You Must Stand Trial

October 24, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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

October 8, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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

October 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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!

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Lord is Loving and Faithful

September 23, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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?

September 3, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

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)