Isaiah’s Wreath

May 22, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 28

Wreaths of leaves, fruit, wheat or vines were worn as crowns by Etruscan rulers, ancient symbolism of some mythological concept. Roman magistrates wore golden wreaths to symbolize their lineage went back to the Etruscan days. Today we use wreaths to commemorate certain seasons or memorial events.

The term is used in scriptures nine times, often synonymous with the word crown. For example in Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders worshipping the One sitting on the throne cast their wreaths/crowns at His feet. Wreaths also were a significant part of the decoration of the temple. Isaiah uses the word wreath under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to describe Samaria, the capital of Ephraim.

To understand what Isaiah is talking about in chapter 28 we need to go back in history. In blessing his sons on his deathbed, Jacob raised Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the level of sons, perhaps as a tribute to his favourite wife, Rachel. Their history in the Promised Land was checkered by the notion they had tribal supremacy because of that blessing. They were competitive and uncooperative, earning for themselves a divisive reputation among their brethren.

At one point the tabernacle was located in the city of Shiloh, in Ephraim. However, it was captured by the Philistines when the Israelites brought it into battle. Shiloh itself was destroyed. This brought the morale of the people to an all-time low. When the Ark of the Covenant was recovered, tribal supremacy was centered in Benjamin, where it was relocated. After that the tribe of Ephraim fell into idol worship.

Isaiah twice pronounces a woe upon Samaria “Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards.” (28:1,3). Through Isaiah, the Lord reviews the former advantages of Ephraim – a flower of glorious beauty, set at the head of a fertile valley. Now the Lord will crush it. They will recognize His mighty power, as the Lord tramples them under foot. Judgment will fall! (28:2, 3)

In contrast, the Lord Himself “the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people!” (28:5) The remnant will celebrate the fact that God is their crown, blessing them in a spirit of justice. He will be their source of strength! Imagine a world when the plumbline is righteousness! (28:17)

Recognizing the helpless condition of His people, the Lord comes to their rescue by promising to lay a cornerstone, one that is tested, that is precious, that forms a sure foundation – trustworthy, dependable! (:16) Here will be a new beginning! Isaiah looked forward to that day when Jesus would come – the precious only begotten Son of God, tested in the crucible of suffering for the sins of His people. Paul writes about this very foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). God’s purpose, foretold by Isaiah, has been accomplished!

Reflection:

Are you part of that glorious circle which will celebrate eternity in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Figuratively speaking the wreath, in a never-ending circle, will remind us that He brings to His people eternal life.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Rewards

May 15, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

Psalm 19:11, Colossians 3:23-24

Recently a friend caused me to think about new doctrinal teaching on rewards. It would take a lot of digging to check out all the Bible verses that speak to the topic, but speak they do. From both Old to New Testaments God’s people are assured of rewards. It is interesting to note that God Himself is spoken of as Abraham’s “very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). What might that mean?

Abraham had just declined taking anything that would obligate him to the King of Sodom, asserting his complete allegiance to “the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22), with whom he already had a covenant. Therefore God honoured him with His protection and presence.

The Psalmist reminds his readers that in keeping the ordinances of the Lord, there would be great reward (Psalm 19:11). Old Testament theology demonstrates a conviction that people will be rewarded for their works, a point that Jesus clarifies in His teaching about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:34 – “Come you [sheep] who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance – the kingdom prepared for you.” Not all rewards will be received on earth. Jesus warns that many will be persecuted for righteousness sake; these will receive their rewards in heaven (Matthew 5: 10-12). Paul speaks about rewards in heaven as a certainty. However, he mentions motivation. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man!” Why? “….since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving!” (Colossians 3:23-24).

In our world today a prevailing attitude seems to be to put our best foot forward when we know we will get something out of it. However, out of a sense of commitment and loyalty the best work is done, done for the sake of the work itself. This is what Jesus was talking about when He spoke about rewards in Matthew 25. Those who were blessed by His Father were totally unaware – “Lord when did we see You hungry….thirsty….a stranger…..sick……in prison?” What a thrilling surprise that they were rewarded by the commendation of their precious Saviour! What a horrible shock that those who, labouring to keep up appearances were told to “Depart from Me you who are cursed” (Matthew 25:41), because they had not seen Jesus in the opportunity. Not sensing it would be a work worthy of reward, the work was left undone.

Prophecy anticipates Jesus’ return -“The Sovereign Lord comes with power ….see His reward is with Him” (Isaiah 40:10).

Reflection:

Can you imagine serving Jesus out of a competitive spirit? Why do we want rewards? Would we serve Him if there were no rewards promised? What will these “rewards” look like?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Tactics of Satan

May 8, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Job 1:6-7, 1 Peter 1:8-9

We have just celebrated Easter – the death and resurrection of the Christ. Where do we learn important truths about this vital doctrine of the Christian faith? Satan casts doubt on the veracity of the resurrection and among some, even about the truth of the crucifixion. Is the Bible true, or is it not to be trusted?

Today many Christians struggle to model their convictions among people who do not acknowledge God’s love and mercy. Why? There are many answers to that question, but one stands out in my mind just now. People who claim to know and love God, must know and love God. There is a struggle for supremacy over the human mind; Satan against God. The war is waged in both big and little battles (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We sometimes see this in the choices we make, or even in the choices we do not make, as we rush along in the busy-ness of our world. Authors write about fitting God into a 3-minute devotional each day. Is this enough for a God who invites us to be in communication with Him 24/7? (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Doesn’t our day belong to Him?

Furthermore, perhaps relationships are falling apart today because we are trying the same principle. Quality time not quantity! Quality time often means a frenetic busy-ness of its own, doing something together as couples, doing something together as parent and child, doing something together as friends. When can we dream dreams together? When can we enjoy silence together? When can we share about our faith and those precious things we are learning about God? How often is it all about doing, rather than being? The same problem exists as we attempt to appease our God. And Satan laughs.

Back to the Bible – the Old Testament. Here God repeats over and over again what He has done for His people. Review! What an important part of learning. Just to ensure we get it right we need times of meditation, times of being still and “knowing that I am God”, times of wonder and adoration., time to listen to the “still small voice” of God (1 Kings 19:12).

We need to be reminded that before we asked Jesus to cleanse us from our sins we were dead. DEAD! Death separates us from life, but God… He has a plan to bring people back to life. In so many words, we are resuscitated by the Holy Spirit – made aware of our need so that we can choose life. Who is doing the seeking? God the Holy Spirit. However, there are movements today who would refute this by telling us to develop the god within each of us. This is defined in our culture as being ‘spiritual’. God does not appeal to the god within us when He offers us a salvation purchased at the cost of Christ’s life.

We need to remember how separate we were in our sins, from the character of God, His holiness and purity, His love and His justice. If we do not remember, Satan laughs as he gains supremacy in our thinking and our language, in our behavior and our relationships! Let us not give Satan this opportunity!

Reflection:

When God made man in His image, didn’t He empower Adam to rule over His precious creation? (Genesis 1:26). Why would we believe that anymore than we believe that God said “Let there be Light and there was light”? (Genesis 1:3). What do you and I believe about God and why? Satan began with Eve: “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1) and he tempts us with those very same words.

Don’t we need God to guide us in the big and little decisions we will make each day? Who is in charge the rest of our day after a quick moment of devotion as we speed off into the workplace? Do we trust God’s warning to us about the evil One who seeks to devour us? Each day we face the temptation Satan throws at us to disbelieve, to distrust God’s Holy Word. Where do we get the power to discern what is truth and what is not true, if such a thing is possible in Scripture?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Narrow Way

May 4, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 7:13, 14

Many people say they like the Sermon on the Mount, so they follow it. It guides them through the challenges of daily life. In fact some will declare it to be all the instruction they need for ethical living and decision-making.

In this lengthy lesson, Jesus says some rather difficult things such as: Consider yourself blessed when people insult you, or even when you find yourself persecuted (Matthew 5:11). He pronounced laws of reconciliation that require us to forgive others who have disappointed or offended us before we worship God (5:23-24). He told his listeners to turn the other cheek rather than resist those who would harm them (5:39). How easy is it for any of us to love our enemy? Yet He not only preached, but practised this precept (5:44). We must be challenged by His cry from the cross –“Father forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing!” (Luke 23:34)

Knowing man’s propensity to want recognition for his good deeds, Jesus suggested our givings should be private – so much so that even our left hand would not know what the right hand is doing! (6:3). Preaching the principle of forgiveness, Jesus told the crowd that the Father would forgive them in the same way as they forgave others (6:14-15). Another principle is “You cannot serve both God and money”(6:24). In our generation, striving to be wealthy is not just a worldly ambition. Believers have all sorts of reasons why their focus should be on gaining status in the business community. Jesus’ list goes on and on. These are the words of Jesus, Himself. Do we believe them? Would anyone recognize that we are on the narrow path He described, by living according to His words?

How many of us fear being seen as narrow-minded? Don’t we deceive ourselves if we say we believe but do not act upon the principles of God’s Word? Do we do unto others what we would like them to do for us? (7:12).

Do we really believe that a good God would send anyone to eternal destruction? Jesus clearly stated “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it” (7:13). “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (7:19). Scary proclamations! Yet Jesus is not vindictive. He came to bring hope to the hopeless. He has a solution. Those who do the will of His Father who is in heaven, will enter the kingdom of heaven (7:21). By following Jesus, who proclaimed Himself to be the Way, we will spend eternity in the mansions He has gone to prepare for us (John 14:2,6).

Meanwhile our journey will be on a narrow path wide enough to accommodate our Saviour and ourselves. We do not walk alone in paths of righteousness. The poem “Footprints” tells us that when the way gets too rough or narrow, it is then that Jesus carries us. What a precious love we enjoy – the love of one who paid the penalty of our sins so that we could spend eternity with Him. He made the way narrow to protect us from evil, just as the Massai make the entranceway into their homes narrow and curved so that lions cannot come into their huts on the attack.

In the English countryside there are some very narrow lanes; two cars could not pass. Often these by-ways are lined with hedgerows, so visibility is limited, but the air is perfumed with the scent of grass and flowers, and larks are singing. Peace and tranquility reigns, yet there is adventure around every curve. This gives us a visible picture of living on the narrow way. We wouldn’t want to miss the adventure or the fragrance of beauty that rewards our surrender to Jesus’ leadership. Praise God for the Narrow Way!

Reflection:

We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow way, wrote Steve Green, praying that all who come behind us would find us faithful.

What benefits have you enjoyed on the narrow road? Has the fire of your devotion ever got you into trouble?

Will God be pleased with your journey?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Through Faith, Shielded

April 17, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Peter 1:1-5

There are pertinent questions we need to ask ourselves when studying the Word of God. Who are the people involved? What does this teach me about God? How does this apply in my spiritual journey?

Peter writes to the elect – those “…who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” Just to refresh our memories, let us remember salvation applies to our past, present and future state before God.

Who are the people involved? Peter is writing to God’s elect, those who have been chosen by God for obedience to Jesus Christ, to be used of Him as they surrender to His leadership in their lives (:1-2). Peter praises God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he identifies himself as one with this group! (:3).

They are described as exiles scattered throughout the then-known world. To prepare them for service God provided the Holy Spirit to sanctify them – purifying and setting them apart from worldly living. Their hearts were sprinkled/ purified by the Blood of Christ.

In referring to their former ignorance (:14), Peter warns them not to conform to the evil desires which once governed their behaviour. Probably many of them were Gentiles. “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God!” (1 Peter 2:10). Their faith in Jesus Christ would be a shield against the temptations of a previous lifestyle.

What does this teach me about God? He is all-knowing “according to the foreknowledge of God” (1:2). His calling was predetermined by what He knew. The Trinity is at work in these verses. The Father chose, the Son sacrificed and rose again, the Holy Spirit sanctifies! The cumulative power of the Godhead protects us from sin, and provides us with assurance that our inheritance is indestructible.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the shield of faith, part of the armour of God used to ward off the fiery darts of the devil. Think of it – fiery darts would be very painful, if not deadly. Faith trusts God. Faith is measurable according to the words of Jesus who condemned people of little faith (Matthew 14:31) and commended those of great faith (Matthew 8:10). Seeing their lack of faith, Jesus didn’t waste His time doing miracles in Nazareth.

Our finite minds can hardly grasp the significance of the supernatural power about us, limited as we are by time and space. Our warfare is spiritual. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4) We often think in temporal terms; the physical becomes the measure of our faith. But God is protecting something even more precious. He has given us faith – the gift of God! (Ephesians 2:9) to protect our spirits!

Reflection:

A shield is a visible piece of equipment. I must ask if my faith is a visible sign to others around, a sign that I trust in God? Do I stand confidently holding the shield of faith, as I do battle with the enemy of my soul day by day, or do I cower behind it? Oh that our spirits may be at peace, knowing we are shielded from eternal disaster, by our faith.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Vanquished or Victorious?

April 10, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 44

In an era where spelling is almost irrelevant as words are reduced to fit into a texting format, the existence of the English language may be threatened. However, there are those who still enjoy the richness of words as they contribute to our understanding of ideas, of history, as they paint word pictures and describe feelings.

Vanquished is an old-fashioned word describing those subdued completely in battle, overcome in conflict or contest, or overwhelmed by emotion. There are times in the lives of most of us when we feel vanquished by circumstance – perhaps external, or even internal conflict.

We live in a world of unprecedented choices. One can actually now chose their gender. A growing trend is to examine preferences in early childhood, upon which one’s sexuality is based. Despite physical appearances hormonal growth can be stunted to achieve the look of the gender preferred. Imagine the confusion if in later years these people who are neither man nor woman might long for a child. When we cannot accept and celebrate what God has given to us we find ourselves in serious conflict, vulnerable to feeling continually overwhelmed/ vanquished.

On the battlefield of life Satan has the advantage when we feel conquered. Once we are down we are vulnerable to every fiery dart he can throw at us. But God! In Psalm 44 there is a theme running through this lament, a theme of victory. Israelite history proved God-given victories. He brought them into the Promised Land and settled them there, removing completely those who might have been their enemies. “…not by sword that they won the land nor did their arm [of strength] bring them victory, but it was Your right hand, Your arm and the light of Your face – because You loved them!” (:3).

Looking at the present, the Psalmist recognized the hand of God once again had given him victory: “I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but You give us victory over our enemies [Satan, self, others]….in God we make our boast all the day long! (:6-8).

However, momentarily the Director of Music who wrote this Psalm fears God’s rejection. Experience has taught him that God is faithful. This gives him confidence to cry out for redemption from the present overwhelming circumstance (:26).

He knows the power of God that vanquished the nation’s enemies (:2). But now, for some reason the army is losing the battle. They feel abandoned, rejected, humbled (:9). In retreat from the enemy they have become a reproach to their neighbours (: 13). Now they are pleading for God to rise up and redeem them (:26).

Reflection:

God may be testing His people, since we read their defence written in verses 17-22. Meditate on these verses.

Note their petition is based on the certain knowledge of God’s unfailing love (:26).

Can you identify with this lament? How do you approach God when you feel vanquished?

Where does your certain victory originate?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Glory of God

March 28, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:14

Have you ever seen the glory of God? Often when breath-taking scenery makes us gasp, we may think of things that are glorious. Then when we hear about heroic acts, such as a bus driver rescuing seniors stuck in their car on tracks where a train is thundering down on them, we are awed by his bravery.

However, the glory of God is beyond description. You may remember that after speaking with God, Moses’ face was so radiant he had to cover it with a veil. How many of us can describe the glories of heaven. Reading the book of Revelation stretches our human imaginations, doesn’t it? What does the word “glory” mean to you?

The glory of God: John, in his gospel declares “We have seen His glory”. What does John mean? This was not a singular experience, because John speaks for all the disciples. “We” have seen… Written two thousand years ago, his words still stir our spirits with anticipation as we hope to also see “His glory, the glory of the One and Only , who came from the Father” (John 1:14), some day. Imagine what it will be like to see our Lord Jesus Christ, face to face! This is something worth meditating on.

John goes on to describe Jesus, God in a human body, as full of grace and truth. In our world today we could value those qualities! What is truth? Without absolutes, truths are hard to determine. Unless we appreciate God’s own Holy Word, we are lost. He is the “Only” truth worth trusting. Jesus’ voice thunders down through the ages – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life! How glorious would it be to live in a world governed by Truth!

Reflection:

As I ponder this scripture a prayer arose in my heart. Let this start with me. Perhaps my life could show forth the glory of God if I yield to the Spirit of Truth. As a Christ-follower, do I present truth in the place God has put me? The truth is – I had nothing to do with the parents God gave to me, nor the siblings, nor the race to which I belong. I am who I am by God’s grace, as each one of us is – created for a Divine purpose. Is that purpose to bear “Truth” to the glory of God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jesus Loves Me

March 6, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 3:16

An email went around some time ago that bears repeating.

“A church in Atlanta was honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at the age of 92. After a warm welcome, as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself. Quietly and slowly he began to speak. “When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.

The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break, and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me… the only thing that would comfort was this verse…

‘Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

We are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me…

The Bible tells me so’.”

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all.

JESUS LOVES ME (for Seniors)

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

Chorus: Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I’ll go

On through life, let come what may,

He’ll be there to lead the way.

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Telling me in words so clear,

“Have no fear, for I am near.”

When my work on earth is done,

And life’s victories have been won.

He will take me to my home above,

Then I’ll understand His love.

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

Reflection:

As the days and years go by can you say your relationship with Jesus is sweeter than the day before? Focusing on Jesus removes feelings of desperation as we face bumps in the path. Telling Him every day how much He means to us reverses those negative thoughts which spoil our joy. Wherever you are on your journey through life will you let the love of God sustain you? The exquisite peace of being led by the One who loves us sooo much cannot be matched by anything on earth. Thank you Jesus!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Forgetfulness

March 1, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 103:2

Is everyone talking about forgetfulness, or is it just people of my era? One of the greatest fears in the western world today seems to be that of falling prey to Alzheimer’s. It can hit people in their forties, but most commonly is a disease of the elderly. What is it that we most fear? Is it a loss of identity or the loss of reasoning ability?

Memory is what makes one rich….remembering friends, special occasions, significant accomplishments, the fulfillment of hopes and dreams. Memories are triggered by any or all of the 5 senses. We do not want to lose this precious dimension that actually defines the meaning and purpose of our lives.

However, there is a memory that often haunts us, of things deliberately forgotten. Every human being has a God-consciousness. Some work very hard to deny it, and the harder they fight the more pitiable it is to see the reality against which they engage. God exists! The Holy Spirit will not let us forget God. Scripture tells us He is evident everywhere, even in nature (Romans 1:20).

We read in the Bible of life experiences that coloured many lives by making people conscious of God. These were often repeated so that generations would not forget that God cared about His people. This same God cares about you and me today. Yet, unfortunately there are those who suffer the folly of intentional forgetfulness. They have access to the promises of God. “Forgetting” God is tantamount to rejecting God. There are many references to this topic in both Testaments. Isaiah describes the energy required to “forget” God who is the rock, the fortress of His people. The nations rage and roar before they flee away (Isaiah 17).

On the positive side the Psalmist reflects on all of God’s benefits. “Praise the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits!” (Psalm 103:2). He lists some of them. God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies our mouths with good things! He made known His ways. God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. He does not treat us the way our sins deserve. Would we really want to forget any of these?

My aunt suffered from Alzheimer’s, yet in the midst of her confusion and paranoia the mention of God relaxed her and brought her peace. Whether she had “forgotten” Him due to changes in her brain, the wonder of God is that He had not forgotten her.

Jesus reminded us that His Father is a God of detail – that He remembers the flowers of the field and the sparrows He created. How wonderful it is to read Jesus’ own words, reminding us of our value in the eyes of One who never forgets:

“Are you not worth more than many sparrows?” (Luke 12:7).

Reflection:

Have you deliberately forgotten God or even wished He would forget you, in moments of temptation? Playing with our memories is not an option when we consider living lives that are pleasing to our heavenly Father. Remember, God’s love is eternal! But because He is just, God will punish our unconfessed sins, since they display an attitude of unrepentance. Let’s remember the Divine promise: “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).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Rich and Pure

February 21, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 John 4:1-10

1 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 wand’ring child is reconciled
by God’s beloved Son.
The aching soul again made whole,
and priceless pardon won.

Refrain:
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
the saints’ and angels’ song.

The lyricist grasped the intention of all-knowing God in the words of this beautiful hymn. Motivated by His love, God sent His Son – His only begotten Son to earth. What does begotten mean? It means of the same substance; in will and character, wisdom, power, and love Jesus is His Father in human form. His knowledge is perfect and all-encompassing – He is omniscient. Therefore it fascinates me that Jesus, knowing His end from His beginning as a human baby in the manger, knew He would face pain and suffering as well as rejection and ridicule. Yet He came!

So many people are seeking for meaning and purpose in their lives today. Jesus didn’t have that struggle. His earthly journey was set on course before the foundation of the earth. Born out of pure love, He faced His destiny for your sake and mine – as the lyricist said…He came to reconcile each wandering child to God.

Do you realize your destiny and mine have been shaped by Almighty God? We have been made in His image, given the capability to be as effective as He is, if and when we make Godly choices. Through Jesus Christ as our Lord we may be filled with the love of God which has been captured by the lyricist in our song. Rich and pure, God’s love flowing through us to others forms the basis of reconciliation. Those who truly love can be trusted, just as God is trustworthy! Gone are the problems of hatred, anger and revenge! Jesus, by coming to earth, has shown us the better way.

Our scripture cautions us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) – the question is “Does love prevail?” If so, we know it is pure because “Everyone who loves has been born of God!” (1 John 4:7). There is security in love that is trustworthy! This is the promise of God, heart to heart: “This is love – not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins!” (:10). Sometimes we put the onus on the seeking person but that reverses the Divine order. “While we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) God worked a miracle, drawing us to Himself through Jesus Christ our Lord! We cannot be bearers of Divine love without God at work in our lives.

Reflection:

Is there anything better to equip us for relationships with others, than the pure love of our heavenly Father? His love not only enriches our experience with others, but glorifies our perception of holy God!

Everyone who truly loves others “has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). The truth continues to reassure us: “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)