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

Then Sings My Soul

February 9, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 12:1-4

Have you ever watched a bubbling brook? How picturesque the tiny rainbows glistening in the spray! What causes the water to bounce and froth? The water is hitting some obstacle. When your life has hit against some rocks does the reaction causes a thousand little rainbows to impact your world with beauty. The hymnist wrote “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee – How great Thou art!”

When life is hard, and disappointment turns into pain, does the joy of Jesus fill your soul with song? The Bible tells us that the author and finisher [completer] of our faith endured the greatest public shame with joy, because what He went through offered hope to everyone on the planet, then as well as two thousand years later (Hebrews 12:2).

It’s interesting the words the author of Hebrews uses. Not many of us would consider taking up our cross and scorning its shame as joyous, but that is just what Jesus did for you and me. We are called to be like Him in our response to those difficulties which life so often throws at us. Most of us have not resisted trouble to the point of shedding our blood (12:4). We are called to look at hardship as a discipline, not punishment, but rather training in righteous living.

The rainbows resulting make our world a better place. We all know those whose attitude destroys the small graces often found in the midst of trouble. How much sweeter does the love of Jesus make our choices in such moments? And it is a choice. Jesus made the will of His father the goal of His life. He found joy in pleasing His Father. There is no greater thing than that, as we know, who have experienced His peace in the center of our earthly storms.

Joy comes from looking outward; how sad it is to see people who function happily, only in the moment of self-indulgence. That sort of feeling is so very fleeting. It is never enough, but basking in the opportunities to please God by helping others brings a song to our lips! This is when we really “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

And that song brings glory to our Creator, Redeemer and friend! Immediately our hearts unite because it is the will of God, our Father, to provide for the needs of others through the riches we have experienced of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Then our souls are free to worship in the spirit of holiness, clothed in the righteousness of Christ’s abiding love! Then sings my soul!

Reflection:

How often do we look for externals to create a spirit of happiness? If I only had….? If I were just a bit older? Younger? If I had health and strength think what service I could offer to God. Many years ago I learned that God Himself equips us to do His will. Therefore, circumstances don’t need to alter in order for me to have a joyful song, to celebrate love, peace and hope. I worship God by grasping the opportunities of this moment, today. How sad and actually wasteful it is to live life expecting changes that we think will equip us for acts of mercy, in a spirit of encouragement.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7b, 8a). Then sings my soul!

Devotional

Victory in Jesus

December 2, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood.

He loved me e’er I knew Him

And all my love is due Him.

He plunged me to victory

Beneath the cleansing flood!

She was in prayer. “Dear God”, she prayed, “I didn’t handle that well. Please forgive me”. Then the words to this dear old song rang through her heart and she knew the joy of victory over thoughts that drag us down, thoughts emphasizing how unworthy we are, instead of giving glory to God for how worthy He is!

The God we worship seeks us out in our darkest moments, demonstrating the reality of true love, which loves in spite of our weaknesses. He puts His arms around us and draws us to His breast….the God of all comfort, as Paul describes Him (2 Corinthians 1:3). I wonder if I am willing to go that far with someone, a brother or sister perhaps who needs to see Jesus in their moments of weakness and despair? Or do I resort to righteous anger when I see someone fall? Knowing my own tendencies, will I lift another up or do I criticize, dwelling on their failure to measure up to a standard I think we all should be reaching for?

The lyricist recognizes that all our love is due the one who first loved us (1 John 4:19). Exercising the love God gifts us with, will raise others up out of the slough of despond, as the author of Pilgrim’s Progress puts it. The very victory we need can be passed on to others whom God is seeking to bless through you and me. What an awesome thought!

Paul describes a mystery in our scripture reading. Perhaps part of that mystery is the fact that death has been swallowed up in victory. Sin cannot sting us because God has provided the antidote. “He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Victory is for His church – the corporate body of believers who defy the power of death by raising the flag, by celebrating the victory!

Where does the victory come from? His redeeming blood…that costly sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. You and I do not need to suffer any longer because His blood covers us like a blanket of righteousness. In humility Jesus gave up His position and place to come to earth to die for you and me, so that we would gain the victory over sin and despair, over guilt and shame. We do need to receive His gift of love, however. A gift is of no value whatsoever if we do not receive it.

Reflection:

When we rejoice in the Lord, in the power of His Word, we demonstrate our acceptance of all that he planned for us. Joy is the hallmark of what it means to be a Christian! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Here’s the thing….in our physical bodies pain warns us we are too near real danger – like putting your finger on a hot stove. In the same way pain reminds us we need help, spiritually. Can we, will we praise God for the signs which warn us of danger, and for His love so freely given to plunge us to victory beneath that cleansing flood? Thanks be to God!

Devotional

Hope

September 16, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

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Jeremiah 30-31

“I will discipline you, but only with justice” (Jeremiah 30:11). What a wonderful promise God gives to His people! Israel and Judah have long been divided, each having fallen into the evil ways of the nations around them, worshiping idols and even sacrificing their children in acts of worship. In spite of their faithlessness God is going to restore them both, bringing them back to the land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “The days are coming” (Jeremiah 30:3).

“These are the words the Lord has spoken concerning Israel and Judah” (30:4). “Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you” (30:2). So here we are, reading the Words of the Lord written thousands of years ago, yet coming true in my life-time. In 1948 Israel became a nation. ”I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants out of the land of their exile” (30:10). “I am with you and will save you” (30:11). Jews from all over the globe poured back into Israel! God’s Word is True.

Jeremiah goes on to record details of how God will restore the fortunes of His people, first healing their wounds, wounds of body, soul and spirit. “I will add to their numbers……I will bring them honour”. There will be sounds of rejoicing and singing (30:19).

In once again becoming their God, the Israelites will be protected. In fact, God will punish all who oppress them. Chapter 31 goes on to list the blessings which come. Repeatedly the Lord declares “I will be their God” (30:22, 31:1) Why? The sin which separated them was when they worshiped other gods. But their God is faithful!

Reflection:

Isn’t it precious to know that the God we are in relationship with is so faithful?! In a day and age when everything seems uncertain, where faithfulness is the exception to the rule, what comfort, what confidence we have in our God! He may need to discipline His children (us) but in the end His love remains constant. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again!” (31:3-4a). This is the believer’s hope!

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?

Devotional

You Must Stand Trial

October 24, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Acts 27:24

Most of us do not consider standing trial a positive experience. If someone told us we were to be on trial before the highest tribunal in the land we would shudder with fear. The Apostle Paul was promised, by an angel, that he would stand trial before Caesar (:23). Yet somehow we get the feeling that he welcomed this news as we read his story recorded in Acts 27.

It was a long sea voyage from Caesarea to Rome, but that was the route they must take in order to meet Caesar. Weeks later they were transferred to an Alexandrian ship in Myra, but ran into bad weather as they sailed close to Crete. On the day after the Day of Atonement (referred to by Paul as the “Fast”) the captain decided to ignore Paul’s warnings about impending disaster, even though he knew sailing in October could be very hazardous.

Later, as they endured weeks of hurricane force winds and raging seas, Paul reminded them that they should have taken his advice to stay in Crete, but he also had some encouraging words. He urged them to keep up their courage (:22) on the basis of a vision he had. An angel visited him in the night to assure him he would stand trial.

Some of us might prefer to drown at sea, rather than suffer Roman persecution, but Paul was selfless. He cared about his fellow-passengers. Twice he encouraged them to have courage. (:22, 25) It was a moment of testimony to his faith in God, whom he assured them would keep His word by bringing him to Rome.

It was not smooth sailing after that. He knew they were in trouble and sure enough – they ran aground (:41) just as he had prophesied (:26). The prisoners then faced a new threat – their captors wanted to kill them all, but because the centurion wanted to save Paul (prisoners going to Caesar were to be kept safe for trial) the others were given their freedom to get to land as best they could. Once on Malta, everyone safe as Paul had foretold, they encountered poisonous vipers (28:3). But Paul was delivered from a snake-bite to the amazement of all the people (:5-6).

When things are not going well we often lose sight of the bigger picture. However, God had a plan. Paul was used by God to heal the sick on Malta. The people were so grateful after his work during a three-month stay, they assisted them along their journey with all supplies they would need to reach Rome.

Reflection:

We can learn a few lessons from Paul’s experience. He trusted God to accomplish His purposes; he believed God’s promises implicitly. He encouraged others along a very difficult journey, when he might have well felt sorry for himself. Whatever his own personal fears may have been, fear of drowning in the sea, fear of Caesar, he took advantage of every opportunity to praise God (27:35). He ministered to the spiritual and physical needs of the people around him. He adjusted to the unexpected without complaint. At a rather difficult stage in my own journey this passage of scripture has not only challenged, but comforted me. May it reassure all who read it!

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Promises!

May 6, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

1 Kings 8:56

“Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses”

What an amazing portion of scripture that reassures us in our moments of doubt and confusion, those difficult times when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives! Many people in the throes of disillusionment have exclaimed “Promises! Promises!” despairing that they might ever rely on anyone’s word again. Yet here it is – over generations of time, God’s reputation is secure, solid, unchanging!

What promise comes most often to your mind? There are so many that God has made, recorded for us in His Word. They cover every possible situation and circumstance. For example:

He has promised to supply every need we have
God promises His grace is sufficient
He promises temptation will not overpower us
God promises His children victory over death

However, we do need to start with the promise of primary importance. Which one is that? Perhaps it is one we are most familiar with “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have eternal life!” (John 3:16). Then there is another one reminding us “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). However, as we journey through life we know that sin is continually knocking at the door, so we need to remember that “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).

These promises pertain to our very life as believers. They establish the foundation upon which all other promises rest, since as God’s children we are privileged to come into His presence and to ask for anything we perceive as needs. Our perceptions are directed as we yield our wills to the power of the Holy Spirit, the person of the Godhead who dwells within. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

We can attest to the reality of our own experience with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit who prove God’s faithfulness to His promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified …. For the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, repeated in Hebrews 13:5).

Reflection:

Consider why you favour some promises over others, which is certainly not wrong, and why.

How helpful is this for your responsibility to the Kingdom of God?

What do you hear from the heart of God in the promises you read in scripture?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Blest Be the Tie

February 27, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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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)

Devotional

The Lord Watches

February 5, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 121

One of my favourite Psalms from my youth has been a Psalm of ascents, Psalm 121. Several Psalms, writers unknown, form a hymn book for pilgrims who were journeying to annual feasts in Jerusalem. Singing helped to pass the time on a trip which was often long and arduous. Interestingly Psalm 120 expresses the heart’s cry for deliverance, counting on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 120:1).

As we look at the next song, the tone changes. In lifting his eyes to the hills, we might wonder what the writer sees? Whatever it is inspires him with hope, founded on the Lord. “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord!” (121:1-2a).

A new reader might ask who is the Lord and how can He be trusted? The Psalmist clarifies a fundamental truth. God never sleeps. Wow! On a weary morning after a sleepless night, we might marvel at this attribute which means God is constantly on the alert. “He who watches over you….” Recall the prayer you might have prayed as a little child? “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep”? Whispered by infant lips, the reality of God’s care somehow set the stage, for me at least, to rest knowing someone was watching over me.

“He who watches over you…” again reminds me of times when an anxious mother watched over the crib of a sick child, believing that God was in the room watching also, with a power far beyond mine! His watch-care is born of love, a love that sometimes is rather hard to understand. His love watches over the man sleeping in a bedroll on the street. God never slumbers….meaning He doesn’t even sleep lightly or doze. (Psalm 121:4).

Now of course we know that bad things happen to good people, yet the promise in this Psalm is for everyone because God loves everyone (John 3:16). In fact, the Apostle Peter records, from his own experience, the reality of God’s love for all. “He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Sometimes we fear that God has forgotten His promise, but that verse assures us He has not, but rather is exercising His patience so that more folks could make the decision to repent, and to ask God to take charge of their chaotic lives.

To know God is watching brings peace and joy when we are willing to walk in His ways, but there may be an element of fear if we determine to disregard God’s standards for righteous living.

Reflection:

When you think of it, why would the Creator of the universe, the One who sustains everything by the breath of His mouth (Hebrews 1:3), be concerned for each individual person enough to perpetually watch over their lives? (121:7). For those who struggle with issues of security, safety and self-esteem, perhaps there is something here in the Word of God that is reassuring. Many of us have been disappointed by human relationships, but here is relationship offered with Divine power and love. “The Lord watches”! Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Reclothe Us

September 12, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Kings 19:11-18

Often as I begin my devotions each morning the words of a hymn forms the basis of that devotion. Today it was the words of John Greenleaf Whittier, words taken from a longer poem which he wrote in 1872. The country was just recovering from the American Civil war of 1861-1865. He describes hearts longing for peace.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun, and history has proven him to be right. The same attitudes exist around the world today, causing hatred and bloodshed between nations and even dividing families. This hymn might be a prayer that God would reclothe us in our rightful minds, even today.

Apparently the words of this hymn came from a much longer poem “The Brewing of the Soma” describing Vedic priests brewing and drinking Soma in an attempt to experience divinity. Whittier’s intention was to compare this to the use some Christians made of “music, incense, vigils…trance……all in vain – it is mere intoxication” (Wikipedia).

Raised as a Quaker, he knew the true way of seeking God’s will. Silence and selflessness enable us to hear the “still small voice” described in the Bible (1 Kings 19:11-13). The voice of God was not heard in earthquake, wind or fire, but rather in a soft, gentle whisper which followed the dramatic events of God’s power. But first we must seek God’s forgiveness. The lyrics go on – “Forgive our foolish ways. Reclothe us in our rightful minds, in purer lives Thy service find”.

As an advocate for justice, the moral and spiritual values of his up-bringing impacted his writings and earned him the title of “America’s finest religious poet”. Many of his poems are still sung in churches today. One phrase captured my particular attention as I thought about our worship “…in deeper reverence, praise!” His poem goes on to talk about “simple trust” with which early Christians rose up and followed Jesus when they heard “the gracious calling of the Lord”.

Jesus calls His disciples, whether in the midst of a Civil War, or in the business of twenty-first century living: “Come unto Me all you who are weary and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Whittier captured the essence of that rest: “Oh Sabbath rest by Galilee….where Jesus knelt to share with Thee [God his Father], the silence of eternity interpreted by love”. The depth of that statement alone is cause for hours of reflection!

Reflection:

However, it is the last verse which provokes even deeper thought. What do the heats of our desires look like today? Do we need God’s coolness and His balm? Oh that we might enjoy His “still small voice of calm”! Then we would be ready to serve, to bless others with God’s love and peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)