Courage to Confront

October 13, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 11:1, 37-53

Very few of us like people who are confrontational. They make us nervous. However, as Solomon observed, there is a time for everything…..a time to speak and a time to be quiet.

We know that Jesus, for the most part was silent during His trial. Had He already said His piece? Was anyone listening? It seemed in the fickleness of human nature many listened as long as it suited their purpose. How many were really converted to His way of thinking? How many had the courage of their convictions, having listened to what He taught?

Take for example a discussion which took place at the dinner table. Jesus was the invited guest of a Pharisee. How refreshing and kind after a long day of preaching and teaching and driving out demons! In itself, this invite was remarkable since Pharisees did not usually extend table fellowship to those whom they condemned for questionable conduct. Jesus had been accused of making friends with sinners – by association contaminating Himself. He was accused of breaking the law by healing on the Sabbath. He was accused of blasphemy, claiming to be equal with God. This was the confrontation He faced almost daily from the Pharisees and religious leaders.

Luke records Jesus was reclining at the table (11:37). This is a picture of relaxed posture. Knowing all things as He did, He certainly was aware that this was a God-given opportunity. For what? Did He anticipate a grueling grilling on His theology, or on His practise of faith? How could He be so relaxed? Think of it – how relaxed do you feel on the verge of possible confrontation?

He didn’t have to wait long. Immediately His host noticed He didn’t wash before eating. Why, we do not know, unless He orchestrated this to make a point. His point was very clear. Taking in all those who were present, Jesus declared “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people!….Woe… Woe… Woe”

(:42-52 – repeated 6 woes).

The Pharisees made a great show of cleanliness; tradition demanded it. They would not even eat with folks they felt were unclean physically or spiritually….demonstrating a high degree of superiority and judgment. It was easy to insult His host by not washing, but imagine how Jesus turned the situation around! Such courage, meeting them on their own turf and then risking their displeasure. Would you be willing to risk ridicule or even worse – we read the Pharisees and leaders of the law opposed Him fiercely and besieged Him with questions (:53).

Reflection:

Imagine yourself in the same situation as guest of an uncertain friend. Would you have courage to confront error in their thinking?

After such a busy day would we be inclined to excuse ourselves on the basis of fatigue?

How was Jesus fortified for this encounter? We need to remember to be in reliance upon the Holy Spirit if we should find ourselves in a confrontational situation.

Devotional

Were You Listening?

April 9, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Luke 20:1-8

An exasperated Mom exclaimed “How many times do I have to tell you….?” The question we want to consider today is: How many times does our heavenly Father have to tell His people the truth about His Son? In both word and deed God verified who He is and the purpose of His coming. How many people were listening?

Folks in the city of Jerusalem would not likely know that Jesus’ birth was heralded by an angel choir…rather a rare occurrence even in that day! However, Matthew records that many people went from Jerusalem to the Jordan River where John was baptising those who confessed their sins. Even Pharisees and Sadducees went out of the city to check up on this religious exercise, and earned John’s censorship. He called them a “brood of vipers” asking who had warned them to flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7). What on earth could He have meant?

This fiery preacher John then told the crowd that after him would come someone so great that he, John, was unworthy to untie His shoes. This great One would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. Some prophecy! Shortly thereafter along came Jesus, asking to be baptised. John hesitated because he felt Jesus should be baptising him. However, Jesus insisted that He wanted to identify with sinners whom He had come to save (Matthew 3:5-15).

Then it happened – confirmation of a supernatural order. The heavens opened up, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a visible dove and a voice from heaven identified Jesus as “My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (:16-17). Was the crowd listening?

Upon another occasion a voice came from heaven to confirm Jesus’ ministry. He was in Jerusalem to worship at the feast of the Passover, just prior to His crucifixion. The crowd heard the proclamation in answer to Jesus’ prayer that God would glorify His name – “I [God the Father] have glorified it, and will glorify it again” (John 12:28). They said the voice thundered! Anyone listening?

Apart from the miracles with which we are all so familiar, miracles of healing, casting out demons and raising the dead, there were these verbal confirmations from heaven of Jesus’ Sonship – of His deity. Recognized by Jews and Gentiles, sinners and religious leaders alike, folks flocked to Him for answers to their concerns….the rich young ruler, Nicodemus the Pharisee, the Syrophoenician woman, Mary and Martha – Jesus met each of them with compassion. Were they all listening?

Reflection:

What would it take for us to really hear the voice of God?

Have you heard the still small voice of God or has He thundered His will in your ears?

Have you known the voice of God through verbal revelation, the written Word or through circumstances?

Do you worship Jesus as God? Were you listening?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

The Angel Gabriel

December 25, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 1 & 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Noel

December 17, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 2:8-14

Noel is a word we associate with Christmas carols. It is derived from several root meanings: from the French word Nael meaning Christmas, but goes back even further to the Latin word Natalis meaning birthday. Nouvelles means news. Nowell means shout for joy! Carols written in the Middle Ages began the common use of this word.

The word itself is not found in scripture. Why then is the Christmas carol “The First Noel”, so popular? The song was published in the early 1800’s, based on the account given to us by Luke. “I bring you good news” (Nouvelles), the angel said, speaking to a small group of shepherds. The news was so good it would cause a lot of people to experience “great joy” (Nowell) (Luke 2:10).

The effect of this good news was evangelistic. The shepherds were so impacted by the message from a heavenly choir, a host of angels (Luke 2:13), that they had to check it out. Going into Bethlehem in search of this newborn baby (Natalis), the town became aware that something significant was happening, right there in Bethlehem!

Down through centuries of time folks have rejoiced in the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:11). The first Nael was sung on the hillsides of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, but the Spirit of the Lord still brings joy to the hearts of disciples who sing of Jesus’ birth today. Noel explains the coming of Christ to forgive and save us all…. “…and with His blood mankind hath bought. Noel!”

Just as the great star attracted attention, the life of Jesus has shed spiritual light onto our world ever since His advent, continuing “Both day and night. Noel!”. “Let us all, with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord…..Born is the King (the Christ, the Messiah). Noel!”

The Magi sought a king…”Where is the One who has been born ‘King of the Jews’?” (Matthew 2:2). Known at both His birth and crucifixion as King of the Jews, His status was even recognized by Herod (Luke 23:38). Jesus identified His kingdom as “not of this world” (John 18:36).

The Apostle Paul who struggled against the Lordship of Christ finally had to admit He is God, the One before whom “Every knee will bow…and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). At the end of the age a choir of angels numbering thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, will circle the throne where the Lamb who was slain is proclaimed worthy of all praise and honour and power forever and ever (Revelation 19:11-13) Nowell!

Reflection:

What sorts of images does that heavenly scene conjure up?

What will you celebrate this Christmas as the Holy Spirit informs your spirit of Noel?

Will you “follow the star, wherever it went”?

Where is Jesus calling you and me to go with the good news?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Noel

December 10, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Maximilian Orlowsky on Pexels.com

Luke 2:8-14

Reflection:

What sorts of images does that heavenly scene conjure up?

What will you celebrate this Christmas as the Holy Spirit informs your spirit of Noel?

Will you “follow the star, wherever it went”?

Where is Jesus calling you and me to go with the good news?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

This Man Welcomes Sinners

August 6, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 15:1-7

A large crowd was gathering. The Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered about the calibre of people Jesus attracted, since there were tax collectors and sinners in the crowd. Isn’t it interesting the designation that categorized groups of people, in their minds? Although they looked down on tax collectors as lesser beings, often of ill-repute, they separated them from sinners. How were they defined?

Jesus was teaching in parables again. This time He spoke about a shepherd who, leaving ninety-nine sheep safe in the fold, went in search of one that had strayed. It’s a very moving account of caring and compassion, of concern for the safety of one sheep that was lost. Jesus went on to describe the joy of the shepherd when he found the sheep, lifting it to his shoulder and carrying it home. We learn many things about the shepherd from this parable. He was tender and personally involved – he didn’t delegate. Help for the helpless was and is always forth-coming. Rescue operations are a rewarding responsibility. There seem to be no consequences for straying beyond being brought back into the fold. Mission accomplished was cause for celebration with the community. The Shepherd called his friends and neighbours together to rejoice with him.

Taking the story one step further Jesus explains its meaning. The lost represent spiritually needy people. The shepherd is Jesus, Himself – He talked about His mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Did you know there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents? (Luke 15:10). Jesus said that is cause for greater joy than the ninety-nine righteous people who remained securely in the fold, not needing to be rescued (:7). What an awesome thought!

But the Pharisees and teachers of the law complained. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (:2). They were treated to a long sermon using many examples of how important the “lost” are to God. Jesus talked about searching for the lost coin, about the prodigal son who strayed from the safety and security of his father’s home and for that period of time was essentially lost. We don’t read anywhere that they understood His point. Rather each time these religious leaders are mentioned it is always from a position of condemnation – “They sneered at Jesus“. (16:14).

Other Gospel writers noted this also. Matthew writes that after Jesus forgave a paralytic of his sins, teachers of the law labelled Him blasphemous (Matthew 9:3). They were quick to point out how His disciples were breaking the law by picking and eating grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:2). Mark records how Jesus was held responsible by the Pharisees for allowing His disciples to eat with unwashed hands (Mark 7:5) and how anxious they were to trip Him up as they tested Him and asked for some sign from heaven that would validate His teachings (Mark 8:11). Even the crowds couldn’t make up their minds about Jesus. Some declared Him to be good on account of His miracles, but others criticized Him for deceiving the people (John &:12, 20, 45-49)…..and these are just a few examples.

Behind the arrogance and pride of the religious leaders, Jesus continued about His Father’s business. He was too busy doing good, teaching the way to a personal relationship within the Kingdom of God, to be distracted by the complaints and criticisms that would probably deter many of us from our mission.

Reflection:

How do you define “sinners”?

What was it that kept Jesus strong in the face of criticism?

Will His example strengthen you in your resolve to welcome sinners, in spite of what people think?

Does this help you consider the impact a critical spirit might have on people with whom you interact?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Our Father

June 18, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano on Pexels.com

Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4

In answer to the disciples’ request, Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Luke 11:1). John the Baptist also taught his disciples to pray. We don’t know how John began his prayers, but Jesus addressed them to the “Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Notice an important link, personalizing our prayer. We are to pray to “Our Father” according to Matthew (6:9)….not just any Father, but Jesus’ Father also.

Jesus teaches us a lot about His Father. First of all, He is to be revered as Holy. Matthew and Luke agree: His very name is “Hallowed”, meaning respected, honoured. In fact, Jesus cautions us about the use of this term “Father”: “Do not call anyone on earth your Father, for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).

The difference between our God and pagan deities is that He is relational. His Fatherhood is crucial to the freedom with which we can come into His presence. But – not everyone is a child of God. John reminds us in verses we should commit to memory, that we become children of God when we believe and receive Jesus, who in these verses is teaching us to pray (John 1:12-13). “to all who received Him [Jesus], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”.

Our Father can be applied to for daily provision (Luke 11:3), both material and spiritual. His children trust that His perfect will is sufficient for each day, because His will is done in a perfect place – heaven (Matthew 6:10).

God our Father also stands ready, filled with mercy and grace, to forgive His children when they misbehave, or make wrong choices, provided we hold a spirit of forgiveness towards those who sin against us (Luke 11:4, Matthew 6:12). “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” Luke wrote.

“Father” is a tender term, in spite of what our human experience may have been. The character of God is often demonstrated by Godly fathers here on earth, but not always; God is so long-suffering and tender, kind and patient, “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

Good fathers do not provoke their children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4 KJV). Moreover, God may be trusted to carry out His word, whether it is a promise or a consequence, leading us in a relationship of trust. Sometimes we don’t appreciate the consequences, but like any good parent God is true to His word.

Reflection:

How did God become your “Father in heaven”? Do you remember that experience with joy? What do you know about Him and where can you learn truth about the One we call heavenly Father? We are invited to search the scriptures, God’s love-letter to mankind. Do you enter His presence with thanksgiving in your heart, and into His courts with praise? Are you free from the burden of bearing a grudge against someone else? Do you celebrate His tender mercies which are new every morning? Will you trust Him where you cannot see a solution to problems that exist here on earth? Does His truth impact your heart and mind day by day? How might that influence the way you live? Do you find comfort in calling God your “Father”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Uncategorized

With Me in Paradise

May 20, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 23:38-46

The man was a hardened criminal. What the specifics of his crime were we are not told, but he got the death penalty. It was a hideous death, the type saved for the worst. He was labelled a thief, but had he also killed someone in his attempt at robbery? Sometimes they just cut off the hands, but this was total defeat, hanging on a cross. A Roman cross. What was his nationality? Was he a Roman too? Or was he a Jew? Surely Jews were above petty thieving….so punishment this serious meant it was a complicated case. Who were his judges? The religious elite of Pharisees, or the Roman tribunal?

Had he and the other thief been working together? Did they know each other at all? They carried on a brief conversation as they hung there. Actually, it was not quite a conversation but began by the one thief hurling insults at the man dying between them. He made demands of the man “If…..save yourself and us” (Luke 23:39). He must have heard of this man’s reputation for healing and doing miracles. Why was he there hanging on a cross? So many questions!

Our first criminal retorted “Don’t you believe in God?” Imagine – what a place for a testimony of faith. He went on to declare Jesus righteous…yes – it was Jesus Christ, hanging between 2 thieves. “This man [Jesus] has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41).

What did these men dying on either side of our Lord know about Him? One demanding with sneers: “Aren’t you the Christ?” The other humbly asking that Jesus would remember him when he came into His kingdom (Luke 23:39, 42). Had he read the sign “King of the Jews”? (:38). What could he possibly have known about the Kingdom? He even called Jesus by name (:42).

Jesus’ answer has given hope to thousands of people down through the course of human history. TODAY. Immediately! Now. Had Jesus discovered faith in the heart of this man who was suffering the same physical agony He experienced? What qualified Him to give assurances now? He looked like a mighty failure, fallen prey to the religious right.

Typical of Jesus, He prefaced His answer with His usual “I tell you the truth” (:43). It’s a truth we need to hear today. It brings comfort at the moment of death. “Today you will be with Me” (:43) Where was this King of the Jews going? Didn’t everyone who died go to Hades, the place of the dead? He leaves this man in no doubt. The truth is He was going to Paradise. PARADISE?

Perhaps in his whole life this unfortunate human being had no hope of ever being in Paradise. And now the flicker of recognition from his heart to God’s brought him the promise he had never dreamed possible. He wouldn’t have to wait for it either. Paradise is the abode of God – Heaven. Jesus gave His disciples a glimpse of Paradise when he told them about Abraham and Lazarus in Paradise, and the rich man’s conversation out of the torments of hell (Luke 16:22). Here was another social leper, a pariah surprised by Jesus’ promise to honour his dying faith and to bring him to Paradise. There has been controversy about where Jesus was during the time he was in the grave, but this clearly indicates he went to Paradise. There He greeted this man who believed in Him. What a glorious picture of God’s mercy and grace. It is never too late!

Reflection:

Reviewing this event, did your heart swell with joy at the compassionate discernment of our Saviour who was willing to let another sinner into Paradise on the whispered prayer of faith?

Did that joy remind you of your own experience when you met the Master face to face and longed to follow Him, whether it was here on earth or into heaven?

Who are you praying for today – that one you long to see whispering a prayer of faith?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

March 12, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 19:10

Sometimes as I kneel to pray the words of an old hymn go through my mind, and become a significant part of worship. Many years ago Fanny Crosby wrote about the glory of the cross. Her prayer was for Jesus to keep her near the cross. How near are you to the cross of Christ day by day, I asked myself? Do I hold the cross close to my heart as something vitally precious?

The song goes on “Free to all, a healing stream flows from Calvary’s mountain”. God’s mercy is offered to all, including every race, nation, tongue. We all come to the cross confessing we are sinners (Romans 3:23). We worship the beauty of holiness seen in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts cry out in sorrow that He, who was pure and perfect, offered to suffer, making it personal – for “my” sins!

We come as tremb’ling souls when once we see ourselves compared to Jesus Christ. Found hopelessly embroiled in sin because of our very nature, inherited from Adam and Eve, Jesus’ love and mercy finds us. Jesus said “The Son of Man [His favourite name for Himself] came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The glory in all of this is that our ransomed souls will find rest, eternal rest once we cross over into glory-land. There the Bright and Morning Star will shed His beams around you and me!

The hymn goes on as a prayer that Jesus would help me to walk from day to day with the shadow of the cross over me, protecting me. There, in a place made safe by our Saviour, we will wait for His return.

Reflection:

Our salvation was planned by our heavenly Father and executed by His only begotten Son. The Holy Spirit stirs us to respond to God when we hear about the saving grace of Jesus who sacrificed Himself at Calvary to make relationship with the Father possible. His blood cleanses us from all sin when we confess our sins. Fanny Crosby got the message and worship God for all He has done!

Jesus, keep me near the cross, Refrain: In the cross, in the cross
There a precious fountain; Be my glory ever,
Free to all, a healing stream, Till my ransomed soul shall find
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. Rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul, 3 Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Love and mercy found me; Bring its scenes before me
There the Bright and Morning Star Help me walk from day to day
Shed His beams around me. [Refrain] With its shadow o’er me.

4 Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river. [Refrain]

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Golden Rule

February 13, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 6:27-36

What is the Golden Rule? How many people know who said it? Do people today live according to its concept?

Moved with compassion, Jesus went up on a mountainside so He could be heard by a vast throng of people who were seeking His help. They came from all over Judea, some from the coast of Tyre and Sidon and of course there were those who lived in Jerusalem. Their needs were multiple! Some were demon-possessed, some diseased. They crowded around to touch Jesus because “Power was coming from Him and healing them all!” (Luke 6:17-18).

After physical healing had taken place, Jesus reached out with spiritual healing. He knew the greatest needs were those of the heart and mind. He recognized immediately that some had been abused, physically and emotionally (Luke 6 :28-29). What was their response to be? Was Jesus asking the impossible when He said to love our enemies? Surely this was a very new idea to a nation who were used to giving an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

There are at least 2 key words in this passage of the Sermon on the Mount. One is “give”. Most of us have heard the phrase “Turn the other cheek”. This demonstrates a refusal to retaliate. It requires giving up that right. Jesus goes a bit farther….if someone robs you of your cloak, don’t withhold your tunic. In fact – give to anyone who asks you without demanding they give it back. He sums these all up in one sentence “Do to others as you would have them do to you!” (Luke 6:31). I would suggest that for most people on earth today these are very difficult expectations….is this what God requires of those who follow Jesus?

Then Jesus expands on the attitude that perhaps will make it possible for His disciples to emulate His life and works. He uses the “if” word to explain. “If” you love, “If” you do good, “If” you lend”…expecting to be reimbursed, what credit is that to you? “Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full” (:32-24).

If we are going to follow Jesus we must show the world that He does make a difference. His love sacrificed all of His rights (Philippians 2) to come to earth, die on a cross to pay the penalty for your sins and mine – and in fact, those of the whole world! Even on that cross He showed kindness to the ungrateful and wicked. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, Luke 6:35). Mercy, forgiveness, kindness, love – these are the characteristics of Jesus that He has called us to show to the world in which we live. The Golden Rule is love in reality….this is what makes Christianity unique.

Reflection:

How is Jesus the answer for the world today?

How much do you cling to your rights?

Whom do you need to love and forgive?

Will you commit to being Christ-like for the sake of others?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)