Humble?

October 17, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Philippians 2, 2 Chronicles 7

Since Dickens invented Uriah Heep people have been making fun of humble pretensions. The groveling servility of this man stands testimony to self-seeking. He would have made an interesting psychological study today. Dickens was a genius at observing human nature! He paints word pictures that stir the imagination!

“[Heep’s face] was quite as cadaverous as it had looked in the window —a youth of fifteen, who had hardly any eyebrows, and no eyelashes, and eyes of a red-brown, so unsheltered and unshaded, that I remember wondering how he went to sleep. He was ….dressed in decent black, with a white wisp of a neckcloth; buttoned up to the throat; and had a long, lank, skeleton hand, which particularly attracted my attention…”

With this picture in mind, along with the character Dickens described vividly as patronizing, grasping, ingratiating and manipulative, is it any wonder that humility has taken on the appearance of evil, of treachery, by its very insincerity?

Yet as we read scripture humility is recommended by God (Proverbs 11:2, Zephaniah 2:3, Philippians 2:3). A humble attitude is needed to approach His throne. It reflects the character of our hearts as we inter-relate with other people. Our Lord, Himself was the greatest example of true humility. Knowing He is equal with God – united in the Trinity, we read He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8).

What did that humility look like? He gave up His heavenly status to come to earth, to be limited in form, taking on the body of a human being (2:7). This was God who created the universe, assuming the limitations of one of His creatures. I have to ask myself if I would be willing, for example, to take on any limitation that confines someone in a wheelchair, in order to fulfill God’s will in my life?

Jesus emptied Himself, became “nothing” (Philippians 2:7) The theological construct here is amazing! He veiled His pre-incarnate glory, voluntarily relinquishing His divine prerogatives while here on earth. For us as humans to give up anything that empowers us, can be a very scary experience. But this is the face of humility…not grasping at control, manipulating the course of events in our lives. Even for the sake of the gospel, Jesus would not manipulate people but freed them, as in the case of the rich young ruler, to go away disillusioned about what he could do to earn his salvation!

In the hierarchy of the Christian movement, what does scripture recommend as the best form of leadership? Those with a servant’s heart are most pleasing to God. Why? Following Jesus, we see He became like a servant (Philippians 2:7). The nature of a good servant is one who is loyal, one who gives above and beyond for the benefit of his master. Of all things in this life, if we could only see that our service is for Jesus Christ, Himself.

Serving is a Biblical principle. Abraham served the angels who visited him. Moses served his father-in-law; Jacob and many others served in their homes. Joseph served Pharaoh. The prophets served God, often at great personal cost. Service from the heart is synonymous with humility. The opposite of humility is pride. Known as one of the seven deadly sins, pride is an affront to the Divine, to God’s holiness and perfection.

At the dedication of Solomon’s temple God reminds His people of the importance of this attribute, humility. Thundering down through the ages are words from God’s throne: “If My people….will humble themselves…..!” HUMBLE! Humble! Humble hearts define our relationship with Almighty God, don’t they? (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

Reflection:

Hear the yearning in God’s voice? If only…MY people will worship Me in spirit and in truth, with humble hearts. The choice is ours. Is our humble heart real, or is it fake?

What is the value put on humility today?

What form did humility take in Jesus’ life?

Is this an example you and I might follow?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Battle is God’s

October 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them, you may fight the good fight.”

Apparently, as was the custom, Godly men had commissioned Timothy to ministry by the laying on of hands and prayer. At that time they recognized his particular gifts [preaching and teaching] to be used in the Lord’s service (1 Timothy 4:13).

When you read 1 Timothy 1:18 what do you understand about the battle Paul is warning young Timothy against? In daily life do you sometimes feel like you are at war? What is going to give you the victory over that feeling? Paul recommends holding onto faith and a good conscience (1:19). To me that means I must live up to God’s expectations, not to qualify but rather to quantify what a Christian is. In Him I must live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).

In his famous sermon on Mars Hill, the Apostle Paul reviewed all that God had done from the creation of the world in order for man to seek Him, and even find Him – this great omnipotent God! The Greeks were worshiping gold and silver, or stone – images made by man’s genius (Acts 17:29). Now Paul challenged them to look to someone far greater than they could imagine, One who would eventually judge the world through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

The battle, even in Paul’s day was against false doctrine. Myths and endless genealogies promoted controversy. Is it possible to over-examine God’s Word? What considerations take over truth, if we do not take it at face value, trusting the Holy Spirit to make it clear enough for even a child to understand. Jesus warned we need to become like little children, humble, trusting (Matthew 18:2-4). The greatest defence a child or adult could have is trusting God. We sing:
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land -The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand -The battle belongs to the Lord!
The power of darkness comes in like a flood -The battle belongs to the Lord –
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood -The battle belongs to the Lord!
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear -The battle belongs to the Lord!
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near – The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory and honor, power in strength to the Lord!
Songwriters: Collins Jamie (sue)

Paul reminds Timothy that the weapon of prayer is to be used in this battle. When we pray for kings and all those in authority, it pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3). The battle for lost souls, whether they be in leadership or just your neighbour, concerns our heavenly Father because God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (:4). Let’s not forget God loves all people, [individuals in our families or communities, kings and bishops, of every tribe and nation] even more than we do.

Reflection:
When you read about anger and strife do you read from a defensive position? Who is the enemy? Who is the protagonist? In November we remember those who were lost in the great World Wars, but let us not forget we also are in a battle against evil!
As a herald and apostle of the true faith, Paul knew what it was to fight the good fight. He brought glory to God by engaging, in love, with those who held him prisoner. Was it really God’s purpose to appoint someone to suffer (2:7)? How would you respond to such a situation? Would you, could you completely trust God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Spectator or Participant?

October 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Joel 1-3

Often the Old Testament is overlooked in favour of the gospels of our Lord Jesus Christ. In dialogue with my grandson recently I was thrilled to learn he has become aware of the necessity of grounding ourselves in the teachings of the Old Testament. As well as disregarding the First Covenantal book, we often attempt to distinguish which are the “important” books of scripture, failing to recognize that each book has been written for the express purpose of teaching us to know and understand the heart and mind of our great and glorious God! With this in mind let us review what Joel has to teach us.

The Jews have been chosen as God’s representatives here on earth. Sadly they failed to appreciate the privilege of participating with God in His saving purpose for all humankind. God’s patience was tried from generation to generation until promised judgment finally fell upon His chosen people (Joel 1). Great suffering resulted, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Great witnesses came and went – Elijah, Obadiah and now Joel were sent by God to purify His people. It is worth noting Joel’s description of God. In Chapter 2:11 we find Him coming as the thundering leader of a great army – numberless, mighty forces who obey His commands! His purpose? “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God!” (2:27).

This God is described as jealous (2:18), vigilant over the nation He calls His own. Protective, pitying their weaknesses, God’s great heart of compassion can be seen; He has been slow to express His anger at their folly, demonstrating His love and grace repeatedly throughout centuries of time (2:13, 18).

How blessed we are to live in the age Joel prophesied would come when God pours out His Spirit upon all people – Jew and Gentile alike, whomever responds to His love (2:28). Paul writes about this: “For we are all baptised by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free” (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Apostle Peter preached from Joel’s book on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptised…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Peter concludes “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Joel reminds us that our God is determined to be our refuge, a stronghold in the day of trouble (3:16). Trouble assuredly will come, but God chooses to restore the years the locusts have eaten (2:25). This is the God we know to have been so merciful to us day by day, as we take three steps forward and two steps back! One day He will judge the nations (3:2), but in the end Sovereign God will dwell in Zion (3:21)….and there will be peace on His Holy hill, in Jerusalem (3:17).

Reflection:

The question Joel raises for you and me today is whether or not we have believed and received God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Will we participate in this peaceful coexistence with God, or have we just been spectators at the game of life?

“Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful!

May the fire of our devotion light the way.

May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,

And the lives, we live inspire them to obey”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Morning Meditation

September 26, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 15:9-11

How many folks today are feeling depressed, lonely, angry or disappointed? The elderly are grumpy, and young people are suicidal. Yet as I write, there is such joy in knowing Jesus! He came to bring us joy. Read His words: “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). We have to search the context to see what He means. This joy is based on the love of the Father flowing through the Lord Jesus Christ to you and to me. It does require something, however. Jesus requires a response – He wants us to be obedient to His commands. Therefore we need to know what they are.

In an era when the Pharisees had multiplied commands trying to make it easier to keep God’s specific laws, Jesus melts them down to two or three: Love the Lord, love your neighbour and love yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). The last one is often left out in the fear of condoning arrogance and conceit, but unless we are happy in our own skin it will be terribly hard to accept and love other people, just as they are. God accepts us as we are, knowing we cannot possibly make ourselves holy enough to meet His standard.

Loving an invisible God isn’t all that easy either. We have to put some effort into it. A principle applies here – “You get out of it what you put into it”. We are trusting what we cannot see, Someone for whom there is no empirical evidence….or is there?

Looking back is always helpful; we learn to appreciate lessons God has taught us, sometimes through hardship or disappointment. Recently I realized how much my trust in Him has grown. Now as I pray, it is with a peaceful expectation that God knows what He is doing, and He will accomplish His purposes in the lives of those I love. As I talk with Him about their choices and their beliefs it is a tender conversation with the One who loves them even more than I do. After all – He sacrificed everything for them.

Jesus wanted His joy to be in us. What does that entail? Perhaps our expectations don’t match His…check it out. Paul wrote “who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2). The outcome far outweighed His suffering in the moment. Does His worldview match ours or visa versa?

Reflection:

Over the years faith has become a beautiful journey. We grow as we experience God, who hears and answers prayer. We are not the same today as we were five years ago, but He never changes. His character is pure and constant, loving and kind, gentle as a Shepherd with his lambs. That is one of Jesus’ favourite illustrations. Is your life secure in the love of the “Good Shepherd” (John 10)? Has His joy become complete in you and me? Are we spreading the love of Jesus in our little area of influence?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Dei Gratia!

September 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Micah 3, 6, 7

Perhaps your high school Latin is as rusty as mine, but here we have a phrase that reminds us “by the grace of God” life may be lived in a manner pleasing to Him. It’s really quite simple. We just have to answer the question Micah asked the Israelites: “What does the Lord require of you?” (Micah 6:8).

For background to that question in the 7^th century BC, we need to look at what Israel was up to. Micah’s ministry occurred in an era when Judah was under siege from the Assyrian leader Sennacherib. The Northern kingdom, pro-Assyrian under King Ahaz, had been taken into captivity, but Judah under King Hezekiah hung on, in faith believing that God would protect them. The people had suffered for many years under political oppression. Spiritually, false prophets had failed to feed them, so God sent Micah and Amos to cry out for social justice.

Beginning with a rebuke, God calls the leaders of Israel to account. “Should you not know justice, you who hate good and love evil?” (3:1-2). The Lord had seen their schemes, how they distorted all that was right and who had built Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness (:9-10). They had cried out to the Lord but He did not answer them. The result of their evil deceit and lies, was that God had indeed hidden His face from them (:4).

It was imperative for the nation to “listen” to the word from God. Several times Micah’s passion grips him! “Hear!” “Listen!….” “This is what the Lord says……” The prophets are leading My people astray, “but I am filled with power” (3:5, 8). Don’t ever forget that! Micah renewed their commitment to God with the decisive statement “We will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever” (4:5). He recognized that other nations would continue to follow their own gods.

Paul, preaching in Lystra, recognized that tendency. Bringing them the good news of the gospel, Paul is “telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth….in the past He let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left Himself without testimony” (Acts 14:15-16). God’s kindness stood as a witness to His mercy and grace.

In Micah’s prophecy, he could see Messiah coming as a shepherd to His flock (5:4). He would come out of Judah, more specifically from Bethlehem (:2). By God’s greatness and majesty Israel would be secure and at peace. They will have beaten their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks (4:3). The remnant of God’s people would become a blessing to other nations in that day (5:7-8).

So what does God require in return? Israel replies to the Lord’s indictment in chapter 6, bowing down in repentance and humility, empty of anything that would dishonour the living God. “What misery is mine!…not one upright man remains!….All men lie in wait to shed blood. But as for me….I wait for God my Saviour” (chapter 7). This is precisely what God requires of each of us….”to walk humbly with your God.” To be utterly dependant on Him in order “to act justly and to love mercy” (6:8). Today, filled with the Spirit of the living God, we too are enabled to do His will.

Reflection:

What has God’s grace accomplished in your life?

What is your greatest spiritual need at present?

How do you anticipate God’s grace to work out in your life, in the days ahead?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Persecution, Pain, Perseverance

August 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 15:20, Romans 12:14

Recently I listened to two men describing their experiences of being jailed for blasphemy, now – in the 21^st century. Accused for a crime they did not commit, they were persecuted, tortured, and beaten for days….days without sleep….days of fear for when the next interrogation would suddenly occur. I was reminded of how, in my generation we could look back to when, even in Canada, people were sent to jail for preaching the gospel!

In a spirit of mockery an atheist colleague later compared his circumstances with Mr. X, reminding him of how successful he was in his business, and blessed with a good family even though he didn’t believe in God. Instead, Mr. X was suffering for his faith in God, stripped of everything material that he had enjoyed, separated from his family, physically and mentally abused. Incongruous of course to the human mind! Why then the atheist asked, would one choose to believe in God?

The answer? While in prison Mr. X was not alone. He had Someone to talk with, the assurance of being cared for, the certainty of the Divine plan. In spite of the circumstances, he even had hope! If the atheist could put himself in the same circumstances what would he have to hope for? How lonely would he be? What would strengthen his resolve to persevere?

The Psalmist refers to men who persecuted him without cause, but Jesus taught His disciples to anticipate persecution. “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you, also” (John 15:20). They would be falsely accused with all kinds of evil, because of their faith in Him (Matthew 5:11), but in this experience they would also be blessed; blessed with the power to love their enemies, to bless them in return, without cursing (Romans 12:14), blessed with opportunities to later share what Jesus meant to them, throughout their darkest hours!

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians to share his sufferings. His team was seen as fools for Christ, weak, dishonoured and even deprived of the physical necessities of life. They felt they had been made a spectacle of to the whole universe, and therefore had become the scum of the earth. What a reputation! Who would choose this way of life? Yet Paul says “We endured it” (1 Corinthians 4:9-13). Why? “It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Pain is short-lived when one considers the outcome. How quickly a woman forgets the pains of childbirth when once she holds that precious baby in her arms! In the same way, persecuted believers, for glory of being enabled to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), the memory of the pain is removed by our loving heavenly Father.

Yet God keeps an account of our sufferings. Jesus said “You have endured hardships for My Name and have not grown weary [perseverance]…I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!…You remain true to My Name….I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance….I know you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name”. Writing to the churches in Revelation Jesus commends 5 out of 7 churches for their perseverance through pain and persecution.

The question for us today is one of faith. Faith, the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8) cannot be shaken. As with the gift, given in the first place to those who believe, God sustains us through every trial and test, persecution and pain. Paul, who suffered as much as any believer until now, wrote “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Let us add to persecution, pain; perseverance is given as the word of promise from God Almighty who sees and knows how much we can bear, and will provide all that we need to go through (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Reflection:

No one wants to think about persecution and pain. What is it that helps you think positively about this difficult journey?

You may be praying for people you never met, yet are brothers and sisters in the Lord. What helps you to persevere?

Have you ever regretted causing someone else pain?

Is there anything that prevents you from blaming the perpetrators of injustice and persecution? Explain.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Matters of the Law

August 22, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 23:23-33

To the religious Jew, keeping the law was everything. The Pharisees, over many years, added helps to enable people to keep the law more perfectly. These became so detailed that even their garden herbs and spices were to be tithed. Imagine trying to give a tenth of cumin, which is a tiny seed.

Today we have done the same thing. We first of all pick and choose which laws are the most important, and chastise or punish every infraction accordingly. Biblically one sin is as deviant as another since every sin separates us from God. But we forge ahead making human judgments without consulting the Word of God.

Jesus addressed the Pharisees on this issue, and if we read His words, recorded by both Matthew and Luke, we would know the important matters of the law. Luke writes “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but….!” (11:42). Matthew remembers Jesus said “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth….but you have neglected the more important matters of the law “ (23:23).

Jesus used some strong language in His vindictive! Blindness afflicted the teachers of the law – “You blind fools” “blind guides” (23:17, 24). Four times He raves against their blindness, ending His tirade by calling them a “brood of vipers” (23:33). We might ask, if these men were conscientiously doing their best to interpret the law for the people, why was Jesus upset? This is a question asked today when someone is confronted with aberrant behaviour.

The answer is in Jesus’ own words. He talks about the “more important matters of the law” (23:23) which have been neglected. He agrees it is important to do what they have been doing, giving their tenth, but he rages against that which they have neglected….the spirit of the law (23:23). First things first! They should have practised justice, mercy and faithfulness. Luke adds the love of God to the list (Luke 11:42).

How often do we measure our obedience by the things we do, without considering if it is the attitude of our hearts which motivates our obedience. If it is for the praise of men – we will get our reward here on earth, but if it is to please God we will receive our rewards in heaven. He alone knows our hearts.

Justice! Do we really care about it? How involved will we become on behalf of those who are oppressed or abused? One devout Christian lady said we can pray – which is true, but our presence is even more effective, as a testimony to what we say we believe about justice. Am I willing to stand in court on the side of justice?

Mercy! Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. If we truly believed that might we not be gentler, kinder to those who disappoint and hurt us?

Faithfulness! In our world today faithfulness has almost disappeared. Political alliances and policies have almost completely severed our patriotism. Even in the most intimate of relationships faithfulness is challenged, whether it is grounded emotionally, socially or physically.

Love! Least of all understood emotion – too often today defined by sexual attraction! Where is that tenderness and nurturing of the most precious of relationships, whether family or friend?

Reflection:

How often do we concern ourselves with the sufferings of Jesus? Easter is one time when we think about His past sufferings, but what about His present sufferings as He watches us flounder in our faith?

And over the whole of Jerusalem, teachers of the law, Pharisees and people, the Lord Jesus grieves! (23:37)

Surely He is grieving today over every nation and individual who is rejecting His law, the law of love.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Fill My Cup

August 14, 2023 Admin2 Comments

1 Corinthians 11:25

How often do we pray for God to fill our cup, believing He will bring us health and comfort? One hymn, at least, conveys that idea:
Like the woman at the well I was seeking for things that could not satisfy,
And then I heard my Savior speaking – “Draw from My well that never shall run dry”

Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me ’til I want no more; fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

The scripture speaks to us about various cups. The Psalmist’s cup “runneth over” (Psalm 23:5 KJV) “Overflows” (NIV). In this beloved and well-known Psalm David rejoices in all that the “Good Shepherd” is doing for him. However, like the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well, there are too many weary souls whose cup is empty.

There are millions in this world who are craving the pleasures earthly things afford,
But none can match the wondrous treasure that I find in Jesus Christ my Lord

Because God is love, He reveals Jesus to those hearts which truly seek. Why? Matthew records His promise to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness that they “will be filled” (5:6). Jesus also promises “Whoever drinks of the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:14).

Fill my cup, Lord – I lift it up, Lord – Come and quench this thirsting of my soul
Bread of Heaven, feed me ’til I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. Here’s my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

Has it ever occurred to you that sometimes God requires us to drink from another cup? Jesus, to provide you and me with salvation, drank from the cup of suffering. Would we be willing to do so for the sake of another’s salvation? On the evening when Jesus was betrayed Peter tried to prevent His arrest, but Jesus rebuked him, saying “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” (John 18:11). When James and John asked to sit on Jesus’ right and left hands in glory He asked them “Can you drink the cup I drink?” referring to the cup of suffering He knew lay ahead (Mark 10:38).

The Apostle Paul has something interesting to say about the cup. “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons”. What did he mean? He offers us a principle: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:21, 24). Founded on that principle we must remember that the cup represents a new Covenant with Christ. “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Reflection:

With the New Covenant in focus, how do our perspectives on life change? Are we seeking to satisfy the thirsting of our souls? Is this what caused David’s cup to overflow?

Are we challenged to put others first, before our own comfort? Remember, in the midst of drinking that bitter cup at Calvary, Jesus cared about the soul of the man hanging beside Him! What is your prayer and mine as we seek to have our cup filled?

by Marilyn Daniels (www.MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Where Were You?

July 31, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Job 38:4-41

I enjoy learning about nature from programs on television. God has given us the means to see mountains and seas, stars in outer space, and minute details of the unborn in a mother’s womb! The knowledge of Creator God is past human understanding, yet He blesses us with glimpses into various realms, for which He has some wonderful eternal plan.

Elihu, one of Job’s friends ended a long speech into the mysteries of God’s ways with these words: “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power!” (Job 37:23). Elihu assumed Job has offended God so he took the position that he must defend God (Job 36:2-3). One of Elihu’s themes is that God is beyond our understanding (36:26). This is so true, even today when technology has advanced our understanding of science, medicine and astronomy.

Finally God speaks! Newspapers and television are full of the great discoveries being made by man. God warns us to stop flapping our gums! “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). How dare the creature take the glory belonging to the Creator! God has been patient with Job’s counsellors, and even with Job himself. Now they must listen. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” Scientists may yet have to answer that question, when face to face with God.

Back to Job….in exasperation, riddled with pain and sorrow, he had cried out “If only there were someone to arbitrate between us….someone to remove God’s rod from me”. In Chapter 9 Job speaks about his God, who is not a man like himself. He wished that they might confront each other, so he could get an explanation for his suffering (9:32-34). He speaks out of the bitterness of his soul (10:2). Have you ever been at that point in your life?

Now God thunders from out of a storm. Quite often in scripture we read that God speaks out of the power and terror of stormy circumstances. Perhaps when the storm clouds rise over our lives we should prepare our hearts for a message from God!

God asks some difficult questions. “Who marked the dimensions of earth” (:5) or fixed the limits of the sea? (:8-9). Have the gates of death been shown to you? (:17) What is the way to the abode of light? (:19) Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons? (:31-32) Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? (:36)…and His questions continue into Chapter 40 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” (:1).

Reflection:

When we are struggling we ask a lot of why questions, but here we have God asking where, who, what. The contrasts between the knowledge of God and the understanding of man is vast indeed! No wonder we fall down in worship when we see Him. Job gained the right perspective when he exclaimed “Now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes!”(Job 42:5-6).

Where were you when Creator God planned the marvellous details of your earthly existence? The important question is – Where am I now, in the plan of God? Have I accepted the arbitrator of my soul, Jesus Christ the Lord? Thank God for the plan which included one for my salvation and yours!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Privilege, Responsibility, Opportunity?

July 25, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“It’s a mess!” How often do we hear those words? Mom’s in the kitchen where the cake fell flat. War has decimated a population! Babies are dying of starvation. The environment is deteriorating. A marriage is on the rocks. Large or small, problems are a very real part of life. Who do you lean on when you are frustrated, anxious, depressed? That is a question often asked. What is the answer?

As believers, there is one great answer….we have the privilege of talking with the Almighty God, about anything. He invites us to bring our problems, great or small to Him. Why should He care so much about you and me? Perhaps it is because we fit into the bigger picture, each person, each piece an important part of the puzzle. No puzzle can be complete with one piece missing; missing just one small piece, the picture will be a mess.

There is a short verse in the Bible that brings privilege and responsibility together. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That means more than just keeping in touch. As we walk through each day we converse with Almighty God about the things we see and hear. Of course we worship Him for the beauty of His creation, but what about the messy side of life? How do we pray about wars and famine and flood? Certainly watching these tragedies around our world gives us opportunity to talk with our heavenly Father.

If we see a precious family member making a mess of their lives, we pour out our hearts, don’t we? But how about the human “family” – the people for whom Christ died, who don’t know about Him? Do we care enough to pray? Do we believe that God will hear and answer our prayers? Can our prayers change the world? We have Biblical examples which assure us of the power of prayer. Esther, for one, fasted and prayed for her people, who by law had been condemned to death. God answered her prayer. Read the book of Esther.

I wonder if we pray in too general terms? What if we were more specific, enough to pray for individuals. For example, I know about a man named Samson who lives far away, someone I will never meet, but living in a Muslim country, he probably needs Jesus in his life. Why does the Holy spirit prompt me to pray for Samson, among all the other Muslims in his town? I can’t answer that question, but when we are prompted to pray, we must – it is a compelling force, a privilege, and responsibility, in answer to the opportunity.

How often we are so caught up in our pain and need, that we forget the bigger picture and the privilege God has given to us to specifically bring people in our world to Him, in prayer. If our prayers are conversational, as continual prayer must be, it may make a change in both the way we pray and the things we see happening around us. What delight there is in talking with ones we love! We ask their opinion because we want to understand them. How often do we rush into the presence of God, breathlessly pouring out a request focused on our perceived need, without wondering what God’s thoughts and purposes are. Is our prayer a conversation or a demand?

Reflection:

Prayer gives us the opportunity to hear from our loving heavenly Father. Are we taking advantage of our privilege? Do we drown His voice with the tears we shed over our own desires? Do we miss the delight of hearing His voice and the joy, when He choses to overwhelm someone we have prayed for, with His love? I have learned so much by asking God to help me understand His will. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways”, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thought than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Let us pray without ceasing, so that we may know the heart of our God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)