Tag: Psalm

Devotional

Unless the Lord Builds…

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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

Praise the Lord

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Psalm 148

The Psalmist call upon the heavens and the earth to praise God. As we begin the new year, let us think in terms of praising God. The common phrase queries “Is the cup half full or is it half empty?”. How will we choose to bring in another year?

My thoughts were drawn, as I read this Psalm, to the heavens which my grandson is famous for photographing. There are galaxies way beyond what we can see, so when the ancients called upon the “highest heavens” to praise the Lord, their writings stimulate our imagination.

Having just celebrated Christmas, “the heavenly host” has been in our thoughts, since choirs of angels sang at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! “Praise Him sun, and moon, praise Him all you shining stars!”. Now why does this seem so important to the author of this Psalm?

We get the answer in verse 5: “For He commanded and they were created”. Just as God spoke our earth into being, He purposed the heavens. “He set them in place for ever and ever”. If mankind has the urge to explore, it is great to know there is a wealth of experience out there which has not even been tapped. That also reminds me that I have been created for a purpose. What an awesome thought!

But – the Psalm doesn’t end there. Things on the earth are called to praise the Lord. All creatures living in the ocean depths as well as land animals and birds, even the weather praise Him. How does “lightening and hail, and snow” praise the Lord? Is it because it shows forth the power of His might?

Last, but not least, “people” including kings and all the rulers on earth, young folks and old, are called to praise God “For His name alone is exalted”. We sing “His name is wonderful”. What do we think about, what life experiences have reinforced the thrill as we sing that song? As we sing, we claim “Jesus” as our personal Lord. What does that mean to you and to me? Scripture teaches us the name of the Lord is holy, majestic, trustworthy, glorious, and everlasting.

Reflection:

God calls us, through the still small voice of His spirit to worship Him for His name’s sake. ”I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake“. We do not need any other reason to “Praise the Lord” do we?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Meditations

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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!

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Devotional

The Lord is Loving and Faithful

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Psalm 25

When we read the words “the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful” (Psalm 25:10) we grow hopeful that as His children we will live lives which are blessed, don’t we? However, we need to read these words in context.

David knows that Almighty God is the source of goodness so when He instructs us sinners (25:8) it is with the expectation of a response. Are we following in His ways by living lives of goodness? What does that mean?

Little children are constantly asking “why”? This is one way they learn. Why does God look for us to show Him we are believers?….and how? First of all, scripture is clear, isn’t it? David writes that the blessing we hope for comes when we “keep the demands of His covenant” (25:10). Do we today in the twenty-first century understand the demands of God’s covenant?

Jesus died for our sins, creating a new covenant. The old regime of salvation by keeping the law has passed away. “The new covenant is in My blood” (Luke 22:20), Jesus said, meaning that it is by believing and receiving His death on the cross as the penalty for our sins, we have eternal salvation. Sounds too easy and it is!

There is more….Jesus taught all those who follow Him to love one another because “it is by this that all will know you are My disciples – that you love one another”. If we are honest it is not always easy to love those with whom we differ. Part of that same verse, which is seldom quoted, tells us “As I have loved you, you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).

There may be sacrifice in offering our love to others. Are we willing to become Christ-like in our response to God’s love? If not, can we expect God to be faithful to us? The new covenant in His blood about which Jesus spoke, was poured out. That creates a word picture…a jug being emptied.

Reflection:


If we say we follow Jesus, are we willing to be emptied in the sake of Christ? What might that look like? Oh dear children of God, let us examine our hearts to see if we measure up to the expectations of a Holy God! Can we truly pray “Show me Your ways O Lord. Teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour and my hope is in You all the day long” (Psalm 25:4-5)?

Devotional

A Prayer of David

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Psalm 17

David was the King of Israel, remembered down through centuries of time for the Psalms and songs he wrote. They are very revealing of the character of the man who as a boy fought the giant Goliath. As an adult he fell into the sin of adultery; his relationship with Bathsheba, recorded in scripture, serves as a warning to those who pray to live righteous lives. His son Solomon became king after him and was renowned for his wisdom.

In Psalm 17 David presents his credentials to the Lord “O Lord hear my righteous plea” (:1). Was this because he was totally committed to pleasing God in every way? How often have you identified yourself as righteous before the Lord? We are taught to come with humility, pleading the blood of Jesus to cover our sins, whether they are known or unknown. In verse 2 David acknowledges “My vindication comes from You”….in other words – “You probe [know] my heart”, verse 3. Now why is this important?

This demonstrates the degree of relationship that David had with his God. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (:8). Isn’t that a beautiful word picture? Wouldn’t you like to know you are the apple of God’s eye? Why couldn’t we be?

David has obviously put some thought into his life journey. “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin” (:3). Sometimes we think that means swearing, but a simple thing like telling the truth can mean much in the eyes of God. It isn’t always easy to tell the truth. We live in a world filled with deception, so that truth takes on many shades. A little white lie became a joke, but here we find a man whose heart is totally committed to pleasing his God in word and deed (:3-4).

Another thing we learn about David’s relationship with God; it is built on his knowledge of God’s love “the wonder of Your great love” (:7). God’s character can be trusted and David knows God’s love will not let him get away with sin. God brought the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin of adultery. Why? So that David would be brought to the place of confession. God wants us to confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Psychologically we can only heal from our mistakes as we face them. Our Creator God wants us to live lives that are free from past sin. What an awesome God!

David leaves us with some final thoughts. “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (:8). In another Psalm he writes “He [God] will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). Then he ends on an eternal note. In eternity where our righteousness will be complete “I will see Your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness” (:15).

Reflection:

It is no wonder many folks find comfort in the writings of King David. He knew God personally! We too may know Him! We have the privilege of knowing Him through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing that He came to seek and to save humankind, which was lost in sin. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Splendour of His Holiness

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Psalm 96:9

Which scriptures teach you and me how to worship our Lord? Off the top, can you think of anything beyond the well-known verse penned by an unknown author? “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (KJV). “Worship the Lord in the splendour of His holiness” (Psalm 96:9 NIV) Awesome! We worship Him because He is Holy.

What do we know about the holiness of God? We sing about it: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” but what do we mean? Jesus said “I have come to do your will” (Matthew 26:39) and “By that will we are made holy [set apart*] through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 10:10).

There are many other words associated with God’s holiness. “Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). One commentator notes: “God is supremely and exclusively God. He has no rivals. As uniquely excellent, He is His own category”. Samuel wrote “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside You” (1 Samuel 2:2). Apparently, the Bible calls God “the Holy One” over 50 times and calls the Spirit of God “the Holy Spirit” over 90 times. While God alone is holy [set apart*], there is a sense in which we humans also may be holy.

However, there are many temptations through life which would lure us away from the path of holiness. Peter knew that better than anyone. He warns his readers: “Just as He who called you is holy, be holy in all you do, for it is written ‘Be holy, because I am holy’ ” (Leviticus 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:16). First of all we must be intentional.

We will never achieve the beauty of God’s holiness, but His example gives us something to strive for. We have the life of Christ revealed to us in God’s Holy Word. What might we take from this? Holy means to be set apart*. In the purity of His sinless life, Christ is indeed set apart. No other human has achieved the splendour of His perfect life. He has gone down through history as God’s Holy Son, God in a man’s body, pure and perfect.

How does this apply to you and me today? For one thing, God has given us instructions in moral purity to follow, in the Bible. We have been set apart to be different because the Holy Spirit lives in each believer, growing us into the likeness of our Lord Jesus, loving, joyful, peaceable, patient and kind…and the list goes on (Galatians 5:22). Christ is our hero in holiness!

Reflection:

Purity? Holiness? Is it fair that God sets before us what looks like an impossible task? Let me suggest it is only when we are inspired by the vision of His splendour, that we will strive to be more like Him! Have we seen Jesus in all of His glory, raised from the dead? If we take time to be holy, we will spend time in His presence, getting to know the God we say we worship. Regarding fairness we might ask: Do we long to suffer whatever life throws at us in the same spirit as He suffered all that He faced on the cross, and all that went before it?

“Majesty! Worship His majesty! Unto Jesus be all glory, honour and praise!”

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

I Am Not Worthy

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Psalm 40:2

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

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

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

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

Breathless before His beauty,

Bound to Him in awe,

I see my Lord and Saviour

As never before I saw.

His majesty compelling

Me to bow my knees,

How graciously He blesses

The one He kindly frees.

His tenderness and mercy

Are worthy of my love,

Not to be compared to

His, coming from above. Marilyn Daniels 2016

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

Reflection:

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

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

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

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Vanquished or Victorious?

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Psalm 44

In an era where spelling is almost irrelevant as words are reduced to fit into a texting format, the existence of the English language may be threatened. However, there are those who still enjoy the richness of words as they contribute to our understanding of ideas, of history, as they paint word pictures and describe feelings.

Vanquished is an old-fashioned word describing those subdued completely in battle, overcome in conflict or contest, or overwhelmed by emotion. There are times in the lives of most of us when we feel vanquished by circumstance – perhaps external, or even internal conflict.

We live in a world of unprecedented choices. One can actually now chose their gender. A growing trend is to examine preferences in early childhood, upon which one’s sexuality is based. Despite physical appearances hormonal growth can be stunted to achieve the look of the gender preferred. Imagine the confusion if in later years these people who are neither man nor woman might long for a child. When we cannot accept and celebrate what God has given to us we find ourselves in serious conflict, vulnerable to feeling continually overwhelmed/ vanquished.

On the battlefield of life Satan has the advantage when we feel conquered. Once we are down we are vulnerable to every fiery dart he can throw at us. But God! In Psalm 44 there is a theme running through this lament, a theme of victory. Israelite history proved God-given victories. He brought them into the Promised Land and settled them there, removing completely those who might have been their enemies. “…not by sword that they won the land nor did their arm [of strength] bring them victory, but it was Your right hand, Your arm and the light of Your face – because You loved them!” (:3).

Looking at the present, the Psalmist recognized the hand of God once again had given him victory: “I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but You give us victory over our enemies [Satan, self, others]….in God we make our boast all the day long! (:6-8).

However, momentarily the Director of Music who wrote this Psalm fears God’s rejection. Experience has taught him that God is faithful. This gives him confidence to cry out for redemption from the present overwhelming circumstance (:26).

He knows the power of God that vanquished the nation’s enemies (:2). But now, for some reason the army is losing the battle. They feel abandoned, rejected, humbled (:9). In retreat from the enemy they have become a reproach to their neighbours (: 13). Now they are pleading for God to rise up and redeem them (:26).

Reflection:

God may be testing His people, since we read their defence written in verses 17-22. Meditate on these verses.

Note their petition is based on the certain knowledge of God’s unfailing love (:26).

Can you identify with this lament? How do you approach God when you feel vanquished?

Where does your certain victory originate?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Covered With His Feathers

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Psalm 91

David begins this song with words of reassurance. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (:1). In a world torn by violence and anger, war and so many abuses, rest sounds wonderful. Our anxious hearts ache as we see the chaos around the globe. What would peace of mind feel like? How welcome to be free from fear!

Do we know the One who promises to “cover you with His feathers” where under His wings we will find refuge? Can we trust the promise of God that “His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart?” (:4) A rampart is a length of bank or wall forming part of the defensive boundary of a castle, hillfort, settlement or other fortified site. God will protect His own. Isn’t it interesting that He promises the strength of feathers as our protection! However, David’s experience taught him to trust in the Lord whom he called “my refuge and my fortress“ (:2).

Notice this promise is conditioned on one thing. “If” – that tiny word with so much meaning! “If you make the Most High your dwelling….” (:9). Dwelling is another word for home, the place where one lives. In our homes we want to feel a sense of security and safety. When a young couple sets up their first home it is with dreams that the atmosphere will be full of love. God’s love removes any terrors those who dwell in His shadow might feel, night or day (:5-7). Love goes both ways. “Because he/she loves me” the Lord said “I will rescue him/her”. In fact, if we acknowledge His name, God will protect us and will answer our prayers” (:14-15).

Who wouldn’t choose to dwell with God when we read the list of His blessings? He will honour His children with long life. He will deliver us from all sorts of things (:5, 6, 10, 13), and as Jesus prayed, extends His promise to “deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). God’s people will be satisfied (:16). In our world today there is so much striving for bigger and better things. The attitude that allows us to have satisfaction in the moment is pushed aside, when we feel driven to compete in the workplace. Paul knew “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). And God blesses His own, those dwelling in safety, with a visual hope of His salvation (:16).

This Psalm of praise thanks God for His judgment on the wicked (:4-9) and His blessings on the righteous (:10-15). In between, we read “For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways”. Angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Throughout scripture we read about the service angels render to God, as they took messages to various people, Mary and Joseph perhaps being the best known example (Luke 1:26-36, Matthew 1:20-21). We must remember how they were warned by the angel of the Lord to flee from Herod into Egypt, with the Baby Jesus (Matthew 2:13).

Reflection:

This beautiful Psalm shows us the character of God, who longs to protect us and to bless us with His love. He generously supplies His own agents, angels, to keep our feet from slipping into sin (:12). We know from New Testament scriptures that God has also given us His Holy Spirit to grow us in His likeness (Galatians 5:22-23) and to make us agents of His peace in a world that is weary with care (Titus 3:2).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Forgiven Much

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Luke 7:36-50

Have you been forgiven much? What is the measuring stick for our sins as children of God? Is it a list of do’s and don’ts? Are we guided by our feelings, whether something is right or wrong? How does God’s Word describe “sin”? Chuck Swindoll gives us some clues.

“Any and all sin is enough to separate us from God and invoke His wrath—even eating fruit (Genesis 3:6)! All sin is equal in the sense that all sin breaks God’s law and falls short of His perfect standards. The Bible portrays sin as straying from God’s paths, opposing Him, and rebelling against Him. Whether it’s the sin of stealing a small item, telling a lie, or murder, all sin transgresses the law of God. So yes, in that sense all sin is the same in God’s eyes.”

When God calls us to do something and we do not do it, is that sin? In order to appreciate God’s forgiving spirit we need to understand what offends Him. He saves us to be useful, to further His Kingdom here on earth. In our reading today Luke signifies the importance of glorifying God through our actions. A woman worshiped Jesus. Is that enough?

Reading on, we find that Jesus declares this woman’s sins are forgiven (:48). Is there anything more important in this life than to know our sins are forgiven? The reality is we keep on sinning, in small ways or in big. We all yield to temptation from time to time so are blessed to know that “He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). There is one condition. “If”….If and when we recognize our thoughts, our words, or our behaviour have offended God, we must confess our sins. Then and then only will God forgive us and cleanses us.

How did the woman in our scripture reading demonstrate a repentant attitude? Tears and kisses? I believe it was the way she bowed at Jesus’ feet. In an act of subservience, she acknowledged His supremacy. She didn’t care what people thought, or what they said about her. In fact, to this day she remains nameless. Only her actions testify to her faith. Jesus knows our hearts, just as He knew hers. “Your faith has saved you” (:50). WOW! He knew what this wordless demonstration of love meant.

Apparently my love is conditioned by my awareness of my own personal sin, according to this woman’s example. Jesus leaves us with a thought for further consideration: “He/she who has been forgiven little, loves little” (:47). For those of us who have known the exquisite joy of being forgiven, our gratitude is never-ending. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!! Listen to the Psalmist: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (Psalm 119:71).

Reflection:

God knows all about us. Are your sins and mine many or few? This woman was apparently a great sinner. Listen to Jesus publicly declaring: “Her many sins have been forgiven”. Whether you and I have been great sinners according to the standards of this world, nothing is too great for God to forgive (Psalm 86:5). How often are we Christ-like towards others who still struggle with temptation? (Ephesians 4:32) How kind are we to ourselves when we need to confess we blew it once again? God’s Holy Word is full of encouragement! He opens the door for us to express our great love to Him, by declaring us to be forgiven much!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)