes, let my heart cling to You, the unmovable rock of my salvation. Amen.

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