Jesus Wept

May 14, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 11:35

It is the shortest verse in the Bible. Jesus was grieving over the death of His friend Lazarus….a death He might have prevented. Why did He not go when Mary and Martha sent word Lazarus was sick?

Luke recorded that when He approached Jerusalem, Jesus wept over the city. We can also sense the grief in Jesus’ voice when He exclaimed “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you – how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). In this case He was proactive. He left the temple and began preparing His disciples for the time when He would no longer be with them. Why? Because He was prepared to give His life for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2).

Grief is not uncommon, even among the Godhead. Isaiah was aware that Israel had grieved the Holy Spirit. God, in His love and mercy had redeemed them, “lifted them up and carried them in days of old” yet they continued to rebel! (Isaiah 63:9-10). What is it that grieves the heart of God? Man’s wickedness, almost from the beginning of time, filled the heart of God with pain (Genesis 6:5-6). The Psalmist remembered how the history of Israel’s frequent rebellions often vexed God (Psalm 78:40-41).

There was tremendous pathos in Jesus’ cry from the cross “My God! My God – why have you forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). Into His question we might read: “Why has man been so unreceptive to our other overtures of love? Why did it have to come to this?” Thankfully Jesus can identify with our own brokenness, when we face our own sins, or the sins of others and we ask “why?”. That resonates with Mary’s cry when Jesus turned up after the burial of Lazarus.

The answer was given by the Lord Himself, when He heard Lazarus was sick “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory, so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus’ power would be demonstrated in a remarkable way! He raised Lazarus from the dead, days after his body would begin to deteriorate and smell (:39). The similarity to His own death and resurrection could not be understood at the time, but Jesus was not found in the tomb, three days after He was crucified! Tears of joy have welcomed this reality over 2 millennia of time! He lives! Our Redeemer lives!

So, what do the tears of Jesus signify to you and to me? We see Him as a man with emotions we can identify with, but was there more behind His grief? We used to sing a song in Church “Man of Sorrows, what a name for the Son of God who came, ruined sinners to reclaim – Hallelujah! What a Saviour”. That’s it! He came to reclaim you and me, at dreadful cost. First of all He had to live the human experience, He who is Creator of us all. Then He died an ignominious death! Do we weep for Him?

Reflection:

When our grief overwhelms us do we remember that God sometimes allows us to learn lessons through pain and loss, lessons that bring glory to His Holy name? At the end of the day Jesus knew His suffering would bring glory to God as well as hope to mankind. Were His tears worth the effort? Even now he is our advocate when we are faced with irreconcilable differences, with terminal illness, with disappointment and betrayal, or even physical limitations. Remember Jesus weeps with you and with me today.

Devotional

Judas Closed the Deal

May 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 26

At the beginning of the Passion of Christ we find a woman anointing His head with a very expensive oil while Jesus was at dinner with his disciples in the home of Simon, a man thought to have been healed of leprosy by Jesus. As a protest arose regarding the waste of the expensive product Jesus defended her extravagance by revealing it was done in preparation for His burial; rather a startling announcement!

As Jesus and His disciples later ate the Passover supper together in the upper room, he made another startling announcement. ”One of you will betray Me” (26:21). Then He identified him as “the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me shall betray Me” (:23).

Let’s look at the deal. Judas met with the authorities, the chief priests, who paid him 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. If these coins were denarius, it could have amounted to 5 weeks worth of wages, or even a great deal more*. “From then on”, Matthew records, “Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over” (:16). It is interesting to note that Judas was entrusted with managing the finances of the group of disciples.

Immediately as Jesus revealed His betrayer, Judas left the table. When dinner was over, the remaining eleven, with Jesus went to one of their favourite haunts…the Garden of Gethsemane (:36). Jesus needed some quiet time with His Father to prepare for the battle with Satan which He knew lay ahead.

Meanwhile Judas wasn’t idle. He returned with a huge group…a battalion possibly numbering 300 armed men, plus all the usual priests who under the cover of darkness had plotted their evil scheme. “Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them” (:48). He stepped forward to kiss Jesus as prearranged. Then Jesus responded to his greeting by calling Judas “Friend” (:49-50), meaning comrade or companion – which he had been for 3 years.

Reflection:

Judas closed the deal with a kiss. But – it wasn’t over for him. As he saw Jesus being led away to be crucified Judas was overcome with remorse and returned the silver to the Pharisees. “I have sinned” (27:4) he groaned. Then he went out and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5). Its worth noting that Peter wept over his sin, then went on to be a leader of the new Church in Jerusalem. Guilt leads to more that is evil, whereas repentance and forgiveness open the door to fruitful ministry.

* The value of 30 pieces of silver, depending on the type of coin, would be worth approximately $264.60 to $1,087.98 in today’s value,

The events surrounding Judas are described in the four canonical gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Devotional

The Way of Holiness

May 3, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

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Isaiah 35 A testimony…..

Is “The Way of Holiness” a Biblical term? Jesus declared “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6) linking truth as we journey on the way, with life. What does “the Way” mean?

Isaiah had something to say about it, hundreds of years before Jesus walked on earth. Noting that streams will burst forth in the desert in the land God gave to Abraham, the Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to write with hope. He describes it as “The Way of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). Following the period of judgments described in chapter 34, this chapter gives us one of the greatest descriptions in the Bible of the Millennial Kingdom.

Isaiah is specific: “Wicked fools will not go about it”, that road of holiness, because it will be “for those who walk in the Way”. “Only the redeemed will walk there” (35:8-9). Imagine a change in society where those who are righteous carry on their business. Trust could be re-established and fear would be destroyed. Can we truly hope for this one day?

Let us pause for a moment to think about living in the Way of Holiness. Peter calls believers to “Be holy because I [the Lord] am holy” We are His representatives. ”Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Believers no longer live in ignorance because the Holy Spirit dwells within us directing us along the way of life. Do we think about that as we face each new day? We have been given an amazing power, power to do good, to think kindly, to forgive, to stand for what is honest and truthful.

Peter warns us to “prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled” (1 Peter 1:13). Self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23). For those of us who call ourselves Christ-followers, that doesn’t leave much room for excuse!

Isaiah was writing in an age where Judea was being disciplined for its waywardness. Judgment lies ahead. However, in the future there is hope. “The ransomed of the Lord will return! They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads” (Isaiah 35:10). Imagine life with everlasting joy. The Lord encouraged His people further “Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (35:10).

Reflection:

What does this mean for you and for me today? Is this a distant hope? I like to think it is God speaking His truth into my life today. I have everlasting joy in the knowledge that Jesus has never left me, since I asked Him into my heart as a little girl. I don’t deserve this. I certainly didn’t earn it. Each day as I give an account of my life to my Father, God, He forgives me. Gratitude for His mercy and grace colours my life with brightness, gladness and joy! And – some day in the future when I see Him face to face, there will be no more sorrow. I am walking in the way of holiness. Praise God!

Devotional

He Chose the Nails

April 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 10:17-18

Max Lucado has written “Oh the hands of Jesus! Hands of incarnation at his birth. Hands of liberation as he healed. Hands of inspiration as he taught. Hands of dedication as he served. And hands of salvation as he died.”

Considering how quickly we complain if we suffer from cuts and bruises, have we ever considered the physical pain of having nails right through our hands? Think of it! Not only are bones and tissues injured, but delicate nerves going to each finger would be cut. That hand would be destroyed forever, bearing the weight of a body hanging from the cross.

Max Lucado goes on to challenge us to see what Jesus knew, what drove His purpose and gave Him the strength to carry through what was God’s will for Him. The Apostle Paul got it! “He [God] canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross” (Colossians 2:14). With Max let us imagine the list between Christ’s hands and the wood – a list of my sins and yours, and the “sins of the world” (John 3:16).

I wonder what choices you and I might be challenged with as we walk this life’s journey. We cannot blame others, as Adam and Eve tried to do. Listen to our forefather: “The woman You put here”…is he blaming God? At least he is shifting responsibility to Eve – “she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12). It’s a pitiful argument for the stupendous thing they had done. The whole of life here on earth, from then until now, rested on their decision to question what God had said.

Perhaps Eve’s statement was even weaker. The devil made me do it (Genesis 3:13). Have you ever wished to blame someone else because you couldn’t bear the weight of responsibility? So – just for you Christ bore the weight on His hands. Think of it!

Years later a “man after God’s own heart” failed to live up to his reputation. David saw Bathsheba bathing on a roof top and he was tempted. What do you do when you are tempted. Before we say we would walk away…let us examine our own hearts. How many times have we eaten another cookie, or that one more piece of chocolate. How easy is it to walk away from temptation and then to blame someone else?

Reflection:

Max Lucado closes with another serious thought. He [Jesus] knew the price of his sins [Max’s], and yours and mine was death. We celebrate, every time we take communion, the death of our Lord Jesus, who knew how weak and helpless we are, how often we give into temptation “just one more…..”. “God did not sent His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:17).

His nail scarred hands welcome you and me into glory. Thank God He chose the nails!

Devotional

The Quality of Mercy

April 16, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Micah 6:6-8

God has given Micah beautiful words of encouragement in this passage of scripture. Shakespeare picks up on the real meaning of mercy, and identifies its origin.

“The quality of mercy is not strain’d,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives and him that taketh”

The question posed in our scripture is “What does the Lord require of you?” Chesed (Roman – hesed) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as “loving-kindness,” “kindness” or “love” and is a common term in the Bible for describing God’s love for mankind, and God’s special relationship with the children of Israel. It is used about 250 times in the Old Testament for loyal, steadfast or faithful love. The word also stresses the idea of belonging together in relationship.

Micah uses this word to describe mercy which here apparently means acting justly (6:8). Because God’s people waivered in their faith, even within the covenant relationship, God’s “chesed” produced communion with His people as well as deliverance, enabling, enlightenment, guidance, forgiveness, hope, praise and preservation (Ryrie P. 1330). Is this the quality of mercy Portia is asking for in “The Merchant of Venice”?

Israel realized the desperation of their situation. What should they do, must they do, to win back the favour of God? Can they really accept His free forgiveness or might they earn it? We ask the same question today. Burnt offerings? A thousand rams? My firstborn? My tithe? What sacrifice would suffice to restore me to God?

Jesus refers to mercy, identifying Himself with the desires of God His Father. The Pharisees required Jesus to justifying eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:13). This mercy/love, desired by His Father is available to sinners and the Pharisees didn’t like it. After all the righteous [as they saw themselves] would not need it, would they? Jesus was actually calling sinners to God, according to Matthew. The quality of God’s mercy drops gently from heaven upon those who are truly suffering, sick at heart and helpless. Into this milieu comes God with His Divine mercy! This was not the gospel according to the Pharisees.

God is blessed when the sinner receives His mercy. It affords God the utmost pleasure to see hearts changed by His grace and mercy. We usually look at it from Man’s perspective, but listen to God’s plan: ”I will betroth you in righteousness [Christ’s – given to man] and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord” (Hosea 2:19)……..”for I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).

Reflection:

What are qualities attractive in the principle of mercy?

If we would identify with our heavenly Father wouldn’t these qualities be seen in our attitudes and actions?

As followers of Jesus do we extend mercy to those who are sinners? Are we generous enough in our thoughts to eat with sinners?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Were You Listening?

April 9, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

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Luke 20:1-8

An exasperated Mom exclaimed “How many times do I have to tell you….?” The question we want to consider today is: How many times does our heavenly Father have to tell His people the truth about His Son? In both word and deed God verified who He is and the purpose of His coming. How many people were listening?

Folks in the city of Jerusalem would not likely know that Jesus’ birth was heralded by an angel choir…rather a rare occurrence even in that day! However, Matthew records that many people went from Jerusalem to the Jordan River where John was baptising those who confessed their sins. Even Pharisees and Sadducees went out of the city to check up on this religious exercise, and earned John’s censorship. He called them a “brood of vipers” asking who had warned them to flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7). What on earth could He have meant?

This fiery preacher John then told the crowd that after him would come someone so great that he, John, was unworthy to untie His shoes. This great One would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. Some prophecy! Shortly thereafter along came Jesus, asking to be baptised. John hesitated because he felt Jesus should be baptising him. However, Jesus insisted that He wanted to identify with sinners whom He had come to save (Matthew 3:5-15).

Then it happened – confirmation of a supernatural order. The heavens opened up, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a visible dove and a voice from heaven identified Jesus as “My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (:16-17). Was the crowd listening?

Upon another occasion a voice came from heaven to confirm Jesus’ ministry. He was in Jerusalem to worship at the feast of the Passover, just prior to His crucifixion. The crowd heard the proclamation in answer to Jesus’ prayer that God would glorify His name – “I [God the Father] have glorified it, and will glorify it again” (John 12:28). They said the voice thundered! Anyone listening?

Apart from the miracles with which we are all so familiar, miracles of healing, casting out demons and raising the dead, there were these verbal confirmations from heaven of Jesus’ Sonship – of His deity. Recognized by Jews and Gentiles, sinners and religious leaders alike, folks flocked to Him for answers to their concerns….the rich young ruler, Nicodemus the Pharisee, the Syrophoenician woman, Mary and Martha – Jesus met each of them with compassion. Were they all listening?

Reflection:

What would it take for us to really hear the voice of God?

Have you heard the still small voice of God or has He thundered His will in your ears?

Have you known the voice of God through verbal revelation, the written Word or through circumstances?

Do you worship Jesus as God? Were you listening?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Playing With Fire

April 2, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Proverbs 6:20-32

A friend reminded me recently of the dangers of pyromania, an impulse control disorder which disables certain individuals from resisting the urge to set fires. Solomon makes note of this problem, but as he addresses it in Proverbs chapter 6, he is thinking about other fires, fires of passion. The setting is one decrying adultery.

In our day and age, we might ask if it is lack of absolutes or principles, that set these fires a-burning? “My son” – Solomon tenderly starts out. He is giving Fatherly advice on basic commands for Godly living. “Bind them [commandments] upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck” (Proverbs 6:21). They are to be a reminder internally, and externally, so other people will see you live according to God-given principles. Verse 22 reminds us today that these principles would guard and guide us night and day. This is a profound thought!

God’s commands, taught by a Godly mother, will give light in our darkened world and keep us safe on the road of discipline, Solomon says (:23). Why is this necessary? There are fires of passion burning in the human breast. It only takes a spark to get a fire going (James 3:5, 6). Voiced by smooth-talking tempters and temptresses, immorality in our generation has hit a peak. “If it feels good – do it.” Misguided by the evil one who seeks to destroy, this is the devil’s lie.

We do not have the right to destroy another life, let alone our own. Read Solomon’s wise words. Giving into sexual temptation preys upon one’s very life (:26). Regret looms large on the horizon! Fear of discovery, fear of reprisals, fear of consequences? Is a moment of passion worth all that fear, fears which darken our lives and bring anxiety and depression? Solomon advises against it. “No one who touches another man’s wife will go unpunished” (:29).

This is a solemn message in our day and age. The fire is spreading as surely as wild forest fires raged throughout the west this summer. The damage is irretrievable. The fires of passion demonstrate a serious lack of judgment (:32). Based on a character flaw, this impulse disorder has sometimes been diagnosed as an addiction – it really is an addiction to self. Crying out “I want” men and women experience an uncontrollable lust in their hearts (:25).

However, God loves. God yearns to forgive. God has made a way when there seemed to be no way. We read testimonies of the victory over temptation and sin that Jesus gives those who allow the Holy Spirit to control their wayward hearts. Praise God there is a cure!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”! (1 John 1:9)

Reflection:

Have you ever played with fire? Does it leave you feeling hopeless?

Upon what do you place your hope now when facing temptation?

Will you become a fire-fighter in our society today?

What is Truth by Marilyn Daniels

/https://www.amazon.ca/Heart-Matter-What-Truth-ebook/dp/B093K6SP86?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Devotional

Controlled Chaos

March 25, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 30-31

Isaiah might be describing our chaotic world! Throughout the warnings the Lord gives of coming chaos, we read of His burning anger. Isaiah writes some very difficult prophecies, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “He [the Lord] shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction” (30:28). What a word picture!

Caught up in deceptive thinking, believers today worship a God of love. Now of course this is true – “God is love” (1 John 4:16) “We know and rely on the love God has for us!” His love is everlasting, eternal. It is pure and holy, faithful and true. John knows all about God’s sustaining love as he lives in lonely exile on the isle of Patmos. He writes that the source of our love for others is God: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

What then is deceptive? God’s character is multi-faceted. He is holy, He is truth. He is just. God’s justice demands retribution for sin. Retribution is a criminal justice theory which holds that punishment should be proportionate to the seriousness of a crime. The goal of retribution is to punish the offender for their actions.

Retribution theology is a Christian and Jewish belief that God punishes evil and rewards good deeds. It’s based on the idea that people get what they deserve.

Key elements

Retribution principle: The idea that evil deeds are met with equal force in response
Action-consequence paradigm: The belief that every action has a consequence, and that good deeds lead to good consequences and evil deeds lead to bad consequence.

In today’s preaching we hear an over-emphasis on the love of God without proportionate teaching on His justice. Some of Isaiah’s prophecies may lean in the opposite direction but then God speaks: “In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15) There is hope! BUT – sadly Isaiah recognised a terrible reality: “But you would have none of it”. The choice then, as it is today, was made to flee God’s quiet invitation to rest in His remarkable peace.

Reflection:

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice” (Isaiah 30:18). In the midst of condemnation, God is prepared to be fair, to show His compassion. The question is then – are we ready to receive it? Do we love Him out of fear of the consequences if we do not please God, or do we glory in the marvellous sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of the world? “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

NB Today God is still Sovereign. He is accomplishing His purposes. We may not like what He is doing, but let us be clear, the chaos is under His compassionate control, because our God is just.

The Heart of the Matter by Marilyn Daniels. Click here. https://www.amazon.ca/Heart-Matter-What-Truth/dp/B092CBN8JC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EE8AII6GG6IZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9QgMTSSjH7pnt4Q7XOQX8UAXohyJC5slED8DCOAPFi79gMz6KtKiDLNQQv7NdAGFcZfoBJ8IwzqhECTk47xXf-6-oKpyaBwU7fBrbyZsEyQA3B8TsqHGRd-ETNac769W8QKhImt4lsgUnU3tOWfRcdkyBx-d_LjEGXlcN0Mq1UaTc392xWhkvgXJFeKOUCPnxsoncaEbMOIdIUZTplw-f6CSyZZqROSQItM1Z1aFBCfUVag3_XK542zpNHzNnKUbBBHpII4xjl6LZomuX0WrnUuujqpC6GYKe6OMojAIWpjQLU_PIKY9oPn9fTJNqJSDdJK1JDQ-iRPCSorbIEfvCq8Tz7QTacnKSMqmK5_kTdCUgfP2xaF85P9-XK_aIo07KK7YCaW8e8c29sNdunmyV9GwoCjJeedqUv8xiW82B0E-biukeMU0_-N6b1yzBBsT.YyKFMLMlC8BPN4vRDQ7jPreS3x4SBsEoVoUl78AbyJg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Marilyn+Daniels&qid=1742863283&sprefix=marilyn+daniels+%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1

Devotional

The Slippery Slope

March 20, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 5:41-44

Celebration is scriptural. How many times throughout the Bible do we read of momentous times of praise and worship, of gratitude for what God has done? The Lord even commands us to remember events and answers to prayer, starting with the rainbow of promise (Genesis 9:14-16). His covenant of provision and protection all become objects of even our silent celebrations.

However, the arts of Satan can take our very joy and thanksgiving and turn them into something else. Let’s party! Nothing wrong with that. But how we party and why has become the object of our study. “Search me O God and know my heart” must be our beginning prayer.

Recently I heard tributes paid to a man who is devoting his life to humanitarian efforts. He deserves man’s highest praise for the sacrifices he is making. However, I observed that in order to celebrate his achievements some Christians felt led to downplay whether or not he had a relationship with God. He held a position that represented him as God’s agent.

In celebrating a “good life” we need to be very cautious. Jesus questioned the belief of those who chose to accept the praise of men, rather than seeking the only real glory that comes from God. In fact, knowing what was in their hearts, Jesus saw that they did not believe He had come from the Father. He also knew if someone else came to the Jews at that time, representing themselves as coming “in His name”, that person would be accepted. John 5:41-44. Why is this important?

Scripture warns against the pride of man. It’s a slippery slope that takes us with our good intentions into the area of self-satisfaction, where we forget to honour God for all He is doing in and through us. There can be no question about the source we are willing to recognize publicly. Is it God?

Scripture makes clear that if we are looking for praise of men here on earth, we need not expect accolades in heaven. (John 12:43) “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour” (Proverbs 29:23). In the eyes of men we might appear to be humble, but if we do not bring glory to God the question remains “Are we hypocrites, self-serving for the praise of men to boost our own egos?” This is a question we can only ask ourselves. We dare not judge another man’s heart. But the answer makes clear to us who is central to our lives, personally.

We who celebrate the achievements of men might bear some responsibility for their downfall, if we do not give God all the praise, honour and glory! “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!” (Colossians 3:23) Nothing matters more than the fact we are being used by God. All glory belongs to God! The thrill comes when we recognize that God opens doors for us to spread the gospel through every means possible. We need to walk through those open doors giving glory to God who opened them, not to the earthly agent, especially if there is any doubt regarding their personal beliefs.

Reflection:

For example – Oprah Winfrey is known around the world for her good works. She is generous and caring. However, most Christians would not celebrate her as an agent of salvation. Why? She shares another gospel that is anti-Christ. She is “spiritual” according to her own testimony, but sadly relates her spirituality to the New Age god, the god within. In the very same way it is dangerous to ally ourselves with anyone who is anti-Christ, clearly anyone who does not bring glory to God. How will we test the spirits? John tells us we can know by the value they put on the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:1-2)

Devotional

Identity Crisis

March 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Philippians 3

Some years ago a phrase was coined that described peoples’ search for meaning in life – “I need to find myself”. Many men and women stopped going to school, quit their jobs, bailed on relationships during the process of trying to discover who they were. What futility!

Little children display so much potential from an early age. Was it a failure then in parenting which caused them to feel they were lost, unworthy, inadequate? Was it unrealistic expectations about the meaning of life? Where did they lose that wonderful confidence so often natural to children, in their own abilities? What had people been taught to so unsettle their internal security?

When someone introduces you to a stranger what is your greatest identifying feature, that thing you would like people to know about you? Is it that you have a degree? …or does your marital status define you? Perhaps some great skill or talent ensures you are a person of worth. Every human being needs affirmation of their personhood, whether known for their great heart for people, or for their intellectual accomplishments, whatever it is that makes them feel significant.

How sad is it that people with education and intelligence, skills and talent, and even a measure of charisma are uncertain of what they can contribute to our world. How many comedians feel absolutely worthless while giving such pleasure to so many people? Yet we have all read stories about those who may seem underprivileged reaching out to others to bring joy, satisfied with their lot. We marvel at the inequities of life that bring self-acceptance to some and not to others.

The Apostle Paul remarked on his pedigree, in more than one of his letters. To the Philippians he seemed rather proud of the fact he was circumcised, an Israelite who kept the law, of the tribe of Benjamin – significant because Judah and Benjamin joined together as the spiritual stronghold in Israel. The other 10 tribes formed a northern alliance, which was less than Godly. He bragged about being a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (3:5-6), a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the Church. Before his conversion he saw himself, with legalistic pride, as faultless.

At least he didn’t have to “find himself” – or did he? Thankfully God arrested his attention on the Damascus road where Paul discovered that, for all his good works, he failed to measure up to God’s standard and therefore needed to be forgiven of his sins. What an amazing discovery Paul made! “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:8).

Now he identified with Jesus Christ. He considered the greatness of his relationship with Jesus sufficient reason for losing all those other things – pedigree, position, even protector of his faith, which had been so important to him before. We are celebrating “Love” this month. Do you, can you love yourself so that you can love your neighbour as much as you love yourself. That goal is set for us by the Lord Jesus Himself! (Matthew 22:37-39).

May each and every one sense the love of God for them personally, today. What an honour to be called a daughter of Almighty God! We have so much to offer when we are secure in Him!

Reflection:

What is it that secures your identity?

Has God ever arrested your attention? Reflect on that occasion. What have you learned?

Do you have the reason, the means, the skill and the compassion to help other find their identity in Christ?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)