Devotional

Noel

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Luke 2:8-14

Noel is a word we associate with Christmas carols. It is derived from several root meanings: from the French word Nael meaning Christmas, but goes back even further to the Latin word Natalis meaning birthday. Nouvelles means news. Nowell means shout for joy! Carols written in the Middle Ages began the common use of this word.

The word itself is not found in scripture. Why then is the Christmas carol “The First Noel”, so popular? The song was published in the early 1800’s, based on the account given to us by Luke. “I bring you good news” (Nouvelles), the angel said, speaking to a small group of shepherds. The news was so good it would cause a lot of people to experience “great joy” (Nowell) (Luke 2:10).

The effect of this good news was evangelistic. The shepherds were so impacted by the message from a heavenly choir, a host of angels (Luke 2:13), that they had to check it out. Going into Bethlehem in search of this newborn baby (Natalis), the town became aware that something significant was happening, right there in Bethlehem!

Down through centuries of time folks have rejoiced in the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:11). The first Nael was sung on the hillsides of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, but the Spirit of the Lord still brings joy to the hearts of disciples who sing of Jesus’ birth today. Noel explains the coming of Christ to forgive and save us all…. “…and with His blood mankind hath bought. Noel!”

Just as the great star attracted attention, the life of Jesus has shed spiritual light onto our world ever since His advent, continuing “Both day and night. Noel!”. “Let us all, with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord…..Born is the King (the Christ, the Messiah). Noel!”

The Magi sought a king…”Where is the One who has been born ‘King of the Jews’?” (Matthew 2:2). Known at both His birth and crucifixion as King of the Jews, His status was even recognized by Herod (Luke 23:38). Jesus identified His kingdom as “not of this world” (John 18:36).

The Apostle Paul who struggled against the Lordship of Christ finally had to admit He is God, the One before whom “Every knee will bow…and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). At the end of the age a choir of angels numbering thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, will circle the throne where the Lamb who was slain is proclaimed worthy of all praise and honour and power forever and ever (Revelation 19:11-13) Nowell!

Reflection:

What sorts of images does that heavenly scene conjure up?

What will you celebrate this Christmas as the Holy Spirit informs your spirit of Noel?

Will you “follow the star, wherever it went”?

Where is Jesus calling you and me to go with the good news?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Advent

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1 John 4:9-10

Wikipedia describes Advent as “a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning”coming”. Advent is not a word to be found in the Bible, but was designed by the early church to signify a momentous Biblical truth. The LORD Jesus has come. Why was this so significant?

Today we hold the whole of scripture in our hands, the Old Testament and the New. Throughout both the key figure is the LORD. He is known by several names given to God’s chosen people Israel. Let us note that these Israelites were not chosen on the basis of their great accomplishments or particular intellect. In fact, we do not know why they, above any other people groups, were “chosen”. We do know that although God’s choice seems at first glance to be exclusive, He made His intention clear from the very beginning. When He called Abraham out of Ur, God stated He would include all nations in His Divine plan (Genesis 12:3).

God’s design was to develop a nation of people who would truly worship Him, preparatory to the Advent which, from the beginning, He knew would be necessary. It had not taken long for mankind to succumb to temptation, a choice that has given everyone, to this day, the knowledge of good and evil.

Many good people lived in the centuries between Adam and Christ. However, the general bent was for man to displease God, to rebel against His laws, to worship other gods and to destroy one another. The world became so dark that God nearly annihilated all mankind. His own chosen people were dispersed throughout the then-known world, away from their land, away from their centre of worship. Just as He is doing today, God gave people over to the evil desires of their hearts (Romans 1:24).

At last it was time! Into a very dark world came the light of life (John 1:4-5). The advent of Jesus brought both light and life. Hope! The yearning heart of God would be satisfied. Through Jesus Christ a people responsible for spreading the light of the gospel would be “born again” (John 3:16) – people who celebrated the advent of holiness into an evil world. What a contrast!

It is enough to say Jesus was the fulfilment of prophesy. This is why His coming – His advent, is remembered more than 2,000 years later as the pivotal point in history. Satan has tried in every way to get rid of Jesus, because once He came to earth, He continued to indwell His people through His Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Believers continue to crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), who writhes in his attempts to darken the doors of churches, and the hearts of men.

But for the advent of our LORD, it is quite possible that Satan’s strikes would have endangered mankind forever. However, the purposes, the Word, and promises of God must not be overlooked. God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Reflection:

How many children keep an advent calendar? Perhaps some adults do too. Does it focus on the baby Jesus? Or does this season of advent mean simply a moment to rush around purchasing gifts and food, decorating homes and squeezing in the occasional moment to carol songs about the Christmas spirit? How many people have the real spirit of Christmas, a spirit of peace and good will to all? Have our traditions burdened our spirits into a seasonal grumpiness because of all the obligations family and friends have placed upon us? What do our hearts sing about the Advent of Jesus?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Most High God

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Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a beloved Psalm, used by many to comfort themselves in times of distress. You may be familiar with the word picture given to us by an unknown author: “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge!” (91:4).

To whom is the writer referring? Reading from verse one we discover that those who “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” qualify for the promise. Why? Because their focus is on the Lord. They aren’t afraid to express their trust -“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (91:1-2).

There is also an “If” in the picture. “If you make the Most High your dwelling”. Think of it…where you live is usually a place of sanctuary, of comfort. Imagine dwelling in the Most High God. What does that look like to you and to me? And the promise goes on – “Then no harm will befall you” (91:9-10a).

You see, we have an enemy – Satan. He cannot get at us when we are dwelling in God. Furthermore we will not be afraid, because this is a place of safety. Feathers don’t promise very great protection, but if you have ever seen a bird of prey surrounding his food with a circle of wings and tail, there is a surprising strength there. And these are God’s feathers. How often do we pause to think about the Most High God and what He is really like?

These feathers provide us with a fortress where God’s faithfulness will be our shield and rampart. A rampart is any physical protective wall. Furthermore “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. WOW! Do you know there are angels, right now, protecting you if what? “If you make the Most High your dwelling (91:9, 11).

Could you fill in your name, in verse 14? Because __________loves Me, says the Lord, “I will rescue ________. I will protect ____________ because _____________ acknowledges My name”. The last few verses are all about “I”, the Lord who will answer when we call on Him, who will be with us in trouble and deliver us, satisfying us with long life.

The last few words are crucial to our understanding of God. Salvation comes from Him. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts today to show us what the Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished on the cross. If we respond to His invitation, then we form a relationship with God that provides forgiveness for past sins and present, as well as a future salvation which will be complete once we are in heaven. To God be the glory!

Reflection:

Isn’t it amazing how something will leap out from a familiar passage of scripture? This psalm is rich with understanding of the wonderful “Most High God”. His strength, His personal care, His faithfulness and His salvation are outstanding! Are you dwelling in the shadow of the Most High?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Getting in God’s Way

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Matthew 16:13-

The Bible records a story that is close to the experience of every believer. How often do we try to interpret God’s word as instruction for us to do something? Sadly we often do so on the basis of incomplete listening. We are so frequently reactionary that we only have half the picture when we fly off to “do” or to “fix” something.

Perhaps this is why we are told “…know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In that same verse the Lord tells His people to “Be still” – cease striving, and know that I am God. It seems that although they claimed to know God, they didn’t understand the magnificence, or the intentions of this Sovereign Being.

God spoke: “I will be exalted among the nations.” Pretty incongruous with the state of affairs in their world. So many other nations, heathens, pagans, were worshiping at the shrines of man-made gods. How would God be exalted among the nations? Certainly not with the help of the Israelites. Stop trying to fix it, God said.

A hymn-writer penned the words “Speak Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee.” If God speaks to us in a still small voice, will we hear Him amidst the noise of our world? What assurance will we have that God speaks to His children today if we don’t practise the art of listening?

Back to our story – Peter had just identified Jesus as Divine. Jesus commended him for listening to the Holy Spirit who had revealed this truth to him, for it was on that truth that Jesus would build His church! (16:18). WOW! Imagine having that “well done” from Jesus’ own lips! However, Peter, being Peter, fails to listen to the rest of what Jesus needed to teach His disciples. He interrupted Him in the middle of an important prophecy. He only heard “I will be killed” – or that was what Peter thought he heard. Words tumbling over each other, Peter hastened to correct Jesus by exclaiming that was impossible! (Matthew 16:22).

Immediately Jesus turned the tables and spoke to him sharply. You are acting just like Satan; in fact your denial of my sacrifice is exactly what Satan wants this needy world to believe (16:23). You see – Peter was getting in God’s way. The perfect plan God was orchestrating in order to achieve redemption for the sins of the world, would have been turned upside down by Peter’s well-meaning protection of the One who needed to be his Saviour!

When the unexpected, or distasteful happens to us we are often tempted to tell God “Never, Lord!” just as Peter did, but if it fits into a Divine plan that is veiled from our eyes, might we just get in God’s way? Perhaps we need to pause, to listen carefully, and to wait for God to clarify His purpose, before we deny Him the opportunity to teach us precious lessons that He knows we need to learn.

Reflection:

Think about what God’s purpose might be in some unwelcome circumstance in your life.

Do your reactions tend to get in God’s way?

Does He sometimes need to rebuke you for not listening?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

You Must Stand Trial

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Acts 27:24

Most of us do not consider standing trial a positive experience. If someone told us we were to be on trial before the highest tribunal in the land we would shudder with fear. The Apostle Paul was promised, by an angel, that he would stand trial before Caesar (:23). Yet somehow we get the feeling that he welcomed this news as we read his story recorded in Acts 27.

It was a long sea voyage from Caesarea to Rome, but that was the route they must take in order to meet Caesar. Weeks later they were transferred to an Alexandrian ship in Myra, but ran into bad weather as they sailed close to Crete. On the day after the Day of Atonement (referred to by Paul as the “Fast”) the captain decided to ignore Paul’s warnings about impending disaster, even though he knew sailing in October could be very hazardous.

Later, as they endured weeks of hurricane force winds and raging seas, Paul reminded them that they should have taken his advice to stay in Crete, but he also had some encouraging words. He urged them to keep up their courage (:22) on the basis of a vision he had. An angel visited him in the night to assure him he would stand trial.

Some of us might prefer to drown at sea, rather than suffer Roman persecution, but Paul was selfless. He cared about his fellow-passengers. Twice he encouraged them to have courage. (:22, 25) It was a moment of testimony to his faith in God, whom he assured them would keep His word by bringing him to Rome.

It was not smooth sailing after that. He knew they were in trouble and sure enough – they ran aground (:41) just as he had prophesied (:26). The prisoners then faced a new threat – their captors wanted to kill them all, but because the centurion wanted to save Paul (prisoners going to Caesar were to be kept safe for trial) the others were given their freedom to get to land as best they could. Once on Malta, everyone safe as Paul had foretold, they encountered poisonous vipers (28:3). But Paul was delivered from a snake-bite to the amazement of all the people (:5-6).

When things are not going well we often lose sight of the bigger picture. However, God had a plan. Paul was used by God to heal the sick on Malta. The people were so grateful after his work during a three-month stay, they assisted them along their journey with all supplies they would need to reach Rome.

Reflection:

We can learn a few lessons from Paul’s experience. He trusted God to accomplish His purposes; he believed God’s promises implicitly. He encouraged others along a very difficult journey, when he might have well felt sorry for himself. Whatever his own personal fears may have been, fear of drowning in the sea, fear of Caesar, he took advantage of every opportunity to praise God (27:35). He ministered to the spiritual and physical needs of the people around him. He adjusted to the unexpected without complaint. At a rather difficult stage in my own journey this passage of scripture has not only challenged, but comforted me. May it reassure all who read it!

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Desperation

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James 4:1-10

It was a strange sermon title. Desperation! In fact, the whole series was entitled “Biblical Desperation”. The pastor was right – the Bible records many acts of desperation from the time Adam and Eve hid themselves in the garden in fear that God would see their nakedness. Did they fear He would see the sin in their hearts? Not likely, but that is a story for another day.

The Lord Jesus had a woman thrown at his feet, who was caught in the act of adultery. Imagine the desperation in her heart as she faced being stoned, as according to the law, they both should have been. Where was the man and what justice would she ever find? And throughout scripture we read how God responded to different situations whether of health (Job) or wealth (Zaccheus), in ways which determined the accomplishment of His purposes.

Wrestling brought a man to trust in God after a life-time of living according to his wits. Jacob schemed to get the birthright from his brother Esau and tricked his father-in-law into giving him the best cattle, but when he faced God, he despaired of getting the answer to a simple request, until he actually fought with God. Have you ever fought with God?

The very self-sufficiency which made Jacob God’s enemy might be taught by our culture today, which recommends we remember the god within us when faced with desperate problems. They fail to admit that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” [desperately wicked KJV]. Jeremiah wrote that so that we could understand how we compare with Holy God (17:9).

The reality is – we cannot even resist the devil without God’s help. James gives us the solution to our problem of self-sufficiency: “Submit yourselves, then, to God”. Only once we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, can we “resist the devil” (4:7). Submission is humbling. In submitting we lose control. That is exactly where God wants us to be so He can work in and through us miracles of His grace and glory!

Reflection:

The pastor pointed out that Jacob’s encounter with God left him with a limp. Are any of us limping by the grace of God? When we have been filled with desperation God will meet us at our point of need and lift us up. (4:10). James reminds us “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (4:3). When we pray what are we actually asking for? Relief from a problem? More temporal stuff? Control of a situation rather than self-control? God’s Word invites us with a promise to “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (4:8). What a beautiful hope, that we may fellowship with Sovereign God who “gives grace to the humble” (4:6)! How desperate are you?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Meditations

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Psalm 33

Meditation is a good way of fixing what we are learning, in our minds. This is an anonymous psalm, a hymn of praise. Three times the writer mentions God’s unfailing love. I find it remarkable to discover how often, throughout the Old Testament, there are praises sung about God’s love. Many folks feel the New Testament speaks enough about God’s loving character that the Old Testament isn’t necessary, but it is absolutely thrilling to find that thousands of years of ancient history records the love of God.

In the heart of this Psalm we read more about God’s character. In order for us to know God we need to be reading His Word; here the psalmist praises God for His righteousness and justice, for His faithfulness in all He does. Think of it “The Lord is true”!

How often do you meditate on God’s creative design revealed in nature? There is a purpose in all that God did, and is now doing. “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever” In case we think the environment is out of control, God who is Sovereign over all His creation, protects it to this day “….the purposes of His heart also stand firm through all generations” (33:11). How interesting it is to see that this verse rings true today. The nation of Israel has been brought together once again, after a lengthy diaspora. God is working His promises in and through His chosen people, for all the world to see!

The meditation of your heart and mine today will be quite different from that of a writer nine or ten centuries BC. We have wonderful access to Biblical history and besides our Bibles, can google all kinds of information about the culture of the day. However, coming back to the heart of worship – it is all about Jesus, as the song puts it.

In the Old Testament God’s unfailing love is the source of all that was accomplished centuries later by His Son at Calvary. Ancient promises were fulfilled by God’s own Son. Ancient promises were fulfilled in 1948 when the Jews returned to make the Holy land their home, and were recognized once more as a nation.

Doesn’t this give us hope that ancient promises will once again be fulfilled, when Jesus returns to stand on the Mount of Olives? What a day that will be! Can’t you just see it?

Reflection:

What forms your meditation during times of devotion? I am often overpowered by the beauty of God’s creation whether it is a nature program on TV, or looking out my window at seasonal changes. However, nothing compares with the suffering of our Lord Jesus as He endured ridicule and torture at the hands of the very people He had created. We celebrated communion recently. which renewed my meditation on the God-man who so loved the world that He gave everything He had, to make a relationship with His heavenly Father possible, for you and for me!

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Devotional

The Lord is Loving and Faithful

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Psalm 25

When we read the words “the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful” (Psalm 25:10) we grow hopeful that as His children we will live lives which are blessed, don’t we? However, we need to read these words in context.

David knows that Almighty God is the source of goodness so when He instructs us sinners (25:8) it is with the expectation of a response. Are we following in His ways by living lives of goodness? What does that mean?

Little children are constantly asking “why”? This is one way they learn. Why does God look for us to show Him we are believers?….and how? First of all, scripture is clear, isn’t it? David writes that the blessing we hope for comes when we “keep the demands of His covenant” (25:10). Do we today in the twenty-first century understand the demands of God’s covenant?

Jesus died for our sins, creating a new covenant. The old regime of salvation by keeping the law has passed away. “The new covenant is in My blood” (Luke 22:20), Jesus said, meaning that it is by believing and receiving His death on the cross as the penalty for our sins, we have eternal salvation. Sounds too easy and it is!

There is more….Jesus taught all those who follow Him to love one another because “it is by this that all will know you are My disciples – that you love one another”. If we are honest it is not always easy to love those with whom we differ. Part of that same verse, which is seldom quoted, tells us “As I have loved you, you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).

There may be sacrifice in offering our love to others. Are we willing to become Christ-like in our response to God’s love? If not, can we expect God to be faithful to us? The new covenant in His blood about which Jesus spoke, was poured out. That creates a word picture…a jug being emptied.

Reflection:


If we say we follow Jesus, are we willing to be emptied in the sake of Christ? What might that look like? Oh dear children of God, let us examine our hearts to see if we measure up to the expectations of a Holy God! Can we truly pray “Show me Your ways O Lord. Teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour and my hope is in You all the day long” (Psalm 25:4-5)?

Devotional

Guilty?

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Galatians 5

Guilt is a remarkable emotion. It might be real, or it may be false. Where do guilt feelings come from? Deep within the spirit of man there is a conscience. It is impacted by our societal values, and our perspective of God, as well as our personal experiences.

How does God deal with guilt, in the lives of His children? From the beginning He was gentle. Spotting a quivering couple hiding themselves in the garden, God knew they were guilty of disobedience. However, He didn’t just kick them out of their home, but first he gave them clothing, providing for their immediate needs. He warned them of the dire consequences of their choices, and then sent them from the place where all was familiar. That was the kindest act of all, because He removed them from the temptation to eat of the tree of life, which would have bound them in their state of guilt, forever.

Strangely we often bind ourselves in a state of guilt. It’s easier to endure a familiar pain than to deal with it and move forward into the unknown. However, that is where our faith strengthens us, to face a future filled with the promises of God. That faith is secured by the fact that we have been forgiven. The slate is wiped clean and God gives us a fresh start.

The woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus to test Him. But what of her own testing? Did Jesus want her to remain in interminable guilt? No! He set her free. “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Because – it is only in freedom that we can be productive. Satan enjoys binding our hearts with cords of guilt.

Paul assures the Church at Galatia:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”

(Galatians 5:1).

In that same chapter he urged them to believe they were called to be free (:13). This is God’s purpose for humankind. The only thing that counted was faith expressed through love (:6). They were not to feel guilty because they were or were not circumcised according to Jewish law. He points out that God desires restoration rather than revenge (6:1).

If the Galatian church was guilty of trying to earn their salvation, Paul wanted them to be free to live by the Spirit (5:22-23), to be spontaneous in their love and witness (5:16). This message applies to you and to me today. Whether our guilt is real or imagined, we need to deal with it, to rid ourselves of its encumbrance in order to glorify God for what He is doing in our lives.

Reflection:

How has Satan successfully robbed you of peace? Compare the intentions of Satan with the desires of our God.

Are you guilty of rejecting the freedom and subsequent peace that God is offering to His children through Jesus Christ our Lord?

What might you advise someone else to do to remedy such a situation in their lives?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

A Prayer of David

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Psalm 17

David was the King of Israel, remembered down through centuries of time for the Psalms and songs he wrote. They are very revealing of the character of the man who as a boy fought the giant Goliath. As an adult he fell into the sin of adultery; his relationship with Bathsheba, recorded in scripture, serves as a warning to those who pray to live righteous lives. His son Solomon became king after him and was renowned for his wisdom.

In Psalm 17 David presents his credentials to the Lord “O Lord hear my righteous plea” (:1). Was this because he was totally committed to pleasing God in every way? How often have you identified yourself as righteous before the Lord? We are taught to come with humility, pleading the blood of Jesus to cover our sins, whether they are known or unknown. In verse 2 David acknowledges “My vindication comes from You”….in other words – “You probe [know] my heart”, verse 3. Now why is this important?

This demonstrates the degree of relationship that David had with his God. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (:8). Isn’t that a beautiful word picture? Wouldn’t you like to know you are the apple of God’s eye? Why couldn’t we be?

David has obviously put some thought into his life journey. “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin” (:3). Sometimes we think that means swearing, but a simple thing like telling the truth can mean much in the eyes of God. It isn’t always easy to tell the truth. We live in a world filled with deception, so that truth takes on many shades. A little white lie became a joke, but here we find a man whose heart is totally committed to pleasing his God in word and deed (:3-4).

Another thing we learn about David’s relationship with God; it is built on his knowledge of God’s love “the wonder of Your great love” (:7). God’s character can be trusted and David knows God’s love will not let him get away with sin. God brought the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin of adultery. Why? So that David would be brought to the place of confession. God wants us to confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Psychologically we can only heal from our mistakes as we face them. Our Creator God wants us to live lives that are free from past sin. What an awesome God!

David leaves us with some final thoughts. “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (:8). In another Psalm he writes “He [God] will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). Then he ends on an eternal note. In eternity where our righteousness will be complete “I will see Your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness” (:15).

Reflection:

It is no wonder many folks find comfort in the writings of King David. He knew God personally! We too may know Him! We have the privilege of knowing Him through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing that He came to seek and to save humankind, which was lost in sin. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)