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)

Devotional

And Forgive Us

November 20, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:12

What would you like God to forgive you for? Is it something which is crucial to your relationship with Him? Is it something that nags in your spirit? Can you sincerely pray “search me O God”?

Does God need to forgive us for not eating the meat He has put before us? We, in this generation are on the verge of starvation, not because of the lack of food, but because we are ignoring the bread from heaven which God has so generously given to us. We are on a diet, eating spiritual food once a day and then only in small portions.

What does starvation look like, feel like. Few of us have any experience with a process that debilitates our bodies. But it is a process. Starvation deprives us of energy, and eventually breaks down tissues. Similarly, weakened Christians cannot function as God would want to use us, and Satan laughs.

Do you struggle with loss of joy and peace? Are you fearful? Jesus came to give us freedom from fear, and to fill us with His remarkable joy. I just had my cataracts removed. Colours became so fresh and details are so clear! What a wonderful change to be able to see so clearly! This is the same thing that happens when our spirits are engaged with God in a life of thanksgiving and praise! The Light shines into our souls, lifting our spirits into the heavenlies! Who would resist such a precious lifestyle, empowered by the Holy Spirit? O God – forgive us our trespasses.

Our lives are to speak the Love of God to others. Victory is possible, in Jesus. Are we celebrating what His sacrifice makes possible? Or are we lost in the struggles of life? Is this the way God wants us to live? Satan tells us we cannot achieve, that we are not important – but the Bible says that Jesus died for us. ”Whosoever believes on Him will not perish” (John 3:16) Imagine the King of kings giving His life for you and me to make us His treasured possession! Such joy at the very thought!

Reflection:

People who are starving cannot think clearly, their decisions are made in a fog. Is this how we live life? Then let us avail ourselves of the spiritual food and drink we are so blessed to hold in our hands. God’s Word is our meat and milk, the bread of life. He has set a feast before us! His Holy Word makes spiritual growth possible. Starvation makes people sleepy. God is calling His children to wake up, to live in the light of His glory! Amen and Amen!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Uncategorized

Our Daily Bread

November 13, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:11, John 6

“Give us this day our daily bread”.

What does your daily bread consist of? Usually we think in terms of physical need, bread made with flour. I wonder if this is what Jesus was referring to as He taught the disciples to pray. Or, might it have had a spiritual connotation? After all He called Himself “The Bread of Life” (John 6:35).

John records Jesus’ concern about bread. Jesus reminded the crowd that “Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died”. They had prayed for bread and God had supplied it, daily. Is this the daily bread Jesus is teaching us to pray for? He went on to explain “Here is the bread that comes down from heaven which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven!” (John 6:49-51).

Bread, from time immemorial, has been necessary for man to survive, physically. Throughout the Bible bread is a theme, demonstrating how much God continually cared for the people He created. He sent manna to the Israelites wandering in the desert. He miraculously provided bread for His prophet Elijah twice, once by ravens (1 Kings 17:6) and the second time God kept the widow’s jar of flour full for a lengthy period of time (1 Kings 17:15-16), in order to keep this man of God alive.

Jesus was tempted by Satan to think in terms of fulfilling his physical hunger with bread, but Jesus retorted “Man does not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4). He quoted from the Torah to remind the children of God “…but “. But has significant meaning for such a small word. They were reminded that their lives depended ”on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

So, just as bread or manna is necessary to keep us alive physically, so is the bread sent down from heaven in the person of God’s Son, crucial to our spiritual life and vitality. The allegory Jesus used might have turned some folks off, because he referred to the bread as His flesh. “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). “Just as one eats and drinks in order to have physical life, so it is necessary to appropriate Christ in order to have eternal life!” (Ryrie).

Reflection:

We cannot say there is only one meaning to this part of Jesus’ prayer; it does cause us to think in both physical and spiritual terms. Questions remain: Are we taking advantage of the privilege we have of feeding on God’s Word daily? Does His Word thrill our very innermost being, without which we could not truly “live”? Is Scripture causing you to grow in your faith and in your loving relationship with God the Father? Are we feasting on the “living bread” so that we “will live forever” (John 6:51)?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done

November 6, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:10 Luke 3:2

As we have already noticed, Jesus taught His disciples to revere God because of His holy name. Then He went on to explain the Sovereignty of God is one short sentence. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Have you given much thought to God’s kingdom as you repeat those words?

Today we find ourselves looking at Biblical signs of the second coming of Christ, believing that it is near. We know, if we have read Revelation that the “King is coming”, and thus the Kingdom age will begin. The Gaithers wrote a powerful song about that glorious event! However, God’s kingdom isn’t just future, it is certainly in the present. Both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus prophesied that “the Kingdom is near” (Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17).

In this prayer Jesus was teaching His disciples to recognize God’s Kingdom by the way in which His will is done – just as it is done in heaven, perfectly, so it will be done on earth (Matthew 6:10). Imagine what that would look like in our war-torn world. From time to time we do get a glimpse of the Kingdom of God when we see the words of Jesus fulfilled. He told the Pharisees “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is’ because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

Jesus described His kingdom to Pilate. “My kingdom is not of this world….My kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). This man, powerful by worldly standards, needed to know there is a heavenly kingdom, over which Christ Himself reigns. Angels bow to Him, as do believers on earth. His disciples had “….seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). When we see grace and truth we are witness to heavenly principles at play, even today!

The King is indeed coming, but until He returns we represent all that He is. What does the love of God look like as it is lived out in your life and mine? Is my heart a little kingdom where He is honoured by obedience to His commands? Do I even comprehend His expectations? What is the will of God for me today in the twenty-first century? What is easier – to pray for miracles or to do acts of kindness? Are we known for our gentleness and mercy, for strength and wisdom?

It may also be easier to hope and pray for the future kingdom than to seek God will for today in your life and mine. “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

Reflection:

Think of it! Today we have the privilege of making God’s Kingdom known by the way we live, or rather by the way we surrender to the will of God in our lives. Do others see Jesus in me? In you? Is our Father pleased with the way we celebrate the privileges we have in His present Kingdom?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Teach Us to Pray

October 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:9-13 Luke 11:1-10

The disciples knew Jesus was a man of prayer. His fellowship with His Father was crucial to His ministry here on earth. They witnessed the power of many miracles happening after He prayed. One example is the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:11). And so – they asked Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1).

Matthew records a fuller version of what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer”. Many of us have memorized it and some repeat it regularly in church. It is rich in truth, beginning with the worship of our Father. For a thinking person, addressing God as Father raises some questions. How is it possible for us to know Him as Father? Does God really view me, personally, as His child and why?

Notice we are not taught to say “my Father” because corporate worship, worship within the family of God, is also foundational to our Christian faith. Paul reminds us of that. “ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). So the first two words of the prayer draw upon the theme of our relationship with God!

God is in heaven, but in a remarkable way, His Spirit dwells within His children, here on earth. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Psalmist exclaims “ Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7) and goes on to remind us that God is everywhere.

Knowing this to be true, prayer then becomes a conversation with the One from whom we cannot escape. God knows more about us than we know about ourselves, so when we come to pray for others, He already knows more about their situation than we could possibly imagine. Prayer is the very great privilege of joining with God where He is already at work. This can be truly humbling. Sometimes folks view prayer as an exercise in power, but it really is a privilege.

So – to begin praying, Jesus taught us to recognize the God who longs to lavish His great love upon His children (1 John 3:1). Imagine communication with this One who is Holy! “Hallowed be Thy name” is how the King James version puts it. Prayer is all about God, relying on One who is beyond our understanding, yet who through the life of His Son, here on earth, has made Himself personal, as approachable as “Father”.

Luke puts it simply: “Father, hallowed be Your name” (Luke 11:2). How awestruck are you and I when we come to worship. Do our praises come from hearts longing to resemble this perfect deity? Do we want to live pure live in order to be like Him and to please Him? Is there a family resemblance between us and our Father?

Reflection:

Prayer is practiced by most people worldwide, sadly for a multitude of deities. For Christ followers, it is hugely important to recognize who it is we worship, and how. Jesus taught His followers to revere and honor the very name of God….that is what “hallowed” means. Job found contentment in renewed fellowship with God –“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). All glory be to our Father for what He has planned for you and for me!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

As We Forgive

October 25, 2023 Admin1 Comment

Matthew 6:11, 14-15

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 he 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 that exists because we are not hanging on to something that God knows will cause us to become bitter.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Humble?

October 17, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Philippians 2, 2 Chronicles 7

Since Dickens invented Uriah Heep people have been making fun of humble pretensions. The groveling servility of this man stands testimony to self-seeking. He would have made an interesting psychological study today. Dickens was a genius at observing human nature! He paints word pictures that stir the imagination!

“[Heep’s face] was quite as cadaverous as it had looked in the window —a youth of fifteen, who had hardly any eyebrows, and no eyelashes, and eyes of a red-brown, so unsheltered and unshaded, that I remember wondering how he went to sleep. He was ….dressed in decent black, with a white wisp of a neckcloth; buttoned up to the throat; and had a long, lank, skeleton hand, which particularly attracted my attention…”

With this picture in mind, along with the character Dickens described vividly as patronizing, grasping, ingratiating and manipulative, is it any wonder that humility has taken on the appearance of evil, of treachery, by its very insincerity?

Yet as we read scripture humility is recommended by God (Proverbs 11:2, Zephaniah 2:3, Philippians 2:3). A humble attitude is needed to approach His throne. It reflects the character of our hearts as we inter-relate with other people. Our Lord, Himself was the greatest example of true humility. Knowing He is equal with God – united in the Trinity, we read He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8).

What did that humility look like? He gave up His heavenly status to come to earth, to be limited in form, taking on the body of a human being (2:7). This was God who created the universe, assuming the limitations of one of His creatures. I have to ask myself if I would be willing, for example, to take on any limitation that confines someone in a wheelchair, in order to fulfill God’s will in my life?

Jesus emptied Himself, became “nothing” (Philippians 2:7) The theological construct here is amazing! He veiled His pre-incarnate glory, voluntarily relinquishing His divine prerogatives while here on earth. For us as humans to give up anything that empowers us, can be a very scary experience. But this is the face of humility…not grasping at control, manipulating the course of events in our lives. Even for the sake of the gospel, Jesus would not manipulate people but freed them, as in the case of the rich young ruler, to go away disillusioned about what he could do to earn his salvation!

In the hierarchy of the Christian movement, what does scripture recommend as the best form of leadership? Those with a servant’s heart are most pleasing to God. Why? Following Jesus, we see He became like a servant (Philippians 2:7). The nature of a good servant is one who is loyal, one who gives above and beyond for the benefit of his master. Of all things in this life, if we could only see that our service is for Jesus Christ, Himself.

Serving is a Biblical principle. Abraham served the angels who visited him. Moses served his father-in-law; Jacob and many others served in their homes. Joseph served Pharaoh. The prophets served God, often at great personal cost. Service from the heart is synonymous with humility. The opposite of humility is pride. Known as one of the seven deadly sins, pride is an affront to the Divine, to God’s holiness and perfection.

At the dedication of Solomon’s temple God reminds His people of the importance of this attribute, humility. Thundering down through the ages are words from God’s throne: “If My people….will humble themselves…..!” HUMBLE! Humble! Humble hearts define our relationship with Almighty God, don’t they? (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

Reflection:

Hear the yearning in God’s voice? If only…MY people will worship Me in spirit and in truth, with humble hearts. The choice is ours. Is our humble heart real, or is it fake?

What is the value put on humility today?

What form did humility take in Jesus’ life?

Is this an example you and I might follow?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Battle is God’s

October 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them, you may fight the good fight.”

Apparently, as was the custom, Godly men had commissioned Timothy to ministry by the laying on of hands and prayer. At that time they recognized his particular gifts [preaching and teaching] to be used in the Lord’s service (1 Timothy 4:13).

When you read 1 Timothy 1:18 what do you understand about the battle Paul is warning young Timothy against? In daily life do you sometimes feel like you are at war? What is going to give you the victory over that feeling? Paul recommends holding onto faith and a good conscience (1:19). To me that means I must live up to God’s expectations, not to qualify but rather to quantify what a Christian is. In Him I must live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).

In his famous sermon on Mars Hill, the Apostle Paul reviewed all that God had done from the creation of the world in order for man to seek Him, and even find Him – this great omnipotent God! The Greeks were worshiping gold and silver, or stone – images made by man’s genius (Acts 17:29). Now Paul challenged them to look to someone far greater than they could imagine, One who would eventually judge the world through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

The battle, even in Paul’s day was against false doctrine. Myths and endless genealogies promoted controversy. Is it possible to over-examine God’s Word? What considerations take over truth, if we do not take it at face value, trusting the Holy Spirit to make it clear enough for even a child to understand. Jesus warned we need to become like little children, humble, trusting (Matthew 18:2-4). The greatest defence a child or adult could have is trusting God. We sing:
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land -The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand -The battle belongs to the Lord!
The power of darkness comes in like a flood -The battle belongs to the Lord –
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood -The battle belongs to the Lord!
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear -The battle belongs to the Lord!
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near – The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory and honor, power in strength to the Lord!
Songwriters: Collins Jamie (sue)

Paul reminds Timothy that the weapon of prayer is to be used in this battle. When we pray for kings and all those in authority, it pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3). The battle for lost souls, whether they be in leadership or just your neighbour, concerns our heavenly Father because God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (:4). Let’s not forget God loves all people, [individuals in our families or communities, kings and bishops, of every tribe and nation] even more than we do.

Reflection:
When you read about anger and strife do you read from a defensive position? Who is the enemy? Who is the protagonist? In November we remember those who were lost in the great World Wars, but let us not forget we also are in a battle against evil!
As a herald and apostle of the true faith, Paul knew what it was to fight the good fight. He brought glory to God by engaging, in love, with those who held him prisoner. Was it really God’s purpose to appoint someone to suffer (2:7)? How would you respond to such a situation? Would you, could you completely trust God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)