Controlled Chaos

March 25, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 30-31

Isaiah might be describing our chaotic world! Throughout the warnings the Lord gives of coming chaos, we read of His burning anger. Isaiah writes some very difficult prophecies, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “He [the Lord] shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction” (30:28). What a word picture!

Caught up in deceptive thinking, believers today worship a God of love. Now of course this is true – “God is love” (1 John 4:16) “We know and rely on the love God has for us!” His love is everlasting, eternal. It is pure and holy, faithful and true. John knows all about God’s sustaining love as he lives in lonely exile on the isle of Patmos. He writes that the source of our love for others is God: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

What then is deceptive? God’s character is multi-faceted. He is holy, He is truth. He is just. God’s justice demands retribution for sin. Retribution is a criminal justice theory which holds that punishment should be proportionate to the seriousness of a crime. The goal of retribution is to punish the offender for their actions.

Retribution theology is a Christian and Jewish belief that God punishes evil and rewards good deeds. It’s based on the idea that people get what they deserve.

Key elements

Retribution principle: The idea that evil deeds are met with equal force in response
Action-consequence paradigm: The belief that every action has a consequence, and that good deeds lead to good consequences and evil deeds lead to bad consequence.

In today’s preaching we hear an over-emphasis on the love of God without proportionate teaching on His justice. Some of Isaiah’s prophecies may lean in the opposite direction but then God speaks: “In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15) There is hope! BUT – sadly Isaiah recognised a terrible reality: “But you would have none of it”. The choice then, as it is today, was made to flee God’s quiet invitation to rest in His remarkable peace.

Reflection:

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice” (Isaiah 30:18). In the midst of condemnation, God is prepared to be fair, to show His compassion. The question is then – are we ready to receive it? Do we love Him out of fear of the consequences if we do not please God, or do we glory in the marvellous sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of the world? “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

NB Today God is still Sovereign. He is accomplishing His purposes. We may not like what He is doing, but let us be clear, the chaos is under His compassionate control, because our God is just.

The Heart of the Matter by Marilyn Daniels. Click here. https://www.amazon.ca/Heart-Matter-What-Truth/dp/B092CBN8JC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EE8AII6GG6IZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9QgMTSSjH7pnt4Q7XOQX8UAXohyJC5slED8DCOAPFi79gMz6KtKiDLNQQv7NdAGFcZfoBJ8IwzqhECTk47xXf-6-oKpyaBwU7fBrbyZsEyQA3B8TsqHGRd-ETNac769W8QKhImt4lsgUnU3tOWfRcdkyBx-d_LjEGXlcN0Mq1UaTc392xWhkvgXJFeKOUCPnxsoncaEbMOIdIUZTplw-f6CSyZZqROSQItM1Z1aFBCfUVag3_XK542zpNHzNnKUbBBHpII4xjl6LZomuX0WrnUuujqpC6GYKe6OMojAIWpjQLU_PIKY9oPn9fTJNqJSDdJK1JDQ-iRPCSorbIEfvCq8Tz7QTacnKSMqmK5_kTdCUgfP2xaF85P9-XK_aIo07KK7YCaW8e8c29sNdunmyV9GwoCjJeedqUv8xiW82B0E-biukeMU0_-N6b1yzBBsT.YyKFMLMlC8BPN4vRDQ7jPreS3x4SBsEoVoUl78AbyJg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Marilyn+Daniels&qid=1742863283&sprefix=marilyn+daniels+%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1

Devotional

The Slippery Slope

March 20, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 5:41-44

Celebration is scriptural. How many times throughout the Bible do we read of momentous times of praise and worship, of gratitude for what God has done? The Lord even commands us to remember events and answers to prayer, starting with the rainbow of promise (Genesis 9:14-16). His covenant of provision and protection all become objects of even our silent celebrations.

However, the arts of Satan can take our very joy and thanksgiving and turn them into something else. Let’s party! Nothing wrong with that. But how we party and why has become the object of our study. “Search me O God and know my heart” must be our beginning prayer.

Recently I heard tributes paid to a man who is devoting his life to humanitarian efforts. He deserves man’s highest praise for the sacrifices he is making. However, I observed that in order to celebrate his achievements some Christians felt led to downplay whether or not he had a relationship with God. He held a position that represented him as God’s agent.

In celebrating a “good life” we need to be very cautious. Jesus questioned the belief of those who chose to accept the praise of men, rather than seeking the only real glory that comes from God. In fact, knowing what was in their hearts, Jesus saw that they did not believe He had come from the Father. He also knew if someone else came to the Jews at that time, representing themselves as coming “in His name”, that person would be accepted. John 5:41-44. Why is this important?

Scripture warns against the pride of man. It’s a slippery slope that takes us with our good intentions into the area of self-satisfaction, where we forget to honour God for all He is doing in and through us. There can be no question about the source we are willing to recognize publicly. Is it God?

Scripture makes clear that if we are looking for praise of men here on earth, we need not expect accolades in heaven. (John 12:43) “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour” (Proverbs 29:23). In the eyes of men we might appear to be humble, but if we do not bring glory to God the question remains “Are we hypocrites, self-serving for the praise of men to boost our own egos?” This is a question we can only ask ourselves. We dare not judge another man’s heart. But the answer makes clear to us who is central to our lives, personally.

We who celebrate the achievements of men might bear some responsibility for their downfall, if we do not give God all the praise, honour and glory! “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!” (Colossians 3:23) Nothing matters more than the fact we are being used by God. All glory belongs to God! The thrill comes when we recognize that God opens doors for us to spread the gospel through every means possible. We need to walk through those open doors giving glory to God who opened them, not to the earthly agent, especially if there is any doubt regarding their personal beliefs.

Reflection:

For example – Oprah Winfrey is known around the world for her good works. She is generous and caring. However, most Christians would not celebrate her as an agent of salvation. Why? She shares another gospel that is anti-Christ. She is “spiritual” according to her own testimony, but sadly relates her spirituality to the New Age god, the god within. In the very same way it is dangerous to ally ourselves with anyone who is anti-Christ, clearly anyone who does not bring glory to God. How will we test the spirits? John tells us we can know by the value they put on the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:1-2)

Devotional

Identity Crisis

March 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Philippians 3

Some years ago a phrase was coined that described peoples’ search for meaning in life – “I need to find myself”. Many men and women stopped going to school, quit their jobs, bailed on relationships during the process of trying to discover who they were. What futility!

Little children display so much potential from an early age. Was it a failure then in parenting which caused them to feel they were lost, unworthy, inadequate? Was it unrealistic expectations about the meaning of life? Where did they lose that wonderful confidence so often natural to children, in their own abilities? What had people been taught to so unsettle their internal security?

When someone introduces you to a stranger what is your greatest identifying feature, that thing you would like people to know about you? Is it that you have a degree? …or does your marital status define you? Perhaps some great skill or talent ensures you are a person of worth. Every human being needs affirmation of their personhood, whether known for their great heart for people, or for their intellectual accomplishments, whatever it is that makes them feel significant.

How sad is it that people with education and intelligence, skills and talent, and even a measure of charisma are uncertain of what they can contribute to our world. How many comedians feel absolutely worthless while giving such pleasure to so many people? Yet we have all read stories about those who may seem underprivileged reaching out to others to bring joy, satisfied with their lot. We marvel at the inequities of life that bring self-acceptance to some and not to others.

The Apostle Paul remarked on his pedigree, in more than one of his letters. To the Philippians he seemed rather proud of the fact he was circumcised, an Israelite who kept the law, of the tribe of Benjamin – significant because Judah and Benjamin joined together as the spiritual stronghold in Israel. The other 10 tribes formed a northern alliance, which was less than Godly. He bragged about being a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (3:5-6), a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the Church. Before his conversion he saw himself, with legalistic pride, as faultless.

At least he didn’t have to “find himself” – or did he? Thankfully God arrested his attention on the Damascus road where Paul discovered that, for all his good works, he failed to measure up to God’s standard and therefore needed to be forgiven of his sins. What an amazing discovery Paul made! “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:8).

Now he identified with Jesus Christ. He considered the greatness of his relationship with Jesus sufficient reason for losing all those other things – pedigree, position, even protector of his faith, which had been so important to him before. We are celebrating “Love” this month. Do you, can you love yourself so that you can love your neighbour as much as you love yourself. That goal is set for us by the Lord Jesus Himself! (Matthew 22:37-39).

May each and every one sense the love of God for them personally, today. What an honour to be called a daughter of Almighty God! We have so much to offer when we are secure in Him!

Reflection:

What is it that secures your identity?

Has God ever arrested your attention? Reflect on that occasion. What have you learned?

Do you have the reason, the means, the skill and the compassion to help other find their identity in Christ?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Romantic Literature

March 3, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 36:7 **

Someone has taken the trouble to categorize the books of the Bible into history, poetry and so on. Accordingly the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon, have become known as books of poetry. Poetry, in English literature is largely “romantic”. Others have labelled this section of the Bible as “Wisdom” literature. Many of us would consider romance anything but wise! So what does that mean for us as we read these specific books?

Wordsworth said poetry should begin “as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” which serve as a reference point in moments of tranquility. Romance therefore is not purely imaginative. There is a Divine reality in human experience as we grapple with problems in our changing world, which reveals the heart of God and man, throughout the vicissitudes of life. The starting point is God in whom our romantic contemplations are centered; this is true romance.

Biblical books of romance, poetry, and wisdom, reveal a lot about God’s relationship to man. For example, Job speaks to the blessing of suffering. How often do we consider suffering a blessing? Yet as we draw on God’s strength through periods of loss in our own lives, don’t we find our faith grows, our perspective on God’s wisdom expands and we are able to bless others with what we have learned?

The Psalms reveal the blessings we have in communing with God: the Holy One, the Almighty from whom we beg help for ourselves and others, the Omniscient One who knows the end from the beginning and everything in between! With the Psalmist we learn how to truly praise God even in the midst of trouble!

Solomon was known as the wisest man who ever lived. He leaves us precepts for living that derived from this God-given wisdom. Ecclesiastes may seem to be one of the most mysterious books of the Bible. “Vanity, vanity! All is vanity!” What on earth does that mean? (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Looking at life, one might think the aimless cycles and unexplained paradoxes negate a sense of purpose in the whole of man’s experience, but Solomon concludes that the wise man will see life from God’s perspective “for without Him who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). He is the One who makes all things beautiful in their time (3:11). Isn’t that a romantic reality?

Songs of Solomon. Romantic literature surely, since it deals with a love relationship. How often we mistake Eros as the only expression of romantic love. However, there is another theme that runs through this book – a theme of unity, and the bliss that comes from spirits that are united. Some call this “kindred spirits”. This book is not written to describe only erotic love, but includes the love that Jesus demonstrated, by giving His life as payment for our sins. One with the Father (John 17) we see in Him a Holy love for you and for me. This is the best love which scholars have labelled Agape; a charitable love that embraces unconditional love transcending circumstance.

These books are rich in lessons about relationships. Romantic relationships that give us something to reach for as we contend with each other in everyday life. We need lofty ideals in the sordid conditions of our world today. Sex is not love, nor is it romance. Romance teaches us to go much deeper. Romance produces communication, loyalty, endurance, responsibility, as well as fun and laughter! Perhaps we need our hearts and minds purified by the romantic aspirations of a Holy God!

Reflection:

Pondering on the word, what does romance mean to you?

Is the heart of God romantic and if so explain what that looks like?

Why has mankind settled for Erotic love when Agape or even Filial/brotherly love goes so much deeper?

Check out a concordance for God’s unfailing love in the Psalms.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Testimony

February 25, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Hebrews 13: 5 ” Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Of course we all know that verse, but it’s good to see it and read it every day. This morning from Streams in the Desert was this verse: Daniel 6:20 “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee?” (KJV). God is asking him the question. He is able of course, but we may be prone to lose sight of that, and need to be reminded. May God help us all to trust Him, at least I need Him to help me. Especially now in this troubled world. Be blessed!

I received these thoughts in an email from a dear friend. As we look at the news of our troubled world most of us feel anxious from time to time. My friend had just received this verse in a form which she was able to put on her fridge. That reminded me of God’s instruction to the Israelite people: “These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6).

Knowing how prone we are to be forgetful the Lord gave specific helps: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road”. How often do we talk about God’s promises or prophecies with our family and friends? We seem to have time to “chat” on social media about things which are inconsequential. If we have a thousand contacts our conversations will never go very deep, will they? God’s Word goes on – “Even when we lie down”….”Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep” is the prayer we used sometimes with little children to give them an awareness that God’s love protects us even as we sleep!

The founding fathers in America were from religious backgrounds which often practised morning prayers. The family would gather together for Bible Reading and worship. Imagine doing that in our day as families fly in different directions, rushing to pick up lunches after eating breakfast on the run.

God’s commands were simple. According to Jesus they could be bound together in two: Love the Lord your God with all you have, heart and soul, mind and strength, and your neighbour as yourself. They were to be tied as symbols on our bodies, and in our homes, and even on the gate where others could note you are a family of faith! (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

Reflection:

How much time do we give to serious things of faith, coming from the Word of the Lord? Do we recognize our urgent need of Almighty God, as my friend did? He is the faithful One. His love is eternal. Do we worship Him with all our heart and soul, mind and strength?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Why?

February 17, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 22:1-8

There are many difficult questions arising from scripture. For example: Why did God put trees in the middle of the Garden of Eden that He did not want man to touch? We might imagine what was in the mind of God, but really there is no concrete answer to this question. This is why we need to talk about faith.

What defines our faith? Is it a temporal thing such as believing a chair will hold us when we sit down on it, or is it something much deeper? In the instance of the chair, how would we explain why we believe the chair will hold us? Is it because we can see it has 4 evenly positioned legs? Is it because it is made of sturdy material that we feel will support our weight? Is it what some would describe as blind faith, believing that anything in the form of a chair was made for the purpose of weight-bearing, and therefore we can trust it?

Think about it. What do we actually see that proves there is a God? How does God impact our hearts, our feelings? How do we know there is a God whom we can trust?

Back to the garden….Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the perfect place He had created to be their home. Visually, audibly they knew God. Suddenly they demonstrated the reality of a new knowledge – the knowledge of evil. For the first time they experienced guilt and fear after disobeying God, a significant change from their previous pleasure in His presence. Sadly, removed from their beautiful garden home their faith was no longer visual or companionable. Their social contact with God was limited. Why?

They were separated from Him by their sin. And they knew it. By virtue of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they now recognized evil. They had experienced perfection, but that was gone forever. No wonder God was so upset by their independent thinking, their desire for control, their disregard for His wisdom and plan. Now living in different circumstances the question asked by King David applied to their situation: “Why do the heathen rage?” (Psalm 2:1). David unveiled the resolution of world leaders to rebel against the Lord. How like today this is!

Jeremiah poses the same question “Why”? In context the Lord was warning the Israelites that people of other nations will ask “Why has the Lord done such a thing to this great city?” (Jeremiah 22:8), when God destroys it. “If” – that big little word so full of meaning, is used twice in this chapter to discuss the consequences of obedience or disobedience.

Reflection:

God gave humankind the ability to choose. Why? That ability distinguishes us from other created beings. Our “will” identifies us with the God in whose image we are made. Capable of kindness, compassion and forgiveness, man is indeed unique. Why then is man, through scientific research today trying so hard to identify us with the animal kingdom? Is it not another ploy of the Evil One? Why do we choose to grieve the Holy Spirit by our indifference to His direction, by our rejection of Jesus’ love, by our disobedience of God’s laws? Many questions remain beginning with “Why?”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Going Down to Egypt

February 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 17:14-16

Egypt is a fascinating country. I have seen it from the air, a blue ribbon wending its way between mountains of sand…yes mountains! We often think a desert is flat, but dunes rise to tremendous heights in the Sahara. Bordering the blue ribbon are green swaths which on closer inspection are the gardens which provide their markets with delicious produce. No wonder the Israelites longed for the leeks and onions of Egypt, during their desert wanderings (Numbers 11:18).

But Egypt also has history – a race of strong and intelligent people, their exploits in architecture, literature and commerce, as well as in war, gave them a reputation for excellence, over centuries of time. Wealthy, they had goods and horses. No wonder the struggling Israelites looked to them for help. However, Isaiah pronounces a woe against the Israelites for this very thing. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help!” (Isaiah 31:1). Why is this such a serious thing?

God had rescued His people from persecution and actual slavery in Egypt. The “Exodus” is a famous event in world history. God spoke to the Israelites through Moses and Aaron, giving them regulations for life in their own land, a land He was already preparing to give to them. Several times in Deuteronomy God said “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you….” He gave them instructions re the king He predicted they would ask for, and how to avoid the religious practises of the heathen nations around them (Deuteronomy 17 and 18). Specifically the kings must not make the people return to Egypt ….for the Lord has told you “You are not to go back that way again” (17:16).

The danger was that Israel might prefer the evils of the known above that which was unknown. Think of your own life. How often do we return to the comfort of a familiar pain or problem rather than face the uncertainty of the unfamiliar. Sometimes it might seem we are addicted to pain. Certainly we compromise what God wants for us, when we turn back. God knew the Israelites might rely on the strength of Pharaoh, losing their spiritual compass altogether.

Paul who had experienced trauma of every kind, being beaten and cursed, fleeing for his life, stoned by those in righteous anger, shipwrecked, mocked and imprisoned, knew the past must be left behind if he was to endure. He could see enough of the prize – the mark of the high calling of God motivated him to press forward (Philippians 3:13-14). Oh! that we could envision the glory God has promised to those who are in Christ! To gain that glory we must put the past behind and press forward, trusting God to lead the way. Let us not make the mistake of “Going Down to Egypt”!

Reflection:

How much time have you spent in “Egypt”?

How productive was that time?

What lifted you out of a conflicted situation?

Could your experience speak into the life of someone else?

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

With God

February 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:1-2

Usually one waits for certain seasons to count blessings, but as we approached the quarter mark of 2015 I was amazed to find how God was at work in ways to broaden my understanding and to grow my faith. Having God in my life from a very young age, it is thrilling to know He cares enough to continue touching my heart and mind with deeper insights into His Holy Word, even into old age.

It was at this time I was listening to a preacher from England expositing on Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” His work as a Math professor at Oxford University gave him great opportunities to defend his faith among the intelligentsia of our day. First of all, he wanted us to be clear as to which faith we are defending, since faith is part of everyday life in many different ways…we have faith in people who are close to us, we have faith in the bank where we keep our money and the list goes on.

In North America many people like to refer to themselves as “spiritual” beings, which in truth we are, but their perception is different from what the Bible describes. Listen to the Apostle Paul. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The key then to being spiritual, is having faith “in Christ”.

Our scientist from England argued for the fact that we must have faith in a GOD who never came to be. Man came to be; the universe came to be, but God has always been God and for many scientists the eternality of Yahweh is hard to grasp. Science according to Stephen Hawking, defines the brain as the product of a mindless, unguided process. Evolution supports that hypothesis. If that is so, then how can we trust atheistic findings of that brain, when it comes to belief in God?

Behind the logic of his message was the reality that scripture uses metaphors. Jesus said “I am the door” (John 10:9). Taken literally we would be hard pressed to explain that, but we all know what He meant. Through Him we can enter into the very presence of God Almighty, our heavenly Father! Therefore, why do so many Christians flounder when it comes to taking certain things literally, caught up in arguing for something we need not prove?

John captured a reality that cannot be overlooked. The “Word” – Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning, because He is God – eternal, all knowing, Almighty (John 1:1). Therefore, we have every reason, as believers, to rejoice in our faith, a solid rock in the storms of 2015, or 2050 uncertainties! In fact, Christ has been our foundation throughout centuries of human history and will continue to be on into the future, whatever year we celebrate.

This same God in the person of the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, guiding, rebuking, enlightening, growing each of us in our faith, so that we can say we are with God, day by day. Also, we can trust Him to move in the hearts of people around us, as with His love overflowing in our hearts we live “in Christ” (John 17:21).

Reflection:

What is Jesus’ prayer for you and for me? Put it into your own words.

How would you describe your “spirituality” to someone else?

Do you know you are “In Christ”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Commanded to Love

January 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Exodus 15:2, 15 1 John 3:1

Love is a topic we can never exhaust! It is the theme of scripture from beginning to end. Contrary to popular belief the Old Testament is full of God’s love. Love did not begin as a New Testament theme. Moses sang: “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.” This was addressed to the Lord whom Moses described as “my strength and my song. He has become my salvation….and I will praise Him” (Exodus 15:15, 2).

How was it possible for Moses to believe God is a God of love – unfailing love? Hadn’t the Israelites just endured generations of slavery, oppressed by the Egyptians? During that time many must have asked popular questions asked today when things go wrong: “Where is God in all of this?” “If there is a God, how can He allow this disaster?” “Why would a God of love allow so much suffering?”

We read of other key people who recognized God loved His people, Israel, throughout O.T. history:

Ezra 3: 10-11 – The priests and Levites led the people in celebration of the laying of the temple foundation, in this song: “He [the Lord] is good; His love to Israel endures forever!” (This was following years of punishment, in exile)

Psalm 33:5 – “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love!”

1 Ki 8:23 – King Solomon prayed at the dedication of Solomon’s temple: “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you…….who keeps your covenant of love.”

Jonah 4:2 – An angry prophet, seeing the Ninevites repent, complained to God about His love for this heathen nation: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow in anger and abounding in love.” Jonah could not accept these sinners who had been forgiven by God. What kind of a missionary was he? But God is a God of love and even today welcomes sinners with that love (1 John 3:1 – lavished love!)

The apostle John draws our attention to the subject of love. It is Jesus’ commandment, a commandment, says John, that we have had from the beginning (2 John 6). Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Why should we love God? “This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “We love because He first loved us” (4:19).

We are to “love one another, for love comes from God” (I John 4:7). A sign has been given to believers: “If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12).

True Love is the power that will keep individuals at peace, and the church a pure witness to the love of God. John was most anxious to ensure that the “chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the Truth” [in Christ] would always remember that followers of Jesus have a duty to perform (2 John: 1, 6).

Jesus commanded: “Love!”

Reflection:

How do you see the love of God expressed in the Old Testament?

How did this differ in the New Testament?

What does love empower you to do today?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Praise the Lord

January 14, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 148

The Psalmist call upon the heavens and the earth to praise God. As we begin the new year, let us think in terms of praising God. The common phrase queries “Is the cup half full or is it half empty?”. How will we choose to bring in another year?

My thoughts were drawn, as I read this Psalm, to the heavens which my grandson is famous for photographing. There are galaxies way beyond what we can see, so when the ancients called upon the “highest heavens” to praise the Lord, their writings stimulate our imagination.

Having just celebrated Christmas, “the heavenly host” has been in our thoughts, since choirs of angels sang at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! “Praise Him sun, and moon, praise Him all you shining stars!”. Now why does this seem so important to the author of this Psalm?

We get the answer in verse 5: “For He commanded and they were created”. Just as God spoke our earth into being, He purposed the heavens. “He set them in place for ever and ever”. If mankind has the urge to explore, it is great to know there is a wealth of experience out there which has not even been tapped. That also reminds me that I have been created for a purpose. What an awesome thought!

But – the Psalm doesn’t end there. Things on the earth are called to praise the Lord. All creatures living in the ocean depths as well as land animals and birds, even the weather praise Him. How does “lightening and hail, and snow” praise the Lord? Is it because it shows forth the power of His might?

Last, but not least, “people” including kings and all the rulers on earth, young folks and old, are called to praise God “For His name alone is exalted”. We sing “His name is wonderful”. What do we think about, what life experiences have reinforced the thrill as we sing that song? As we sing, we claim “Jesus” as our personal Lord. What does that mean to you and to me? Scripture teaches us the name of the Lord is holy, majestic, trustworthy, glorious, and everlasting.

Reflection:

God calls us, through the still small voice of His spirit to worship Him for His name’s sake. ”I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake“. We do not need any other reason to “Praise the Lord” do we?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)