Why?

February 17, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 22:1-8

There are many difficult questions arising from scripture. For example: Why did God put trees in the middle of the Garden of Eden that He did not want man to touch? We might imagine what was in the mind of God, but really there is no concrete answer to this question. This is why we need to talk about faith.

What defines our faith? Is it a temporal thing such as believing a chair will hold us when we sit down on it, or is it something much deeper? In the instance of the chair, how would we explain why we believe the chair will hold us? Is it because we can see it has 4 evenly positioned legs? Is it because it is made of sturdy material that we feel will support our weight? Is it what some would describe as blind faith, believing that anything in the form of a chair was made for the purpose of weight-bearing, and therefore we can trust it?

Think about it. What do we actually see that proves there is a God? How does God impact our hearts, our feelings? How do we know there is a God whom we can trust?

Back to the garden….Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the perfect place He had created to be their home. Visually, audibly they knew God. Suddenly they demonstrated the reality of a new knowledge – the knowledge of evil. For the first time they experienced guilt and fear after disobeying God, a significant change from their previous pleasure in His presence. Sadly, removed from their beautiful garden home their faith was no longer visual or companionable. Their social contact with God was limited. Why?

They were separated from Him by their sin. And they knew it. By virtue of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they now recognized evil. They had experienced perfection, but that was gone forever. No wonder God was so upset by their independent thinking, their desire for control, their disregard for His wisdom and plan. Now living in different circumstances the question asked by King David applied to their situation: “Why do the heathen rage?” (Psalm 2:1). David unveiled the resolution of world leaders to rebel against the Lord. How like today this is!

Jeremiah poses the same question “Why”? In context the Lord was warning the Israelites that people of other nations will ask “Why has the Lord done such a thing to this great city?” (Jeremiah 22:8), when God destroys it. “If” – that big little word so full of meaning, is used twice in this chapter to discuss the consequences of obedience or disobedience.

Reflection:

God gave humankind the ability to choose. Why? That ability distinguishes us from other created beings. Our “will” identifies us with the God in whose image we are made. Capable of kindness, compassion and forgiveness, man is indeed unique. Why then is man, through scientific research today trying so hard to identify us with the animal kingdom? Is it not another ploy of the Evil One? Why do we choose to grieve the Holy Spirit by our indifference to His direction, by our rejection of Jesus’ love, by our disobedience of God’s laws? Many questions remain beginning with “Why?”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Going Down to Egypt

February 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 17:14-16

Egypt is a fascinating country. I have seen it from the air, a blue ribbon wending its way between mountains of sand…yes mountains! We often think a desert is flat, but dunes rise to tremendous heights in the Sahara. Bordering the blue ribbon are green swaths which on closer inspection are the gardens which provide their markets with delicious produce. No wonder the Israelites longed for the leeks and onions of Egypt, during their desert wanderings (Numbers 11:18).

But Egypt also has history – a race of strong and intelligent people, their exploits in architecture, literature and commerce, as well as in war, gave them a reputation for excellence, over centuries of time. Wealthy, they had goods and horses. No wonder the struggling Israelites looked to them for help. However, Isaiah pronounces a woe against the Israelites for this very thing. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help!” (Isaiah 31:1). Why is this such a serious thing?

God had rescued His people from persecution and actual slavery in Egypt. The “Exodus” is a famous event in world history. God spoke to the Israelites through Moses and Aaron, giving them regulations for life in their own land, a land He was already preparing to give to them. Several times in Deuteronomy God said “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you….” He gave them instructions re the king He predicted they would ask for, and how to avoid the religious practises of the heathen nations around them (Deuteronomy 17 and 18). Specifically the kings must not make the people return to Egypt ….for the Lord has told you “You are not to go back that way again” (17:16).

The danger was that Israel might prefer the evils of the known above that which was unknown. Think of your own life. How often do we return to the comfort of a familiar pain or problem rather than face the uncertainty of the unfamiliar. Sometimes it might seem we are addicted to pain. Certainly we compromise what God wants for us, when we turn back. God knew the Israelites might rely on the strength of Pharaoh, losing their spiritual compass altogether.

Paul who had experienced trauma of every kind, being beaten and cursed, fleeing for his life, stoned by those in righteous anger, shipwrecked, mocked and imprisoned, knew the past must be left behind if he was to endure. He could see enough of the prize – the mark of the high calling of God motivated him to press forward (Philippians 3:13-14). Oh! that we could envision the glory God has promised to those who are in Christ! To gain that glory we must put the past behind and press forward, trusting God to lead the way. Let us not make the mistake of “Going Down to Egypt”!

Reflection:

How much time have you spent in “Egypt”?

How productive was that time?

What lifted you out of a conflicted situation?

Could your experience speak into the life of someone else?

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

With God

February 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:1-2

Usually one waits for certain seasons to count blessings, but as we approached the quarter mark of 2015 I was amazed to find how God was at work in ways to broaden my understanding and to grow my faith. Having God in my life from a very young age, it is thrilling to know He cares enough to continue touching my heart and mind with deeper insights into His Holy Word, even into old age.

It was at this time I was listening to a preacher from England expositing on Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” His work as a Math professor at Oxford University gave him great opportunities to defend his faith among the intelligentsia of our day. First of all, he wanted us to be clear as to which faith we are defending, since faith is part of everyday life in many different ways…we have faith in people who are close to us, we have faith in the bank where we keep our money and the list goes on.

In North America many people like to refer to themselves as “spiritual” beings, which in truth we are, but their perception is different from what the Bible describes. Listen to the Apostle Paul. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The key then to being spiritual, is having faith “in Christ”.

Our scientist from England argued for the fact that we must have faith in a GOD who never came to be. Man came to be; the universe came to be, but God has always been God and for many scientists the eternality of Yahweh is hard to grasp. Science according to Stephen Hawking, defines the brain as the product of a mindless, unguided process. Evolution supports that hypothesis. If that is so, then how can we trust atheistic findings of that brain, when it comes to belief in God?

Behind the logic of his message was the reality that scripture uses metaphors. Jesus said “I am the door” (John 10:9). Taken literally we would be hard pressed to explain that, but we all know what He meant. Through Him we can enter into the very presence of God Almighty, our heavenly Father! Therefore, why do so many Christians flounder when it comes to taking certain things literally, caught up in arguing for something we need not prove?

John captured a reality that cannot be overlooked. The “Word” – Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning, because He is God – eternal, all knowing, Almighty (John 1:1). Therefore, we have every reason, as believers, to rejoice in our faith, a solid rock in the storms of 2015, or 2050 uncertainties! In fact, Christ has been our foundation throughout centuries of human history and will continue to be on into the future, whatever year we celebrate.

This same God in the person of the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, guiding, rebuking, enlightening, growing each of us in our faith, so that we can say we are with God, day by day. Also, we can trust Him to move in the hearts of people around us, as with His love overflowing in our hearts we live “in Christ” (John 17:21).

Reflection:

What is Jesus’ prayer for you and for me? Put it into your own words.

How would you describe your “spirituality” to someone else?

Do you know you are “In Christ”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Commanded to Love

January 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Exodus 15:2, 15 1 John 3:1

Love is a topic we can never exhaust! It is the theme of scripture from beginning to end. Contrary to popular belief the Old Testament is full of God’s love. Love did not begin as a New Testament theme. Moses sang: “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.” This was addressed to the Lord whom Moses described as “my strength and my song. He has become my salvation….and I will praise Him” (Exodus 15:15, 2).

How was it possible for Moses to believe God is a God of love – unfailing love? Hadn’t the Israelites just endured generations of slavery, oppressed by the Egyptians? During that time many must have asked popular questions asked today when things go wrong: “Where is God in all of this?” “If there is a God, how can He allow this disaster?” “Why would a God of love allow so much suffering?”

We read of other key people who recognized God loved His people, Israel, throughout O.T. history:

Ezra 3: 10-11 – The priests and Levites led the people in celebration of the laying of the temple foundation, in this song: “He [the Lord] is good; His love to Israel endures forever!” (This was following years of punishment, in exile)

Psalm 33:5 – “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love!”

1 Ki 8:23 – King Solomon prayed at the dedication of Solomon’s temple: “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you…….who keeps your covenant of love.”

Jonah 4:2 – An angry prophet, seeing the Ninevites repent, complained to God about His love for this heathen nation: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow in anger and abounding in love.” Jonah could not accept these sinners who had been forgiven by God. What kind of a missionary was he? But God is a God of love and even today welcomes sinners with that love (1 John 3:1 – lavished love!)

The apostle John draws our attention to the subject of love. It is Jesus’ commandment, a commandment, says John, that we have had from the beginning (2 John 6). Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Why should we love God? “This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “We love because He first loved us” (4:19).

We are to “love one another, for love comes from God” (I John 4:7). A sign has been given to believers: “If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12).

True Love is the power that will keep individuals at peace, and the church a pure witness to the love of God. John was most anxious to ensure that the “chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the Truth” [in Christ] would always remember that followers of Jesus have a duty to perform (2 John: 1, 6).

Jesus commanded: “Love!”

Reflection:

How do you see the love of God expressed in the Old Testament?

How did this differ in the New Testament?

What does love empower you to do today?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Praise the Lord

January 14, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 148

The Psalmist call upon the heavens and the earth to praise God. As we begin the new year, let us think in terms of praising God. The common phrase queries “Is the cup half full or is it half empty?”. How will we choose to bring in another year?

My thoughts were drawn, as I read this Psalm, to the heavens which my grandson is famous for photographing. There are galaxies way beyond what we can see, so when the ancients called upon the “highest heavens” to praise the Lord, their writings stimulate our imagination.

Having just celebrated Christmas, “the heavenly host” has been in our thoughts, since choirs of angels sang at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! “Praise Him sun, and moon, praise Him all you shining stars!”. Now why does this seem so important to the author of this Psalm?

We get the answer in verse 5: “For He commanded and they were created”. Just as God spoke our earth into being, He purposed the heavens. “He set them in place for ever and ever”. If mankind has the urge to explore, it is great to know there is a wealth of experience out there which has not even been tapped. That also reminds me that I have been created for a purpose. What an awesome thought!

But – the Psalm doesn’t end there. Things on the earth are called to praise the Lord. All creatures living in the ocean depths as well as land animals and birds, even the weather praise Him. How does “lightening and hail, and snow” praise the Lord? Is it because it shows forth the power of His might?

Last, but not least, “people” including kings and all the rulers on earth, young folks and old, are called to praise God “For His name alone is exalted”. We sing “His name is wonderful”. What do we think about, what life experiences have reinforced the thrill as we sing that song? As we sing, we claim “Jesus” as our personal Lord. What does that mean to you and to me? Scripture teaches us the name of the Lord is holy, majestic, trustworthy, glorious, and everlasting.

Reflection:

God calls us, through the still small voice of His spirit to worship Him for His name’s sake. ”I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake“. We do not need any other reason to “Praise the Lord” do we?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Today’s Anti-Christ

January 6, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

1 John 4:1-5

Paul wrote that “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

It seems rather shocking to know that there was a spirit of anti-Christ in the same generation in which Christ lived. His Apostle John describes this for us, in his small epistle of 1 John. He identifies how we might distinguish what is from God’s Spirit. “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is of God” (1 John 4:2). After Jesus died, the Holy Spirit was sent to comfort Jesus’ disciples, but His ministry was much more far-reaching in that it also convicted men of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). The rejection of that conviction forms the basis of the attitude that ‘I do not need God.’

However, man was created to worship. That need will be fulfilled. Down through history the spirit of anti-Christ has taken man into the depths of degradation as they worshiped idols, worshiped self, and even worship Satan….anything but Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Sometimes it starts quite innocently. Father Christmas became the imaginary donor of gifts to little children, a character adopted from stories played out in the Middle Ages. To encourage good behaviour a system of reward was developed…and through the centuries has changed even further. For example, naughty children no longer get a lump of coal in their stockings, since in an era of electric heat, coal is meaningless.

One must wonder if Christ has been replaced by Santa in order to make Christmas palatable to folks of other religious persuasions? Let’s look at a couple of comparisons. Santa comes from a mysterious place. Jesus came from heaven. Santa is benevolent. Jesus gave His life for all who would receive Him. But now we see a measured difference: Santa rewards good behaviour. Jesus makes us holy, cleansing us from sin and freeing us by forgiving us. Also, Santa has no offer for eternity, whereas Jesus gives us the gift of eternal life. If Santa remained an imaginative figure like Winnie the Pooh, all is not lost, but when he replaces that which is sacred and all our carols adore Santa rather than Christ our Lord, we need to look at this seriously.

In a curious twist, notice the letters that make up Santa also make up another word which is Biblical ..…Satan. I would hate to malign the jolly fat man in a pretty red suit, who is kind and caring with little children, but there is a “BUT”. If we teach our children to base all their hopes and dreams on Santa, are we not exercising the spirit of anti-Christ? Imagination is not bad; Bart Millard exercised his in the following lyrics:

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
To my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine Bart Millard

Reflection:

What does Christmas mean to you specifically. Some years ago there was a trend to shorten it to Xmas. Isn’t that what a lot of folks have done in their hearts? Crossed out our Christ? Oh may God forgive us! Without Jesus, Christmas would be meaningless. If He is the “reason for the Season” let us sing

“Joy to the World the Lord has come” instead of “Here comes Santa Claus”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Who is Jesus?

December 31, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:18-23

Do a survey among your community of family and friends asking this question. You may be surprised at the answers you get.

More than 2,000 years ago a baby was born in Bethlehem, a baby whose life and teachings shaped the next two millennia. Until now this event has even influenced the recording of our calendar years, gauging time by years before Christ (BC) and after His death (AD). How is it possible that something as important to the human race as time, has been governed by the birth of a baby born in obscurity?

The Bible records another astonishing incident – this baby was visited by kings from the east, “Magi” who honoured Him with costly gifts. Apparently the stars announced His birth to these learned men from afar. If that were possible, then we would no longer wonder that a few shepherds were astonished at the choir of angels singing praises to God. Through this baby, born in an insignificant town, in a small and oppressed nation, God was bringing peace to the world –

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests” (Luke 2:14).

So we ask again – ‘Who is Jesus?”

An angel appeared to Joseph, confirming that his betrothed wife was going to give birth to a baby conceived in her by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). What did Joseph know about the Holy Spirit? The angel also gave a name to this baby – ‘Jesus’. We’ve previously noted that Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which in Hebrew means “the Lord saves”.

Centuries before this miraculous birth God gave Isaiah a prophecy that a virgin would be with child…impossible! Yes! But God is the God of the impossible, Jesus told his disciples (Mark 10:27). The prophet also predicted the name of the child would mean “God with us” – Immanuel!

During His three-year ministry several people recognized Jesus as the Messiah (the One anointed to take the throne of David Matthew 1:1), the Christ. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, about whom we hear very little, was the first to call Jesus ‘Messiah’ as he excitedly ran to Peter with this momentous news! (John 1:41). Next was the Samaritan woman…..demonstrating God’s love for all people! Imagine that He entrusted such identification to a woman who was not a Jewess! Jesus’ identity was revealed to a woman of ill repute, of a nationality despised by the Jews (John 4:29).

Reflection:
How do you see Jesus?

What might make Jesus the most powerful influence in your life?

What would you like your nearest and dearest to know about Jesus?…and why?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Angel Gabriel

December 25, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 1 & 2

Only two angels in the Bible have been named. The one we are studying is Gabriel, meaning “man of God”. He is best known for the announcements he made regarding Christ’s birth, but as well he can be seen in the Old Testament where he announced God’s plans to Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21).

Gabriel appears first to the priest Zechariah. Luke tells us Zechariah’s division was on duty, he himself chosen by lot to offer the sacrifice of incense in the temple of the Lord (Luke 1:9). People were waiting outside, praying. How startled was this priest when an angel appeared beside him at the altar! Gripped with fear, Zechariah could hardly believe the angel’s message….his barren wife would bear a child! (1:13) There was tremendous hope for Israel, as well as for this childless couple! “He will be great in the eyes of the Lord….to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:16, 17b).

Seeking proof, the angel identified himself to Zechariah. Certain he was a “man of God” Zechariah believed, but he also suffered for doubting. He was struck dumb until the baby was born. People waiting outside for him, marvelled when he returned speechless. They realized he had seen a vision (1:21-22). He couldn’t even tell his wife, in so many words, what had happened to him.

The second time we see Gabriel is also as bearer of great news… “….a virgin, pledged to be married to a man named Joseph” (1:27) received an unusual visitor. Gabriel was sent by God to tell her she was highly favoured – Divinely chosen – to give birth to a son (1:28, 31). This angel was concerned for her emotional well-being. This was not an everyday occurrence so he reassured her first of all that “the Lord is with you” and instructed “Do not be afraid” (1:28, 30).

We see the tender hand of God upon this chosen woman. Her son would be great because he will be called “the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of his father David” (1:32). In fact “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (1:35). Fantastic!

Mary faced a lot of unknowns. How would her family take this news? What about her fiancé Joseph? How about her friends? What about her own personal fears? What changes to her lifestyle was this news going to make? Pregnant before marriage? She would need the support of the Most High!

For some reason the angel who appeared to reassure Joseph was not named (Matthew 1:20). Was it Gabriel? Joseph was to name this baby “Jesus” (Matthew 1:21), the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means “the Lord saves”. This must have been a test of Joseph’s faith, but this name was also reassuring. Something great was about to happen in a world filled with chaos. At last the prayers of the people, for a Deliverer, were going to be answered!

Reflection:

Can you imagine being addressed by an angel in visible form? What was Gabriel’s job description? What was his attitude? How did God show His Divine favour to Mary? Was it in giving her the Holy Spirit in a day when He only made brief appearances? What might have been her thoughts about this experience when 33 years later the Holy Spirit was visibly given to indwell all believers?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Noel

December 17, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 2:8-14

Noel is a word we associate with Christmas carols. It is derived from several root meanings: from the French word Nael meaning Christmas, but goes back even further to the Latin word Natalis meaning birthday. Nouvelles means news. Nowell means shout for joy! Carols written in the Middle Ages began the common use of this word.

The word itself is not found in scripture. Why then is the Christmas carol “The First Noel”, so popular? The song was published in the early 1800’s, based on the account given to us by Luke. “I bring you good news” (Nouvelles), the angel said, speaking to a small group of shepherds. The news was so good it would cause a lot of people to experience “great joy” (Nowell) (Luke 2:10).

The effect of this good news was evangelistic. The shepherds were so impacted by the message from a heavenly choir, a host of angels (Luke 2:13), that they had to check it out. Going into Bethlehem in search of this newborn baby (Natalis), the town became aware that something significant was happening, right there in Bethlehem!

Down through centuries of time folks have rejoiced in the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:11). The first Nael was sung on the hillsides of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, but the Spirit of the Lord still brings joy to the hearts of disciples who sing of Jesus’ birth today. Noel explains the coming of Christ to forgive and save us all…. “…and with His blood mankind hath bought. Noel!”

Just as the great star attracted attention, the life of Jesus has shed spiritual light onto our world ever since His advent, continuing “Both day and night. Noel!”. “Let us all, with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord…..Born is the King (the Christ, the Messiah). Noel!”

The Magi sought a king…”Where is the One who has been born ‘King of the Jews’?” (Matthew 2:2). Known at both His birth and crucifixion as King of the Jews, His status was even recognized by Herod (Luke 23:38). Jesus identified His kingdom as “not of this world” (John 18:36).

The Apostle Paul who struggled against the Lordship of Christ finally had to admit He is God, the One before whom “Every knee will bow…and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). At the end of the age a choir of angels numbering thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, will circle the throne where the Lamb who was slain is proclaimed worthy of all praise and honour and power forever and ever (Revelation 19:11-13) Nowell!

Reflection:

What sorts of images does that heavenly scene conjure up?

What will you celebrate this Christmas as the Holy Spirit informs your spirit of Noel?

Will you “follow the star, wherever it went”?

Where is Jesus calling you and me to go with the good news?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional