Devotional

The God of Mystery

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Deuteronomy 29:29 Ephesians 3:2-6

Who is God? This is a question asked down through the ages. How many people groups have invented something to worship because they have been created with a god-consciousness that needed a visible object. Therefore, conceptions of God in monotheism [one God] and pantheism, [belief that the divine interpenetrates every part of the universe], or of the supreme deity in henotheism [belief in and worship of a single god while accepting the existence or possible existence of other deities] can extend to various levels of abstraction. What then gives substance to the God of the Bible?

Christians believe the Bible is the revelation of God, authorized by general revelation, through nature (Romans 1:18-21), through God’s providential dealings with mankind (Romans 8:28), through God’s preservation of the universe (Colossians 1:17), and through man’s moral nature (Genesis 1:26, Acts 17:29). God has also revealed Himself through scriptures written over 1,500 years by about 40 different authors, written without contradiction (1 John 5:9-12). Although seen since the beginning of the world (Genesis 1:26), Jesus Christ embodies God to mankind through His incarnation (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:3) (Physical appearance).

However, in man’s haste to know God, there is sometimes a familiarity that tends towards error. We sing about Jesus being the “friend” of sinners – and that He truly is (John 15:13-14). However, that does not rob Him of the mystery of One who is all-knowing (Omniscient), all powerful (Almighty) and Omnipresent. God is eternal and perfectly holy. Those are terms hard for the finite mind of man to understand.

Something else hard to understand is – Why would God show Himself to mankind through a human incarnation? This may be the greatest mystery of all. After all, in creating man God could have made him like angelic beings. They do His bidding, if he wanted to get things done. But man has been created in God’s image…something remarkably unique and totally incomprehensible!

Then the Lord Jesus Christ sent His Divine Spirit to indwell the children of God. What was that all about? Perhaps it gives purpose to the creation of man. “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will understand many things we cannot grasp here and now. But – we will never be infinite beings. Nor will we ever be eternal. We are created.

Our God is the creative genius who designed a universe which has captured man’s imagination over eons of time. Galaxies are light-years away. Are there universes yet to be discovered? God knows; we do not. Only God could create a plan for our salvation which is perfect. That His love and justice meet on the cross takes us humans by surprise, but this is our God in action, doing for mankind what we cannot do for ourselves!

Reflection:

To truly worship a Supreme Being, that Being must be greater than man’s imagination. This leaves Him shrouded in mystery. God Himself explains: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). His law is love (Matthew 22:37-40). Once again this takes us back to the cross where self is sacrificed and true love reigns supreme.

What a mighty God we serve!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Son of Man

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Matthew 8:18-20

As Easter passes, what are our lingering thoughts about Jesus who was the Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy? He died for the sins of the world, becoming Saviour. Do we remember His sufferings with the horror they deserve? Are we ready to follow Him as Lord of our lives? He often used a term for Himself which designated (over 80 times) His lowliness and humanity. “Son of God” is rightfully Jesus’ Divine name, but Ryrie reminds us that “Son of Man” linked Jesus to the earth and to His mission here.

Jesus was likely tired. He had spent hours preaching, if we go by Matthew’s account (chapters 5-7). His discourse is often referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount”. When He came down from the mountainside people crowded around Him for healing (Matthew 8:1-17). Then He gave orders to cross the Lake (8:18). Jesus rarely gave orders, so this was a unique situation.

A teacher of the law was waiting for Jesus, eager to follow Him. “Teacher I will go wherever You go”. That is quite a commitment for one known as an itinerate minister, frequently walking 90 miles from Galilee to Jerusalem, and back again. Furthermore, Jesus made sure this man knew what he was committing to. “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”. What did Jesus mean?

One person commenting on Jesus’ life wondered why a successful carpenter didn’t have a home base. Was it because He chose to wander among the poor instead of establishing Himself? Had Jesus needed to support His mother as she raised a number of younger brothers and sisters, after Joseph died? These are details of Jesus’ life about which scripture tells us nothing. The important detail is a warning to us all. The Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head.

What does that say to you and to me? In a culture where we place high value on our possessions, are we challenged to rethink how we spent our hard-earned cash? There is a religious philosophy circulating in our day, which is totally unscriptural. It is called “Prosperity Theology”. Some years ago I was challenged because I had an old “heap” of a car, to pray for a new one, because it wasn’t God’s will for me to be driving such a wreck. Little did that man know how much I thanked God I had wheels at all!

Reflection:

Where do our priorities lie? Do our thoughts condemn us? If I am going to follow Jesus, am I willing to give up my possessions and to trust God completely to supply all my needs? Do I recognize the God I worship clothed in the body of a man who to all intents and purposes was not a successful, wealthy leader, but rather One who leads me with His heart of love? What does it mean to Christ followers that the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His royal head?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Because He Lives

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Hebrews 7:25

The cardinal truths of Christianity are founded upon the fact that Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again. How do you explain that to someone who has never heard the gospel? Lee Stroebel interviewed a number of scientists and philosophical thinkers to assess the prevailing view on a Creator God. He discovered the most important issue was the fact that Jesus rose from the dead.

Today we are celebrating the resurrection. Jesus’ suffering and death was for the sins of the whole world. We really can’t take that in. Knowing He suffered and died for my sins alone is bad enough, but the agony of bearing the sins of the world is beyond comprehension. But so is the resurrection…something which has never happened, before or since.

And, because He lives we know the rest of scripture is true. He lives to make intercession for us – for the saints. Our salvation rests on Jesus Christ who “is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). It takes one’s breath away to contemplate the reality of our salvation. Not only did it begin on the cross and end when the stone was rolled away from His tomb, but it continues, by God’s grace to see us through a lifetime of temptation and trials.

“Because He lives”, the Gaithers wrote “I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone”. How many people fear death? Yet death is not the end, but for believers it is the glorious beginning of a perfect life, a life lived in the splendor and glory of God. The life God created for mankind in the first place, in the Garden of Eden.

Because Jesus lives we have renewed hope and great joy at the prospect before us. Not only that but He has left us His Holy Spirit to lead us through the ups and downs of this life. We do not go it alone, but we have Him dwelling within us to lead, comfort and teach us how to live lives which please God.

Reflection:

What does Jesus’ life and death mean to you? What if that was the end of the story – would it have been enough? God completed what He began by raising Him miraculously from the grave. So will God complete what He is beginning within you if you are willing to receive and believe the good news of the gospel (John 1:12). Let us not forget that salvation is His work in your heart and mine. Paul was confident as he wrote to the Christians at Philippi “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Weight of Sin

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1 Peter 2:21-24

Have you ever felt guilty because you knew you had done something wrong, or because your thoughts were unkind? It can become a heavy burden unless we deal with these feelings right away. God, in His Word gives us direction….first we are to ask for His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).

However, we are to ask forgiveness of others if there is anything between us that destroys our fellowship; otherwise the guilt which is very real, will persist, and drag us down. God doesn’t intend us to live in the doldrums. Jesus died to set us free; Paul writes to remind us “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” Therefore, he continues…”Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened with the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). We are to be proactive.

God has given us directions in His Holy Word for righteous living – living that exudes joy and peace and love. All those around us will recognize the signs of a life lifted up to bring glory to God! Why? Because “Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This is a favourite verse of mine, challenging me over a life-time to remember what I owe my Saviour.

Peter goes on to say Jesus didn’t retaliate when He suffered abuse prior to His crucifixion. Rather, “He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” – His Heavenly Father (2:23). Does our faith give us the strength to rely on God’s judgment when we have been wronged? Oh to be like Jesus! We must remember how evil our response to injustice might be, if we begin to tear another person down.

Jesus bore our sins Himself, in His body, on the tree. The punishment for the sins of the world fell on Him that day. Imagine the weight of all that sin! Hebrews tells us that “He shared in our humanity so that by His death He might destroy …..the devil” (2:14). Think of it – we might give in to temptation when we avenge a wrong, and thereby grieve the Holy Spirit. God speaks to us through His Word: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy, for without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Proactive again!

The weight of sin drags us down when we take upon ourselves a root of bitterness. When we do so we miss what the grace of God is all about, and so the spirit in which we allow bitterness to prevail “defiles many” (Hebrews 12:15).

Reflection:

“Accountability” became a catch word in Christian circles as few years ago, and rightly so. I am accountable to God for living according to His Word. Jesus died for one purpose – “that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). I am also accountable for the health of the body of Christ; we must guard that body, of which every believer is a part. Jesus bore the burden of sin to set us free. Let’s be careful not to be yoked with any spirit which drags us down, so as not to defile anyone else.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

In This Tent We Groan

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2 Corinthians 5:1-9

The Apostle Paul was a master at word pictures. Here he describes our bodies as a tent (2 Corinthians 5:4). In his day, as a tent-maker, this was a fitting illustration. Tents were used as homes, as well as to shelter other property. So what does your body shelter?

We are comprised of body, soul and spirit. Therefore, the body may be seen as the tent which houses the soul and spirit. Man is a triune being because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Paul prayed distinctly for all three to be preserved blameless until the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Since this tent is mortal it will not last. This scripture speaks about putting on immortality. ”What is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (5:4).

Picture that! This body that we so often groan about, those aches and pains, even our spiritual weakness and fatigue, will be swallowed up….all that will disappear! Amazing! Life will take on new meaning. Isn’t this the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

So why are we groaning? Perhaps it is because we do not care for our bodies, as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned the Corinthians against sexual immorality because the Holy Spirit lives within believers. It is a travesty to connect God with sins of the flesh (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are to take Joseph’s example and to flee such temptation! (Genesis 39:6-18). Inward conflict will wear us down, until we surrender to the fullness of the Spirit, whom God has given to us.

Paul reminds us: “You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body [tent]” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Our family used to holiday in a tent. It was a temporary dwelling, fun for the moment, but not somewhere one would want to live in the long-term. We had to make sacrifices; roughing it was a novelty. However, once we returned home to running water, indoor plumbing and electricity, life took on new meaning! Perhaps that’s a poor comparison to the joys awaiting us in heaven, but the difference will certainly be something to celebrate when we exchange this body for our resurrection body! Then our spirits will be free from temptation and our souls will rest in eternal peace!

Reflection:

Pause with me to pray that God will forgive us for whatever sinful thoughts we have harboured, and to draw strength, in prayer, from the Holy Spirit, as we yield our lives into His control. The Lord Jesus died to set us free. The Apostle Paul knew all about the need for forgiveness, since he had once persecuted the growing church in ancient Israel. He warned the Galatian Church “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” No more groaning!..…”Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

I Am Not Worthy

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Psalm 40:2

“I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it!  
I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it! 
Jesus left heaven to die in my place 
What mercy, what love and what grace! “

We have in the lyrics of a song written by Beatrice Bixler – a tremendous theological truth! We are indeed not worthy of the least of God’s favour. He has been gracious to this race of human beings created in His image. His long-suffering with our whims and disobedience is absolutely remarkable. Would to God we could be more like Him in our dealings with others who struggle with gracelessness because they refuse His offer of mercy.

Satan seeks to destroy the beauty of this song’s truth by taking it out of balance. Our unworthiness is not redeemable, he would tell us. However, as unworthy as we are, God wants us to rejoice in the person He is shaping. Jesus said “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

We don’t need to struggle in the fear that we will not please an omnipotent deity who sits in wait for us to contravene His laws because Jesus has tenderly drawn us to Himself with cords of love, not fear. God wants to be known as our Father. Sadly we often see Him in the light of patterns modelled by earthly fathers, who are fallen human beings. It should be the other way around. He is the model against which our human reality is measured.

Breathless before His beauty,

Bound to Him in awe,

I see my Lord and Saviour

As never before I saw.

His majesty compelling

Me to bow my knees,

How graciously He blesses

The one He kindly frees.

His tenderness and mercy

Are worthy of my love,

Not to be compared to

His, coming from above. Marilyn Daniels 2016

Day by day believers celebrate what God has done and that which He continues to do. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock” (Psalm 40:2). God has seen our helplessness and lifted us. What drives us to worry whether we are worthy or not? Nothing in the Holy Bible indicates there is any way of winning His favour. It is only by God’s mercy and grace that we know Him. The degree to which we celebrate Jesus proves our hearts have been impacted by the truth that salvation through Christ alone is the only way to our Father. “What mercy! What love! What grace!

Reflection:

How do we reflect God’s mercy and grace to people who feel they are not worthy?

What is the foundation for people believing they could ever earn God’s favour?

Can you name a reference that assures us salvation is free?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

An Old Testament Saint

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1 Kings 15:9-15

After King David died, his son Solomon, famous for his wisdom, became king of Israel. Sadly upon his death the kingdom was divided, 10 tribes to the north separated from 2 in the south. Judah, where Jerusalem is located and Benjamin, remained as the southern kingdom. Several kings later we read the story of Asa, king of Judah. Asa’s mother was named, as were the mothers of many of the kings. It would make an interesting study to research who these women were and what they were like, but mention is made here of Asa’s grandmother….we’ll deal with that later.

The key verse tells us “Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all of his life” (15:14). He set the standard for his people and even for us today. His faith was one of words and deeds. He “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (15:11).

Asa began by expelling “male shrine prostitutes from the land and, [he] got rid of all the idols his fathers had made” (15:12). Think of the courage it took for a young man to destroy the centers of worship and other things people had been worshiping for many years. Did his people even remember the Lord God of Israel? The law required Israel to “be careful to obey so that it will go well with you” (Deuteronomy 6:3). Moses called them to “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). However, for years they had been worshiping a plethora of heathen gods.

Asa even “deposed his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole” (1 Kings 15:13). The Hebrew word used here for queen may indicate that she had special authority, perhaps as a religious leader. Coming from such a background, wouldn’t you like to know what caused Asa to turn to the Lord God of his ancestor David. We are not told, but if actions speak louder than words, this man’s name is certainly written in God’s book of life!

The Asherah pole was a tribute to the Canaanite goddess, Asherah. According to Canaanite mythology, this mother goddess created several gods in the Canaanite pantheon, with the other creator god, El. It is significant, therefore, that King Asa burned his grandmother’s Asherah pole, in the Kidron valley.

We are given a few more details of Asa’s reign in 2 Chronicles 14. His leadership was spiritually strong. “He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers and to obey His laws and commands” (14:4). The Lord gave him and his people peace….”so they built and prospered” (14:7b). Even when the Cushites marched against them with a mighty army, God answered Asa’s prayer: “Lord there is no one like You, to help the powerless against the mighty…we rely on You and in Your name we have come against this vast army” (14:11). The Cushites were defeated and fled. As a result “the terror of the Lord” fell upon all the surrounding villages.

Reflection:

What lessons might we learn from Asa’s life? He revered the Lord God and followed His commands. He destroyed anything that might lead the hearts of his people away from God, and restored worship by bringing the consecrated gold and silver vessels back into the temple (15:15). As a result, God brought peace to the people and routed their enemies. We need to revere the Lord our God by destroying any idols we have been worshiping in our hearts, if we ever hope to enjoy true peace.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

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Luke 19:10

Sometimes as I kneel to pray the words of an old hymn go through my mind, and become a significant part of worship. Many years ago Fanny Crosby wrote about the glory of the cross. Her prayer was for Jesus to keep her near the cross. How near are you to the cross of Christ day by day, I asked myself? Do I hold the cross close to my heart as something vitally precious?

The song goes on “Free to all, a healing stream flows from Calvary’s mountain”. God’s mercy is offered to all, including every race, nation, tongue. We all come to the cross confessing we are sinners (Romans 3:23). We worship the beauty of holiness seen in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts cry out in sorrow that He, who was pure and perfect, offered to suffer, making it personal – for “my” sins!

We come as tremb’ling souls when once we see ourselves compared to Jesus Christ. Found hopelessly embroiled in sin because of our very nature, inherited from Adam and Eve, Jesus’ love and mercy finds us. Jesus said “The Son of Man [His favourite name for Himself] came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The glory in all of this is that our ransomed souls will find rest, eternal rest once we cross over into glory-land. There the Bright and Morning Star will shed His beams around you and me!

The hymn goes on as a prayer that Jesus would help me to walk from day to day with the shadow of the cross over me, protecting me. There, in a place made safe by our Saviour, we will wait for His return.

Reflection:

Our salvation was planned by our heavenly Father and executed by His only begotten Son. The Holy Spirit stirs us to respond to God when we hear about the saving grace of Jesus who sacrificed Himself at Calvary to make relationship with the Father possible. His blood cleanses us from all sin when we confess our sins. Fanny Crosby got the message and worship God for all He has done!

 Jesus, keep me near the cross, Refrain: In the cross, in the cross
There a precious fountain; Be my glory ever,
Free to all, a healing stream, Till my ransomed soul shall find
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. Rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul, 3 Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Love and mercy found me; Bring its scenes before me
There the Bright and Morning Star Help me walk from day to day
Shed His beams around me. [Refrain] With its shadow o’er me.

4 Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river. [Refrain]

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

All About Cain

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Genesis 4

What do you know about Cain? Most folks who know anything about this man regard him as a murderer. Shamefully he murdered his brother, so God banished him from the land where he had grown up and farmed. Furthermore he was cursed by God. End of story.

Read this chapter again, just in case you missed it – the story of God’s mercy and grace. ‘Why are you angry?’ God asked Cain (4:6). You probably know the story. Cain was Adam’s oldest son. Then along came Abel. Was there jealousy of this younger brother? Was there sibling rivalry? What was it that set the stage for murder in the first family?

Apparently they knew the drill, how to worship the Creator God, so Abel, we are told, brought portions of his flock. He was a herdsman, keeping sheep, and possibly cattle and goats. Cain’s offering was fruit and veg. What was the difference? God looked with favour on Abel’s offering. Why? Abel honoured God with the best [firstborn], and God was pleased (4:4).

Cain, however, got angry with God. What does this tell you about Cain? So God asked him “Why are you angry” (4:6). We can almost sense the Fatherly heart of God as He reminded Cain “If you do what is right will you not be accepted?” Try again. After all, if he didn’t do what was right there was grave danger that sin could overtake his entire being. It is “crouching at your door” (4:7). I’ve watched a lion crouching before she pounced upon her prey, then devouring it live. Not a pretty sight!

God warned Cain: “It [sin] desires to have [to possess] you”. That sounds pretty serious. What is the solution when sin [Satan] desires to possess you or me? Apparently you and I bear some responsibility in such a situation. Cain did, for God told him – “You must master it” (4:7).

What was Cain’s response? He took his revenge out on his brother. Why did he kill him? ….because he was angry with God. God gave him another chance, asking “where is your brother?” (4:9). Of course God knew, but he invited Cain to confess. Sadly Cain lied and a river of sin took him down a slippery slope.

Throughout this passage we find God’s mercy and grace continuing. Even after He cursed Cain God’s mercy prevented anyone from killing him, by marking him so everyone would know not to touch him (4:15). Sadly we find Cain filled with resentment and anger until the very end. He blamed God for driving him from the land (4:13). He felt sorry for himself, even though God had clearly offered him the opportunity to do what is right (4:7).

Reflection:

Let’s draw some principles from this story. Down through scripture, from the very beginning, any honourable sacrifice to God required blood. Did Cain know that? It seems that the younger Abel did. Are we clear about what God requires?

Sin is a powerful agent for separating us from God, so we must fight against temptation.

Repentance wasn’t in Cain’s vocabulary, but we know it is the number one ingredient for restoring our fellowship with God. Jesus said “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).

The glorious truth is that we worship a God who has a tender Father’s heart, filled with mercy and second chances. What is our response?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Blest Be the Tie

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Romans 8:35-39

There is a mystery in the Christian life. God holds the key to our relationship with Him. Meanwhile we sometimes struggle to understand this covenant relationship. We are assured He will never allow us to be plucked out of His hand (John 10:29). He will perform the work He started until the day Jesus Christ returns (Philippians 1:6). Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). God is responsible for keeping His side of the agreement.

On the other hand we are accountable for the choices we make to surrender our lives to His control. Will we truly follow in His steps? Do we proclaim Him to be “Lord of all” in our lives in word only, or in reality? How much influence does the Holy Spirit hold over our thoughts and deeds, our attitudes and feelings? Do we take advantage of the fruit with which the Holy Spirit wants to equip us? (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul indicates that we have a responsibility to keep ourselves free from slavery to things in our past. Writing to the Galatian church, one struggling with the issue of works, he tells them to stand firm and not let themselves be burdened with the yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). It would seem we have some control over our lives after all. “Whatsoever you do – do all to the glory of God” – a theme Paul continues in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:31) and the Colossians (3:17).

How often when we find ourselves in trouble do we want to blame someone else…even God? Yes, even God. “Why” questions abound. Why would He not keep me as He promised? The good news is He does keep our position in Christ secure. We have already looked at verses of assurance. However, He does not dictate the choices we make, sometimes out of misdirected zeal, sometimes from the basis of hurt or even rebellious feelings.

In the most perfect way God gives us balance in our covenant relationship – freedom to choose, while He moderates those choices by securing our position in the family of God.

A hymnologist wrote “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.

The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above”.

Did this refer to the unity within the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Is that unity possible on earth? Might this be why Solomon reminds us a cord of three strands is not easily broken? (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Reflection:

Imagine life without Jesus – where would our joy and peace come from? Our hope? These are gifts from Sovereign God who binds our hearts together with His, in Christian love. Flowing out of that relationship our love for everyone, just as God cares about everyone, overflows! Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)