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

The Shortest Prayer

October 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 23:42

At Easter we learn some things about the power of prayer! Jesus prayed with His disciples, for His disciples. They could not have envisioned all that was going to take place after their Passover Feast, but they were beginning to feel anxious. Jesus sensed that, telling them not to let their hearts by troubled (John 14:1). He went on to talk about heaven. When our hearts are troubled do we turn our thoughts towards heaven?

Then He finished that special dinner with them by interceding on their behalf (John 17). He prayed for the protection of believers (:11) – which includes you and me today. He also prayed for their sanctification (:17) as well as for their unity (:21-23). His prayer began with asking God to glorify His Son (:1), and ends by His asking that the Father would ultimately glorify all His children (:24).

For those of us who find it difficult to spend time in prayer, this may have seemed a long one. However, Jesus prayed once again in the garden of Gethsemane. This time it was with infinitely more intensity! His own heart was troubled, greatly troubled! He experienced a rare phenomenon called hematidrosis. Only in extreme agony can blood be expelled through the sweat glands, resulting in the skin become very tender and fragile. Consider that through the night and into the day, His skin was put to the test with frequent beatings. Knowing all things, Jesus knew what agonies He faced as He prayed in the Garden that night.

However, Jesus was silent before His accusers. He acknowledged only that He was indeed King of the Jews. Hanging on the cross He had brief interaction with His heavenly Father only twice. He called on God to forgive His persecutors, generously reminding God they didn’t understand the depth of their sin. The second cry of agony came as He was separated from His Father for the first and only time.

Just before that cry of agony, Jesus’ compassion could be seen as He cared for His mother. Also, He cared about sinners who repented until the last moment of His life. As His blood was poured out for the men beside Him, only one received forgiveness of sins along with the promise that that very day they would be together in Paradise.

Reflection:

Our prayer of repentance doesn’t have to be couched in theological language, carefully intoned. In this account of 3 men hanging side by side on crosses, we hear the whisper “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”. Short and to the point…he didn’t list all of his sins, but this man recognized Jesus as Sovereign God! What a revelation! What a moment – only one or two minutes between him and eternity! It is never too late, while we draw breath. It was a short prayer, heart to heart.

Devotional

A Worshiping Man

August 26, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Acts 10

Cornelius was a devout man. His devotion to God was highly unusual for a Roman, especially one who had risen in the ranks of the Italian Regiment to the position of centurion. The fact that he believed in the Jewish God indicates he had become a proselyte of Judaism. Not only the man himself, but also his family worshiped God. His faith had impacted some of his servants as well as his military personnel (Acts 10:7). He practised his faith by giving, and praying regularly. We might do well to follow his example.

However, in spite of his faithfulness and zeal, something was lacking. God had seen his giving and heard his prayers. An angel appeared to Cornelius about 3 one afternoon. The angel instructed him to send to Joppa for the man Simon Peter. Without explanation this might have seemed a rather mysterious command. Apparently Cornelius trusted God enough to send for Simon Peter.

Peter’s own experience in preparation for this encounter is a story for another day. Sufficient to say he recognized the call of God and went to Caesarea. Cornelius met him in a spirit of reverence. In fact he fell at Peter’s feet in worship. Immediately Peter raised him to his feet reminding him that he was only a man, just like Cornelius.

Peter knew his Bible. The law given to Moses instructed God’s people to worship only the Lord God, Yahweh. The fullness of this thought required 3 commandments – there was to be no other God, they were not to worship anything animate or inanimate, and even the name of God was to be revered, kept sacred (Exodus 20:3-5). Joshua reinforces this theme in his parting address to Israel: “Do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve then or bow down to them” (Joshua 23:7).

However, tribal customs in some countries call for a show of deep respect for visitors, for teachers, preachers and other noteworthy persons. When I tried to raise a dear African lady to her feet on one occasion, I was rebuked for resisting tribal tradition; she would not budge and I felt guilty.

At this point we need a clear understanding of what worship is, in the eyes of God. Does it preclude a respectful appreciation for other human beings in authority or positions of leadership? When Jesus talked about worship He said: “God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Worship includes ascribing “to the Lord the glory due His name…..worship the Lord in the splendour of His holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Reflection:

Clearly worship is defined by one’s attitude. It is exercised in a variety of ways, but essentially is an act of our spirit, as it seeks God. Bowing to man might be an act of misplaced veneration, but God recognizes the attitude of the heart, and judges us on that point alone. Taking Cornelius as our Biblical example, we see that God, knowing his heart was truly seeking God, gave him the privilege of knowing Jesus by bringing Peter into his life. Our relationship with God is defined by Jesus Himself, in a verse with which we are all familiar “I am the way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

What attitude defines your worship, and mine? Would you be known by God as a true worshiper, whether man or woman?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Desperation

October 8, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

James 4:1-10

It was a strange sermon title. Desperation! In fact, the whole series was entitled “Biblical Desperation”. The pastor was right – the Bible records many acts of desperation from the time Adam and Eve hid themselves in the garden in fear that God would see their nakedness. Did they fear He would see the sin in their hearts? Not likely, but that is a story for another day.

The Lord Jesus had a woman thrown at his feet, who was caught in the act of adultery. Imagine the desperation in her heart as she faced being stoned, as according to the law, they both should have been. Where was the man and what justice would she ever find? And throughout scripture we read how God responded to different situations whether of health (Job) or wealth (Zaccheus), in ways which determined the accomplishment of His purposes.

Wrestling brought a man to trust in God after a life-time of living according to his wits. Jacob schemed to get the birthright from his brother Esau and tricked his father-in-law into giving him the best cattle, but when he faced God, he despaired of getting the answer to a simple request, until he actually fought with God. Have you ever fought with God?

The very self-sufficiency which made Jacob God’s enemy might be taught by our culture today, which recommends we remember the god within us when faced with desperate problems. They fail to admit that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” [desperately wicked KJV]. Jeremiah wrote that so that we could understand how we compare with Holy God (17:9).

The reality is – we cannot even resist the devil without God’s help. James gives us the solution to our problem of self-sufficiency: “Submit yourselves, then, to God”. Only once we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, can we “resist the devil” (4:7). Submission is humbling. In submitting we lose control. That is exactly where God wants us to be so He can work in and through us miracles of His grace and glory!

Reflection:

The pastor pointed out that Jacob’s encounter with God left him with a limp. Are any of us limping by the grace of God? When we have been filled with desperation God will meet us at our point of need and lift us up. (4:10). James reminds us “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (4:3). When we pray what are we actually asking for? Relief from a problem? More temporal stuff? Control of a situation rather than self-control? God’s Word invites us with a promise to “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (4:8). What a beautiful hope, that we may fellowship with Sovereign God who “gives grace to the humble” (4:6)! How desperate are you?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.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-

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 their help. 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 (MarilynDaniels.net)

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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

In This Tent We Groan

April 3, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 5:1-9

The Apostle Paul was a master at word pictures. Here he describes our bodies as a tent (2 Corinthians 5:4). In his day, as a tent-maker, this was a fitting illustration. Tents were used as homes, as well as to shelter other property. So what does your body shelter?

We are comprised of body, soul and spirit. Therefore, the body may be seen as the tent which houses the soul and spirit. Man is a triune being because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Paul prayed distinctly for all three to be preserved blameless until the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Since this tent is mortal it will not last. This scripture speaks about putting on immortality. ”What is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (5:4).

Picture that! This body that we so often groan about, those aches and pains, even our spiritual weakness and fatigue, will be swallowed up….all that will disappear! Amazing! Life will take on new meaning. Isn’t this the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

So why are we groaning? Perhaps it is because we do not care for our bodies, as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned the Corinthians against sexual immorality because the Holy Spirit lives within believers. It is a travesty to connect God with sins of the flesh (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are to take Joseph’s example and to flee such temptation! (Genesis 39:6-18). Inward conflict will wear us down, until we surrender to the fullness of the Spirit, whom God has given to us.

Paul reminds us: “You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body [tent]” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Our family used to holiday in a tent. It was a temporary dwelling, fun for the moment, but not somewhere one would want to live in the long-term. We had to make sacrifices; roughing it was a novelty. However, once we returned home to running water, indoor plumbing and electricity, life took on new meaning! Perhaps that’s a poor comparison to the joys awaiting us in heaven, but the difference will certainly be something to celebrate when we exchange this body for our resurrection body! Then our spirits will be free from temptation and our souls will rest in eternal peace!

Reflection:

Pause with me to pray that God will forgive us for whatever sinful thoughts we have harboured, and to draw strength, in prayer, from the Holy Spirit, as we yield our lives into His control. The Lord Jesus died to set us free. The Apostle Paul knew all about the need for forgiveness, since he had once persecuted the growing church in ancient Israel. He warned the Galatian Church “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” No more groaning!..…”Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1).

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

Continuous Intercession

January 9, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 7:25

Some folks today have a vision for making intercessory prayer their ministry. Praise God for the faithfulness of these saints of God! However, we read in the Bible that intercessory prayer is already being made for each believer continuously! Isn’t that amazing?

You and I need to take time out to sleep and eat, to interact with family and to serve at church. Some of us have to go to work. Continuous intercession may just not be possible. Yet we take heart. There on the pages of holy scripture are words of tender encouragement….

The One who is able to save to the uttermost – let us pause to consider what that means. Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), you and I, and every other sinner, meet as equals at the foot of the cross. Therefore, whoever has sinned is seen by God as needy…needing His amazing grace. Whatever sin is separating us from God puts us in eternal peril. So, we all fall into the category of “uttermost”?

But The One, Jesus Christ, is not only able, but longing to save every person who has ever lived and therefore shed His blood for the remission of all sin. The thing is – that gift must be received. Whoever, believes and receives, wrote the Apostle John (John 1:12-13), is given the right to be called a child of God.

It is for these folks, hopefully you and me, who are part of God’s family, that the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes continuously. He is seated at the Father’s right hand with the precise mission of protecting God’s own children from Satan. Think of it!

Our Saviour knows our vulnerability. His own temptation gave Him understanding. As God-man, Jesus makes intercession with wisdom and justice on the basis of His omniscience. When you and I pray for one another it is with limited understanding. Only as the Holy Spirit gives us insight can we begin to really intercede on behalf of another.

Our prayer begins with a prayer that God will give us the right attitude so that we can restore gently (Galatians 6:1). Our hope is in the Lord and His power to give victory over evil! Our assurance is from the Word of God – in Jesus’ own words: “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow me. ….and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).

Reflection:

As we go into another year, let us remember the reason we know we have (Notice the present tense “have”) eternal life is because God’s Word tells us Jesus gives it to us and no one can remove us from the Father’s hand. And…our position is secure because Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)