Thy Will

January 13, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:10

Recently we studied the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins on a positive note with the Beatitudes, those precious blessings offered to those who sincerely mourn over their sins, and then act out the character of God. Throughout the sermon we sense the yearning heart of God. He longs for relationship with His people. What a challenge to those who see God as harsh in His judgments. Those who are pure in heart will actually see God, day by day.

As Jesus’ teaching flows through the laws of the Old Testament, He also reminds us today of something else. “Thy will” or “Your will” as more modern versions put it. What do you and I know about the will of God in the twenty-first century? Is it really relevant in this day and age when human distinction favours scientific exploration as truth?

Perhaps we need to start with the first words of Jesus’ prayer: “Our Father”. Who can truly call God “Father”? It is those who have seen Him – those seeking purity of heart….perhaps those who are willing to humble themselves before God by obeying His laws. I find it interesting that Jesus developed a theme as He reviewed laws pertaining to murder and adultery, divorce and remarriage, oaths and reconciliation. Are any of these hot topics in the church today? Do we really teach “Thy will”?

A pet peeve of mine, I just admit, is keeping the Sabbath. We don’t. We are not Jewish, and so we excuse ourselves in order to celebrate Sunday as the day of rest. Who of us honestly rests, taking time to be alone with God, on a Sunday? And Satan laughs! We go to church don’t we, and perhaps have fellowship at the Swiss Chalet afterwards? But does our conversation even bend towards things of God in that “fellowship” we find so needful?

God spoke through the prophets so His people then and now would know Him. He asks “…who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?…so you will be My people and I will be your God” (Jeremiah 30:21-22). N.B. “I will” identifies the purpose of God. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14) The will of God is so clear here, isn’t it?

“Holy Holy Holy – Lord God Almighty” begins an old hymn lifting God up as Holy. This “Holy” God calls you and me to be like Him – to be pure in heart so that we might actually see Him. Real worship begins when we see God. At least that is what Jesus taught. This is why “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is crucial to our prayers (Matthew 6:10).

How many times do we pray for our family and friends to be relieved of illness or discomfort, focusing on physical needs? What do we know about the will of God teaching us through temptation and trials? Think of it – our Lord endured both. Will we allow God’s will to accomplish His purposes?

Reflection:

What do you know about seeking the face of God? So, when you pray do you come with confidence or contrition? Do you pause to sense His presence when you pray? These are real questions, and there are more, which I must ask myself as I come to God in prayer. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Thy will”. Considering the magnificent possibilities, “Thy will “ becomes crucial to my prayers!

Devotional

Called By the Master

July 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 10:1-10

The Bible is amazingly relevant for today. Throughout every era in human history God has been calling people. It started in the Garden of Eden when He didn’t find Adam and Eve; because of their sin they had hidden from their Maker and friend, but God in His great love continued to call. It would take an entire book to review all those recorded in scripture who were called by God, but a few are outstanding. Note as we remember Samuel’s experience, that God even called children (1 Samuel 3).

Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him to commission them for a life-long task. First, He gave them authority over evil spirits and disease (Matthew 10:1). Among the many who followed Jesus these, particularly chosen for specifics tasks, were named (:2-4). Jesus outlines specific conditions for working for Him. These twelve were to go to Israel, particularly those in Israel who were lost (:6). Who were they? Certainly they were not to go to the Gentile community with the gospel message (:5). Why was that?

Jesus, knowing all things from the beginning to the end (He is the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8) already had His missionary to the Gentiles picked out. In fact Saul was probably born around that time. It would take eleven dedicated men to witness to the stubborn people of God, but by one very powerful preacher, through the thick and thin of persecution, the Word of God was seeded throughout the Gentile communities of the then-known world.

Being called by the Master would mean persecution. Jesus warned His disciples they would not be appreciated (Matthew 10:22). In fact, they would need to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:14-16). The disciples of every generation, (even in the twenty-first century) learned what those words could mean. But they also knew the joy of the Lord is their strength. The reward of ministry to others brings an incredible sense of purpose and peace.

Many are called (Matthew 22:14). However, Jesus knew responses would differ. There are those who make a profession of faith based on an emotional response. Others make a commitment, by following the Lord in Baptism. Some people make Jesus Lord and Master of their lives, not just Saviour. One pastor used to say “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Dr. John Moore). How true is that? Ryrie comments: ”There is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation….there is also a specific election that brings some to Him…..man is held responsible for rejecting Christ whether it is because of indifference, rebellion or self-righteousness” (Page 1500).

The Master calls all to “Come unto Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….emotional rest in the midst of relational storms, spiritual rest when persecuted, physical rest when tired, sick or hungry.

Reflection:

Note God has called sinners, children, disciples, and perhaps even you and me today. How do you feel about that?

Have you been called? To what purpose?

Does it include suffering? (Read Philippians 1:29)

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Who is Jesus?

December 31, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:18-23

Do a survey among your community of family and friends asking this question. You may be surprised at the answers you get.

More than 2,000 years ago a baby was born in Bethlehem, a baby whose life and teachings shaped the next two millennia. Until now this event has even influenced the recording of our calendar years, gauging time by years before Christ (BC) and after His death (AD). How is it possible that something as important to the human race as time, has been governed by the birth of a baby born in obscurity?

The Bible records another astonishing incident – this baby was visited by kings from the east, “Magi” who honoured Him with costly gifts. Apparently the stars announced His birth to these learned men from afar. If that were possible, then we would no longer wonder that a few shepherds were astonished at the choir of angels singing praises to God. Through this baby, born in an insignificant town, in a small and oppressed nation, God was bringing peace to the world –

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests” (Luke 2:14).

So we ask again – ‘Who is Jesus?”

An angel appeared to Joseph, confirming that his betrothed wife was going to give birth to a baby conceived in her by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). What did Joseph know about the Holy Spirit? The angel also gave a name to this baby – ‘Jesus’. We’ve previously noted that Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which in Hebrew means “the Lord saves”.

Centuries before this miraculous birth God gave Isaiah a prophecy that a virgin would be with child…impossible! Yes! But God is the God of the impossible, Jesus told his disciples (Mark 10:27). The prophet also predicted the name of the child would mean “God with us” – Immanuel!

During His three-year ministry several people recognized Jesus as the Messiah (the One anointed to take the throne of David Matthew 1:1), the Christ. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, about whom we hear very little, was the first to call Jesus ‘Messiah’ as he excitedly ran to Peter with this momentous news! (John 1:41). Next was the Samaritan woman…..demonstrating God’s love for all people! Imagine that He entrusted such identification to a woman who was not a Jewess! Jesus’ identity was revealed to a woman of ill repute, of a nationality despised by the Jews (John 4:29).

Reflection:
How do you see Jesus?

What might make Jesus the most powerful influence in your life?

What would you like your nearest and dearest to know about Jesus?…and why?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Getting in God’s Way

November 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 16:13-

The Bible records a story that is close to the experience of every believer. How often do we try to interpret God’s word as instruction for us to do something? Sadly we often do so on the basis of incomplete listening. We are so frequently reactionary that we only have half the picture when we fly off to “do” or to “fix” something.

Perhaps this is why we are told “…know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In that same verse the Lord tells His people to “Be still” – cease striving, and know that I am God. It seems that although they claimed to know God, they didn’t understand the magnificence, or the intentions of this Sovereign Being.

God spoke: “I will be exalted among the nations.” Pretty incongruous with the state of affairs in their world. So many other nations, heathens, pagans, were worshiping at the shrines of man-made gods. How would God be exalted among the nations? Certainly not with the help of the Israelites. Stop trying to fix it, God said.

A hymn-writer penned the words “Speak Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee.” If God speaks to us in a still small voice, will we hear Him amidst the noise of our world? What assurance will we have that God speaks to His children today if we don’t practise the art of listening?

Back to our story – Peter had just identified Jesus as Divine. Jesus commended him for listening to the Holy Spirit who had revealed this truth to him, for it was on that truth that Jesus would build His church! (16:18). WOW! Imagine having that “well done” from Jesus’ own lips! However, Peter, being Peter, fails to listen to the rest of what Jesus needed to teach His disciples. He interrupted Him in the middle of an important prophecy. He only heard “I will be killed” – or that was what Peter thought he heard. Words tumbling over each other, Peter hastened to correct Jesus by exclaiming that was impossible! (Matthew 16:22).

Immediately Jesus turned the tables and spoke to him sharply. You are acting just like Satan; in fact your denial of my sacrifice is exactly what Satan wants this needy world to believe (16:23). You see – Peter was getting in God’s way. The perfect plan God was orchestrating in order to achieve redemption for the sins of the world, would have been turned upside down by Peter’s well-meaning protection of the One who needed to be his Saviour!

When the unexpected, or distasteful happens to us we are often tempted to tell God “Never, Lord!” just as Peter did, but if it fits into a Divine plan that is veiled from our eyes, might we just get in God’s way? Perhaps we need to pause, to listen carefully, and to wait for God to clarify His purpose, before we deny Him the opportunity to teach us precious lessons that He knows we need to learn.

Reflection:

Think about what God’s purpose might be in some unwelcome circumstance in your life.

Do your reactions tend to get in God’s way?

Does He sometimes need to rebuke you for not listening?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Man Peter

July 1, 2024 Admin1 Comment

Matthew 16:16-18

How many of us can identify with the man called Peter? Jesus named him Peter, “Petros” which in the original Greek means “Rock”. Because Jesus is the Creator of all things, including people – Peter, you and me, He knows what name to give to each of us. Did Jesus call Simon “Peter” because of some inherent strength that he exhibited from childhood?

Looking at the life of Peter we do see a certain confidence expressed in his bombastic disposition. He was forever blustering…correcting Jesus when he didn’t like His predictions (Matthew 16:22), and generally assuming leadership within the group of disciples. Peter was wordy, always having answers…a take-charge sort of man. Was it because of this that Jesus named him the “Rock”? Peter makes a fascinating psychological study.

But we learn most from Peter’s spiritual journey. Just like everyone else, he was a complex mixture of strengths and weaknesses. Full of ideas, Peter suggested that booths should be built to commemorate the meeting of Jesus with Elijah and Moses, at Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:2,5-6). On the surface this was a magnificent thought! However, we must notice his words were motivated by fear, not feeling. (How many people have tried to serve Jesus for the wrong reasons?)

His fears overwhelmed him on the night Jesus was taken by soldiers to face charges laid against Him by the religious right of that day. The Jewish leaders rose up to defy His deity, by having Jesus crucified and Peter, moved by panic denied knowing Him, not once, but three times (Luke 22:56-62). Recognizing his failure, Peter wept bitterly. At that moment he could have penned the words of a song we sing today:

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all.

Thankfully he didn’t give up. This man, jelly-like in his lack of loyalty, became a Rock constructed by Jesus, when he once recognized his own weakness. Here’s the thing….in spite of your weakness and mine, Jesus is able to do the impossible. He can and will make us solid in our faith. It isn’t all bad to reflect on our past sins, if we then recognize the glorious truth that we are made strong by our Creator, Himself, when we admit our inadequacy!

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all.

How many times can we fall down, before Jesus will no longer pick us up? We know of at least 3 instances in Peter’s life, but our Lord assured His disciples that they would be forgiven as they forgave others, up to seventy times seven. Who is counting?

Reflection:

As we worship let us remember Peter grew as he leaned on Jesus! Both he and the Apostle Paul knew what it meant for weakness to be turned into strength (Hebrews 11:34). Do you?

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name!

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)

Devotional

Getting in God’s Way

June 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 16:13-

Back to our story – Peter had just identified Jesus as Divine. Jesus commended him for listening to the Holy Spirit who had revealed this truth to him, for it was on that truth that Jesus would build His church! (16:18) WOW! Imagine having that “well done” from Jesus’ own lips! However, Peter, being Peter, fails to listen to the rest of what Jesus needed to teach His disciples. He interrupted Him in the middle of an important prophecy. He only heard “I will be killed” – or that was what Peter thought he heard. Words tumbling over each other, Peter hastened to correct Jesus by exclaiming that was impossible! (Matthew 16:22).

Reflection:

Think about what God’s purpose might be in some unwelcome circumstance in your life.

Do your reactions tend to get in God’s way?

Does He sometimes need to rebuke you for not listening?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The God of Mystery

April 29, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Avery Nielsen-Webb on Pexels.com

Deuteronomy 29:29 Ephesians 3:2-6

Who is God? This is a question asked down through the ages. How many people groups have invented something to worship because they have been created with a god-consciousness that needed a visible object. Therefore, conceptions of God in monotheism [one God] and pantheism, [belief that the divine interpenetrates every part of the universe], or of the supreme deity in henotheism [belief in and worship of a single god while accepting the existence or possible existence of other deities] can extend to various levels of abstraction. What then gives substance to the God of the Bible?

Christians believe the Bible is the revelation of God, authorized by general revelation, through nature (Romans 1:18-21), through God’s providential dealings with mankind (Romans 8:28), through God’s preservation of the universe (Colossians 1:17), and through man’s moral nature (Genesis 1:26, Acts 17:29). God has also revealed Himself through scriptures written over 1,500 years by about 40 different authors, written without contradiction (1 John 5:9-12). Although seen since the beginning of the world (Genesis 1:26), Jesus Christ embodies God to mankind through His incarnation (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:3) (Physical appearance).

However, in man’s haste to know God, there is sometimes a familiarity that tends towards error. We sing about Jesus being the “friend” of sinners – and that He truly is (John 15:13-14). However, that does not rob Him of the mystery of One who is all-knowing (Omniscient), all powerful (Almighty) and Omnipresent. God is eternal and perfectly holy. Those are terms hard for the finite mind of man to understand.

Something else hard to understand is – Why would God show Himself to mankind through a human incarnation? This may be the greatest mystery of all. After all, in creating man God could have made him like angelic beings. They do His bidding, if he wanted to get things done. But man has been created in God’s image…something remarkably unique and totally incomprehensible!

Then the Lord Jesus Christ sent His Divine Spirit to indwell the children of God. What was that all about? Perhaps it gives purpose to the creation of man. “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day we will understand many things we cannot grasp here and now. But – we will never be infinite beings. Nor will we ever be eternal. We are created.

Our God is the creative genius who designed a universe which has captured man’s imagination over eons of time. Galaxies are light-years away. Are there universes yet to be discovered? God knows; we do not. Only God could create a plan for our salvation which is perfect. That His love and justice meet on the cross takes us humans by surprise, but this is our God in action, doing for mankind what we cannot do for ourselves!

Reflection:

To truly worship a Supreme Being, that Being must be greater than man’s imagination. This leaves Him shrouded in mystery. God Himself explains: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). His law is love (Matthew 22:37-40). Once again this takes us back to the cross where self is sacrificed and true love reigns supreme.

What a mighty God we serve!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Son of Man

April 24, 2024April 24, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 8:18-20

As Easter passes, what are our lingering thoughts about Jesus who was the Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy? He died for the sins of the world, becoming Saviour. Do we remember His sufferings with the horror they deserve? Are we ready to follow Him as Lord of our lives? He often used a term for Himself which designated (over 80 times) His lowliness and humanity. “Son of God” is rightfully Jesus’ Divine name, but Ryrie reminds us that “Son of Man” linked Jesus to the earth and to His mission here.

Jesus was likely tired. He had spent hours preaching, if we go by Matthew’s account (chapters 5-7). His discourse is often referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount”. When He came down from the mountainside people crowded around Him for healing (Matthew 8:1-17). Then He gave orders to cross the Lake (8:18). Jesus rarely gave orders, so this was a unique situation.

A teacher of the law was waiting for Jesus, eager to follow Him. “Teacher I will go wherever You go”. That is quite a commitment for one known as an itinerate minister, frequently walking 90 miles from Galilee to Jerusalem, and back again. Furthermore, Jesus made sure this man knew what he was committing to. “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”. What did Jesus mean?

One person commenting on Jesus’ life wondered why a successful carpenter didn’t have a home base. Was it because He chose to wander among the poor instead of establishing Himself? Had Jesus needed to support His mother as she raised a number of younger brothers and sisters, after Joseph died? These are details of Jesus’ life about which scripture tells us nothing. The important detail is a warning to us all. The Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head.

What does that say to you and to me? In a culture where we place high value on our possessions, are we challenged to rethink how we spent our hard-earned cash? There is a religious philosophy circulating in our day, which is totally unscriptural. It is called “Prosperity Theology”. Some years ago I was challenged because I had an old “heap” of a car, to pray for a new one, because it wasn’t God’s will for me to be driving such a wreck. Little did that man know how much I thanked God I had wheels at all!

Reflection:

Where do our priorities lie? Do our thoughts condemn us? If I am going to follow Jesus, am I willing to give up my possessions and to trust God completely to supply all my needs? Do I recognize the God I worship clothed in the body of a man who to all intents and purposes was not a successful, wealthy leader, but rather One who leads me with His heart of love? What does it mean to Christ followers that the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His royal head?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

I Am Not Worthy

March 27, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 40:2

“I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it!
I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it!
Jesus left heaven to die in my place
What mercy, what love and what grace! “

We have in the lyrics of a song written by Beatrice Bixler – a tremendous theological truth! We are indeed not worthy of the least of God’s favour. He has been gracious to this race of human beings created in His image. His long-suffering with our whims and disobedience is absolutely remarkable. Would to God we could be more like Him in our dealings with others who struggle with gracelessness because they refuse His offer of mercy.

Satan seeks to destroy the beauty of this song’s truth by taking it out of balance. Our unworthiness is not redeemable, he would tell us. However, as unworthy as we are, God wants us to rejoice in the person He is shaping. Jesus said “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

We don’t need to struggle in the fear that we will not please an omnipotent deity who sits in wait for us to contravene His laws because Jesus has tenderly drawn us to Himself with cords of love, not fear. God wants to be known as our Father. Sadly we often see Him in the light of patterns modelled by earthly fathers, who are fallen human beings. It should be the other way around. He is the model against which our human reality is measured.

Breathless before His beauty,

Bound to Him in awe,

I see my Lord and Saviour

As never before I saw.

His majesty compelling

Me to bow my knees,

How graciously He blesses

The one He kindly frees.

His tenderness and mercy

Are worthy of my love,

Not to be compared to

His, coming from above. Marilyn Daniels 2016

Day by day believers celebrate what God has done and that which He continues to do. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock” (Psalm 40:2). God has seen our helplessness and lifted us. What drives us to worry whether we are worthy or not? Nothing in the Holy Bible indicates there is any way of winning His favour. It is only by God’s mercy and grace that we know Him. The degree to which we celebrate Jesus proves our hearts have been impacted by the truth that salvation through Christ alone is the only way to our Father. “What mercy! What love! What grace!

Reflection:

How do we reflect God’s mercy and grace to people who feel they are not worthy?

What is the foundation for people believing they could ever earn God’s favour?

Can you name a reference that assures us salvation is free?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

“I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it! I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it! Jesus left heaven to die in my place What mercy, what love and what grace! “

“I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it!
I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it!
Jesus left heaven to die in my place
What mercy, what love and what grace! “