Devotional

Christology

January 2, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:23

Christology is simply a big word for the Study of Christ.

People have complicated the discipline called Christology by adding all sorts of perspectives – for example:

“Feminist Christology”. In an attempt to answer the question : ”Who is Jesus Christ?” someone has suggested:

“Because Christianity asserts that Jesus is human and divine, the discipline asks how both of these can exist

in one person. Christology also investigates how this relates to the life and works of Jesus.”

“In Christianity, Christology, translated literally from Greek as “the study of Christ”, is a branch of theology that concerns Jesus” (Wikipedia). Wikipedia comes very close to the truth. For the right answers to such questions we need to go to our Bibles, so it is helpful to check out the meaning of the original language in which it was written.

Why is such a study necessary at all? The only possible answer is: “Christ is the center of all we, as Christians believe”. We are named “Christian” because we follow all that He taught and lived, believing Jesus Christ to be the miraculous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Sadly there are many who, not being associated with any other faith group, call themselves Christian as a cultural reflex, rather than when they are impassioned by the life of Christ. How many of these folks have any idea of what the Christ of the Bible is really like, and what He has done for them personally?

At Easter we talk about “The Passion” of the Christ. What does that actually mean? The Passion of Christ is the story of Jesus Christ’s arrest, trial and suffering. It ends with his execution by crucifixion. The Passion is an episode in a longer story and cannot be properly understood without the story of the Resurrection. The word Passion comes from the Latin word for suffering. The modern translation from one dictionary, of the word ‘passion’ is: “A strong and barely controllable emotion”.

As we celebrate Christmas, named for 2000 years in honour of the birth of the Christ (Matthew 2:4), what do we know about the suffering that lay ahead of the tiny baby in the manger? Was His death the fulfillment of prophecy? The study of Christology must take us back into the Old Testament, to have a complete understanding of the significance of the Christ child. Many folks have testified to the power of God emanating from the reading of His Holy Word.

John the Apostle reminds us “”To all who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). A lasting family relationship begins when our hearts are joined with that of our heavenly Father through Jesus the Christ.

Reflection:

First of all – do we recognize Jesus as “Messiah” [called Christ]? (John 4:25, 29)

We might ask ourselves “Does the love of Christ inflame a passionate response in my own heart?” Am I ready to suffer for His Name’s sake? It only makes sense that we need to study Holy Scripture in order to know what we believe about Christ Jesus. For Him to become Lord of our lives, requires a response. What is your answer to Jesus as He calls you today? “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest”.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Ring the Bells!

December 11, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 21-2

One of my favourite carols is “Ring the Bells” –

“Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Let the whole world know –

Christ was born in Bethlehem, many years ago.”

This is the central message of Christmas time, isn’t it? A message of joy and celebration! Christ – the long-awaited Messiah had come at last.

However, this message was not always thematic. Romans held Saturnalia Carnival in December and for some unknown reason this holiday was adopted by the early Roman church to commemorate the birth of Christ. One tradition records the Pope at that time made a mockery of Jews in Rome. They were forced to run a race in the streets for Roman entertainment, overfed to make running more difficult, and naked. One has to wonder how such a thing could possibly be meaningful to true Christians. Other rituals relating to the Christmas tree, mistletoe, presents and of course the modern commercializing of all things relating to Santa Claus, had pagan origins.

The Christian challenge for today is to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, date unknown. Choosing December 25^th makes it possible for times of corporate, global worship in celebration of Jesus’ birth! Feasting has always been a big part of celebration. In the Bible singing and music were often an important part of expressing joy. So we sing the age-old carols, and ring the bells…but it is with sincere meaning and purpose for those in whose hearts the Lord Jesus Christ reigns!

“Born to die that man might live! Came to earth new life to give!”

Maybe that truth brings us to our knees in tears, tears of gratitude for the new life we so enjoy because of Jesus’ earthly pilgrimage.

“Born of Mary, born so low, many years ago.

God the Father gave His Son –

gave His own beloved one

to this wicked, sinful earth,

to bring mankind His love, new birth.”

The tragedy that mankind’s/my sinful character, attitudes and choices made His advent a necessity, marks our celebrations with at least a tinge of sorrow, doesn’t it? Interesting that there is no Biblical suggestion given that Jesus’ birth should be celebrated. Detailed instructions were given in the Old Testament re remembrances of things God had done, but this fantastic miracle goes unmarked. We are commanded to celebrate His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

And so the song concludes:

“Ring the bells, Ring the bells! Let the whole world know –

Christ the Saviour lives today, as He did so long ago!” Praise God!

Reflection:

What exactly does the birth of Christ mean to you?

What is often uppermost in your thoughts at Christmas time? Food? Family? Fun? All or none of the above?

What sort of changes would you like to make in order to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus?

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

And Forgive Us

November 20, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:12

What would you like God to forgive you for? Is it something which is crucial to your relationship with Him? Is it something that nags in your spirit? Can you sincerely pray “search me O God”?

Does God need to forgive us for not eating the meat He has put before us? We, in this generation are on the verge of starvation, not because of the lack of food, but because we are ignoring the bread from heaven which God has so generously given to us. We are on a diet, eating spiritual food once a day and then only in small portions.

What does starvation look like, feel like. Few of us have any experience with a process that debilitates our bodies. But it is a process. Starvation deprives us of energy, and eventually breaks down tissues. Similarly, weakened Christians cannot function as God would want to use us, and Satan laughs.

Do you struggle with loss of joy and peace? Are you fearful? Jesus came to give us freedom from fear, and to fill us with His remarkable joy. I just had my cataracts removed. Colours became so fresh and details are so clear! What a wonderful change to be able to see so clearly! This is the same thing that happens when our spirits are engaged with God in a life of thanksgiving and praise! The Light shines into our souls, lifting our spirits into the heavenlies! Who would resist such a precious lifestyle, empowered by the Holy Spirit? O God – forgive us our trespasses.

Our lives are to speak the Love of God to others. Victory is possible, in Jesus. Are we celebrating what His sacrifice makes possible? Or are we lost in the struggles of life? Is this the way God wants us to live? Satan tells us we cannot achieve, that we are not important – but the Bible says that Jesus died for us. ”Whosoever believes on Him will not perish” (John 3:16) Imagine the King of kings giving His life for you and me to make us His treasured possession! Such joy at the very thought!

Reflection:

People who are starving cannot think clearly, their decisions are made in a fog. Is this how we live life? Then let us avail ourselves of the spiritual food and drink we are so blessed to hold in our hands. God’s Word is our meat and milk, the bread of life. He has set a feast before us! His Holy Word makes spiritual growth possible. Starvation makes people sleepy. God is calling His children to wake up, to live in the light of His glory! Amen and Amen!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Uncategorized

Our Daily Bread

November 13, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:11, John 6

“Give us this day our daily bread”.

What does your daily bread consist of? Usually we think in terms of physical need, bread made with flour. I wonder if this is what Jesus was referring to as He taught the disciples to pray. Or, might it have had a spiritual connotation? After all He called Himself “The Bread of Life” (John 6:35).

John records Jesus’ concern about bread. Jesus reminded the crowd that “Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died”. They had prayed for bread and God had supplied it, daily. Is this the daily bread Jesus is teaching us to pray for? He went on to explain “Here is the bread that comes down from heaven which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven!” (John 6:49-51).

Bread, from time immemorial, has been necessary for man to survive, physically. Throughout the Bible bread is a theme, demonstrating how much God continually cared for the people He created. He sent manna to the Israelites wandering in the desert. He miraculously provided bread for His prophet Elijah twice, once by ravens (1 Kings 17:6) and the second time God kept the widow’s jar of flour full for a lengthy period of time (1 Kings 17:15-16), in order to keep this man of God alive.

Jesus was tempted by Satan to think in terms of fulfilling his physical hunger with bread, but Jesus retorted “Man does not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4). He quoted from the Torah to remind the children of God “…but “. But has significant meaning for such a small word. They were reminded that their lives depended ”on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

So, just as bread or manna is necessary to keep us alive physically, so is the bread sent down from heaven in the person of God’s Son, crucial to our spiritual life and vitality. The allegory Jesus used might have turned some folks off, because he referred to the bread as His flesh. “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). “Just as one eats and drinks in order to have physical life, so it is necessary to appropriate Christ in order to have eternal life!” (Ryrie).

Reflection:

We cannot say there is only one meaning to this part of Jesus’ prayer; it does cause us to think in both physical and spiritual terms. Questions remain: Are we taking advantage of the privilege we have of feeding on God’s Word daily? Does His Word thrill our very innermost being, without which we could not truly “live”? Is Scripture causing you to grow in your faith and in your loving relationship with God the Father? Are we feasting on the “living bread” so that we “will live forever” (John 6:51)?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done

November 6, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:10 Luke 3:2

As we have already noticed, Jesus taught His disciples to revere God because of His holy name. Then He went on to explain the Sovereignty of God is one short sentence. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Have you given much thought to God’s kingdom as you repeat those words?

Today we find ourselves looking at Biblical signs of the second coming of Christ, believing that it is near. We know, if we have read Revelation that the “King is coming”, and thus the Kingdom age will begin. The Gaithers wrote a powerful song about that glorious event! However, God’s kingdom isn’t just future, it is certainly in the present. Both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus prophesied that “the Kingdom is near” (Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17).

In this prayer Jesus was teaching His disciples to recognize God’s Kingdom by the way in which His will is done – just as it is done in heaven, perfectly, so it will be done on earth (Matthew 6:10). Imagine what that would look like in our war-torn world. From time to time we do get a glimpse of the Kingdom of God when we see the words of Jesus fulfilled. He told the Pharisees “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is’ because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

Jesus described His kingdom to Pilate. “My kingdom is not of this world….My kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). This man, powerful by worldly standards, needed to know there is a heavenly kingdom, over which Christ Himself reigns. Angels bow to Him, as do believers on earth. His disciples had “….seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). When we see grace and truth we are witness to heavenly principles at play, even today!

The King is indeed coming, but until He returns we represent all that He is. What does the love of God look like as it is lived out in your life and mine? Is my heart a little kingdom where He is honoured by obedience to His commands? Do I even comprehend His expectations? What is the will of God for me today in the twenty-first century? What is easier – to pray for miracles or to do acts of kindness? Are we known for our gentleness and mercy, for strength and wisdom?

It may also be easier to hope and pray for the future kingdom than to seek God will for today in your life and mine. “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

Reflection:

Think of it! Today we have the privilege of making God’s Kingdom known by the way we live, or rather by the way we surrender to the will of God in our lives. Do others see Jesus in me? In you? Is our Father pleased with the way we celebrate the privileges we have in His present Kingdom?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Teach Us to Pray

October 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:9-13 Luke 11:1-10

The disciples knew Jesus was a man of prayer. His fellowship with His Father was crucial to His ministry here on earth. They witnessed the power of many miracles happening after He prayed. One example is the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:11). And so – they asked Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1).

Matthew records a fuller version of what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer”. Many of us have memorized it and some repeat it regularly in church. It is rich in truth, beginning with the worship of our Father. For a thinking person, addressing God as Father raises some questions. How is it possible for us to know Him as Father? Does God really view me, personally, as His child and why?

Notice we are not taught to say “my Father” because corporate worship, worship within the family of God, is also foundational to our Christian faith. Paul reminds us of that. “ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). So the first two words of the prayer draw upon the theme of our relationship with God!

God is in heaven, but in a remarkable way, His Spirit dwells within His children, here on earth. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Psalmist exclaims “ Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7) and goes on to remind us that God is everywhere.

Knowing this to be true, prayer then becomes a conversation with the One from whom we cannot escape. God knows more about us than we know about ourselves, so when we come to pray for others, He already knows more about their situation than we could possibly imagine. Prayer is the very great privilege of joining with God where He is already at work. This can be truly humbling. Sometimes folks view prayer as an exercise in power, but it really is a privilege.

So – to begin praying, Jesus taught us to recognize the God who longs to lavish His great love upon His children (1 John 3:1). Imagine communication with this One who is Holy! “Hallowed be Thy name” is how the King James version puts it. Prayer is all about God, relying on One who is beyond our understanding, yet who through the life of His Son, here on earth, has made Himself personal, as approachable as “Father”.

Luke puts it simply: “Father, hallowed be Your name” (Luke 11:2). How awestruck are you and I when we come to worship. Do our praises come from hearts longing to resemble this perfect deity? Do we want to live pure live in order to be like Him and to please Him? Is there a family resemblance between us and our Father?

Reflection:

Prayer is practiced by most people worldwide, sadly for a multitude of deities. For Christ followers, it is hugely important to recognize who it is we worship, and how. Jesus taught His followers to revere and honor the very name of God….that is what “hallowed” means. Job found contentment in renewed fellowship with God –“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). All glory be to our Father for what He has planned for you and for me!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

As We Forgive

October 25, 2023 Admin1 Comment

Matthew 6:11, 14-15

There is a corollary to the first part Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness…”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:11). We are to forgive others. In fact the forgiveness we hope to receive from God is contingent on the way in which we regard those who have hurt us, those who don’t like us, those whose expectations of us are not fair. The subject of forgiveness is so important that Jesus, after He finished the prayer, continued, not about the holiness of God, not about our spiritual maturity, but about forgiveness!

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you!” (Matthew 6:14). Just to make sure they understood His point, Jesus continued “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive yours” (:15). Ouch!

Why is forgiveness so important? It was the only subject on Jesus’ heart as He hung on the cross. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Consider His example. In the midst of dealing with His own suffering He still remembered the inability of those who persecuted Him to understand the magnitude of what they had just done!

There are times when we unintentionally sin against God – when we don’t do His will because we are ignorant or oblivious. In the same way others may hurt or disappoint us – might we give them the benefit of the doubt? We sometimes jump to conclusions and attribute thoughts or intentions which were not really part of the picture.

To truly forgive someone is to drop all ideas of revenge or pay-back. God has told us . “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Rome of God’s injunction. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written….” (Romans 12:19). Certainly he suffered much at the hands of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, yet he persisted in forgiving. He found that in feeding one’s enemy, in “heaping coals of fire on his head” one can overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

Reflection:

We may forgive others because we know it is the right thing to do, and perhaps even to please God. The secret of forgiveness is not in what it does for the person we forgive, but what it does in our own hearts – the peace and joy that exists because we are not hanging on to something that God knows will cause us to become bitter.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Morning Meditation

September 26, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 15:9-11

How many folks today are feeling depressed, lonely, angry or disappointed? The elderly are grumpy, and young people are suicidal. Yet as I write, there is such joy in knowing Jesus! He came to bring us joy. Read His words: “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). We have to search the context to see what He means. This joy is based on the love of the Father flowing through the Lord Jesus Christ to you and to me. It does require something, however. Jesus requires a response – He wants us to be obedient to His commands. Therefore we need to know what they are.

In an era when the Pharisees had multiplied commands trying to make it easier to keep God’s specific laws, Jesus melts them down to two or three: Love the Lord, love your neighbour and love yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). The last one is often left out in the fear of condoning arrogance and conceit, but unless we are happy in our own skin it will be terribly hard to accept and love other people, just as they are. God accepts us as we are, knowing we cannot possibly make ourselves holy enough to meet His standard.

Loving an invisible God isn’t all that easy either. We have to put some effort into it. A principle applies here – “You get out of it what you put into it”. We are trusting what we cannot see, Someone for whom there is no empirical evidence….or is there?

Looking back is always helpful; we learn to appreciate lessons God has taught us, sometimes through hardship or disappointment. Recently I realized how much my trust in Him has grown. Now as I pray, it is with a peaceful expectation that God knows what He is doing, and He will accomplish His purposes in the lives of those I love. As I talk with Him about their choices and their beliefs it is a tender conversation with the One who loves them even more than I do. After all – He sacrificed everything for them.

Jesus wanted His joy to be in us. What does that entail? Perhaps our expectations don’t match His…check it out. Paul wrote “who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2). The outcome far outweighed His suffering in the moment. Does His worldview match ours or visa versa?

Reflection:

Over the years faith has become a beautiful journey. We grow as we experience God, who hears and answers prayer. We are not the same today as we were five years ago, but He never changes. His character is pure and constant, loving and kind, gentle as a Shepherd with his lambs. That is one of Jesus’ favourite illustrations. Is your life secure in the love of the “Good Shepherd” (John 10)? Has His joy become complete in you and me? Are we spreading the love of Jesus in our little area of influence?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Matters of the Law

August 22, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 23:23-33

To the religious Jew, keeping the law was everything. The Pharisees, over many years, added helps to enable people to keep the law more perfectly. These became so detailed that even their garden herbs and spices were to be tithed. Imagine trying to give a tenth of cumin, which is a tiny seed.

Today we have done the same thing. We first of all pick and choose which laws are the most important, and chastise or punish every infraction accordingly. Biblically one sin is as deviant as another since every sin separates us from God. But we forge ahead making human judgments without consulting the Word of God.

Jesus addressed the Pharisees on this issue, and if we read His words, recorded by both Matthew and Luke, we would know the important matters of the law. Luke writes “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but….!” (11:42). Matthew remembers Jesus said “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth….but you have neglected the more important matters of the law “ (23:23).

Jesus used some strong language in His vindictive! Blindness afflicted the teachers of the law – “You blind fools” “blind guides” (23:17, 24). Four times He raves against their blindness, ending His tirade by calling them a “brood of vipers” (23:33). We might ask, if these men were conscientiously doing their best to interpret the law for the people, why was Jesus upset? This is a question asked today when someone is confronted with aberrant behaviour.

The answer is in Jesus’ own words. He talks about the “more important matters of the law” (23:23) which have been neglected. He agrees it is important to do what they have been doing, giving their tenth, but he rages against that which they have neglected….the spirit of the law (23:23). First things first! They should have practised justice, mercy and faithfulness. Luke adds the love of God to the list (Luke 11:42).

How often do we measure our obedience by the things we do, without considering if it is the attitude of our hearts which motivates our obedience. If it is for the praise of men – we will get our reward here on earth, but if it is to please God we will receive our rewards in heaven. He alone knows our hearts.

Justice! Do we really care about it? How involved will we become on behalf of those who are oppressed or abused? One devout Christian lady said we can pray – which is true, but our presence is even more effective, as a testimony to what we say we believe about justice. Am I willing to stand in court on the side of justice?

Mercy! Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. If we truly believed that might we not be gentler, kinder to those who disappoint and hurt us?

Faithfulness! In our world today faithfulness has almost disappeared. Political alliances and policies have almost completely severed our patriotism. Even in the most intimate of relationships faithfulness is challenged, whether it is grounded emotionally, socially or physically.

Love! Least of all understood emotion – too often today defined by sexual attraction! Where is that tenderness and nurturing of the most precious of relationships, whether family or friend?

Reflection:

How often do we concern ourselves with the sufferings of Jesus? Easter is one time when we think about His past sufferings, but what about His present sufferings as He watches us flounder in our faith?

And over the whole of Jerusalem, teachers of the law, Pharisees and people, the Lord Jesus grieves! (23:37)

Surely He is grieving today over every nation and individual who is rejecting His law, the law of love.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)