Why Are You Cast Down?

May 18, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 42 – 45

A series of psalms was written by the Sons of Korah. Who were these men? Descendants of the Korahites served as doorkeepers and soldiers with King David, explains this ‘Got Questions’ article. Three descendants of the line of Korah go on to become great musical masters and pen some of the Psalms: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. Heman, a grandson of Samuel, penned Psalm 88, and was known for his wisdom.

In Psalms 42 to 45 we find the Sons of Korah creating Maskils, contemplative or didactic poems, used for teaching. The writers, possibly in exile, yearn to return to Jerusalem because it is the revered place of God. They remember going with the multitude with shouts of joy and thanksgiving (42:4). Have you ever been in a worship service where the Spirit of God is glorified by the joy of God’s people? It is an unforgettable experience!

How do we deal with disappointment and longing? The maskil teaches us to do a little self-talk. “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” Notice this is repeated twice in verses 5 and 11 and again in Psalm 43:5. We need to repent of our sins in order to enjoy the forgiveness that restores a right relationship with God. Then they go directly to God. “Why have You forgotten me” (42:9). Have you ever felt like that? Then go straight to the Lord with your pain and sorrow.

The answer comes back in a simple statement “Put your hope in God”. What did they know about God that heathen nations did not? “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (42:2). This living God has been their stronghold (43:2), making their fathers flourish by His right hand and the light and love of His character (44:3). He knows the secrets of the heart (44:21). Even though they were humbled by God because of their sin, the nation Israel even being scattered, (44:9, 11) they knew God’s love was unfailing (44:26). Do you know that God’s love is eternal? Everlasting! Faithful and true?

Throughout this series of songs, they were remembering what had happened down through their nation’s history. True to His nature, when they sinned, God brought judgment on them, but He remained their “refuge, an ever-present help in trouble” (46:1). They trusted the words of God. “Be still and know that I am God…..I will be exalted in the earth” (46:10).

Reflection:

“In Your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness”. These are the qualities that God is looking to plant in your life and mine. As long as we pursue Him, He will gain the victory over evil in our lives, because He loves righteousness and longs to fill our lives with joy (45:4,7). After all, Jesus died that we might be called children of God. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). “Why are you cast down, O my soul”?

Devotional

Pleasing God

May 12, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 147:10-11

Recently I heard a pastor preaching about love. He reminded us that love is primarily a state of mind governed by the determination of the heart to do what is for another person’s good. Agape love certainly is not a feeling, although feeling may follow doing what is necessary to help another person grow in their faith, and comfort them while surviving overwhelming obstacles, etc.

Erotic love may be governed by the heart, but when we are commanded to love everyone on earth it takes determination to overcome dislike, or to seek out those in another strata of society. Wasn’t this what prompted our heavenly Father to reach down to mankind to sacrifice the Son He so loved? (John 3:16). This agape love determined before the foundation of the world that plan which saves us in the 21^st century!

God’s love is unconditional. First of all, the object of His love (you and me) is dead in sin….spiritually dead; unable to respond to His amazing grace. How often do we try to impose that grace and mercy on someone else before the Spirit of God has worked a miracle, reviving their hearts? If our spirit, linked with God’s Spirit yearns over a person enough to pray for them until we discern signs of interest in spiritual things, we will work together with the Father. How often do we go it alone?

God’s love perseveres while we discover His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). If our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) compared to His holiness we might feel we are untouchable, because that is how we often look at others who are ragged and dirty. Reversing the process – can we look at that person through the eyes of God? Just think – when we know God our perception changes. He gives us the ability to love as Jesus loved. Sacrificially! Easing us out of our comfort zone God gently allows us the privilege of loving others for Jesus’ sake.

Feelings come and go. Circumstances, discouragement, poverty of income or relationships and any number of other things factor into how we feel at any given time. We may not feel like worshiping God, but Jesus said to love Him with all our heart and soul (Matthew 22:37). We don’t always understand why we feel the way we do, so how is it possible for us to understand how other people feel or what makes them act on those feelings? If our love is conditioned by feelings alone we are indeed on a slippery slope!

Often we make the mistake of thinking we must feel love before we can minister to others. That feeling might be what blesses our spirits as we obey the Holy Spirit, as we love with our wills those who may seem to be undeserving. However, feeling must never be the basis of good works but rather those good works are a calling from God to do His will. To this end He has saved us.

“You have made known to me the path of life;

You will fill me with joy in Your presence,

With eternal pleasures at Your right hand” (Psalm 16:11)

Reflection:

Why do we want others to clean up their lives, emotionally, physically, socially? Did/do we ever deserve God’s love?

What signifies that we truly understand the meaning of love?

Must we like someone if we love them?

“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love”

Do we seek, first and foremost, to bring pleasure to the heart of God?

Devotional

The Joy of Thy Salvation

March 5, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 51

Sometimes I like to reflect on the richness of the old English language which to me sets God apart as very special. The King James version reminds us of Thy salvation, a gift the Psalmist frequently dwells on. In one sense it is my personal salvation, but the gift is from our heavenly Father, since He is the author and finisher/perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

In today’s world we hear a lot about depression, people who are overwhelmed perhaps by circumstance, such as pandemics. What is it that causes so many young people in developed countries to commit suicide? I often try to imagine what life in a refuge camp would be like, in the twenty-first century; so many people have left the comforts of home to escape from their enemies. What psychological traumas do they endure? What distractions from the terrible realities of each day might they enjoy? Do they have the advantage of a faith that lifts their spirits?

These are broad general conditions that we could very well imagine leading to depression, but what of those secret sins and sorrows of the individual heart? David knew something of those feelings and prayed that God would restore “the joy of Thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12). He knew the source of all healing is God. Some folks have deep regrets about their evil thoughts, expressing innermost feelings of anger and hate. For these we desperately need supernatural help! Those thoughts separate us from God as does any and every sin, and our sorrow is compounded by regret.

Isn’t it remarkable that our loving God has provided for this condition by giving us the Holy Spirit. He produces fruit in us – the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:12). That fruit includes self-control. Most of us know that learning often takes place with three steps forward, then two steps back. But let us not lose heart – one step forward is progress! This forward movement becomes the joy of God’s salvation. As long as we are looking at the goal, pressing forward towards the prize, the past will fade away.

However, for many who have been abused, for example, that past never quite disappears. From its reflection we are reminded of hours of pain and suffering, but once again the Holy Spirit steps in to remind us of Jesus’ innocent pain and suffering, on your behalf and mine! WOW! Would I do what He did for my abuser? He has left us an example that we might follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). Can we? Might we? Will we?

David’s prayer enlightens us. He needs God to reprogram his spirit. “Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:13). Are we able to sincerely pray that God, who searches every heart, will change mine, since I don’t seem to be very good at that?

Reflection:

God’s intention is for His children to be people of joy and love. Without His help these things do not come naturally to most of us. The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God produces goodness and kindness and gentleness, so desperately needed in a world torn by worry and fear. Those of us who know Him have the unspeakable joy of sharing the source of our peace is the One who saves us with His perfect salvation!

Devotional

Romantic Literature

March 3, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 36:7 **

Someone has taken the trouble to categorize the books of the Bible into history, poetry and so on. Accordingly the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon, have become known as books of poetry. Poetry, in English literature is largely “romantic”. Others have labelled this section of the Bible as “Wisdom” literature. Many of us would consider romance anything but wise! So what does that mean for us as we read these specific books?

Wordsworth said poetry should begin “as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” which serve as a reference point in moments of tranquility. Romance therefore is not purely imaginative. There is a Divine reality in human experience as we grapple with problems in our changing world, which reveals the heart of God and man, throughout the vicissitudes of life. The starting point is God in whom our romantic contemplations are centered; this is true romance.

Biblical books of romance, poetry, and wisdom, reveal a lot about God’s relationship to man. For example, Job speaks to the blessing of suffering. How often do we consider suffering a blessing? Yet as we draw on God’s strength through periods of loss in our own lives, don’t we find our faith grows, our perspective on God’s wisdom expands and we are able to bless others with what we have learned?

The Psalms reveal the blessings we have in communing with God: the Holy One, the Almighty from whom we beg help for ourselves and others, the Omniscient One who knows the end from the beginning and everything in between! With the Psalmist we learn how to truly praise God even in the midst of trouble!

Solomon was known as the wisest man who ever lived. He leaves us precepts for living that derived from this God-given wisdom. Ecclesiastes may seem to be one of the most mysterious books of the Bible. “Vanity, vanity! All is vanity!” What on earth does that mean? (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Looking at life, one might think the aimless cycles and unexplained paradoxes negate a sense of purpose in the whole of man’s experience, but Solomon concludes that the wise man will see life from God’s perspective “for without Him who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). He is the One who makes all things beautiful in their time (3:11). Isn’t that a romantic reality?

Songs of Solomon. Romantic literature surely, since it deals with a love relationship. How often we mistake Eros as the only expression of romantic love. However, there is another theme that runs through this book – a theme of unity, and the bliss that comes from spirits that are united. Some call this “kindred spirits”. This book is not written to describe only erotic love, but includes the love that Jesus demonstrated, by giving His life as payment for our sins. One with the Father (John 17) we see in Him a Holy love for you and for me. This is the best love which scholars have labelled Agape; a charitable love that embraces unconditional love transcending circumstance.

These books are rich in lessons about relationships. Romantic relationships that give us something to reach for as we contend with each other in everyday life. We need lofty ideals in the sordid conditions of our world today. Sex is not love, nor is it romance. Romance teaches us to go much deeper. Romance produces communication, loyalty, endurance, responsibility, as well as fun and laughter! Perhaps we need our hearts and minds purified by the romantic aspirations of a Holy God!

Reflection:

Pondering on the word, what does romance mean to you?

Is the heart of God romantic and if so explain what that looks like?

Why has mankind settled for Erotic love when Agape or even Filial/brotherly love goes so much deeper?

Check out a concordance for God’s unfailing love in the Psalms.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Most High God

November 26, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a beloved Psalm, used by many to comfort themselves in times of distress. You may be familiar with the word picture given to us by an unknown author: “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge!” (91:4).

To whom is the writer referring? Reading from verse one we discover that those who “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” qualify for the promise. Why? Because their focus is on the Lord. They aren’t afraid to express their trust -“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (91:1-2).

There is also an “If” in the picture. “If you make the Most High your dwelling”. Think of it…where you live is usually a place of sanctuary, of comfort. Imagine dwelling in the Most High God. What does that look like to you and to me? And the promise goes on – “Then no harm will befall you” (91:9-10a).

You see, we have an enemy – Satan. He cannot get at us when we are dwelling in God. Furthermore we will not be afraid, because this is a place of safety. Feathers don’t promise very great protection, but if you have ever seen a bird of prey surrounding his food with a circle of wings and tail, there is a surprising strength there. And these are God’s feathers. How often do we pause to think about the Most High God and what He is really like?

These feathers provide us with a fortress where God’s faithfulness will be our shield and rampart. A rampart is any physical protective wall. Furthermore “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. WOW! Do you know there are angels, right now, protecting you if what? “If you make the Most High your dwelling (91:9, 11).

Could you fill in your name, in verse 14? Because __________loves Me, says the Lord, “I will rescue ________. I will protect ____________ because _____________ acknowledges My name”. The last few verses are all about “I”, the Lord who will answer when we call on Him, who will be with us in trouble and deliver us, satisfying us with long life.

The last few words are crucial to our understanding of God. Salvation comes from Him. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts today to show us what the Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished on the cross. If we respond to His invitation, then we form a relationship with God that provides forgiveness for past sins and present, as well as a future salvation which will be complete once we are in heaven. To God be the glory!

Reflection:

Isn’t it amazing how something will leap out from a familiar passage of scripture? This psalm is rich with understanding of the wonderful “Most High God”. His strength, His personal care, His faithfulness and His salvation are outstanding! Are you dwelling in the shadow of the Most High?

by Marilyn Daniels (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!

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Devotional

The Lord is Loving and Faithful

September 23, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

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

The Lord Watches

February 5, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 121

One of my favourite Psalms from my youth has been a Psalm of ascents, Psalm 121. Several Psalms, writers unknown, form a hymn book for pilgrims who were journeying to annual feasts in Jerusalem. Singing helped to pass the time on a trip which was often long and arduous. Interestingly Psalm 120 expresses the heart’s cry for deliverance, counting on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 120:1).

As we look at the next song, the tone changes. In lifting his eyes to the hills, we might wonder what the writer sees? Whatever it is inspires him with hope, founded on the Lord. “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord!” (121:1-2a).

A new reader might ask who is the Lord and how can He be trusted? The Psalmist clarifies a fundamental truth. God never sleeps. Wow! On a weary morning after a sleepless night, we might marvel at this attribute which means God is constantly on the alert. “He who watches over you….” Recall the prayer you might have prayed as a little child? “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep”? Whispered by infant lips, the reality of God’s care somehow set the stage, for me at least, to rest knowing someone was watching over me.

“He who watches over you…” again reminds me of times when an anxious mother watched over the crib of a sick child, believing that God was in the room watching also, with a power far beyond mine! His watch-care is born of love, a love that sometimes is rather hard to understand. His love watches over the man sleeping in a bedroll on the street. God never slumbers….meaning He doesn’t even sleep lightly or doze. (Psalm 121:4).

Now of course we know that bad things happen to good people, yet the promise in this Psalm is for everyone because God loves everyone (John 3:16). In fact, the Apostle Peter records, from his own experience, the reality of God’s love for all. “He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Sometimes we fear that God has forgotten His promise, but that verse assures us He has not, but rather is exercising His patience so that more folks could make the decision to repent, and to ask God to take charge of their chaotic lives.

To know God is watching brings peace and joy when we are willing to walk in His ways, but there may be an element of fear if we determine to disregard God’s standards for righteous living.

Reflection:

When you think of it, why would the Creator of the universe, the One who sustains everything by the breath of His mouth (Hebrews 1:3), be concerned for each individual person enough to perpetually watch over their lives? (121:7). For those who struggle with issues of security, safety and self-esteem, perhaps there is something here in the Word of God that is reassuring. Many of us have been disappointed by human relationships, but here is relationship offered with Divine power and love. “The Lord watches”! Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

God’s Glory

July 17, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 104:1-4

As I write, we are still watching the glory of man in the coronation festivities of Britain’s King Charles III. What a spectacular celebration, golden coach and all! Yet there he was, dedicating himself to God as a servant of all. That was his mother’s prerogative too. Suddenly I was gripped with the urge to see what scripture tells us about the glory of God! From beginning to end we find references to God’s glory, by which comparison, man’s is very pale. Therefore, this devotional is going to be a real Bible Study.

In the beginning…Genesis tells us that in the creation process there was light long before our sun was created. The first thing God commanded was Light. Where did it come from? It was the light of God’s glory, also revealed in heaven where there is no need of sun or moon (Revelation 21:23).

We may have some misconceptions about God’s glory when we think in terms of light and darkness. In Genesis He separated the light from darkness, yet it was all part of His glory. We see an example of this when Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. We read “The cloud covered it [the mountain], and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai” (Exodus 24:16). TO the Israelites waiting for seven days below, “the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire” (Exodus 24:17).

God’s glory was seen in a cloud more than once; one time was when “the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting [where the Israelites worshiped], and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle!” In fact Moses couldn’t enter the Tent because ”the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle” (40:34-35).

However, God’s glory is not confined. “As surely as I live, and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw My glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt, and in the desert….” …and God went on to declare they would never see the promised land because of their sin of disbelief. There may be a lesson here – if we do not believe in Jesus, who performed so many miracles, even raising the dead, we will not see the “promised land”, which is heaven.

The glory of the Lord is revealed in His miracles. It is a visible reality. The disciples saw “the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). However, we must not take the glory of God for granted. It is, unfortunately, the lot of humankind to “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This leaves us in a desperate place if we are not revived by the Holy Spirit. We are all dead in sin, because of the sin nature we inherited from Adam, unless “God who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ” . Paul continued, in his letter to the Ephesians, to describe the glory of being seated with Him in heavenly places in order to show the riches of His grace [glory] (Ephesians 2:4-6).

Also God has given us a wonderful hope. He has revealed the great mystery which was hidden for generations, but now “disclosed to the saints” through Jesus Christ our Lord. This mystery Paul tells the Colossian church is made known among the Gentiles –“the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!” (26-27).

Reflection:

Just imagine the fulfillment of our hope – that day when we will see the King of kings, seated upon His throne, in all of His glory!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Fool’s Folly

July 10, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 14:1

Isaiah had a reality check. He was given a unique message for the people. “No longer will the fool be called noble” (Isaiah 32:5). One wonders if a fool, as we think of one, would ever be called noble. Heaven forbid – might we ourselves fall into one of the following categories?

Some clever commentator has distinguished five types of fool in the Bible. The first is simple – open-minded, immature, gullible and curious. Lacking discernment this person is willing to give consideration to any new thought (Proverbs 22:3). The second (10:14, 20:3) is silly, despising advice (7:1) and getting angry when things do not go his way (27:3). Third – sensual “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief” (Proverbs 10:23). Fourth – scorning. This person makes dangerous company, since they will not listen to rebuke (Proverbs 13:1). In a sense their own wisdom is beyond correction. Fifth – steadfast! Most dangerous of all, this person rejects God (Psalm 14:1).

Isaiah goes on to describe a trait of fools in general: “the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil” (Isaiah 32:6). Not only is their thinking corrupted, but also their behaviour, because they practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord (:6). They scheme and lie, ignoring the plight of the needy, even when “The plea of the needy is just” (:7).

Peter gives a graphic description of what a fool looks like, so we make no mistake. Bold and arrogant, they do not restrain their judgment, even of celestial beings and God, since Peter goes on to say they blaspheme in matters they do not understand? (2 Peter 2:12). He likens a fool to a beast guided only by instinct. Fools apparently indulge in adultery and seduction in broad daylight, preying on vulnerable people. By appealing to the lustful desires of human nature and guided by greed, the fool makes a mockery of clean living. His soul is full of darkness, Peter tells us.

Paul warns Timothy, his son in the faith, to beware of those teachers who only say what people want to hear. Even centuries ago there were problems arising from a society focused on suiting their own desires, coddling themselves in self-indulgence while turning their ears away from the truth of God’s word. Preference was given to myths because men would not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). Paul could have been describing the twenty-first century! Instead, Timothy is urged to ”correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

In contrast to the fool, the noble man makes noble plans. The dictionary defines noble as “one possessing outstanding qualities”! Paul reminds us to think noble thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Noble deeds follow on the heels of noble thinking. Who wouldn’t choose to earn the reputation of a noble person? That choice is up to us! We can follow the path of fools or we can take the noble way, modelled by our Saviour and Lord.

Reflection:

Contrast a fool with a noble person. Who comes out the winner?

Name 2 significant dangers of associating with fools.

What does God think of fools? How would He advise you to deal with the folly so often seen in our world today?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)