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)

Devotional

Christology

January 2, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:23

Christology is simply a big word for the Study of Christ.

People have complicated the discipline called Christology by adding all sorts of perspectives – for example:

“Feminist Christology”. In an attempt to answer the question : ”Who is Jesus Christ?” someone has suggested:

“Because Christianity asserts that Jesus is human and divine, the discipline asks how both of these can exist

in one person. Christology also investigates how this relates to the life and works of Jesus.”

“In Christianity, Christology, translated literally from Greek as “the study of Christ”, is a branch of theology that concerns Jesus” (Wikipedia). Wikipedia comes very close to the truth. For the right answers to such questions we need to go to our Bibles, so it is helpful to check out the meaning of the original language in which it was written.

Why is such a study necessary at all? The only possible answer is: “Christ is the center of all we, as Christians believe”. We are named “Christian” because we follow all that He taught and lived, believing Jesus Christ to be the miraculous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Sadly there are many who, not being associated with any other faith group, call themselves Christian as a cultural reflex, rather than when they are impassioned by the life of Christ. How many of these folks have any idea of what the Christ of the Bible is really like, and what He has done for them personally?

At Easter we talk about “The Passion” of the Christ. What does that actually mean? The Passion of Christ is the story of Jesus Christ’s arrest, trial and suffering. It ends with his execution by crucifixion. The Passion is an episode in a longer story and cannot be properly understood without the story of the Resurrection. The word Passion comes from the Latin word for suffering. The modern translation from one dictionary, of the word ‘passion’ is: “A strong and barely controllable emotion”.

As we celebrate Christmas, named for 2000 years in honour of the birth of the Christ (Matthew 2:4), what do we know about the suffering that lay ahead of the tiny baby in the manger? Was His death the fulfillment of prophecy? The study of Christology must take us back into the Old Testament, to have a complete understanding of the significance of the Christ child. Many folks have testified to the power of God emanating from the reading of His Holy Word.

John the Apostle reminds us “”To all who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). A lasting family relationship begins when our hearts are joined with that of our heavenly Father through Jesus the Christ.

Reflection:

First of all – do we recognize Jesus as “Messiah” [called Christ]? (John 4:25, 29)

We might ask ourselves “Does the love of Christ inflame a passionate response in my own heart?” Am I ready to suffer for His Name’s sake? It only makes sense that we need to study Holy Scripture in order to know what we believe about Christ Jesus. For Him to become Lord of our lives, requires a response. What is your answer to Jesus as He calls you today? “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest”.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Praise God!

December 25, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

*Isaiah 46:10 *John 14:6 *John 1:12 *Philippians 4:19 *Luke 1:46

“Dear Lord! How wonderful it is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, knowing that You planned it from the beginning of time. The deepest joy about which the angels sang, fills our hearts as another Christmas time roles around, and we marvel at Your mercy and grace.

Oh Father You created humankind for Your own pleasure – for fellowship and for service. You created each individual with a Divine purpose, placing us in a unique time and place, in a mysterious picture stretching from age to age. Your Word tells us You know the end from the beginning*. How often we would like to know what lies ahead. Forgive us for our impatience and for the folly which leads us to seek truth in places where evil lurks.

Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to lead us into all truth*. Thank you that because He became a man we can identify with, knowing He understands our thoughts and feelings, our pain and sorrows.

O God! We need to see Him in all His glory, described in prophecy throughout Your Holy Word! To worship Him releases energy that sometimes we spend in all the wrong places. Forgive us for the time we waste, exploring life here on earth without giving much thought to life throughout eternity. Yet, knowing the propensity of our human wills to search for our own way, You love us and sent Jesus to bring us light and life! This is amazing grace!

Forgive us for not passing on to others the peace which comes through “grace-filled” lives. O God! That our lives would exemplify Your love, demonstrated by our Lord Jesus. May others see that love shared, as we give of ourselves to those in need…folks around us who need a kindness, a word of encouragement, time spent just holding their hands as they grieve losses, disappointment and pain. Oh Lord we praise You for a multitude of opportunities to make a difference in our world. Forgive us when we are blind, or when we turn a deaf ear to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit.

At this Christmas season we remember Jesus who became a baby in order to meet needs, to meet my personal needs. I need a Saviour. Praise God for the truth of Your Word which teaches that “as many as receive Him, to those who believe in His name, to them He gives the right to become children of God!”* Praise God my Saviour guards my life day by day, keeping me from evil, saving me from repeating the mistakes of yesterday, and blessing me with forgiveness and love when I fail to do what is right. Your grace has provided for all my needs “according to His [Your] glorious riches in Christ Jesus”*. His life continues to make a difference in our world today.”

Reflection:

Praise God that as the hymn writer knew – “He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known”.

Father, the words of Your humble servant Mary recorded in the Gospel of Luke,* ring down through eons of time, meaning the same today in the hearts of Your children:

“My soul glorifies the Lord!

My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour – for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Glory of the Lord

December 19, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 2

An angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds who were keeping watch over the flocks at night. It is an old familiar story. Taken by surprise, the angel needed to reassure them. “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). What was it that terrified these men?

Have you ever encountered an angel? That, in itself might be shocking enough, but in this situation we read “and the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Luke 2:9). They were surrounded by something spectacular, indescribable. What do you think of when you meditate on the glory of the Lord?

Moses disappeared into the mists of the Glory of God as it rested on Mt Sinai when he received the 10 commandments from God Himself. “To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain” (Exodus 24:17). What was it that preserved Moses there for forty days?

When Moses was praying, he asked the Lord to show him His glory as a sign that God’s presence would go with the Israelites as they wandered in the desert. The answer God gave gives us a clue about His glory. “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you and I will proclaim My name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Exodus 33:19).

We learn a lot about God from these two verses. His character is revealed as good, merciful and compassionate. However His Sovereignty is also obvious in the power of choice….”I will” is repeated several times. His glory reminds us of the unchanging power of God to choose. Does the power of God reflect His glory in an awesome way? As the account unfolds further, God protected Moses from the magnificence of His glory by putting him in the cleft of a rock, covering him with His hand until His glory passed by (Exodus 33:22).

Later the Lord ‘s glorious presence filled the tent of meeting, the place of worship, preventing anyone, even Moses from entering (Exodus 40:34). The cloud which indicated God’s presence directed the Israelites as they journey to the promised land 40:36-38).

Now, in our Christmas story we see afresh the wondrous glory of God in a babe in a manger. Glory doesn’t require gold and silver. In fact, God’s glory far outshines the sun and the moon. John saw a revelation of God’s glory, which one day believers will enjoy. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).

Reflection:

Would you and I recognize the glory of the Lord today? How does He guide us on our life’s journey? We hold something very precious in our hands, something the Israelites did not have. We have the Holy record of God’s dealings with humanity, with Adam and Noah, with Abraham and David and in these last days, He has shown us His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we revere and respect the record that shows us the glory of the Risen Lord? Is it enough to satisfy our longing hearts, to read about the reality of His Holy, pure and perfect life? What, to you does the glory of the Lord reveal?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Ring the Bells!

December 11, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 21-2

One of my favourite carols is “Ring the Bells” –

“Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Let the whole world know –

Christ was born in Bethlehem, many years ago.”

This is the central message of Christmas time, isn’t it? A message of joy and celebration! Christ – the long-awaited Messiah had come at last.

However, this message was not always thematic. Romans held Saturnalia Carnival in December and for some unknown reason this holiday was adopted by the early Roman church to commemorate the birth of Christ. One tradition records the Pope at that time made a mockery of Jews in Rome. They were forced to run a race in the streets for Roman entertainment, overfed to make running more difficult, and naked. One has to wonder how such a thing could possibly be meaningful to true Christians. Other rituals relating to the Christmas tree, mistletoe, presents and of course the modern commercializing of all things relating to Santa Claus, had pagan origins.

The Christian challenge for today is to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, date unknown. Choosing December 25^th makes it possible for times of corporate, global worship in celebration of Jesus’ birth! Feasting has always been a big part of celebration. In the Bible singing and music were often an important part of expressing joy. So we sing the age-old carols, and ring the bells…but it is with sincere meaning and purpose for those in whose hearts the Lord Jesus Christ reigns!

“Born to die that man might live! Came to earth new life to give!”

Maybe that truth brings us to our knees in tears, tears of gratitude for the new life we so enjoy because of Jesus’ earthly pilgrimage.

“Born of Mary, born so low, many years ago.

God the Father gave His Son –

gave His own beloved one

to this wicked, sinful earth,

to bring mankind His love, new birth.”

The tragedy that mankind’s/my sinful character, attitudes and choices made His advent a necessity, marks our celebrations with at least a tinge of sorrow, doesn’t it? Interesting that there is no Biblical suggestion given that Jesus’ birth should be celebrated. Detailed instructions were given in the Old Testament re remembrances of things God had done, but this fantastic miracle goes unmarked. We are commanded to celebrate His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

And so the song concludes:

“Ring the bells, Ring the bells! Let the whole world know –

Christ the Saviour lives today, as He did so long ago!” Praise God!

Reflection:

What exactly does the birth of Christ mean to you?

What is often uppermost in your thoughts at Christmas time? Food? Family? Fun? All or none of the above?

What sort of changes would you like to make in order to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Temptation

December 4, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:13

The story of Jesus’ temptation raises some questions. Why did the Spirit of God lead Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil? (Matthew 4:1). Was He prepared to face temptation and how? Are you and I prepared to face temptation and how? As the power of temptation attacks us, who is our enemy and what do we know about him? It is no wonder Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Lead us not [don’t lead us] into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).

Prior to His temptation we see an order of events that is significant. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. He did that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Those who follow Jesus are clothed in His righteousness, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Isaiah had a lot to say about being clothed in righteousness. One particular verse attributes that blessing to our Lord, noting much joy comes from our relationship with God: “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness!” (Isaiah 61:10). God then announced in an audible voice from heaven “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Why then was temptation necessary?

Ryrie suggests that God’s purpose was to prove His Son to be sinless, and thus a worthy Saviour. A perfect lamb, without blemish, was required for Jewish sacrifices (Leviticus 22:21). It is clear He was without sin. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It is important for us to know the blessing we have to be called “righteous” in Christ, because it makes us heirs of a promise. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” [endure] (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Reflection:

How do you handle temptation? First we need to recognize we are in a battle with God’s enemy, Satan. God has given us armour to put in (Ephesians 6:13-17). Peter reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. “Be self-controlled and alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Praise God we are not alone as we fight the good fight!

Devotional

As We Forgive

November 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Matthew 6:11, 14-15

There is a corollary to the first part Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness…”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:11). We are to forgive others. In fact the forgiveness we hope to receive from God is contingent on the way in which we regard those who have hurt us, those who don’t like us, those whose expectations of us are not fair. The subject of forgiveness is so important that Jesus, after He finished the prayer, continued, not about the holiness of God, not about our spiritual maturity, but about forgiveness!

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you!” (Matthew 6:14). Just to make sure they understood His point, Jesus continued “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive yours” (:15). Ouch!

Why is forgiveness so important? It was the only subject on Jesus’ heart as He hung on the cross. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Consider His example. In the midst of dealing with His own suffering He still remembered the inability of those who persecuted Him to understand the magnitude of what they had just done!

There are times when we unintentionally sin against God – when we don’t do His will because we are ignorant or oblivious. In the same way others may hurt or disappoint us – might we give them the benefit of the doubt? We sometimes jump to conclusions and attribute thoughts or intentions which were not really part of the picture.

To truly forgive someone is to drop all ideas of revenge or pay-back. God has told us . “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Rome of God’s injunction. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written….” (Romans 12:19). Certainly Paul suffered much at the hands of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, yet he persisted in forgiving. He found that in feeding one’s enemy, in “heaping coals of fire on his head” one can overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

Reflection:

We may forgive others because we know it is the right thing to do, and perhaps even to please God. The secret of forgiveness is not in what it does for the person we forgive, but what it does in our own hearts – the peace and joy which exists because we are not hanging on to something that God knows will cause us to become bitter.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)