Share Your World

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

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Matthew 10:37-42

Some mornings ago I was watching the news when a report aired on the financial market’s progress. As figures were quoted and the international impact was explored I realized how very little I understood. That area of the financial world is a mystery to me. I couldn’t help but wonder if the same confusion applies to the minds of those who have no connection with the world of faith in which I live. What might stimulate their curiosity, or do they feel so overwhelmed by the intricacies of faith that it’s too much trouble to bother?

As a Christian I am embraced by the arms of God. Tentacles of insecurity from financial ruin or deterioration in health might threaten my physical world, but knowing God has a perfect plan for my life gives me assurance that whatever happens will be part of a greater plan for the world He created.

We often get so caught up in ourselves and those nearest and dearest that we forget God is looking at a bigger picture. Sometimes, for the greater good, He does things in an unorthodox fashion. For example – although being married to an unbeliever is not God’s plan for His children (2 Corinthians 6:14), He made an exception with Esther for the greater good of His chosen people (Esther 2:17). Other examples can be seen in the lives of those who give their all to God’s service and then they are brutally murdered by those they went to save. In Ecuador, many years ago the savagery of the natives met by a faithful woman who loved them for Jesus’ sake, eventually resulted in their salvation because they saw Jesus in her.

How do we make decisions when faced with options that conflict with God’s word? One consideration must be ‘Do I have control over this situation?’ If our loved ones decide to marry someone of the same sex, do we write them off because the Bible tells us this is not God’s will? Of course not! We are to love, to the glory of God. The purity of our loving example may be used of God who really is the only One who can change a situation over which we have no control.

How often do we disengage from situations where really we could be the loving presence of God? Jesus taught us to share cups of cold water with a spiritually thirsty world. Is this God’s way of showing love? He loved me and you while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) – not after we shaped up. This is the foundational truth upon which I live and move and have my being. This is my world. I must share it with everyone who will listen! (Matthew 10:14).

Reflection:

What comprises the foundation of your world?

When do you hesitate to share your wonderful faith? Why? (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

When have you seen God working in unusual ways? Were you part of it?

Devotional

Experiencing God’s Love

July 23, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Why do we not know more about God’s love? Every day He showers us with blessings which we take for granted. If they are removed, we complain like little children, yet He knows we have lessons to learn. His love is consistent with His character and does only that which is for our ultimate good. Have you ever asked “What do You want me to learn?

God’s love is not weak and wavering. Human love is so often inconsistent. We say one thing but mean another. Not so with the love of God, so when He kindly gives us advanced warning of consequences of poor choices, He means it. That, in my day was called good parenting. How times have changed! Is it possible that we draw conclusions about God from lessons learned from our society? Shouldn’t He be the standard by which we measure all things good?

What does scripture say about God’s love? It is lasting love – eternal. That is a concept we find very hard to fathom because we’re used to measuring things, even our feelings. Because it is eternal it never fails; therefore, it is trustworthy. It is relational – He calls Himself our “Father”. Once again He is the standard of good Fatherhood so let’s not take our view of that from our earthly experience, whether good or bad.

Moses sang a song of praise to “the Lord who is highly exalted” because He had seen the love of God in action! First of all, He acknowledges God as “My God…and my father’s God” (Exodus 15:1-2). There’s a history here. Then Moses goes on to praise God for deliverance from evil – the evils of living in Egypt, a land where many gods were worshiped. “Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?” (Exodus 15:11). Then he continues with a vivid description of God – “Majestic in holiness! Awesome in glory! Working wonders!” “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed! In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling” (15:11, 13).

Hundreds of years later, John refers to the love of God found in Christ Jesus. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love!” (John 13:1). The last supper was being served and Jesus was facing the cross where He died in a magnificent act of love, taking our sins, yours and mine as well as the sins of the world, upon Himself, out of love. He demonstrated self-sacrificing love. In a “Me-first generation” this seems to be a foreign concept. So – there is much to learn about God’s love, isn’t there?

Reflection:

It is worth noting that Jesus claimed to be “The Way and the Truth”. If so – what the Bible teaches about God’s love is true. God wants us to know His love – not to just know about it, but to really experience it. How is that possible? We will know it when like Paul we are changed, to love as Jesus loved. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced One died for all, and therefore all died. And therefore, He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

by Marilyn Daniels

Marilyn’s Meditations

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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

Commanded to Love

January 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

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

The Lord is Loving and Faithful

September 23, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 25

When we read the words “the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful” (Psalm 25:10) we grow hopeful that as His children we will live lives which are blessed, don’t we? However, we need to read these words in context.

David knows that Almighty God is the source of goodness so when He instructs us sinners (25:8) it is with the expectation of a response. Are we following in His ways by living lives of goodness? What does that mean?

Little children are constantly asking “why”? This is one way they learn. Why does God look for us to show Him we are believers?….and how? First of all, scripture is clear, isn’t it? David writes that the blessing we hope for comes when we “keep the demands of His covenant” (25:10). Do we today in the twenty-first century understand the demands of God’s covenant?

Jesus died for our sins, creating a new covenant. The old regime of salvation by keeping the law has passed away. “The new covenant is in My blood” (Luke 22:20), Jesus said, meaning that it is by believing and receiving His death on the cross as the penalty for our sins, we have eternal salvation. Sounds too easy and it is!

There is more….Jesus taught all those who follow Him to love one another because “it is by this that all will know you are My disciples – that you love one another”. If we are honest it is not always easy to love those with whom we differ. Part of that same verse, which is seldom quoted, tells us “As I have loved you, you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).

There may be sacrifice in offering our love to others. Are we willing to become Christ-like in our response to God’s love? If not, can we expect God to be faithful to us? The new covenant in His blood about which Jesus spoke, was poured out. That creates a word picture…a jug being emptied.

Reflection:

If we say we follow Jesus, are we willing to be emptied in the sake of Christ? What might that look like? Oh dear children of God, let us examine our hearts to see if we measure up to the expectations of a Holy God! Can we truly pray “Show me Your ways O Lord. Teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour and my hope is in You all the day long” (Psalm 25:4-5)?

Devotional

A Prayer of David

August 26, 2024 Admin1 Comment

Psalm 17

David was the King of Israel, remembered down through centuries of time for the Psalms and songs he wrote. They are very revealing of the character of the man who as a boy fought the giant Goliath. As an adult he fell into the sin of adultery; his relationship with Bathsheba, recorded in scripture, serves as a warning to those who pray to live righteous lives. His son Solomon became king after him and was renowned for his wisdom.

In Psalm 17 David presents his credentials to the Lord “O Lord hear my righteous plea” (:1). Was this because he was totally committed to pleasing God in every way? How often have you identified yourself as righteous before the Lord? We are taught to come with humility, pleading the blood of Jesus to cover our sins, whether they are known or unknown. In verse 2 David acknowledges “My vindication comes from You”….in other words – “You probe [know] my heart”, verse 3. Now why is this important?

This demonstrates the degree of relationship that David had with his God. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (:8). Isn’t that a beautiful word picture? Wouldn’t you like to know you are the apple of God’s eye? Why couldn’t we be?

David has obviously put some thought into his life journey. “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin” (:3). Sometimes we think that means swearing, but a simple thing like telling the truth can mean much in the eyes of God. It isn’t always easy to tell the truth. We live in a world filled with deception, so that truth takes on many shades. A little white lie became a joke, but here we find a man whose heart is totally committed to pleasing his God in word and deed (:3-4).

Another thing we learn about David’s relationship with God; it is built on his knowledge of God’s love “the wonder of Your great love” (:7). God’s character can be trusted and David knows God’s love will not let him get away with sin. God brought the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin of adultery. Why? So that David would be brought to the place of confession. God wants us to confess our sins. “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). Psychologically we can only heal from our mistakes as we face them. Our Creator God wants us to live lives that are free from past sin. What an awesome God!

David leaves us with some final thoughts. “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (:8). In another Psalm he writes “He [God] will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). Then he ends on an eternal note. In eternity where our righteousness will be complete “I will see Your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness” (:15).

Reflection:

It is no wonder many folks find comfort in the writings of King David. He knew God personally! We too may know Him! We have the privilege of knowing Him through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing that He came to seek and to save humankind, which was lost in sin. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Love of God

July 22, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

John 21:25, 1 John 3:1-2

Frederick Lehman was born in Germany, but moved to America with his family when he was four years old. He first met the Lord in Iowa, where he grew up. At the age of eleven the Lord convicted him of his sin and his life was never the same. He studied for the ministry and pastored several churches in Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. He enjoyed writing poetry which often became sacred songs. While writing one day, he remembered the words of a song he had scratched on a paper, copied from an unknown source, but it fitted what he wanted to say:

“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 guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled

and pardoned from their sin!

Oh love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure –

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Later investigation showed these words were written on a cell wall in a prison some 200 years before. It is not known why the prisoner was incarcerated; neither is it known if the words were original or if he had heard them somewhere and had decided to put them in a place where he could be reminded of the greatness of God’s love – whatever the circumstances, he wrote them on the wall of his prison cell. In due time he died and the men who had the job of repainting his cell were impressed by the words. Before their paint brushes obliterated them, one of the men jotted them down and thus they were preserved.”

The name of the prisoner was never discovered, but historians later found the source of the poem; it came from a Hebrew poem composed by a Jewish Rabbi living in Germany. The poem was thought to have been written around the year 1000 AD.

We know nothing about Lehman’s sermon that day but the words of this song, like the love of God, have endured for years! God will not leave Himself without a witness. Here in an unknown hand is evidence of His abiding love. Our world desperately needs true love, that amazing quality which comes from God alone, fitted to meet the needs of every heart!

Reflection:

The love of God is worthy of our mediation. It is trustworthy and true. God’s love for the human race is the theme of scripture from beginning to end. Search the scriptures to prove what is that acceptable, admirable quality of God for which every heart longs.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Temptation

December 4, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:13

The story of Jesus’ temptation raises some questions. Why did the Spirit of God lead Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil? (Matthew 4:1). Was He prepared to face temptation and how? Are you and I prepared to face temptation and how? As the power of temptation attacks us, who is our enemy and what do we know about him? It is no wonder Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Lead us not [don’t lead us] into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).

Prior to His temptation we see an order of events that is significant. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. He did that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Those who follow Jesus are clothed in His righteousness, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Isaiah had a lot to say about being clothed in righteousness. One particular verse attributes that blessing to our Lord, noting much joy comes from our relationship with God: “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness!” (Isaiah 61:10). God then announced in an audible voice from heaven “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Why then was temptation necessary?

Ryrie suggests that God’s purpose was to prove His Son to be sinless, and thus a worthy Saviour. A perfect lamb, without blemish, was required for Jewish sacrifices (Leviticus 22:21). It is clear He was without sin. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It is important for us to know the blessing we have to be called “righteous” in Christ, because it makes us heirs of a promise. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” [endure] (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Reflection:

How do you handle temptation? First we need to recognize we are in a battle with God’s enemy, Satan. God has given us armour to put in (Ephesians 6:13-17). Peter reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. “Be self-controlled and alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Praise God we are not alone as we fight the good fight!

Devotional

Tokens of Love

November 28, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

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Galatians 5:22-23

A phrase of a song caught my attention, longing for “tokens of your love”. We spend a lot of time at Christmas and birthdays trying to think of ways to express our love to those who are close to us. How often is our choice determined by the response we hope to elicit?

What is a token? It is a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc., often given in appreciation, or as an expression of love, as the song goes. Have you ever thought about what tokens God has given to you, of His love? Perhaps while we are defining words we need to define love. What is love? One dictionary says love is “an intense feeling of deep affection”. Wikipedia expands on that:

“Love encompasses a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection, to the simplest pleasure.

Theologians try to explain Biblical love, by using many different words. “Love” in the Bible can’t be summed up with just a single word… “there are six different words that can be translated as love, and that doesn’t account for variants and compound words! The more literal translations of the Bible, such as the NASB, have more like 300 mentions of the word “love” because they often translate the Greek and Hebrew into more nuanced words than simply, ‘love’.”

The Apostle Paul devoted a whole chapter to describing what love looks like (1 Corinthians 13). It may be fair to say it takes a life-time to understand the complexities of love. However, one thing is made clear in scripture. “God is love” and “we love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:16, 19). Out of the abundance of His own character, God equips us to love Him. Once we have His love abiding in our hearts, we are enabled to love other people in the same way as God loves us.

Tokens of God’s love can actually be seen – they are visible qualities produced by the Holy Spirit living in us. We become more peaceable for one thing; we’ve already established our ability to love others takes on a new look. Does that mean we can love without expecting something back? Loving God’s way produces joy deep within our own hearts, because it is purely in the interests of another human being. How many of us have achieved this? Let us remember “With God all things are possible”. Those are the words of our Lord Jesus recorded by Matthew (19:26).

Have you ever experienced the deep inner satisfaction of doing something good? Perhaps you were gentle or kind when someone was troubled. This brings comfort and encouragement, tokens of love to another human being in distress. Faithfulness is also described by Paul as part of the fruit of the Spirit. There are many people living out their testimony of love in difficult circumstances, believing it is the right thing to do, for Jesus’ sake. I know someone personally who has dedicated her life to the ministry of faithfulness, which takes patience and self-control. One cannot accomplish this without God.

Reflection:

We don’t need to, nor can we, generate the love which is sourced in God alone. Anything else pales by comparison. Perhaps this is why love relationships in our world today are in so much trouble, extinguished by the smallest trifle. Biblical love “keeps no record of wrongs”. When God forgives He forgets our past sins, moving us forward into a brighter and better future. Will we do that for those who have wronged us? God’s love “rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:5b-7). Let us pray that we can pass on to others these wonderful tokens of God’s love for us!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Weapons of Love

April 4, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 5:44

Long ago a holy man set the record straight. Instead of revenge or retaliation, when we are persecuted we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). In the twenty-first century what might that look like? In modern society we see every rule of God broken with impunity (expectation of freedom from the consequences of our choices). Babies are murdered before they are born, marriage is no longer required as the established ground for raising a family, slander and lying are rampant, and the list goes on. The question is – how do we correct these evils?

A man-child was born to demonstrate the answer to that question. Fully human, Jesus the Son of God, lived only a few years, but His life lives on more than two millennia later, in those who follow His way (John 14:6). How often do we excuse ourselves on the basis of being “only human”. That phrase recognizes the weaknesses and limitations with which each of us has been born. Jesus also experienced human temptation and suffering, such suffering that He sweat drops of blood as he wrestled with the crisis He was facing, in Gethsemane.

Why did He suffer? He knew He had powerful enemies. The faith leaders of His day had walked away from God. They were teaching rules instead of relationship. Love! That was what the world needed, way back then. Even today our witnessing must be born of love. Jesus spoke words that challenge each of us with a love not known in most human terms: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

First this brings us a recognition of God, Creator of the world. “In the beginning God” (Genesis 1:1). A New Testament verse reveals to us that Jesus was not just man, but equally He was God ( John 1:1). The only begotten – unique God-man. God’s greatest weapon against evil was His relational Being, His Son Jesus (Hebrews 1:3). As we read John 3 we know that love ruled God’s decision to send His Son. His love blanketed the world…inclusive of race or gender. “Whosever believes” will receive the right to become children of God (John 3:16, 1:12).

In an age when evil reigned, when folks were violent and hateful, angry and greedy, Jesus came to bring what? Love! He cautioned His followers that they would be recognized by their love (John 13:35). As Jesus combatted the evils of demonic oppression, He loved. His heart was drawn towards suffering of every kind as He met with rich and poor, feeble and sick, male and female. He fed and healed and served because He loved everyone. He even loved those who rejected Him (Mark 10:21) and those who crucified Him.

As we serve Jesus, do our hearts cry out to our heavenly Father “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”? (Luke 23:34). Folks are making choices today which reject God’s laws of morality. What is our attitude towards them? Can we change them by nagging or demanding change? What would Jesus do and say if He lived on earth today?

Reflection:

Jesus does live on earth today…in broken vessels, but He has chosen you and me to represent Him, using the weapons He used. We have been given the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 617), who equips us to love and to live at peace, with kindness, gentleness, patience and even self-control! (Galatians 5:22-23). He helps us to do good to those who spitefully use us (Matthew 5:44). Let us always remember our enemies lack the holy hope which sustains children of God in lives of love, faithfulness and gratitude. What does my life witness to a weary, wounded world? Paul gave a benediction to the Romans:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)