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

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

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)

Devotional

Romantic Literature

March 3, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 36:7 **

Someone has taken the trouble to categorize the books of the Bible into history, poetry and so on. Accordingly the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon, have become known as books of poetry. Poetry, in English literature is largely “romantic”. Others have labelled this section of the Bible as “Wisdom” literature. Many of us would consider romance anything but wise! So what does that mean for us as we read these specific books?

Wordsworth said poetry should begin “as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” which serve as a reference point in moments of tranquility. Romance therefore is not purely imaginative. There is a Divine reality in human experience as we grapple with problems in our changing world, which reveals the heart of God and man, throughout the vicissitudes of life. The starting point is God in whom our romantic contemplations are centered; this is true romance.

Biblical books of romance, poetry, and wisdom, reveal a lot about God’s relationship to man. For example, Job speaks to the blessing of suffering. How often do we consider suffering a blessing? Yet as we draw on God’s strength through periods of loss in our own lives, don’t we find our faith grows, our perspective on God’s wisdom expands and we are able to bless others with what we have learned?

The Psalms reveal the blessings we have in communing with God: the Holy One, the Almighty from whom we beg help for ourselves and others, the Omniscient One who knows the end from the beginning and everything in between! With the Psalmist we learn how to truly praise God even in the midst of trouble!

Solomon was known as the wisest man who ever lived. He leaves us precepts for living that derived from this God-given wisdom. Ecclesiastes may seem to be one of the most mysterious books of the Bible. “Vanity, vanity! All is vanity!” What on earth does that mean? (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Looking at life, one might think the aimless cycles and unexplained paradoxes negate a sense of purpose in the whole of man’s experience, but Solomon concludes that the wise man will see life from God’s perspective “for without Him who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). He is the One who makes all things beautiful in their time (3:11). Isn’t that a romantic reality?

Songs of Solomon. Romantic literature surely, since it deals with a love relationship. How often we mistake Eros as the only expression of romantic love. However, there is another theme that runs through this book – a theme of unity, and the bliss that comes from spirits that are united. Some call this “kindred spirits”. This book is not written to describe only erotic love, but includes the love that Jesus demonstrated, by giving His life as payment for our sins. One with the Father (John 17) we see in Him a Holy love for you and for me. This is the best love which scholars have labelled Agape; a charitable love that embraces unconditional love transcending circumstance.

These books are rich in lessons about relationships. Romantic relationships that give us something to reach for as we contend with each other in everyday life. We need lofty ideals in the sordid conditions of our world today. Sex is not love, nor is it romance. Romance teaches us to go much deeper. Romance produces communication, loyalty, endurance, responsibility, as well as fun and laughter! Perhaps we need our hearts and minds purified by the romantic aspirations of a Holy God!

Reflection:

Pondering on the word, what does romance mean to you?

Is the heart of God romantic and if so explain what that looks like?

Why has mankind settled for Erotic love when Agape or even Filial/brotherly love goes so much deeper?

Check out a concordance for God’s unfailing love in the Psalms.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Testimony

February 25, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Hebrews 13: 5 ” Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Of course we all know that verse, but it’s good to see it and read it every day. This morning from Streams in the Desert was this verse: Daniel 6:20 “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee?” (KJV). God is asking him the question. He is able of course, but we may be prone to lose sight of that, and need to be reminded. May God help us all to trust Him, at least I need Him to help me. Especially now in this troubled world. Be blessed!

I received these thoughts in an email from a dear friend. As we look at the news of our troubled world most of us feel anxious from time to time. My friend had just received this verse in a form which she was able to put on her fridge. That reminded me of God’s instruction to the Israelite people: “These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6).

Knowing how prone we are to be forgetful the Lord gave specific helps: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road”. How often do we talk about God’s promises or prophecies with our family and friends? We seem to have time to “chat” on social media about things which are inconsequential. If we have a thousand contacts our conversations will never go very deep, will they? God’s Word goes on – “Even when we lie down”….”Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep” is the prayer we used sometimes with little children to give them an awareness that God’s love protects us even as we sleep!

The founding fathers in America were from religious backgrounds which often practised morning prayers. The family would gather together for Bible Reading and worship. Imagine doing that in our day as families fly in different directions, rushing to pick up lunches after eating breakfast on the run.

God’s commands were simple. According to Jesus they could be bound together in two: Love the Lord your God with all you have, heart and soul, mind and strength, and your neighbour as yourself. They were to be tied as symbols on our bodies, and in our homes, and even on the gate where others could note you are a family of faith! (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

Reflection:

How much time do we give to serious things of faith, coming from the Word of the Lord? Do we recognize our urgent need of Almighty God, as my friend did? He is the faithful One. His love is eternal. Do we worship Him with all our heart and soul, mind and strength?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

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)