Deborah, A Mother in Israel

July 19, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Judges 4-5

How many Bible-believing Christians know the story of Deborah? It is unique. In the midst of a patriarchal society, we find this fascinating story of a woman in leadership in the nation of Israel. Where did she come from? What did she do? What of her progeny?

In the book of Judges we find the nation of Israel was being ruled by a series of judges, some of them better men than others. Samson is an example of an enigma, a man called by God, yet one who couldn’t keep his hormones under control. In the end Samson redeemed himself in a tremendous act of courage which ended in his own death. Read chapters 13-16.

Isreal was constantly in a state of flux. The nation was enticed by the gods of other nations. Loyalty to the God of Heaven, the One True God who was to be Lord of their lives, was rejected in favour of gods they could see. As a result, the Lord allowed them to be at war with surrounding nations.

In a little background – Ehud is very little known today, but he made his appearance during the Moabite oppression of Israel, when in a daring act of courage he killed their king. We read “The Lord gave Eglon king of Moab, power over Israel…..then He [the Lord] gave them a deliverer – Ehud” (Judges 3:12-15) He was left-handed, noteworthy because soldiers always struck with weapons designed for the right hand. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Due to his courageous act, Moab became subjected to Israel and God’s people had peace for 80 years.

But then the Israelites did evil again in the sight of the Lord. We read “The Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin” (4:2) a Canaanite king. His commander-in-chief, Sisera, was a cruel man and oppressed Israel severely. Enter Deborah, the prophetess.

It is interesting we are given more family background on Jael, who eventually killed Sisera when he took refuge in her tent, than we know about Deborah. She was married to Lappidoth but nothing is told of his history either. In the hill country of Ephraim, she held court under the Palm of Deborah where the Israelites came to get their disputes settled (Judges 4:5).

Deborah is the only woman who is both prophet and judge alongside two other men in Israel’s history – Moses and Samuel; the only woman among the twelve judges in the Old Testament. She called on Barak to take an army to Mount Tabor where God would lure Sisera into battle and give the victory to Israel. Barak wanted Deborah to go with him so she warned him “Because of the way you are going about this, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman” (4:9).

That word of prophecy came true (4:18-21) thanks to Jael’s courage. Sisera, in hiding in her tent, fell asleep giving her opportunity to drive a tent peg through his temple. And Deborah and Barak sang a victory song! ”When the people offer themselves willingly – praise the Lord!” (5:2) They had much to thank God for – their oppression was at an end! ”I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel!” (5:7). “My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the Lord!” (5:9). “Then the land had peace for forty years” (5:31b).

Reflection:

When God calls us to serve Him, whether it is under a palm tree dispensing justice, or whether it is in active warfare, lessons we can learn from Deborah are to rise to the occasion without question. Then we should not forget to praise Him who has guided us into the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake. As a man or a woman, the call of God requires surrender and dedication. Just as Deborah composed in her song, her words ring true today :“ When people willingly offer themselves – Praise the Lord!” (Judges 5:2).

Devotional

She Shall Be Called Woman

July 12, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 2:18

Woman refers to an adult female human according to the dictionary, usually associated with qualities of femininity. In Hebrew the word ishshah reflects on the fact that woman was derived from man, Ryrie tells us. Scripture tells us that God formed all the beasts of the field out of the ground – a discussion for another day perhaps. However, this woman was unique. She possessed the DNA of Adam; taken from his “rib” or “side” she was part of his very being. This meant something special to Adam, giving them a kinship he did not experience with any other animal. “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh!” (2:23).

God’s purpose for woman is clearly stated. “It is not good for man to live alone” (Genesis 2:18). One must conclude that woman was created for companionship, someone for Adam to talk with heart to heart. Why then did God not create another man? Men do not speak easily from their hearts, man to man. Perhaps a woman’s perspective is needed to help a man express his emotions. We are not told details about their relationship, but we do know that in the eyes of God, man needed a helper (2:18). May we assume that Eve was a strong and vibrant young woman?

Some will argue that woman is lost in the male-dominated culture recorded in the Bible. However, we see astonishing examples of women who were strong. I doubt that Noah and his lads could have accomplished the building of the ark and their journey on it with a boat full of animals, without the strength and support of their Missus! Sarah, revered and loved by her husband, was someone Abraham listened to in matters of import, some which reach into our world today; read about Hagar, in that family (Genesis 16). Deborah was a judge in an era of male domination in Israel. Rehab was pivotal in saving the male Israelite spies. Naomi’s loyalty to her husband allowed them to travel into Moab as a family, where her son married the Moabitess Ruth, who became a progenitor of Jesus…..and the list goes on.

Just as God had a plan for these women, so He has a plan for every woman born on earth. Spurgeon relied on the prayers of an old, and perhaps insignificant woman; her faithful prayer life lifted his spirits when he was discouraged and gave him insights into the Word of God that blessed his world. I met women in Africa who endured through unbelievable pain and deprivation in the strength of the Lord, believing they were part of His magnificent plan, whether or not they could see the end from the beginning. Few of us can, whether men or women.

Womanhood is to be celebrated! Why? Simply because He [God] called her “woman.” It was a woman who first talked with Jesus after His resurrection – He chose to reveal Himself to Mary Magdalene. Listed among women of the Bible are nameless women, referred to by the role they played, such as ‘the crippled woman’, ‘the Samaritan woman’, ‘the woman who lost her coin’. Each of these had a role to play in the plan of God, which would bring Him glory and honour. Woman does that so well!

Reflection:

Count the women who have impacted your life significantly and thank God for each contribution they made to the person you are today.

Devotional

People of Peace

June 17, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 14:27

In a tumultuous era of history we find Jesus reassuring His disciples. “Do not let your hearts be troubled” He says while reflecting on His own up-coming death. They are in the upper room just finishing the Passover Supper.

Passover is a time of remembrance. The young nation of Israel, descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had been 400 years in Egypt, living in slavery. God heard their cries and finally delivered them, bringing them back to the land He mapped out as Israel, when He gave Abraham the land as an everlasting sign of their covenant relationship. Hundreds of years later Jesus is celebrating Passover.

Troubled times from the beginning until that moment, may have caused the nation’s heart to fear. Yet God still spoke His peace into their hearts. Twice Jesus tells His disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). He knew they stood on the verge of a painful parting. He was going to return to His Father in heaven, but they would not be alone.

A totally new concept of their relationship with the Father in heaven would flash across their experience after Jesus died, rose, and later ascended into heaven. He needed to prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We read about this in the book of Acts when the early church was once again gathered together in an upper room (Acts 2:1-4).

Now Jesus urges them to feel His peace. In itself, this is a miracle because His own heart had been troubled (John 12:27). As fully man, although He is God, Jesus felt the weight of His coming Passion – that terrible time of persecution and pain culminating in His death. Now, facing His own destiny, Jesus prescribes peace. The disciples didn’t know until the eleventh hour exactly what was needed to go through the horrific hours ahead. They remembered His words after He was glorified.

They were no longer sitting on a hillside listening to pastoral homilies. They were in Jerusalem where Jesus’ life had been threatened more than once, by His enemies. Would they receive the gift Jesus was bestowing on them. “My peace I give you” Remarkable – born out of His own struggle, His peace was filled with power to endure anything. Did they, could they believe it?

Reflection:

Today so many believers seem to have lost a sense of this marvellous peace. The world, our world is in chaos. Will we allow Jesus to empower us to be about our Father’s business with the peaceful confidence He still wants to use us to accomplish His purposes? The prophets faced persecution and death yet they bravely endured through very troubling times. Perhaps the question we might ask ourselves is: Will we demonstrate our faith in Jesus’ words by becoming People of Peace?

Devotional

In the Day of Battle

June 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

1 Samuel 14

Recently I read that a government official declared the world was at war in 2015. Are we actually in a day of battle? What does this war look like? Who is the enemy? What are our weapons? Have we a strategy? How does faith enter into the picture?

Long ago a king sat down under a pomegranate tree. With him were 600 men. With them was their high priest, wearing an ephod. It seemed they were resting from battle. We need some background from chapter 13. During his two-year reign, King Saul accumulated an army of 3,000 fighting men. His son, Jonathan, with 1,000 of those men attacked a garrison of the Philistines, inciting their retaliation. The Philistines gathered an army of 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and foot soldiers like the sand of the sea (13:5). The Israelites were so terrified that they hid themselves in caves, in holes and in pits. Some defected to Gad and Gilead.

Saul waited for the prophet Samuel to offer a burnt offering, but when he did not come and the people still trembled with fear, he took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice. Fear severely contorts our judgment. With Saul was Ahijah who wore the ephod and presumably the Urim and Thummim used for divine communication, which were attached to the breastplate. Therefore this group seemed to be equipped with all that was necessary for that moment. In a mad moment Saul mistook the act of offering a sacrifice, as a way back to God, even though his own heart was bound up by fear and disbelief. No wonder that Samuel, when he came, severely rebuked him for taking matters into his own hands. As a result, Saul’s kingdom would not last, but would be given to “a man after God’s own heart” (13:14).

Feeling utterly disheartened, Saul rested from fighting. However, the battle was not over. God had a plan. One man of faith called his armour-bearer to scout out the enemy’s camp. Jonathan believed implicitly that the Lord would deliver Israel out of their predicament (14:10). We read that they crept up to the Philistines front lines. Using premeditated signals, he and his armour-bearer responded to the enemy’s ridicule (:12). The enemy was thrown into chaos –“It was a panic sent by God” (1 Samuel 14:15).

Reflection:

We must see that in the day of battle the outcome is all about God. It is not, nor ever was about you and me. We do not need to fear the enemy, with God on our side. We can rely on His strategy when we surrender ourselves to Him daily. Weapons of faith will sharpen our powers of observation, enabling us to even love our enemies, in the day of battle! Remember – we do this for Jesus’ sake!

Marilyn’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels

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To Fall Into God’s Hands

June 4, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 65

The Lord God has given Isaiah a vision of great joy. “My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts”! (65:14). However, this verse raises some questions. First who are God’s servants?

Isaiah writes “I reveal Myself to those who did not ask for Me….All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people” (65:1-2). He goes on to describe two people groups, one who continually provoke God and another whom he calls God’s servants. What is the difference?

It becomes quite clear. The prophet sees those who “forsake the Lord” (:11), who did not answer when God called and actually did evil, choosing what displeased God (:12). The contrast continues. There will be consequences of their choices. Those who serve the Lord will experience glorious joy, that wonderful feeling which gushes forth from deep within. Sadly, others will cry out in brokenness of spirit from the anguish which is in their hearts (:14)…people without hope. Perhaps you know folks like that.

But it gets worse. “The Sovereign Lord” takes action. He will put these guilty, forgetful, unfaithful servants to death (:15). Isn’t that a bit drastic? You might ask. This is the word of the Lord to us today. It is a very serious thing to fall into the hands of God. “For we know Him who said ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay’, and again ‘The Lord will judge His people’. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Matters of faith are serious stuff!

Contrast this judgment with the wonder of being God’s servants. “My servants will eat…..My servants will drink….My servants will rejoice……to His servants He will give another name” (65:14-15). Then follows a description of the new heaven and the new earth which comes after the Millennial reign of Christ. “Former things will not be remembered” (:17). “The sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more” (:19b). That is Old Testament prophecy. Isn’t it amazing to think these are the scriptures which Christ revered and taught?

Reflection:
These are people who, recognizing the hands which were nailed to the cross, worshiped the Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord. He isn’t directly mentioned here by Isaiah, but in previous chapters Isaiah gives warning: “See your Saviour comes! See His reward is with Him! They [the servants of the Lord] will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord” (62:11-12). Are you looking forward to receiving the reward given from God’s hands and lips as He welcomes us with “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Matthew 25:21

Marilyns’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels is now available on Amazon.

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Devotional

Jesus Wept

May 14, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 11:35

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

Devotional

Judas Closed the Deal

May 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 26

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

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

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

Devotional

The Way of Holiness

May 3, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

Isaiah 35 A testimony…..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

Devotional

He Chose the Nails

April 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 10:17-18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

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

Devotional

The Quality of Mercy

April 16, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Micah 6:6-8

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

“The quality of mercy is not strain’d,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives and him that taketh”

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

What are qualities attractive in the principle of mercy?

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

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

by Marilyn Daniels