Unless the Lord Builds…

January 28, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 127:1

In a perfect world, God would be in control, man would be happy in relationships, there would never be war, just peace and tranquility contributing to the well-being of all. Prejudice and manipulation would not exist. Hatred wouldn’t be in our vocabulary and next to that, fear would be eradicated. Children would be safe, adults would be free and the air would be filled with laughter and music. There would be no famine or poverty or abuse or disease. What a world! Dream on!

Why is this not possible today? The world was created for the benefit of mankind. With an abundance of food, beauty surrounded man in the garden of Eden, and God established relationships to enrich their experience. What God made, He pronounced “good”! What went wrong? Did God fail to maintain His creation?

NO! God gave man a mind with which to think and make choices. It would seem that in the heart of man was a yearning for something they didn’t have, for something mysteriously better. They weren’t even sure what it was – they just knew they were willing to risk everything they had to get it. God had forbidden them a certain fruit tree. Why? It looked good. The serpent told them it would make them wise – even like God Himself!

The best way to resemble someone is to spend time with them, getting to know how they think and feel, what determines their motivation, their vision, their work ethic, the success of their other relationships. Adam and Eve had the closest relationship possible with God, but when Satan came to tempt them even that was not enough. We may never know what they thought was lacking, but we do know that the same tendency exists today.

Ungrateful for what God had provided, and determined to be like Him, they persuaded themselves to disbelieve what God had told them. They didn’t have the advantage of psychology 101. All that God had built – the earth in all its glory, their garden home with its principle delights, even their relationship would suffer the challenges of change. The decision had been made. Suddenly they took over the constructs of their future!

How sad that over eons of time mankind still wants to be like God, on their terms. Our world is coloured by ingratitude, resentment and disobedience, in spite of all that God continues to build into our world – scientific advances that brighten the prospects of good health, which make exploration in space possible, knowledge about industry and technology that raises the standard of living, on every side we are surrounded by advantages in a world controlled by God.

Yet there is fear on every side, too. Fear of our fellowman. By relinquishing God’s control, we are now overwhelmed by the possibility of choices which might be made by the arrogance of mankind. Think about nuclear war. Back to the beginning. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Do we understand what that means? Do we believe it?

Reflection:

Are you ever tempted to want more than God has given to you? How do you respond?

Do you grieve over the tendency of mankind today to relate to God on their terms?

How do we counteract this tendency, or can we?

Are you involved in building God’s house? What does that entail, for you?

Devotional

The Smoking God!

January 19, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Exodus 19

Today television enables us to watch volcanoes spewing forth smoke and ash, pouring lava down the sides of mountains, clouding the atmosphere for miles around! How many of the local people tremble at the potential danger, and certain damage to follow, in its wake? It must be terrifying to live in a zone with imminent danger from these smoking giants!

Curiosity has drawn scientists to the very brink of bubbling cauldrons that warn us of sleeping giants. Now science has explained away some of the mystery, but the awe, the fear remains. We know that underneath the earth’s crust there is seismic activity that explains a lot of the natural phenomenon here on earth, but it remains unpredictable to some degree, and totally uncontrollable.

Over centuries of time mythology and tradition taught people to fear the gods that caused such eruptions. However, we know that God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth sustains His creation for His own purposes. We can only see one side of the canvas; it is the tangled threads on the back that confuse us, but God who knows all is not confused. He is actually bringing order out of what looks to us like chaos.

God tells us “It is I who made the earth” (Isaiah 45:12). He then manifested Himself in many ways in order for man to know Him, to ”get it” – that God is present, in control. Smoke is one illustration in scripture of the presence of God. He led them out of Egypt with a pillar of smoke/cloud during the day and fire by night. In His covenant with Abram God appeared as a smoking fire-pot with a blazing torch, passing between the pieces of an animal sacrificed for this significant moment of dedication. The divided carcasses symbolized what would happen if this covenant was broken. To this day God honours His covenant with Israel, by drawing a remnant to Himself.

Smoke was one way of getting peoples’ attention. In Exodus God called the people to Mount Sinai to the place where “smoke [symbol of God’s majesty] billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace” (Exodus 19:16-18). Often in scripture, especially in prophecy, smoke symbolizes destruction (Revelation 9:2, 14:11). I’m reminded of the power Jesus warned about when he referred to God’s option, His choice to punish the unbelieving in hell, where we might assume fire and smoke exist together (Matthew 10:28). Dreadful prospect!

In these few references we see God, in smoke, appearing to man to confirm His power and majesty, His guidance, His commitment to covenant. Perhaps as we watch the news today, and the occasional volcanic eruption, our minds will reflect on the magnitude of our “Smoking God”, One who can bring winds of change across the world just as He brought ashes from an Icelandic volcano to 20 European countries, affecting ten million travellers. Listen up everyone: “A smoking God speaks!”

Reflection:

We are going into a new year, one not yet spoiled by disaster. What is it about God that attracts our attention, today?

Is it fair of God to terrify people with natural disasters?

How would you counter such opposition to a wrathful God?

What is it that He wants us to learn from such events?

Do you see any cause to worship God when you reflect on cosmic or seismic activity?

Devotional

Do Not Go to Egypt

September 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 42

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: “ (Jeremiah 42:9).

The people living in Judah at this time were a remnant who have returned from living in other lands (Jeremiah 43:5). Nebuchadnezzar had conquered the people of Judah and had taken their king, and nobles (remember Daniel and his friends?) to live in Babylon. A remnant of poorer folks remained. God had appointed Gedaliah leader over the remaining remnant, but he was murdered and now the people feared reprisals.

All the army officers and the people from the least to the greatest appealed to Jeremiah the prophet to pray “to your God” for direction ( 42:1-2). Words are cheap. “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us” (42:5). Their commitment seemed to be sincere. “Whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God…..so it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God” (42:6). One has to wonder how sincere they were when Jeremiah came back with an answer they didn’t like.

Ten days later God spoke. “If you stay in this land I will build you up….Do not be afraid of the King of Babylon” (42:10, 11a). “If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt” (42:15b, 16) God went on to warn His people that His wrath would fall on them if they chose to live in Egypt.

One would think, with such clear guidance, the decision would be easy. Perhaps they had already made up their minds. Maybe they believed a lie. There is anguish in the voice of God: “Why?” “Why?” “Why bring such disaster upon yourselves?” (44:7, 8). I wonder today if God looks at His people with such sorrow. The remnant went to Egypt and there confronted Jeremiah, who had been swept away with them. “We will not listen”. Why? “We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven” (the Assyro-Babylonian goddess Ishtar) (44:16, 17). It is worth noting the influence wives had over their husbands (44:15-17).

The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah concerning the fate of Egypt, as we read in Chapter 46. “I am about to bring punishment on Amon god of Thebes, on Pharaoh, on Egypt and her gods and her kings and those who rely on Pharaoh. I will hand them over to….Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon” (46:25-26).

Reflection:

God already had a plan, knowing the heart of each person who had promised to adhere to His will. He would use Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His purposes; He even calls this man “my servant” (43:10). Perhaps the remnant had forgotten their God, or at least the God of Jeremiah, is Almighty! As I read these chapters, I fear our own Christian culture resembles this remnant far too much. We have been infected by our culture. Do we realize our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and He will judge us for our thoughts and words and actions? Maybe it is not too late. God never leaves His people without hope. He offers deliverance and compassion if we choose to walk with Him (42:11, 12).

Devotional

In the Day of Battle

June 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

1 Samuel 14

Recently I read that a government official declared the world was at war in 2015. Are we actually in a day of battle? What does this war look like? Who is the enemy? What are our weapons? Have we a strategy? How does faith enter into the picture?

Long ago a king sat down under a pomegranate tree. With him were 600 men. With them was their high priest, wearing an ephod. It seemed they were resting from battle. We need some background from chapter 13. During his two-year reign, King Saul accumulated an army of 3,000 fighting men. His son, Jonathan, with 1,000 of those men attacked a garrison of the Philistines, inciting their retaliation. The Philistines gathered an army of 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and foot soldiers like the sand of the sea (13:5). The Israelites were so terrified that they hid themselves in caves, in holes and in pits. Some defected to Gad and Gilead.

Saul waited for the prophet Samuel to offer a burnt offering, but when he did not come and the people still trembled with fear, he took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice. Fear severely contorts our judgment. With Saul was Ahijah who wore the ephod and presumably the Urim and Thummim used for divine communication, which were attached to the breastplate. Therefore this group seemed to be equipped with all that was necessary for that moment. In a mad moment Saul mistook the act of offering a sacrifice, as a way back to God, even though his own heart was bound up by fear and disbelief. No wonder that Samuel, when he came, severely rebuked him for taking matters into his own hands. As a result, Saul’s kingdom would not last, but would be given to “a man after God’s own heart” (13:14).

Feeling utterly disheartened, Saul rested from fighting. However, the battle was not over. God had a plan. One man of faith called his armour-bearer to scout out the enemy’s camp. Jonathan believed implicitly that the Lord would deliver Israel out of their predicament (14:10). We read that they crept up to the Philistines front lines. Using premeditated signals, he and his armour-bearer responded to the enemy’s ridicule (:12). The enemy was thrown into chaos –“It was a panic sent by God” (1 Samuel 14:15).

Reflection:

We must see that in the day of battle the outcome is all about God. It is not, nor ever was about you and me. We do not need to fear the enemy, with God on our side. We can rely on His strategy when we surrender ourselves to Him daily. Weapons of faith will sharpen our powers of observation, enabling us to even love our enemies, in the day of battle! Remember – we do this for Jesus’ sake!

Marilyn’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels

https://www.amazon.com/Marilyns-Meditations-Marilyn-Daniels/dp/1387438999/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WMB83PUXK5DB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.699JJOaFaj_4vE0GrUH2wLWtsUfLwSwtmoRQag7m7ihmYQsj8p-zlj0IAi9OPf7a.CKwDD1j5Q7bvzkaIPi7ruZVoJttZDczZeahC7CWqp0s&dib_tag=se&keywords=marilyn+daniels+meditations&qid=1749574919&sprefix=marilyn+daniels+medidations+%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

Devotional

Commanded to Love

January 21, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

Exodus 15:2, 15 1 John 3:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus commanded: “Love!”

Reflection:

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

How did this differ in the New Testament?

What does love empower you to do today?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Meditations

October 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 33

Meditation is a good way of fixing what we are learning, in our minds. This is an anonymous psalm, a hymn of praise. Three times the writer mentions God’s unfailing love. I find it remarkable to discover how often, throughout the Old Testament, there are praises sung about God’s love. Many folks feel the New Testament speaks enough about God’s loving character that the Old Testament isn’t necessary, but it is absolutely thrilling to find that thousands of years of ancient history records the love of God.

In the heart of this Psalm we read more about God’s character. In order for us to know God we need to be reading His Word; here the psalmist praises God for His righteousness and justice, for His faithfulness in all He does. Think of it “The Lord is true”!

How often do you meditate on God’s creative design revealed in nature? There is a purpose in all that God did, and is now doing. “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever” In case we think the environment is out of control, God who is Sovereign over all His creation, protects it to this day “….the purposes of His heart also stand firm through all generations” (33:11). How interesting it is to see that this verse rings true today. The nation of Israel has been brought together once again, after a lengthy diaspora. God is working His promises in and through His chosen people, for all the world to see!

The meditation of your heart and mine today will be quite different from that of a writer nine or ten centuries BC. We have wonderful access to Biblical history and besides our Bibles, can google all kinds of information about the culture of the day. However, coming back to the heart of worship – it is all about Jesus, as the song puts it.

In the Old Testament God’s unfailing love is the source of all that was accomplished centuries later by His Son at Calvary. Ancient promises were fulfilled by God’s own Son. Ancient promises were fulfilled in 1948 when the Jews returned to make the Holy land their home, and were recognized once more as a nation.

Doesn’t this give us hope that ancient promises will once again be fulfilled, when Jesus returns to stand on the Mount of Olives? What a day that will be! Can’t you just see it?

Reflection:

What forms your meditation during times of devotion? I am often overpowered by the beauty of God’s creation whether it is a nature program on TV, or looking out my window at seasonal changes. However, nothing compares with the suffering of our Lord Jesus as He endured ridicule and torture at the hands of the very people He had created. We celebrated communion recently. which renewed my meditation on the God-man who so loved the world that He gave everything He had, to make a relationship with His heavenly Father possible, for you and for me!

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

An Old Testament Saint

March 20, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

1 Kings 15:9-15

After King David died, his son Solomon, famous for his wisdom, became king of Israel. Sadly upon his death the kingdom was divided, 10 tribes to the north separated from 2 in the south. Judah, where Jerusalem is located and Benjamin, remained as the southern kingdom. Several kings later we read the story of Asa, king of Judah. Asa’s mother was named, as were the mothers of many of the kings. It would make an interesting study to research who these women were and what they were like, but mention is made here of Asa’s grandmother….we’ll deal with that later.

The key verse tells us “Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all of his life” (15:14). He set the standard for his people and even for us today. His faith was one of words and deeds. He “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (15:11).

Asa began by expelling “male shrine prostitutes from the land and, [he] got rid of all the idols his fathers had made” (15:12). Think of the courage it took for a young man to destroy the centers of worship and other things people had been worshiping for many years. Did his people even remember the Lord God of Israel? The law required Israel to “be careful to obey so that it will go well with you” (Deuteronomy 6:3). Moses called them to “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). However, for years they had been worshiping a plethora of heathen gods.

Asa even “deposed his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole” (1 Kings 15:13). The Hebrew word used here for queen may indicate that she had special authority, perhaps as a religious leader. Coming from such a background, wouldn’t you like to know what caused Asa to turn to the Lord God of his ancestor David. We are not told, but if actions speak louder than words, this man’s name is certainly written in God’s book of life!

The Asherah pole was a tribute to the Canaanite goddess, Asherah. According to Canaanite mythology, this mother goddess created several gods in the Canaanite pantheon, with the other creator god, El. It is significant, therefore, that King Asa burned his grandmother’s Asherah pole, in the Kidron valley.

We are given a few more details of Asa’s reign in 2 Chronicles 14. His leadership was spiritually strong. “He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers and to obey His laws and commands” (14:4). The Lord gave him and his people peace….”so they built and prospered” (14:7b). Even when the Cushites marched against them with a mighty army, God answered Asa’s prayer: “Lord there is no one like You, to help the powerless against the mighty…we rely on You and in Your name we have come against this vast army” (14:11). The Cushites were defeated and fled. As a result “the terror of the Lord” fell upon all the surrounding villages.

Reflection:

What lessons might we learn from Asa’s life? He revered the Lord God and followed His commands. He destroyed anything that might lead the hearts of his people away from God, and restored worship by bringing the consecrated gold and silver vessels back into the temple (15:15). As a result, God brought peace to the people and routed their enemies. We need to revere the Lord our God by destroying any idols we have been worshiping in our hearts, if we ever hope to enjoy true peace.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Isaiah’s Wreath

May 22, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 28

Wreaths of leaves, fruit, wheat or vines were worn as crowns by Etruscan rulers, ancient symbolism of some mythological concept. Roman magistrates wore golden wreaths to symbolize their lineage went back to the Etruscan days. Today we use wreaths to commemorate certain seasons or memorial events.

The term is used in scriptures nine times, often synonymous with the word crown. For example in Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders worshipping the One sitting on the throne cast their wreaths/crowns at His feet. Wreaths also were a significant part of the decoration of the temple. Isaiah uses the word wreath under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to describe Samaria, the capital of Ephraim.

To understand what Isaiah is talking about in chapter 28 we need to go back in history. In blessing his sons on his deathbed, Jacob raised Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the level of sons, perhaps as a tribute to his favourite wife, Rachel. Their history in the Promised Land was checkered by the notion they had tribal supremacy because of that blessing. They were competitive and uncooperative, earning for themselves a divisive reputation among their brethren.

At one point the tabernacle was located in the city of Shiloh, in Ephraim. However, it was captured by the Philistines when the Israelites brought it into battle. Shiloh itself was destroyed. This brought the morale of the people to an all-time low. When the Ark of the Covenant was recovered, tribal supremacy was centered in Benjamin, where it was relocated. After that the tribe of Ephraim fell into idol worship.

Isaiah twice pronounces a woe upon Samaria “Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards.” (28:1,3). Through Isaiah, the Lord reviews the former advantages of Ephraim – a flower of glorious beauty, set at the head of a fertile valley. Now the Lord will crush it. They will recognize His mighty power, as the Lord tramples them under foot. Judgment will fall! (28:2, 3)

In contrast, the Lord Himself “the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people!” (28:5) The remnant will celebrate the fact that God is their crown, blessing them in a spirit of justice. He will be their source of strength! Imagine a world when the plumbline is righteousness! (28:17)

Recognizing the helpless condition of His people, the Lord comes to their rescue by promising to lay a cornerstone, one that is tested, that is precious, that forms a sure foundation – trustworthy, dependable! (:16) Here will be a new beginning! Isaiah looked forward to that day when Jesus would come – the precious only begotten Son of God, tested in the crucible of suffering for the sins of His people. Paul writes about this very foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). God’s purpose, foretold by Isaiah, has been accomplished!

Reflection:

Are you part of that glorious circle which will celebrate eternity in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Figuratively speaking the wreath, in a never-ending circle, will remind us that He brings to His people eternal life.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Meditate

October 24, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Joshua 1:8

Looking in my Bible’s concordance the words meditate, or meditation seem to be all in the Old Testament. One of the best-known examples of this would be God’s instructions to Joshua as God placed him in leadership of the Israelite nation, following Moses. Three times God tells Joshua there is nothing to fear; God calls him to be courageous ( Joshua 1: 6a, 7a, 9). The basis of Joshua’s confidence is two-fold. The promise – “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (1:9). As well the law would protect him. “Be careful to obey all the law….do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth” (1:7, 8).

What does it mean to meditate? Synonyms for meditate are muse, ponder, and ruminate. While all these words mean “to consider or examine attentively or deliberately,” meditate implies a definite focusing of one’s thoughts on something, so as to understand it deeply.

In 1 Timothy 4:15 Paul uses the Greek word for meditation. He did this because he knew that it was not immoral for the Church member to do so and because he knew that they could relate to this language.

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress”

Writing to the Philippian church he admonished them with a final thought: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Oh that the media today could be trained to bring us this kind of news! Our hearts grow weary hoping for some good news as wars and hatred, sex and violence , graft and corruption dominate the news. Satan has ways of drawing our thoughts far away from things that are holy.

Sadly Christians are sometimes led astray, hoping to have quick and easy devotions. Books have been written to give us just a thought for the day. Is this enough to know our God, to know either His character or His laws? David, known as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), wrote about mediation at least twelve time in the Psalms.

He found God’s unfailing love irresistible (Psalm 48:9). Along with that He also praised God as he meditated on all His works and wonders (Psalm 77:12, 119:27, 143:5, 145:5). David mentions God’s precepts, decrees and statutes as worthy of his focus (Psalm 119:15, 48, 99).

I’ve just completed a study of the Pentateuch. The laws of the Lord are so detailed, covering every aspect of life. What does this tell us as we mediate? God cares about every detail of our lives – Jesus said that even the hairs of each head are known (counted) (Luke 12:7). When misfortune falls we want to know that God understands the minutiae of our situation. When we turn to Him, the Creator of our minds and bodies, we pray with confidence that He knows above and beyond what we can see with our mortal eyes and understanding.

Meditation is intentional. God told Joshua to “be careful” (1:7). The success of his mission would lie in his personal obedience to the law of God, if he took the time to ponder, to muse on what Moses had received from the lips of God, and had carefully written down. We know that God’s promises to Joshua held true. Because he made the right choices “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), his life made an impact on the nation he served. “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him” (Joshua 24:31).

Reflection:

What glorious truths do we miss when we scan over a scripture, rushing to get into our day? How exciting it is to find thoughts which permeate each moment of our day with the greatness of our God! These are the thoughts which prepare our hearts to share His presence, His love and His watch-care with others whom we meet during the day. May God bless you as you meditate!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

My Covenant

September 27, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 59:21 **

Isaiah begins Chapter 59 with a wonderful statement. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save.” The question is : To whom does this remarkable hope extend? Is Isaiah talking to the Jewish nation or individuals of faith, or does he refer to all human beings?

Today many Christians live as the Jews did long ago. As God’s chosen people, Israel became exclusive, carrying the principle of separation from other nations out of the realm of faith. What do I mean? They forgot that households were blessed by the faith of the patriarchs. Foreigners within that household were drawn to the One True God by the wisdom of God working in and through the lives of His chosen people. In fact all in Abraham’s household (foreigners included) were circumcised as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. (Genesis 17:27)

Isn’t it thrilling to know that God extends His mercy and grace to all mankind! Looking at externals we often judge that someone is too hard, too far gone, too disinterested to be reached by the gospel. Recently I had the exquisite pleasure of listening to a young man, sharing quite unexpectedly with me how his life had been changed. He came face to face with Jesus! A drug addict around the age of 12, he continued down that path for 7 years until God got hold of his life. His tattooed body will forever hold a message of where he was, but the sparkle in his steady blue eyes tells where he is now. He was amazed to discover that God might use him to help his old friends and even his family, to whom he had always lied. Truly in this case “The Lord’s hand was not shortened”!

Isaiah describes those who were included in God’s covenant promise, categorizing their sins of injustice and evil. Repeatedly God notes the lack of truth, the propensity to lie: “Truth has fallen in the streets.” (:14) “No one calls for justice nor does any plead for truth.” (:4) ”Their feet run to evil and they make haste to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are of iniquity.” (:7) Like the blind they walked in darkness. They growl like bears (:10-11)….and on and on.

However, because He is a covenant God, His mercy reaches down to those unable to help themselves. The Lord saw all of the darkness, evil and injustice, and was deeply displeased (:15). Knowing the utter helplessness of mankind caught in such a trap, His own righteousness came into play. With fury God scourged His adversaries in order to rescue His chosen people (:18).

Prophetically Isaiah writes “His own Arm [God’s]worked salvation for Him. Because there was no human adequate to mediate, God gave us salvation through the redemptive work of Christ, His Son! This Redeemer will come, even today, to those who turn from transgression! Imagine such mercy and grace!

For them, as for us, the covenant remains secure. “As for me, says the Lord, this is My covenant with them: “My Spirit is upon you and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants…..forevermore!” (:21)

Reflection:

Do Isaiah’s words mean anything to you today? Do you have salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord?

Are you resting in the assurance of God’s covenant, because you believe, and received Jesus as Lord?

Read John 1:12-13.

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)