Guilty?

September 3, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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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

August 26, 2024 Admin1 Comment

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)

Devotional

God’s Spirit

August 13, 2024 Admin1 Comment

Nehemiah 9

Often we think of the Holy Spirit as a New Testament revelation, but all through the Old Testament we find glimpses of God’s Spirit at work. Nehemiah recognized this in his prayer of repentance for the people of Israel who had repeatedly digressed from God’s laws. Yet, because of His amazing mercy and faithfulness we find God repeatedly forgiving, and bringing Israel back to Himself.

“Because of Your great compassion You did not abandon them in the desert….You gave your good Spirit to instruct them” (Nehemiah 9:19-20). Throughout his prayer Nehemiah recounts the numerous times God made Himself known to the people He had chosen to be His own. This prayer makes a very exciting read! Nehemiah begins by blessing the glorious name of this God, who alone is the Lord. Why? Because He made the heavens and the starry host. He created the earth, giving life to everything.

Then Nehemiah reminds the people, as he prays, that God chose them when He created a covenant with their forefather Abraham. “You found his heart faithful to You and You made a covenant with him to give to his descendants” (9:8). He went on to review God’s grace which reached down to rescue His people from suffering as slaves in Egypt and how He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Wow! Imagine sensing the very presence of God in that visual experience!

Throughout their journey back to the land which God had given to Abraham, God spoke to His people through Moses, clarifying His expectations by giving them laws and providing them with safety, as well as with bread and water. BUT!

As Nehamiah went over their history, in this one prayer alone there are 3 BUTs. In spite of all the blessings and provision and guidance, God’s people repeatedly strayed. Yet God proved Himself to be “a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (9:17). And – in the middle of all this God gave His Spirit to instruct His people. God’s Word describes His Spirit as good. We know that Goodness is one of the characteristics of God (Galatians 5:22-23). The Psalmist prayed that “goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).

Reflection:

I am reminded that the fruit of the Spirit, written by the Apostle Paul, contains a component called goodness. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we bear His likeness and through His indwelling, we radiate not only the love of God, but His goodness. Think on that.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

This Man Welcomes Sinners

August 6, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 15:1-7

A large crowd was gathering. The Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered about the calibre of people Jesus attracted, since there were tax collectors and sinners in the crowd. Isn’t it interesting the designation that categorized groups of people, in their minds? Although they looked down on tax collectors as lesser beings, often of ill-repute, they separated them from sinners. How were they defined?

Jesus was teaching in parables again. This time He spoke about a shepherd who, leaving ninety-nine sheep safe in the fold, went in search of one that had strayed. It’s a very moving account of caring and compassion, of concern for the safety of one sheep that was lost. Jesus went on to describe the joy of the shepherd when he found the sheep, lifting it to his shoulder and carrying it home. We learn many things about the shepherd from this parable. He was tender and personally involved – he didn’t delegate. Help for the helpless was and is always forth-coming. Rescue operations are a rewarding responsibility. There seem to be no consequences for straying beyond being brought back into the fold. Mission accomplished was cause for celebration with the community. The Shepherd called his friends and neighbours together to rejoice with him.

Taking the story one step further Jesus explains its meaning. The lost represent spiritually needy people. The shepherd is Jesus, Himself – He talked about His mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Did you know there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents? (Luke 15:10). Jesus said that is cause for greater joy than the ninety-nine righteous people who remained securely in the fold, not needing to be rescued (:7). What an awesome thought!

But the Pharisees and teachers of the law complained. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (:2). They were treated to a long sermon using many examples of how important the “lost” are to God. Jesus talked about searching for the lost coin, about the prodigal son who strayed from the safety and security of his father’s home and for that period of time was essentially lost. We don’t read anywhere that they understood His point. Rather each time these religious leaders are mentioned it is always from a position of condemnation – “They sneered at Jesus“. (16:14).

Other Gospel writers noted this also. Matthew writes that after Jesus forgave a paralytic of his sins, teachers of the law labelled Him blasphemous (Matthew 9:3). They were quick to point out how His disciples were breaking the law by picking and eating grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:2). Mark records how Jesus was held responsible by the Pharisees for allowing His disciples to eat with unwashed hands (Mark 7:5) and how anxious they were to trip Him up as they tested Him and asked for some sign from heaven that would validate His teachings (Mark 8:11). Even the crowds couldn’t make up their minds about Jesus. Some declared Him to be good on account of His miracles, but others criticized Him for deceiving the people (John &:12, 20, 45-49)…..and these are just a few examples.

Behind the arrogance and pride of the religious leaders, Jesus continued about His Father’s business. He was too busy doing good, teaching the way to a personal relationship within the Kingdom of God, to be distracted by the complaints and criticisms that would probably deter many of us from our mission.

Reflection:

How do you define “sinners”?

What was it that kept Jesus strong in the face of criticism?

Will His example strengthen you in your resolve to welcome sinners, in spite of what people think?

Does this help you consider the impact a critical spirit might have on people with whom you interact?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Let the Nations Renew

July 29, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 41 (Listening to God)

In an era when news of international discord grips our hearts in a vise of fear, it is very encouraging to read the message God gave to Isaiah. “Let the Nations renew their strength” (:1). How is that possible today in this generation, if indeed it was then in Isaiah’s day?

First of all, the Lord demands silence before Him, in His presence. Is this to enable the people to listen, to actually hear the voice of God? Then He invites the nations to come forward and to speak (:1). This reminds me of the protocol when Esther went before King Ahasuerus. Quietly she presented herself, waiting for him to extend the sceptre to her so that her presence was not only acknowledged, but she was then given permission to speak.

What we find hard to recognize today is the awesome majesty of Yahweh, which demands our obeisance. We have reduced God to man-size, because He made Himself visible in the person of Jesus Christ. Further, we have made God our equal by calling Him “friend”. It is true in special cases God met with man as with a friend (Exodus 33:11). He encouraged Solomon to understand the spirit in which He related to people by describing Himself as a ”friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Abraham was called God’s friend (James 2:23). It is not wrong to experience friendship with God. Jesus laid down His life for his friends, to which group hopefully you and I belong (John 15:13).

What is dangerous to our worship is our perception of God as only a friend. He is also “Judge” because of His nature. He is King of kings and Lord or lords, omniscient, eternal and so much more. Imagine having a friend who knows your thoughts, motives, capabilities!

Isaiah goes on to describe the power of God to work among nations. Prophesying what King Cyrus of Babylon would do to facilitate the end of the diaspora of God’s chosen people, we read that God was responsible for stirring up this mighty king. Through Isaiah God would relieve His people of the penalty of dispersion that He had imposed on them for their disobedience! (41:2 – the one from the east). He even names Cyrus in Chapters 44 and 45. This is crucial to our understanding of what is going on in our world today. God called Cyrus into His service (:2) – a pagan? Yes!

Vivid descriptions of the hand of God moving nations, subduing them, turning them into dust, demonstrate not only His power to do so, but His determination to accomplish His purposes. From the beginning to the end (41:4) the Lord called forth each generation.

From this short portion of scripture (Isaiah 41:1-4) we gain hope. Knowing what God has done in the past, and understanding He has given us clues about the future when the Lord Jesus Christ will return, brings a glorious joy, as sense of anticipation to our hearts, even in the midst of global turmoil.

Reflection:

Who is in control? Whom shall I then fear? If God can bring a heathen king alongside for the benefit of His people Israel, what might He yet do today to accomplish His mighty, eternal purposes? What if that leads His people through a “captivity” of sorts? Will we lose faith if we suffer?

“Let the nations renew themselves with hope in the Lord God!”(Isaiah 41:1)

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Love of God

July 22, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

John 21:25, 1 John 3:1-2

Frederick Lehman was born in Germany, but moved to America with his family when he was four years old. He first met the Lord in Iowa, where he grew up. At the age of eleven the Lord convicted him of his sin and his life was never the same. He studied for the ministry and pastored several churches in Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. He enjoyed writing poetry which often became sacred songs. While writing one day, he remembered the words of a song he had scratched on a paper, copied from an unknown source, but it fitted what he wanted to say:

“The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star

and reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled

and pardoned from their sin!

Oh love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure –

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Later investigation showed these words were written on a cell wall in a prison some 200 years before. It is not known why the prisoner was incarcerated; neither is it known if the words were original or if he had heard them somewhere and had decided to put them in a place where he could be reminded of the greatness of God’s love – whatever the circumstances, he wrote them on the wall of his prison cell. In due time he died and the men who had the job of repainting his cell were impressed by the words. Before their paint brushes obliterated them, one of the men jotted them down and thus they were preserved.”

The name of the prisoner was never discovered, but historians later found the source of the poem; it came from a Hebrew poem composed by a Jewish Rabbi living in Germany. The poem was thought to have been written around the year 1000 AD.

We know nothing about Lehman’s sermon that day but the words of this song, like the love of God, have endured for years! God will not leave Himself without a witness. Here in an unknown hand is evidence of His abiding love. Our world desperately needs true love, that amazing quality which comes from God alone, fitted to meet the needs of every heart!

Reflection:

The love of God is worthy of our mediation. It is trustworthy and true. God’s love for the human race is the theme of scripture from beginning to end. Search the scriptures to prove what is that acceptable, admirable quality of God for which every heart longs.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Go and Sin No More

July 15, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

John 8:3-11 (KJV)

What are our thoughts when we read this verse, words from the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. Is this a suggestion for Godly living? Perhaps it’s a thought, which in reality is impossible because we are still warring with our old nature and prone to fall when faced with temptation. After all the Apostle Paul tells us he, the mighty giant of New Testament faith, struggled with conflicts in his own desires. Maybe it’s only situational, for surely the sin as Jesus faced this woman caught in adultery, the sin of immoral choice, is something anyone could avoid (John 8:10-11).

Or is it? Doesn’t scripture warn us to beware, for he who prides himself on standing, may suddenly find he has fallen (1 Corinthians 10:12)? How often do we continue to sin, excusing ourselves on the grounds that we are only human and God will surely understand? The question then arises – would God ask something of us that is impossible?

I was thinking of some of the excuses we use when faced with the difficult truths of scripture. We are faced with the reality of God’s holiness time and again. So far from what we find within ourselves, does He truly mean “Be holy as I am holy?” Peter makes frequent use of this word (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:5 & 9). He makes it an “ought” in his second epistle, in answer to the question “What sort of people ought you to be?” He tells his readers, including you and me “You ought to live holy and Godly lives” (3:11).

Perhaps we do not fully comprehend the holiness of God. Do we understand the awfulness of any and every sin in the eyes of a Holy God? Have we truly repented of our wrong choices or do we excuse them? Was Jesus asking the impossible of this unfortunate woman? Surely not!

Paul solves the problem of holiness for us. In many of his letters, to the Romans, to the Corinthians, and the Ephesians he illustrates by using the root of the tree being holy, therefore so are the branches; he refers to Timothy’s calling to a holy life and so forth. Writing to the Hebrews, he confirmed what he said earlier about holiness….he gives us hope. When Christ came into the world, it was with the express purpose of doing His Father’s will. “And by that will we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all!” (Hebrews 10:10).

The goal of God’s people (“holy nation” 1 Peter 2:9) is to “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14). Now if I find I have failed to be holy, if temptation has overpowered me, I have recourse to the Father’s forgiveness, but without true repentance it’s useless to ask for it. True repentance expresses the attitude, intention, determination not to do it again. Whatever it takes, I am to flee the devil. I cannot continue to live in circumstances that bring this same temptation before me without placing some safeguards against it. Certainly blaming God for the way He made me will never hold water in the face of His holiness. If God’s word says it is wrong, then I have to examine what it tells me to do to protect myself. If a child has a murderous temper, the parents are obliged to curb it, to teach the little one to control that urge.

Reflection:

Do we think with shame and embarrassment how often we have failed by repeating the same sin?

When something is difficult is that an excuse for not trying?

Doesn’t this command “Go and sin no more” place the responsibility on us? Does God extend extra mercy and grace to help us? Praise God – believers have the Holy Spirit living within to provide the strength to overcome and to produce the fruit of Godliness/Holiness within our hearts.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The One and Only

July 8, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 4:35-40.

The Israelites were shown many things that would demonstrate the reality of their God. Fighting for the land God had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they were called to overcome a people who worshiped gods made of wood and stone, and to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12). Their God was invisible so how could they make Him known to others around them?

Let us remember that Creator God had made Himself known in many ways. Miraculously He brought the nation, called by His name, out of slavery in Egypt. In Jewish texts, as well as in Christian Greco-Egyptian texts, Israel was understood to mean “a man seeing God”. You might remember how Jacob wrestled with the man, understood to be a theophany of Jesus Christ, before Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32), with promises that he would become a great nation. Not only God’s people Israel, but other nations around were in awe of what He had done, throughout their early history recorded in scripture.

Do you know there are 28 Biblical references to the fact that there is only one God. “Hear Oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”….beside Him there is no other” (Deuteronomy 6:4, 4:35). One of my favourite of such verses is written by John. Jesus prayed “that they (you and me) may be one as we are One”. There is unity in the heart of God. Jesus’ prayer goes on – “that they may be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me, and have loved them” (John 17:22-23).

Three young Israelite men risked their lives by standing up for the One and Only (Daniel 3). “King Neb, they said….If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and He will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand!” WOW! That is raw courage. It was a matter of life and death, so – into the fiery furnace they went. They knew their God was able and willing to save them!

The imagery of God as a tender Father goes from Old to New Testaments. What glorious truth it is to worship God as “Our Father”. Right now He is in heaven but one day we will join Him in that happy place, free from fears and trouble. There we will worship Him face to face in all of His glory.

Reflection:

Sometimes we quote Bible verses rather mindlessly. Let us think as we repeat the words of Holy Scripture, that they are there to help us understand the meaning of a great relationship – one we have with God our loving Father, the One and Only true God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Man Peter

July 1, 2024 Admin1 Comment

Matthew 16:16-18

How many of us can identify with the man called Peter? Jesus named him Peter, “Petros” which in the original Greek means “Rock”. Because Jesus is the Creator of all things, including people – Peter, you and me, He knows what name to give to each of us. Did Jesus call Simon “Peter” because of some inherent strength that he exhibited from childhood?

Looking at the life of Peter we do see a certain confidence expressed in his bombastic disposition. He was forever blustering…correcting Jesus when he didn’t like His predictions (Matthew 16:22), and generally assuming leadership within the group of disciples. Peter was wordy, always having answers…a take-charge sort of man. Was it because of this that Jesus named him the “Rock”? Peter makes a fascinating psychological study.

But we learn most from Peter’s spiritual journey. Just like everyone else, he was a complex mixture of strengths and weaknesses. Full of ideas, Peter suggested that booths should be built to commemorate the meeting of Jesus with Elijah and Moses, at Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:2,5-6). On the surface this was a magnificent thought! However, we must notice his words were motivated by fear, not feeling. (How many people have tried to serve Jesus for the wrong reasons?)

His fears overwhelmed him on the night Jesus was taken by soldiers to face charges laid against Him by the religious right of that day. The Jewish leaders rose up to defy His deity, by having Jesus crucified and Peter, moved by panic denied knowing Him, not once, but three times (Luke 22:56-62). Recognizing his failure, Peter wept bitterly. At that moment he could have penned the words of a song we sing today:

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all.

Thankfully he didn’t give up. This man, jelly-like in his lack of loyalty, became a Rock constructed by Jesus, when he once recognized his own weakness. Here’s the thing….in spite of your weakness and mine, Jesus is able to do the impossible. He can and will make us solid in our faith. It isn’t all bad to reflect on our past sins, if we then recognize the glorious truth that we are made strong by our Creator, Himself, when we admit our inadequacy!

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all.

How many times can we fall down, before Jesus will no longer pick us up? We know of at least 3 instances in Peter’s life, but our Lord assured His disciples that they would be forgiven as they forgave others, up to seventy times seven. Who is counting?

Reflection:

As we worship let us remember Peter grew as he leaned on Jesus! Both he and the Apostle Paul knew what it meant for weakness to be turned into strength (Hebrews 11:34). Do you?

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Man of God

June 27, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Timothy 3:17

Who qualifies to be “the man of God”? Does that apply to saints or to children of God, to men or to women, to all sinners who have been forgiven, to believers or to all of the above? Paul, writing to Timothy whom he calls his “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), also calls him “man of God” (1 Timothy 6:11).

In his first letter to Timothy Paul emphasises fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18). This includes caution against the love of money, an issue that has the potential to draw the hearts of believers away from God. “Man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness”. After all, Paul says “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:11, 6). Paul lists those characteristics which the man or woman of God must pursue – Godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Strangely these things do not come easily to any of us, so once again he warns Timothy to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12).

We are not left to struggle alone. We have been blessed to have God’s written word to “make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 6:15). Paul reassures Timothy that “all scripture is God-breathed” (:16). Peter refers to this in his letter to people of faith. “We did not follow cunningly devised stories”. They recorded what they personally had witnessed of Jesus’ majesty (2 Peter 1:16).

Consider the society Christ came to love, heal and to forgive. Even Jews had digressed from purity when worshiping their God, falling into practises which the pagans used with loud and noisy public prayers, instead of seeking God in the quiet of their closet. Jesus Himself warned against praying for show (Matthew 6:5-6). Just as their practise became watered down, so did the truth of what God had said. It was not long until they followed Satan’s cunning fables instead of adhering to the honour and glory of God’s Son, with whom God was well pleased (2 Peter 1:16-18).

To guard against forming idols we need the “Holy Scriptures”. They are profitable for sound doctrine, teaching, rebuking and correcting sin in our lives, as well as for training us in righteous living! (2 Timothy 3:16). To these standards the man or woman of God must cling. It is through the leading of the Holy Spirit that we understand God’s Word which prepares us for every good work (3:17).

There are examples of men of God in the Old Testament too. We find one such “man of God” unexpectedly coming to advise the king of Israel. King Amaziah was on the verge of making war without considering what the power of God could do for him and his army (2 Chronicles 25:7-9). To me it is interesting to note that the King gets the credit when he won the war, working on God’s terms, yet the man of God goes unnamed. Truly he will get his reward in heaven.

Reflection:

Although men and women of God can be found on mission fields, sometimes the very folks we go to work with teach us how to live Godly lives! There will be a lot of unsung heroes in heaven. Whatever it takes to be used of God, let us never forget that doing His will is born out of the character of God, seeking the will of God, in all things.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)