The Shortest Prayer

October 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 23:42

At Easter we learn some things about the power of prayer! Jesus prayed with His disciples, for His disciples. They could not have envisioned all that was going to take place after their Passover Feast, but they were beginning to feel anxious. Jesus sensed that, telling them not to let their hearts by troubled (John 14:1). He went on to talk about heaven. When our hearts are troubled do we turn our thoughts towards heaven?

Then He finished that special dinner with them by interceding on their behalf (John 17). He prayed for the protection of believers (:11) – which includes you and me today. He also prayed for their sanctification (:17) as well as for their unity (:21-23). His prayer began with asking God to glorify His Son (:1), and ends by His asking that the Father would ultimately glorify all His children (:24).

For those of us who find it difficult to spend time in prayer, this may have seemed a long one. However, Jesus prayed once again in the garden of Gethsemane. This time it was with infinitely more intensity! His own heart was troubled, greatly troubled! He experienced a rare phenomenon called hematidrosis. Only in extreme agony can blood be expelled through the sweat glands, resulting in the skin become very tender and fragile. Consider that through the night and into the day, His skin was put to the test with frequent beatings. Knowing all things, Jesus knew what agonies He faced as He prayed in the Garden that night.

However, Jesus was silent before His accusers. He acknowledged only that He was indeed King of the Jews. Hanging on the cross He had brief interaction with His heavenly Father only twice. He called on God to forgive His persecutors, generously reminding God they didn’t understand the depth of their sin. The second cry of agony came as He was separated from His Father for the first and only time.

Just before that cry of agony, Jesus’ compassion could be seen as He cared for His mother. Also, He cared about sinners who repented until the last moment of His life. As His blood was poured out for the men beside Him, only one received forgiveness of sins along with the promise that that very day they would be together in Paradise.

Reflection:

Our prayer of repentance doesn’t have to be couched in theological language, carefully intoned. In this account of 3 men hanging side by side on crosses, we hear the whisper “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”. Short and to the point…he didn’t list all of his sins, but this man recognized Jesus as Sovereign God! What a revelation! What a moment – only one or two minutes between him and eternity! It is never too late, while we draw breath. It was a short prayer, heart to heart.

Devotional

Soldiers

September 1, 2025 Admin1 Comment

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

1 Timothy 1:18-19

Language changes over time. For example, Latin is no longer a living language, though it forms the basis of so many of our words. When Isaac Watts penned the question “Am I a soldier of the cross” was he asking believers to examine their defenses or to be proactive? To what lengths would we go to defend our faith? Does he refer to a blood-bath or to a battle of words, of ideas?

Isaac Watts asked more questions, soul-searching questions. Do we blush to speak the name of Jesus, fearful because it is politically incorrect? What suffering would ensue if we talked about the One who died that we might live? It would be big news around the office, if our lives had been rescued in any other way.

Then he examines our expectations:

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God. Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the battles he would face in his ministry. The reason he gave Timothy so many instructions was to equip him to “fight the good fight [while] holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). He warns Timothy that soldiers of Christ will endure hardship (2:3). Sure I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
When we are faced with persecution, at work or even within our families, Paul encourages us from his own experience with suffering. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory!” (2 Timothy 2:10). The internal battle against self must first be won before we can love others enough to wage war on their behalf. Perhaps we could label this the battle of love. As soldiers of Christ we are also called to be peace-keepers. Peace is a sign to the world that we are under the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16). How often do we cry out for peace within our own hearts? Imagine the pain of others who do not have access to the Prince of Peace. Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye. When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.

Reflection:

Let us remember those values for which so many Canadians have fought throughout our history. Founded on Christian principles, let us thank God for the faith of our fathers.

By Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Jesus Stooped Down

August 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 8:2-8

Max Lucado, taking his words from the NLT translation, points to a rather insignificant action in Jesus’ life. Or was it more of a habit than we realize. Jesus stooped down to scoop little children up into His arms (Mark 10:14). He loved them – and songs have been written about that love, the one most famous goes around the world. I was riding on a bus in Zambia when the group burst forth into “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”. In full five-part Zambian harmony, without accompaniment, their voices worshiped God for His great love!

At a Conference in New Zealand a group in ministry emulated the Master who stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:5, 14), as we washed one another’s feet. For me it was one of the most memorably moving moments in my life! Humbling! “Dear Jesus – thank you for showing me the way to honour You by honouring my brothers and sisters!”

Peter obeyed the call of Jesus to ‘come’. He actually walked on water! But when he felt the wind and realized how high the waves were – it was no ordinary calm sea he was taking on – Peter began to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him (Matthew 14:28-31). Jesus leaned out/stooped to catch him by the hand.

Jesus was a person of prayer. Talking with His Father was crucial. He did it standing up as well as in other postures. See Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knelt. He stooped before His Father in the most critical decision-making event of His life! Luke tells us an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him for the trauma that lay ahead (Luke 22:39-43). And there, in a posture of abject humility Jesus sweat great drops of blood as He faced the torture, the rejection and utter abandonment of the cross, and all its preliminary persecution.

Under the weight of that cross Jesus also stooped and probably stumbled. He had been beaten unmercifully, but He carried on His responsibility until relieved by the Roman soldiers who ordered Simon to help him (Mark 15:21). In stooping under that cross Jesus was bearing your sin and mine! As we stoop under the burdens we bear let us remember that Jesus stoops with us in an act of utter commitment to the end!

There is at least one other occasion recorded in scripture of when Jesus stooped down. He wrote something in the dirt (John 8:6, and 8). We are not told what it said, but we do know it was a significant gesture. Was He stalling for time while the crowd raged against a woman who had sinned? Was He deflecting attention away from her scantily clad body (after all she had been dragged from the bed of her lover “Caught”!) Max Lucado wondered if Jesus was reliving the day of creation when man was formed out of the dust of the earth, and thinking how easy it is for earthly beings to do earthly things?

Reflection:

How many times have you been sinking and Jesus has stooped to lift you out of a pit, out of raging seas?

Are you stooping as you bear the burden of another?

Next time you stoop to do a menial task, to look into the eyes of a child, to lift someone who is sinking, remember Jesus stooped down!

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Called By the Master

July 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 10:1-10

The Bible is amazingly relevant for today. Throughout every era in human history God has been calling people. It started in the Garden of Eden when He didn’t find Adam and Eve; because of their sin they had hidden from their Maker and friend, but God in His great love continued to call. It would take an entire book to review all those recorded in scripture who were called by God, but a few are outstanding. Note as we remember Samuel’s experience, that God even called children (1 Samuel 3).

Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him to commission them for a life-long task. First, He gave them authority over evil spirits and disease (Matthew 10:1). Among the many who followed Jesus these, particularly chosen for specifics tasks, were named (:2-4). Jesus outlines specific conditions for working for Him. These twelve were to go to Israel, particularly those in Israel who were lost (:6). Who were they? Certainly they were not to go to the Gentile community with the gospel message (:5). Why was that?

Jesus, knowing all things from the beginning to the end (He is the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8) already had His missionary to the Gentiles picked out. In fact Saul was probably born around that time. It would take eleven dedicated men to witness to the stubborn people of God, but by one very powerful preacher, through the thick and thin of persecution, the Word of God was seeded throughout the Gentile communities of the then-known world.

Being called by the Master would mean persecution. Jesus warned His disciples they would not be appreciated (Matthew 10:22). In fact, they would need to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:14-16). The disciples of every generation, (even in the twenty-first century) learned what those words could mean. But they also knew the joy of the Lord is their strength. The reward of ministry to others brings an incredible sense of purpose and peace.

Many are called (Matthew 22:14). However, Jesus knew responses would differ. There are those who make a profession of faith based on an emotional response. Others make a commitment, by following the Lord in Baptism. Some people make Jesus Lord and Master of their lives, not just Saviour. One pastor used to say “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Dr. John Moore). How true is that? Ryrie comments: ”There is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation….there is also a specific election that brings some to Him…..man is held responsible for rejecting Christ whether it is because of indifference, rebellion or self-righteousness” (Page 1500).

The Master calls all to “Come unto Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….emotional rest in the midst of relational storms, spiritual rest when persecuted, physical rest when tired, sick or hungry.

Reflection:

Note God has called sinners, children, disciples, and perhaps even you and me today. How do you feel about that?

Have you been called? To what purpose?

Does it include suffering? (Read Philippians 1:29)

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

People of Peace

June 17, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 14:27

In a tumultuous era of history we find Jesus reassuring His disciples. “Do not let your hearts be troubled” He says while reflecting on His own up-coming death. They are in the upper room just finishing the Passover Supper.

Passover is a time of remembrance. The young nation of Israel, descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had been 400 years in Egypt, living in slavery. God heard their cries and finally delivered them, bringing them back to the land He mapped out as Israel, when He gave Abraham the land as an everlasting sign of their covenant relationship. Hundreds of years later Jesus is celebrating Passover.

Troubled times from the beginning until that moment, may have caused the nation’s heart to fear. Yet God still spoke His peace into their hearts. Twice Jesus tells His disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). He knew they stood on the verge of a painful parting. He was going to return to His Father in heaven, but they would not be alone.

A totally new concept of their relationship with the Father in heaven would flash across their experience after Jesus died, rose, and later ascended into heaven. He needed to prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We read about this in the book of Acts when the early church was once again gathered together in an upper room (Acts 2:1-4).

Now Jesus urges them to feel His peace. In itself, this is a miracle because His own heart had been troubled (John 12:27). As fully man, although He is God, Jesus felt the weight of His coming Passion – that terrible time of persecution and pain culminating in His death. Now, facing His own destiny, Jesus prescribes peace. The disciples didn’t know until the eleventh hour exactly what was needed to go through the horrific hours ahead. They remembered His words after He was glorified.

They were no longer sitting on a hillside listening to pastoral homilies. They were in Jerusalem where Jesus’ life had been threatened more than once, by His enemies. Would they receive the gift Jesus was bestowing on them. “My peace I give you” Remarkable – born out of His own struggle, His peace was filled with power to endure anything. Did they, could they believe it?

Reflection:

Today so many believers seem to have lost a sense of this marvellous peace. The world, our world is in chaos. Will we allow Jesus to empower us to be about our Father’s business with the peaceful confidence He still wants to use us to accomplish His purposes? The prophets faced persecution and death yet they bravely endured through very troubling times. Perhaps the question we might ask ourselves is: Will we demonstrate our faith in Jesus’ words by becoming People of Peace?

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To Fall Into God’s Hands

June 4, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 65

The Lord God has given Isaiah a vision of great joy. “My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts”! (65:14). However, this verse raises some questions. First who are God’s servants?

Isaiah writes “I reveal Myself to those who did not ask for Me….All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people” (65:1-2). He goes on to describe two people groups, one who continually provoke God and another whom he calls God’s servants. What is the difference?

It becomes quite clear. The prophet sees those who “forsake the Lord” (:11), who did not answer when God called and actually did evil, choosing what displeased God (:12). The contrast continues. There will be consequences of their choices. Those who serve the Lord will experience glorious joy, that wonderful feeling which gushes forth from deep within. Sadly, others will cry out in brokenness of spirit from the anguish which is in their hearts (:14)…people without hope. Perhaps you know folks like that.

But it gets worse. “The Sovereign Lord” takes action. He will put these guilty, forgetful, unfaithful servants to death (:15). Isn’t that a bit drastic? You might ask. This is the word of the Lord to us today. It is a very serious thing to fall into the hands of God. “For we know Him who said ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay’, and again ‘The Lord will judge His people’. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Matters of faith are serious stuff!

Contrast this judgment with the wonder of being God’s servants. “My servants will eat…..My servants will drink….My servants will rejoice……to His servants He will give another name” (65:14-15). Then follows a description of the new heaven and the new earth which comes after the Millennial reign of Christ. “Former things will not be remembered” (:17). “The sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more” (:19b). That is Old Testament prophecy. Isn’t it amazing to think these are the scriptures which Christ revered and taught?

Reflection:
These are people who, recognizing the hands which were nailed to the cross, worshiped the Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord. He isn’t directly mentioned here by Isaiah, but in previous chapters Isaiah gives warning: “See your Saviour comes! See His reward is with Him! They [the servants of the Lord] will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord” (62:11-12). Are you looking forward to receiving the reward given from God’s hands and lips as He welcomes us with “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Matthew 25:21

Marilyns’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels is now available on Amazon.

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Devotional

The Angel Gabriel

December 25, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 1 & 2

Only two angels in the Bible have been named. The one we are studying is Gabriel, meaning “man of God”. He is best known for the announcements he made regarding Christ’s birth, but as well he can be seen in the Old Testament where he announced God’s plans to Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21).

Gabriel appears first to the priest Zechariah. Luke tells us Zechariah’s division was on duty, he himself chosen by lot to offer the sacrifice of incense in the temple of the Lord (Luke 1:9). People were waiting outside, praying. How startled was this priest when an angel appeared beside him at the altar! Gripped with fear, Zechariah could hardly believe the angel’s message….his barren wife would bear a child! (1:13) There was tremendous hope for Israel, as well as for this childless couple! “He will be great in the eyes of the Lord….to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:16, 17b).

Seeking proof, the angel identified himself to Zechariah. Certain he was a “man of God” Zechariah believed, but he also suffered for doubting. He was struck dumb until the baby was born. People waiting outside for him, marvelled when he returned speechless. They realized he had seen a vision (1:21-22). He couldn’t even tell his wife, in so many words, what had happened to him.

The second time we see Gabriel is also as bearer of great news… “….a virgin, pledged to be married to a man named Joseph” (1:27) received an unusual visitor. Gabriel was sent by God to tell her she was highly favoured – Divinely chosen – to give birth to a son (1:28, 31). This angel was concerned for her emotional well-being. This was not an everyday occurrence so he reassured her first of all that “the Lord is with you” and instructed “Do not be afraid” (1:28, 30).

We see the tender hand of God upon this chosen woman. Her son would be great because he will be called “the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of his father David” (1:32). In fact “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (1:35). Fantastic!

Mary faced a lot of unknowns. How would her family take this news? What about her fiancé Joseph? How about her friends? What about her own personal fears? What changes to her lifestyle was this news going to make? Pregnant before marriage? She would need the support of the Most High!

For some reason the angel who appeared to reassure Joseph was not named (Matthew 1:20). Was it Gabriel? Joseph was to name this baby “Jesus” (Matthew 1:21), the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means “the Lord saves”. This must have been a test of Joseph’s faith, but this name was also reassuring. Something great was about to happen in a world filled with chaos. At last the prayers of the people, for a Deliverer, were going to be answered!

Reflection:

Can you imagine being addressed by an angel in visible form? What was Gabriel’s job description? What was his attitude? How did God show His Divine favour to Mary? Was it in giving her the Holy Spirit in a day when He only made brief appearances? What might have been her thoughts about this experience when 33 years later the Holy Spirit was visibly given to indwell all believers?

by Marilyn Daniels (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)?

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Praise God!

December 25, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

*Isaiah 46:10 *John 14:6 *John 1:12 *Philippians 4:19 *Luke 1:46

“Dear Lord! How wonderful it is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, knowing that You planned it from the beginning of time. The deepest joy about which the angels sang, fills our hearts as another Christmas time roles around, and we marvel at Your mercy and grace.

Oh Father You created humankind for Your own pleasure – for fellowship and for service. You created each individual with a Divine purpose, placing us in a unique time and place, in a mysterious picture stretching from age to age. Your Word tells us You know the end from the beginning*. How often we would like to know what lies ahead. Forgive us for our impatience and for the folly which leads us to seek truth in places where evil lurks.

Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to lead us into all truth*. Thank you that because He became a man we can identify with, knowing He understands our thoughts and feelings, our pain and sorrows.

O God! We need to see Him in all His glory, described in prophecy throughout Your Holy Word! To worship Him releases energy that sometimes we spend in all the wrong places. Forgive us for the time we waste, exploring life here on earth without giving much thought to life throughout eternity. Yet, knowing the propensity of our human wills to search for our own way, You love us and sent Jesus to bring us light and life! This is amazing grace!

Forgive us for not passing on to others the peace which comes through “grace-filled” lives. O God! That our lives would exemplify Your love, demonstrated by our Lord Jesus. May others see that love shared, as we give of ourselves to those in need…folks around us who need a kindness, a word of encouragement, time spent just holding their hands as they grieve losses, disappointment and pain. Oh Lord we praise You for a multitude of opportunities to make a difference in our world. Forgive us when we are blind, or when we turn a deaf ear to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit.

At this Christmas season we remember Jesus who became a baby in order to meet needs, to meet my personal needs. I need a Saviour. Praise God for the truth of Your Word which teaches that “as many as receive Him, to those who believe in His name, to them He gives the right to become children of God!”* Praise God my Saviour guards my life day by day, keeping me from evil, saving me from repeating the mistakes of yesterday, and blessing me with forgiveness and love when I fail to do what is right. Your grace has provided for all my needs “according to His [Your] glorious riches in Christ Jesus”*. His life continues to make a difference in our world today.”

Reflection:

Praise God that as the hymn writer knew – “He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known”.

Father, the words of Your humble servant Mary recorded in the Gospel of Luke,* ring down through eons of time, meaning the same today in the hearts of Your children:

“My soul glorifies the Lord!

My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour – for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

As We Forgive

November 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:11, 14-15

There is a corollary to the first part Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness…”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:11). We are to forgive others. In fact the forgiveness we hope to receive from God is contingent on the way in which we regard those who have hurt us, those who don’t like us, those whose expectations of us are not fair. The subject of forgiveness is so important that Jesus, after He finished the prayer, continued, not about the holiness of God, not about our spiritual maturity, but about forgiveness!

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you!” (Matthew 6:14). Just to make sure they understood His point, Jesus continued “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive yours” (:15). Ouch!

Why is forgiveness so important? It was the only subject on Jesus’ heart as He hung on the cross. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Consider His example. In the midst of dealing with His own suffering He still remembered the inability of those who persecuted Him to understand the magnitude of what they had just done!

There are times when we unintentionally sin against God – when we don’t do His will because we are ignorant or oblivious. In the same way others may hurt or disappoint us – might we give them the benefit of the doubt? We sometimes jump to conclusions and attribute thoughts or intentions which were not really part of the picture.

To truly forgive someone is to drop all ideas of revenge or pay-back. God has told us . “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Rome of God’s injunction. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written….” (Romans 12:19). Certainly Paul suffered much at the hands of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, yet he persisted in forgiving. He found that in feeding one’s enemy, in “heaping coals of fire on his head” one can overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

Reflection:

We may forgive others because we know it is the right thing to do, and perhaps even to please God. The secret of forgiveness is not in what it does for the person we forgive, but what it does in our own hearts – the peace and joy which exists because we are not hanging on to something that God knows will cause us to become bitter.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)