Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

March 12, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 19:10

Sometimes as I kneel to pray the words of an old hymn go through my mind, and become a significant part of worship. Many years ago Fanny Crosby wrote about the glory of the cross. Her prayer was for Jesus to keep her near the cross. How near are you to the cross of Christ day by day, I asked myself? Do I hold the cross close to my heart as something vitally precious?

The song goes on “Free to all, a healing stream flows from Calvary’s mountain”. God’s mercy is offered to all, including every race, nation, tongue. We all come to the cross confessing we are sinners (Romans 3:23). We worship the beauty of holiness seen in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts cry out in sorrow that He, who was pure and perfect, offered to suffer, making it personal – for “my” sins!

We come as tremb’ling souls when once we see ourselves compared to Jesus Christ. Found hopelessly embroiled in sin because of our very nature, inherited from Adam and Eve, Jesus’ love and mercy finds us. Jesus said “The Son of Man [His favourite name for Himself] came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The glory in all of this is that our ransomed souls will find rest, eternal rest once we cross over into glory-land. There the Bright and Morning Star will shed His beams around you and me!

The hymn goes on as a prayer that Jesus would help me to walk from day to day with the shadow of the cross over me, protecting me. There, in a place made safe by our Saviour, we will wait for His return.

Reflection:

Our salvation was planned by our heavenly Father and executed by His only begotten Son. The Holy Spirit stirs us to respond to God when we hear about the saving grace of Jesus who sacrificed Himself at Calvary to make relationship with the Father possible. His blood cleanses us from all sin when we confess our sins. Fanny Crosby got the message and worship God for all He has done!

Jesus, keep me near the cross, Refrain: In the cross, in the cross
There a precious fountain; Be my glory ever,
Free to all, a healing stream, Till my ransomed soul shall find
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. Rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul, 3 Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Love and mercy found me; Bring its scenes before me
There the Bright and Morning Star Help me walk from day to day
Shed His beams around me. [Refrain] With its shadow o’er me.

4 Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river. [Refrain]

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

All About Cain

March 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 4

What do you know about Cain? Most folks who know anything about this man regard him as a murderer. Shamefully he murdered his brother, so God banished him from the land where he had grown up and farmed. Furthermore he was cursed by God. End of story.

Read this chapter again, just in case you missed it – the story of God’s mercy and grace. ‘Why are you angry?’ God asked Cain (4:6). You probably know the story. Cain was Adam’s oldest son. Then along came Abel. Was there jealousy of this younger brother? Was there sibling rivalry? What was it that set the stage for murder in the first family?

Apparently they knew the drill, how to worship the Creator God, so Abel, we are told, brought portions of his flock. He was a herdsman, keeping sheep, and possibly cattle and goats. Cain’s offering was fruit and veg. What was the difference? God looked with favour on Abel’s offering. Why? Abel honoured God with the best [firstborn], and God was pleased (4:4).

Cain, however, got angry with God. What does this tell you about Cain? So God asked him “Why are you angry” (4:6). We can almost sense the Fatherly heart of God as He reminded Cain “If you do what is right will you not be accepted?” Try again. After all, if he didn’t do what was right there was grave danger that sin could overtake his entire being. It is “crouching at your door” (4:7). I’ve watched a lion crouching before she pounced upon her prey, then devouring it live. Not a pretty sight!

God warned Cain: “It [sin] desires to have [to possess] you”. That sounds pretty serious. What is the solution when sin [Satan] desires to possess you or me? Apparently you and I bear some responsibility in such a situation. Cain did, for God told him – “You must master it” (4:7).

What was Cain’s response? He took his revenge out on his brother. Why did he kill him? ….because he was angry with God. God gave him another chance, asking “where is your brother?” (4:9). Of course God knew, but he invited Cain to confess. Sadly Cain lied and a river of sin took him down a slippery slope.

Throughout this passage we find God’s mercy and grace continuing. Even after He cursed Cain God’s mercy prevented anyone from killing him, by marking him so everyone would know not to touch him (4:15). Sadly we find Cain filled with resentment and anger until the very end. He blamed God for driving him from the land (4:13). He felt sorry for himself, even though God had clearly offered him the opportunity to do what is right (4:7).

Reflection:

Let’s draw some principles from this story. Down through scripture, from the very beginning, any honourable sacrifice to God required blood. Did Cain know that? It seems that the younger Abel did. Are we clear about what God requires?

Sin is a powerful agent for separating us from God, so we must fight against temptation.

Repentance wasn’t in Cain’s vocabulary, but we know it is the number one ingredient for restoring our fellowship with God. Jesus said “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).

The glorious truth is that we worship a God who has a tender Father’s heart, filled with mercy and second chances. What is our response?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Blest Be the Tie

February 27, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com

Romans 8:35-39

There is a mystery in the Christian life. God holds the key to our relationship with Him. Meanwhile we sometimes struggle to understand this covenant relationship. We are assured He will never allow us to be plucked out of His hand (John 10:29). He will perform the work He started until the day Jesus Christ returns (Philippians 1:6). Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). God is responsible for keeping His side of the agreement.

On the other hand we are accountable for the choices we make to surrender our lives to His control. Will we truly follow in His steps? Do we proclaim Him to be “Lord of all” in our lives in word only, or in reality? How much influence does the Holy Spirit hold over our thoughts and deeds, our attitudes and feelings? Do we take advantage of the fruit with which the Holy Spirit wants to equip us? (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul indicates that we have a responsibility to keep ourselves free from slavery to things in our past. Writing to the Galatian church, one struggling with the issue of works, he tells them to stand firm and not let themselves be burdened with the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). It would seem we have some control over our lives after all. “Whatsoever you do – do all to the glory of God” – a theme Paul continues in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:31) and the Colossians (3:17).

How often when we find ourselves in trouble do we want to blame someone else…even God? Yes, even God. “Why” questions abound. Why would He not keep me as He promised? The good news is He does keep our position in Christ secure. We have already looked at verses of assurance. However, He does not dictate the choices we make, sometimes out of misdirected zeal, sometimes from the basis of hurt or even rebellious feelings.

In the most perfect way God gives us balance in our covenant relationship – freedom to choose, while He moderates those choices by securing our position in the family of God.

A hymnologist wrote “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.

The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above”.

Did this refer to the unity within the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Is that unity possible on earth? Might this be why Solomon reminds us a cord of three strands is not easily broken? (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Reflection:

Imagine life without Jesus – where would our joy and peace come from? Our hope? These are gifts from Sovereign God who binds our hearts together with His, in Christian love. Flowing out of that relationship our love for everyone, just as God cares about everyone, overflows! Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Bride of Christ

February 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 11:2

The first Bible Study I did with a group of ladies was “The Bride of Christ.” How thrilling it was to study the thread of this topic throughout the New Testament. Referencing related verses in the gospels, epistles and Revelation as well as linking them with Old Testament prophecies, can be a very rewarding exercise. It may be hard to encapsulate a whole series in a few words, but let’s try.

John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the bridegroom (John 3:29) while referring to himself as the friend of the bridegroom. Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the bridegroom (Mark 2:19 etc.). That title implies there is a bride. Who then is that bride?

Several analogies give reference to the bride. She is pictured in Revelation in all her glory, as the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). In Ephesians Paul correlates the union of husband and wife as one, with Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-31). Paul also uses this analogy in writing to the Corinthian Church when he writes “for I have espoused you [the Corinthian Church] to one husband that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ“ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

The purpose of the mystical and ethical union of Christ with believers is to produce spiritual fruit according to Romans 7:4. The fruit is born of grace [a new concept] resulting from Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The Bride obviously is implicated in the production of new believers. Another opportunity the bride has to minister that grace to others is seen in Revelation (22:17) when the Spirit and the bride issue an invitation to come, to take the water of life freely.

In the Old Testament, the theme of bridal love is represented by Hosea’s unusual marriage to a prostitute. This gives hope to those who might feel unworthy of the love of God, typified by Hosea seeking a bride from among those who are down and out. Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, the Bride of Christ will be presented spotless before God’s throne (Jude 24, Ephesians 5:27). We all need to be reminded that since our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), we are all in need of God’s amazing grace, the blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin! (1 John 1:7).

So, we see Christ’s bride is one chosen by God to represent Him, clothed in the purity of Christ’s righteousness. The universal church is given the power of the Holy Spirit to invite others to join, while waiting for the return of the Bridegroom. The Bride, comprised of every tribe and nation, is unified through the death and resurrection of our Lord, for the purpose of producing children of grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflection:

Does this particular Bride come to an arranged marriage? How does that look?

How is the Bride of Christ clothed?

What are the expectations placed on this marriage?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Golden Rule

February 13, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 6:27-36

What is the Golden Rule? How many people know who said it? Do people today live according to its concept?

Moved with compassion, Jesus went up on a mountainside so He could be heard by a vast throng of people who were seeking His help. They came from all over Judea, some from the coast of Tyre and Sidon and of course there were those who lived in Jerusalem. Their needs were multiple! Some were demon-possessed, some diseased. They crowded around to touch Jesus because “Power was coming from Him and healing them all!” (Luke 6:17-18).

After physical healing had taken place, Jesus reached out with spiritual healing. He knew the greatest needs were those of the heart and mind. He recognized immediately that some had been abused, physically and emotionally (Luke 6 :28-29). What was their response to be? Was Jesus asking the impossible when He said to love our enemies? Surely this was a very new idea to a nation who were used to giving an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

There are at least 2 key words in this passage of the Sermon on the Mount. One is “give”. Most of us have heard the phrase “Turn the other cheek”. This demonstrates a refusal to retaliate. It requires giving up that right. Jesus goes a bit farther….if someone robs you of your cloak, don’t withhold your tunic. In fact – give to anyone who asks you without demanding they give it back. He sums these all up in one sentence “Do to others as you would have them do to you!” (Luke 6:31). I would suggest that for most people on earth today these are very difficult expectations….is this what God requires of those who follow Jesus?

Then Jesus expands on the attitude that perhaps will make it possible for His disciples to emulate His life and works. He uses the “if” word to explain. “If” you love, “If” you do good, “If” you lend”…expecting to be reimbursed, what credit is that to you? “Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full” (:32-24).

If we are going to follow Jesus we must show the world that He does make a difference. His love sacrificed all of His rights (Philippians 2) to come to earth, die on a cross to pay the penalty for your sins and mine – and in fact, those of the whole world! Even on that cross He showed kindness to the ungrateful and wicked. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, Luke 6:35). Mercy, forgiveness, kindness, love – these are the characteristics of Jesus that He has called us to show to the world in which we live. The Golden Rule is love in reality….this is what makes Christianity unique.

Reflection:

How is Jesus the answer for the world today?

How much do you cling to your rights?

Whom do you need to love and forgive?

Will you commit to being Christ-like for the sake of others?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Lord Watches

February 5, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 121

One of my favourite Psalms from my youth has been a Psalm of ascents, Psalm 121. Several Psalms, writers unknown, form a hymn book for pilgrims who were journeying to annual feasts in Jerusalem. Singing helped to pass the time on a trip which was often long and arduous. Interestingly Psalm 120 expresses the heart’s cry for deliverance, counting on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 120:1).

As we look at the next song, the tone changes. In lifting his eyes to the hills, we might wonder what the writer sees? Whatever it is inspires him with hope, founded on the Lord. “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord!” (121:1-2a).

A new reader might ask who is the Lord and how can He be trusted? The Psalmist clarifies a fundamental truth. God never sleeps. Wow! On a weary morning after a sleepless night, we might marvel at this attribute which means God is constantly on the alert. “He who watches over you….” Recall the prayer you might have prayed as a little child? “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep”? Whispered by infant lips, the reality of God’s care somehow set the stage, for me at least, to rest knowing someone was watching over me.

“He who watches over you…” again reminds me of times when an anxious mother watched over the crib of a sick child, believing that God was in the room watching also, with a power far beyond mine! His watch-care is born of love, a love that sometimes is rather hard to understand. His love watches over the man sleeping in a bedroll on the street. God never slumbers….meaning He doesn’t even sleep lightly or doze. (Psalm 121:4).

Now of course we know that bad things happen to good people, yet the promise in this Psalm is for everyone because God loves everyone (John 3:16). In fact, the Apostle Peter records, from his own experience, the reality of God’s love for all. “He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Sometimes we fear that God has forgotten His promise, but that verse assures us He has not, but rather is exercising His patience so that more folks could make the decision to repent, and to ask God to take charge of their chaotic lives.

To know God is watching brings peace and joy when we are willing to walk in His ways, but there may be an element of fear if we determine to disregard God’s standards for righteous living.

Reflection:

When you think of it, why would the Creator of the universe, the One who sustains everything by the breath of His mouth (Hebrews 1:3), be concerned for each individual person enough to perpetually watch over their lives? (121:7). For those who struggle with issues of security, safety and self-esteem, perhaps there is something here in the Word of God that is reassuring. Many of us have been disappointed by human relationships, but here is relationship offered with Divine power and love. “The Lord watches”! Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Living Sacrifice?

January 29, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Romans 12 (A corollary for Pass the Plate)

By its very definition sacrifice usually requires giving up something we have found pleasurable. Naturally the idea is not popular, often associated with a degree of pain.

The Bible is full of sacrifice. In the beginning Adam’s sons, Cain and Abel came before God with their sacrifices. We are not told how they knew that was the way to approach God, but it was the grounds for acceptance with Him and became such a serious source of competition that Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealousy, when his sacrifice did not meet the Divine standard.

Throughout Old Testament history there are many instances of sacrifices required by God, but the heart attitude was the pivotal point. Was it given in obedience, willingly? Samuel instructed King Saul, after he had disobeyed God, “To obey is better than sacrifice….for rebellion is like the sin of divination” (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Sacrifice was a theme throughout Pauls’ writings in the New Testament. He told the Ephesians “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (5:2). He thanked the Philippians for their sacrificial giving to God for his ministry (4:18) and he reviewed the sacrifice of Christ at length throughout the book of Hebrews, noting that “there is no longer any sacrifice for sin”. Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all (10:18).

Therefore it is interesting to read his injunction to the Romans where he urges them to “present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (12:1). What does he mean? In practical terms look at the way we care for our bodies today – bathing and dressing them, feeding them, decorating them in various ways. A lot of time is spent on our bodies, almost as though we were perfuming them for sacrifice.

To Paul, offering our bodies to God is our “spiritual act of worship” (12:3). This is a personal sacrifice, not involving our families or friends or church family. In preceding chapters Paul has been addressing God’s marvellous mercy and sees this particular sacrifice as one of gratitude for all His mercy to each of us believers, personally. He does not suggest that we have to go to the stake, but rather he speaks about the sacrifice of praise, one to be offered continually by our lips as we speak to others about all that God has done for us! (Hebrews 13:15).

Reflection:

How easy is it for you to bring this sacrifice to God? In a world where it is politically incorrect to speak about the Christian faith, this becomes a very real challenge. It is the way in which we model the virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ, our attitude towards God and man, that will be a living testimony, and in this world – a sacrifice.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Pass the Plate

January 24, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Micah 6:6-8

How often do we give to God as an act of worship? The offering plate goes by and we begrudgingly throw a few dollars on it, or maybe some loose coins. Or, in a technological age it is possible to arrange for monies to automatically be drawn from our bank accounts. I wonder if this deprives me of thinking about how little, or how much, I have to offer to God.

Micah writes an enactment of God in His cosmic courtroom in Chapter 6. The nation of Israel has failed to measure up to God’s standard, ungrateful for the miraculous way in which He had rescued them from Egypt (Micah 6:4a). Through the prophet, God reminds His children that He provided them with good, strong leadership such as Moses, Aaron, and even Miriam gets mentioned in a day when women were scarcely valued (6:4b).

God challenged the nation to remember how He brought them into the Promised Land through Shittim and Gilgal (6:5b). How did God bring you into the Promised land? Is it not through the great sacrifice of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ? Do we contemplate His total sacrifice when giving back to God? Is my giving and yours sacrificial? Is my giving confined to monetary gifts or do I give of myself, my time and energy?

Israel’s reply was to revert to tradition. They proposed to make up for their sin the only way they knew how. Burnt offerings should atone for their neglect. How many calves would suffice? Now we as believers today do not bring our offerings to God to cover our sins, or do we? What exactly is our attitude if we bring our tithe into the storehouse? Do we tithe? If so – do we also give offerings? How much is enough? “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams (dollars), with ten thousand rivers of oil?” (6:7). How much is too much?

The question is “What does the Lord require of you?” (6:8). It might help to personalize that by writing your own name into the margin of your Bible. Perhaps we should remember another question God asks us through the prophet Malachi: “Will a man [woman] rob God?” (Malachi 3:8). Ouch!

“All scripture has been given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training” (2 Timothy 3:16). We would do well to read the Old Testament prophets to learn what God expects of His children. We do not become part of the family of God by repeating the sinner’s prayer. The Holy Spirit, living in each child of God makes changes, grows us in our faith and righteousness. Without any doubt our attitudes are reflected in our behaviour, in giving of our resources and time, for Jesus’ sake.

Reflection:

Micah spells out God’s expectations: New creations in Christ “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Jesus died. Let us remember it in Capitol letters “JESUS DIED” so that you and I might live. We sing “Jesus, all for Jesus, all that I am and have and ever hope to be…all my ambitions, hopes and plans….” Are we truly willing to give Him our all in this new year? Pass the plate.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Inspired by Love

January 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Philippians 2:5-11

As we enter into another year often people set goals for themselves, wonderful determinations which may last through the month of January, and some a little bit longer. What causes us to do this? Perhaps we have assessed the year which has just passed. We see where we need to change. This year is going to be a better year because I am going to be a better person.

We have just celebrated Christmas. Did Santa Claus inspire you to make changes for a better year? Usually children think about being naughty or good closer to the 25^th of December. Maybe we should ask: How did the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ impact your resolutions for another year and why?

The Bible tells us that God, motivated by love, sent His Son into this world because mankind was hopelessly floundering against the pull of temptation. Sin abounded in that last century BC. Sin abounds today. It is appalling to hear the news – abuses of every kind in private lives or public, rock our world and we wonder how it could get any worse. Certainly we need to make some changes, but how, what and where?

Maybe we should look at the baby in the manger…that gift of eternal love. Shakespeare said something interesting about love: “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite”. Was this true? Examine your own heart and possibly you will find the truth about love. How often is our love motivated by self-interest? What will I get out of this relationship? When God sent His Son, He was a gift inspired by real love!

That helpless baby in Mary’s arms was fully God and fully man, perfect and pure. He lived, we read, with the sole purpose of dying for sin – yours and mine. Why? Scripture tells us that God was motivated by love, to offer a priceless gift to mankind….the forgiveness of the sins they were helpless to avoid.

From the beginning to the end of God’s Word we read He is faithful in love, abounding in love, maintaining love throughout generations. In fact we know that Jesus came to give us eternal life – which in essence is eternal love!

Such love empowers us to love one another as Jesus loves His disciples. It even enables us to love our enemies. He inspires truth and reconciliation among warring peoples and makes His love known across the globe, by acts of heroism and forgiveness. Would it be correct to say God’s love is inspirational?

Reflection:

I am well aware of my propensity to dislike, to judge, to be impatient, to suspect others of loveless behaviour, but as I examine my own heart I must always marvel at the comparison with my Saviour’s love! Another reason to marvel at God’s love is that He implants the Holy Spirit in the heart of each believer to give to you and to me God’s vision of a world, helpless in its need of true love. Surely this inspires the way we live for Jesus our Lord.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Continuous Intercession

January 9, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 7:25

Some folks today have a vision for making intercessory prayer their ministry. Praise God for the faithfulness of these saints of God! However, we read in the Bible that intercessory prayer is already being made for each believer continuously! Isn’t that amazing?

You and I need to take time out to sleep and eat, to interact with family and to serve at church. Some of us have to go to work. Continuous intercession may just not be possible. Yet we take heart. There on the pages of holy scripture are words of tender encouragement….

The One who is able to save to the uttermost – let us pause to consider what that means. Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), you and I, and every other sinner, meet as equals at the foot of the cross. Therefore, whoever has sinned is seen by God as needy…needing His amazing grace. Whatever sin is separating us from God puts us in eternal peril. So, we all fall into the category of “uttermost”?

But The One, Jesus Christ, is not only able, but longing to save every person who has ever lived and therefore shed His blood for the remission of all sin. The thing is – that gift must be received. Whoever, believes and receives, wrote the Apostle John (John 1:12-13), is given the right to be called a child of God.

It is for these folks, hopefully you and me, who are part of God’s family, that the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes continuously. He is seated at the Father’s right hand with the precise mission of protecting God’s own children from Satan. Think of it!

Our Saviour knows our vulnerability. His own temptation gave Him understanding. As God-man, Jesus makes intercession with wisdom and justice on the basis of His omniscience. When you and I pray for one another it is with limited understanding. Only as the Holy Spirit gives us insight can we begin to really intercede on behalf of another.

Our prayer begins with a prayer that God will give us the right attitude so that we can restore gently (Galatians 6:1). Our hope is in the Lord and His power to give victory over evil! Our assurance is from the Word of God – in Jesus’ own words: “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow me. ….and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).

Reflection:

As we go into another year, let us remember the reason we know we have (Notice the present tense “have”) eternal life is because God’s Word tells us Jesus gives it to us and no one can remove us from the Father’s hand. And…our position is secure because Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)