Cornered Crippled and Crowned

April 28, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 32?

Did you know that man should not live alone because if and when he does he is peculiarly vulnerable? (Genesis 2:18). So God provided the means for Adam to live in a harmonious relationship with his wife and subsequent family. However, as mankind multiplied on the earth it became increasingly difficult to find moments when one could be alone.

I borrowed this title from a sermon a friend preached about a significant event in the life of Jacob. Jacob, travelling to meet his estranged brother Esau put his family ahead of him, possibly so he could prepare himself mentally for this significant meeting. The family would not be recognized by a brother he hadn’t seen since he was a single man. He had tricked his brother out of his birthright. Would his brother now be his friend, or would he view Jacob as an enemy. Heavy things to ponder, when returning home!

God, seizing the opportunity to speak with Jacob in his solitude, interrupted his soliloquy. He had Jacob cornered! Now began a unique contest. Was Jacob wrestling with God or was it the other way around? The Lord God knew what the outcome would be.

Jacob had lost his vision and needed to understand the sovereignty of the Almighty. Eventually, in the wrestling match Jacob’s hip was put out of joint, causing him to limp. But he continued to fight for the blessing he knew he needed in order to meet his brother with the confidence that God had blessed him.

After a life-time of deception, knowing he had tricked his father into giving him the blessings belonging to the first-born son, Jacob realized at last that he was accountable to God. Finally he would admit God had a plan for his life – after all, look at what He had done for Jacob’s forefathers.

Leading Abram out of Persia, God had promised him land and a family that would eventually become a nation – the nation of God; His chosen people! God gave Abraham a new name to seal his covenant. Now as a further proof of His blessing upon Jacob a new name was given to him. Jacob meant deceiver. Now that he was on the up and up with God, he was called Israel, referring to his “struggle with God”(Genesis 32:28).

Crowned with this new name, Jacob/ Israel became the father of nations with a quiver full of 12 sons. Cornered and crippled, his crowning joy was a personal encounter with God whom he had seen face to face (Genesis 22:30).

Jesus gives us a promise, today in Revelation 3:12: “Him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God…..I will write on him the name of my God ….and I will also write on him my new name!” “Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (:11).

Reflection:

Will you need to be cornered and crippled before you receive your crown?

What did Jacob’s encounter with God cost him?

Are you willing to pay a price to gain God’s perspective and in order to be blessed?

What might that cost you?

Devotional

A Simple Truth

April 23, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Romans 11:25-27 Matthew 12:15-21

The truth is we complicate theology when we fail to take scripture at face value. Reading the verses above, what do they tell us? The truth is there is salvation for everyone, regardless of tribe or nation. That salvation brings hope, prophesied thousands of years ago by the prophet Isaiah. If you believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word, holy and true, then the words of the prophet mean a great deal to Gentiles of today. I am a Gentile and very grateful for what the Bible teaches me about the mercy and grace of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I recently listened to an extensive explanation of two theological view points on the nation of Israel. Are they still the apple of God’s eye? Some say “yes”. Some say “No”. If there is any debate, we must at least be forever grateful that our salvation comes through the man of Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth who as a Jewish male was circumcised on the 8^th day (Luke 2:21). Throughout His life Jesus followed the religious laws, celebrating feasts in the temple along with all the other Jewish nationals.

Jesus lived and died within the context of Jewish practices. A Gentile woman coming to Him for help recognized the difference and reverenced Him for it. (Luke 15:21-28). The gospels portray Jesus as regularly participating in Jewish worship, teaching from Jewish texts, celebrating Jewish festivals, and making pilgrimages to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, all consistent with Jewish identity.

What is the point? Are we to recognize the State of Israel as God’s chosen nation? (Exodus 19:5-6)* Why is it difficult to see that they were first called the children of God, that when God promised Abraham He would bless the nations through him (Genesis 12:3), Gentiles were grafted into the family of God? Nothing matters more than that those who believe and receive Jesus as Lord of their lives, will be called the children of God (John 1:12-13).

Questions remain. Should we be helping Jews to maintain the land? The Bible teaches that this is God’s land, intimately special to Him as the dwelling place of His chosen people (Leviticus 25:23). They were to purge it of all idol-worshiping nations. The Israelites didn’t complete the job and have suffered for it until now. “Did God say….?” This was the question with which Satan tempted Eve in the beginning. It has been asked down through history until this very hour.

The simple truth is that as a humanitarian gesture, at the very least, our attitude should bless the Jews, as much as any nation at war. Why then is there any question about our support? Isn’t this feeding into the very prophecy of end times when all nations will turn against the land of Israel (Zechariah 14), even those professing to be Christian?

Reflection:

If indeed this little patch of ground along the southern Mediterranean belongs to God in a special way, I must think seriously about protecting it. If the people living there have really been brought back to their land by God in fulfillment of prophecy, then I must seriously consider my attitude towards them as a nation belonging to God. It is the simple truths, with profound meaning, which make us a blessing to the heart of our great God when we submit to them, is it not?

Devotional

How Long O Lord?

April 14, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Habakkuk 1

Habakkuk was weary of asking why God would allow wicked practices to continue. Does that sound familiar? In our world today many believers are bewildered that God doesn’t intervene to deal with some of the evils of our day.

Thousands of years ago, Habakkuk lived in a confusing world. How could a God who is holy allow His people, the Jews, to get away with increasing apostasy without punishing them (1:2-4) and the second question is – how could God use the Babylonians, a people more wicked than the Jews, to punish the Jews (1:12-2:1)?

Jesus asked “How long shall I stay with you? How long will I put up with you?” Calling the crowd “unbelieving and perverse” (Matthew 17:17), He was exasperated; His disciples were given the opportunity to heal a boy of seizures, but their faith wasn’t strong enough and they failed. Why? They didn’t even recognize this was demonic activity in the boy, so if they had rebuked the devil the child would have been healed.

These evils all exist today….lack of recognition in the church of demonic activity, preventing spiritual health and healing, and, as Habakkuk experienced, rejection of the one true God, with Jews (and others) continuing idol worship. How many idols are worshiped in our world today while men rely upon their own strength and ingenuity?

And so, Habakkuk feared that God was not listening. Their once fearless leader, King Jehoiakim was described by the prophet Jeremiah this way: “Your eyes and your heart are intent only upon your dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing oppression and extortion” (Jeremiah 22:17). Habakkuk had prayed for years. Prophesying just before Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Judah and took Daniel and other princes captive to Babylon, Habakkuk was commissioned to announce the Lord’s intention to punish Judah by this coming deportation to Babylon.

Having asked some honest questions, Habakkuk becomes a theodicy, a defence of God’s goodness and power in view of the existence of evil. The best known verse is chapter 2, verse 4, a verse quoted 3 times by the Apostle Paul “The righteous will live by his faith” (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). “Not only does this reveal the heart of God, but it is the New Testament truth central to the doctrine of justification by faith” (Ryrie Study Bible).

Habakkuk prays “I stand in awe of Your deeds O Lord. Renew them in our day….in wrath remember mercy” (3:2). He knows “The Lord is in His holy temple [heaven Psalm 11:4]; let all the earth be silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20) Silence – a very strong command Hush! Be Quiet! “When He opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1). Listen to the noise of wailing around us. “Why?”

Reflection:

Perhaps when all hope seems gone, we need to be silent to sense the salvation of the Lord coming in power and glory. No more asking “Why”, but rather let us conquer by exercising faith in our amazing God! “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Do we believe that?

Devotional

And He Will Make it Again!

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 18:1-10

When something we treasure is broken we will go to any lengths to fix it, won’t we? My mother had a dainty needle-point chair with a fragile back that broke every time a heavy man sat on it and tilted back. When I inherited it, the same thing happened. Although it is mended, one can still see the line in the wood where it was repaired. It would be impossible to make it new again.

However, there is an account in scripture that tells us when the clay pot broke, the potter threw the clay back on the wheel and made it again – new! This is used as an illustration of what God wants to do with our lives. He tells us through the Apostle Paul that in Christ we are made into new creatures – that the old has passed away and we have been remade (2 Corinthians 5:17) – “born again” if we use Jesus’ words! (John 3:3).

Think of all the people in this world who want another go at life. Feeling inadequate or like utter failures, feeling broken – how many long for a second chance? Here in God’s Word is the offer of a life-time. Just imagine, offered by Almighty God, the One who so many fear will judge us for all the wrong choices we have made, or the mess we have made out of circumstances.

However, there are some people who don’t know that their lives are cracked, who won’t admit it anyway. We cannot be healed if we don’t face the fact that our wounds need treatment. Perhaps some are hairline fractures in the clay of our lives – those secret sins we have been able to hide from everyone (but God). The Potter needs/wants to fix these. He isn’t asking us to fix ourselves, but rather to let Him do it, as Lord of our lives.

What a glorious hope! I do not have to renew my own spirit, but it is done by the Master. Only the power of God is adequate to renew a right spirit according to the Psalmist (51:10). He is petitioned by many to renew their strength. This renewal is absolutely transforming! (Romans 12:2) Broken minds, broken hearts – nothing is beyond the scope of God Almighty to make new. What a mighty God we serve!

“The pot was marred, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him”.

Jeremiah 18:4

Reflection:

The Lord Jesus came to earth as a baby with the specific purpose of sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God, once for all our sins (Hebrews 10:14, 18).

Did you ever experience failure feelings? Have you ever wanted a fresh start?

Devotional

Awake O Zion!

March 30, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

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Isaiah 52

At Easter time we often think of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the One who was despised and rejected of men, oppressed and afflicted without opening His mouth and attribute it, rightly so, to Jesus the Messiah. However, it is important to read chapter 52 as an introduction to the message of chapter 53.

Writing to encourage the remnant after pages of dire prophecy pronounced for both their immediate and the distant future, Isaiah is given a salvation message of hope, beginning in chapter 49. “The Lord comforts His people and will have compassion….I will not forget you [says God]….see I have engraved you on the palms of My hands!…..those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” (49:13,16,23)

Pursuit of the Lord’s righteousness is taught throughout chapter 50 “My righteousness draws near speedily, My salvation is on the way….My righteousness will last forever, My salvation will never fail!” Happy thoughts! (50:1, 5, 6,8)

Then the lyrics change. “Awake! Awake!” (51:9) As the arm of the Lord takes action on behalf of His people, the nation itself must also awake! (:17) Even those who have been under the wrath of God are being called to awake, to clothe themselves with strength. At this time “The redeemed of the Lord will return”(11-12) What joy and celebration as the Lord comforts His people!

In the midst of hopeless circumstances we cannot see the way out of our distress, but clearly here the Lord lays out His eternal plan. Throughout Chapter 52 we see the joy of renewal. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news! who bring glad tidings, and proclaim peace”….because once again they will know their God reigns! (:7)

Reflection:

How much we need this message today – a message of great joy and amazing hope that will draw us to the feet of our God where, despite the politics of our world, we will worship the One who still reigns! Awake!

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Presenting a Prophet

March 25, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

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Isaiah 21

Many jobs seem to be glamorous to the human mind. Flight attendants, for example, get to travel the world. No one sees the sleeplessness caused by perpetual time zone changes. Nor do the passengers care if the person serving them has needs as simple as eating or washroom breaks…after all the passenger comes first….. and so health issues evolve from job-related limitations.

In years gone by a prophet was someone of status. After all they were connected with God. Even today people want to be known for their ability to prophesy, but I wonder if they are willing to pay the price?

It would take a book to comprehensively study the lives of more than one prophet, so let’s just glimpse into Isaiah’s life for the moment. My morning devotions came from Isaiah 21 where he records a vision that staggered and bewildered him (21:3). God’s judgment was about to fall on Babylon and against their neighbour Edom. Reaction set in – even his body was racked with pain. His heart faltered and fear made him tremble (:4).

Isaiah had just come through three years of going barefoot, stripped of warm garments in order to play out the coming judgment against Egypt, in the dress of a prisoner of war. His entire life, committed to serving God, required that he even name his children according to the word of the Lord. Isaiah 7:3 – Shear-Jashub means “a remnant shall return”. His second son was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning “quick to plunder, swift to the spoil” (8:3).

Now God was giving Isaiah words of prophecy against Babylon, Edom and Arabia. “The Lord God of Israel has spoken” (:17). However, God’s judgement doesn’t end there. Jerusalem also falls under God’s condemnation. Why? They had ignored God (22:11). This is an unforgivable sin, then and now. Those that joy in revelry, eating and drinking and making merry without thought for tomorrow (22:12-13) will be judged (22:14).

Imagine the response to such a prophecy, from the people of God. The Israelites were not impressed. Prophets did not hold an enviable position. They were ridiculed, ignored and persecuted for giving unfavourable messages from God. Then as now, people chose to hear what they wanted to hear. Prophets today remind us that Jesus is coming again, but how many want to get ready for that great event?

Sadly, the church is even lukewarm to the message that instructs us to be vigilant. Resting on wealth and comfort as our “right” we fail to realize that we may be among those who are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Those are the words of Jesus as He prophesied about end times (Revelation 3:17).

Reflection:

What is it you want to hear from God, if you are honest?

What words of prophecy are most often taught by the church today?

Are we listening to the words of our Prophet, Priest and King?

Is your heart lukewarm?

Devotional

Where Does Evil Originate?

March 16, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 14

Where did evil begin? When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, His reaction was kindly. He provided a covering, clothes for their nakedness. However, by the time their sons were old enough to make responsible sacrifices to their God, the first act of human depravity was recorded. Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealous rage because Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God.

Recently our Bible Study group was looking at the subject of evil. It is interesting to note that Cain’s reaction was not against the object of his anger, God, but rather he took it out on someone he could actually handle. Mankind has been doing this ever since. How often do women and children pay the penalty for the anger of man? Whether it is personal or national, abuse creates a scandal against humanity.

It is terribly sad that in venting anger there seems to be so little relief. Strangely it seems to grow, rather than diminish. Where did it all begin? It might be oversimplifying the answer, but let us suggest cruelty began the moment the taste of apple was on Eve’s tongue. Why? At that moment her mind was poisoned with thoughts of evil. The tree gave her something she had never tasted before, an understanding of evil.

Our question is one which philosophers have studied for years. Whether they attribute evil to a neurochemical cause or find the source in philosophy, some have even gone so far as to attribute evil to God. Did God create evil? Of course not. He created Satan as an angel of light, but Jesus witnessed Satan’s fall “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18). That fall is described more fully by Isaiah, who reads the mind of evil very clearly. “I will” is at the centre of it all (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Lucifer means “light-bearer”; Ezekiel describes him as the model of perfection, full of wisdom. He was created, ordained by God and anointed as a guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-14). Until wickedness was found in him, until he sinned, Lucifer was blameless (:15, 16).

Perhaps we need to check out the source of evil still in our midst today. Is it not in the self-determination of man to be in control? Just as Satan rebelled, so did Cain. Why did he have to bring a blood sacrifice to God? Why weren’t the best fruits of his labours enough? Surely he could justify his intentions on the grounds it was his best turnip or pumpkin! And so, we see the tragedy of pitting one’s mind against the mind of God, a mind so far-reaching in its outlook that we cannot possibly see today what will happen tonight, but we still want it our way!

Where does evil originate? David Hume the 18^th century neo-sceptic, had no answer. He just asked the same old questions perhaps in a new way, and his thoughts make God into something evil. If God could prevent evil, but is not willing, He is malevolent. If He is not able but willing, then He is not omnipotent, but rather impotent. However, there is one question that remains. Why did God give man the ability to make choices?

If man chooses to operate outside of the clear will of God, resorting to his own devices because of an exaggerated concept of who he is and what his own capabilities are, evil will result. The evil will be very personal. Like Satan, that man will be cast down, brought down to the very depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:12 & 15). But the God, whose kindness saved Adam and Eve from embarrassment, provides for us today. He is willing to cover us with the blood of Christ, which will not just cover, but will take away our sin. Clothed in Jesus Christ we have all the promises of God’s loving favour, to keep us from evil.

Reflection: “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus….Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” (Hebrews 10:19, 22)

Devotional

Defined by Love

March 9, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 4

As we have noted before, people who came to Jesus were not defined by their mistakes, but rather by the love of a Saviour who gave everything He had to bring us life and light and love. His love is something we have the privilege of sharing with others, but it can only be given in the measure with which we have experienced it.

Think of the Pharisees. They tried to be what they thought God wanted them to be. They were so very religious, legalistically obeying the law to the letter. They came from generations of well-intended people who were proponents of that law, given by a loving God to protect them as they wandered in the wilderness, as they fought with their enemies, as they raised their children to become God’s children. Israel became a force to be reckoned with among the nations because their God was with them, but alas! they missed the spirit of the law.

From the beginning God demonstrated His love for everyone. He provided sinners with clothes to cover their nakedness; He still provides sinners with all that they need today. The rain falls on the unjust as well as the just (Matthew 5:45). God met with an Egyptian slave-girl in the desert and cared for her and her teen-aged son; today that son’s descendants are scattered across the middle east, a powerful group of Arabs bearing the heritage of Ishmael, whose very name means “God listens”. As we go on through scripture we recognize that God’s love saved folks from other tribes, beyond His particular “chosen” people…Ruth and Rehab who are among the genealogies of Jesus, because God’s love defined their later choices.

What it is that defines your life and mine? Have you been given eternal life because you received salvation purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10). What might that look like? His desire was to walk with us day by day, impacting our thinking and our feelings, giving us a new perspective and creating a new spirit (attitude) within each child of God. Through our new lifestyle God uses us to share the light of His truth with everyone we meet….family, friends, colleagues at work and even strangers.

The Apostle Paul had something to say about the way we live out our Christian lives. He taught that God “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts” (:5). We, as God’s servants must prove ourselves faithful to the trust we have been given (:2). Paul was practical. “Who makes you different from anyone else?” “What do you have that you did not receive?” (:7).

It seems the church at Corinth was fighting against pride and arrogance. Paul draws their attention to the humility required in a servant of God by telling them we might look like fools for Christ’s sake (:10). Then he lists many things we may have to endure, preferably with a loving and gentle spirit (:21). We need to remember we are in a battle for truth and righteousness. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us with kindly thoughts towards everyone, so that we can be true representatives of the love of Jesus. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power!” (:20)….power to reach out to those who are unlovely, just as God reached out to you and to me!

Reflection:

What a challenge it is to live for Jesus! First of all He knows our motives. Are they pleasing to Him? Do we behave as He would? Do we walk in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake? Are we motivated by a powerful compelling desire to please Him? Are our lives defined by the love He poured out at Calvary?

Devotional

The Joy of Thy Salvation

March 5, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 51

Sometimes I like to reflect on the richness of the old English language which to me sets God apart as very special. The King James version reminds us of Thy salvation, a gift the Psalmist frequently dwells on. In one sense it is my personal salvation, but the gift is from our heavenly Father, since He is the author and finisher/perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

In today’s world we hear a lot about depression, people who are overwhelmed perhaps by circumstance, such as pandemics. What is it that causes so many young people in developed countries to commit suicide? I often try to imagine what life in a refuge camp would be like, in the twenty-first century; so many people have left the comforts of home to escape from their enemies. What psychological traumas do they endure? What distractions from the terrible realities of each day might they enjoy? Do they have the advantage of a faith that lifts their spirits?

These are broad general conditions that we could very well imagine leading to depression, but what of those secret sins and sorrows of the individual heart? David knew something of those feelings and prayed that God would restore “the joy of Thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12). He knew the source of all healing is God. Some folks have deep regrets about their evil thoughts, expressing innermost feelings of anger and hate. For these we desperately need supernatural help! Those thoughts separate us from God as does any and every sin, and our sorrow is compounded by regret.

Isn’t it remarkable that our loving God has provided for this condition by giving us the Holy Spirit. He produces fruit in us – the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:12). That fruit includes self-control. Most of us know that learning often takes place with three steps forward, then two steps back. But let us not lose heart – one step forward is progress! This forward movement becomes the joy of God’s salvation. As long as we are looking at the goal, pressing forward towards the prize, the past will fade away.

However, for many who have been abused, for example, that past never quite disappears. From its reflection we are reminded of hours of pain and suffering, but once again the Holy Spirit steps in to remind us of Jesus’ innocent pain and suffering, on your behalf and mine! WOW! Would I do what He did for my abuser? He has left us an example that we might follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). Can we? Might we? Will we?

David’s prayer enlightens us. He needs God to reprogram his spirit. “Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:13). Are we able to sincerely pray that God, who searches every heart, will change mine, since I don’t seem to be very good at that?

Reflection:

God’s intention is for His children to be people of joy and love. Without His help these things do not come naturally to most of us. The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God produces goodness and kindness and gentleness, so desperately needed in a world torn by worry and fear. Those of us who know Him have the unspeakable joy of sharing the source of our peace is the One who saves us with His perfect salvation!

Devotional

The Heart of Worship

February 24, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

John 4:23-24

Michael W. Smith has written many songs for the modern era of hymnology. It is interesting to compare these with the songs David wrote thousands of years ago. Has anything really changed? What is it that forms the heart of worship? King David, in humility, recognized the sovereignty of God as he bowed down before the Lord his Maker (Psalm 95:6). Michael Smith calls God the “King of endless worth”!

David recommends that we worship the Lord in a spirit of gladness, coming before Him with songs of praise and joy (Psalm 100:2). Michael Smith writes that God deserves even more than a song, because that might be an external expression without the internal reality God is looking for.

When the music fades,
All is stripped away,
And I simply come,
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart,
I’ll bring You more than a song;
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear –
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth,
No one could express
How much You deserve.
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours,
Every single breath!
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear-
You’re looking into my heart.

Reflection:
As we bow in worship do we mean what we think about God, what we say, what we sing? Is it all about Him? Just what do we know about God that draws real praise from our spirits? Are we passionately in love with the Lover of our souls?

“The time is coming” Jesus said, “and has now come, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (Matthew 4:23-24). How seriously do we take these words of Jesus?