Where Does Evil Originate?

March 16, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 14

Where did evil begin? When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, His reaction was kindly. He provided a covering, clothes for their nakedness. However, by the time their sons were old enough to make responsible sacrifices to their God, the first act of human depravity was recorded. Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealous rage because Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God.

Recently our Bible Study group was looking at the subject of evil. It is interesting to note that Cain’s reaction was not against the object of his anger, God, but rather he took it out on someone he could actually handle. Mankind has been doing this ever since. How often do women and children pay the penalty for the anger of man? Whether it is personal or national, abuse creates a scandal against humanity.

It is terribly sad that in venting anger there seems to be so little relief. Strangely it seems to grow, rather than diminish. Where did it all begin? It might be oversimplifying the answer, but let us suggest cruelty began the moment the taste of apple was on Eve’s tongue. Why? At that moment her mind was poisoned with thoughts of evil. The tree gave her something she had never tasted before, an understanding of evil.

Our question is one which philosophers have studied for years. Whether they attribute evil to a neurochemical cause or find the source in philosophy, some have even gone so far as to attribute evil to God. Did God create evil? Of course not. He created Satan as an angel of light, but Jesus witnessed Satan’s fall “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18). That fall is described more fully by Isaiah, who reads the mind of evil very clearly. “I will” is at the centre of it all (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Lucifer means “light-bearer”; Ezekiel describes him as the model of perfection, full of wisdom. He was created, ordained by God and anointed as a guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-14). Until wickedness was found in him, until he sinned, Lucifer was blameless (:15, 16).

Perhaps we need to check out the source of evil still in our midst today. Is it not in the self-determination of man to be in control? Just as Satan rebelled, so did Cain. Why did he have to bring a blood sacrifice to God? Why weren’t the best fruits of his labours enough? Surely he could justify his intentions on the grounds it was his best turnip or pumpkin! And so, we see the tragedy of pitting one’s mind against the mind of God, a mind so far-reaching in its outlook that we cannot possibly see today what will happen tonight, but we still want it our way!

Where does evil originate? David Hume the 18^th century neo-sceptic, had no answer. He just asked the same old questions perhaps in a new way, and his thoughts make God into something evil. If God could prevent evil, but is not willing, He is malevolent. If He is not able but willing, then He is not omnipotent, but rather impotent. However, there is one question that remains. Why did God give man the ability to make choices?

If man chooses to operate outside of the clear will of God, resorting to his own devices because of an exaggerated concept of who he is and what his own capabilities are, evil will result. The evil will be very personal. Like Satan, that man will be cast down, brought down to the very depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:12 & 15). But the God, whose kindness saved Adam and Eve from embarrassment, provides for us today. He is willing to cover us with the blood of Christ, which will not just cover, but will take away our sin. Clothed in Jesus Christ we have all the promises of God’s loving favour, to keep us from evil.

Reflection: “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus….Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” (Hebrews 10:19, 22)

Devotional

Egypt’s Shade

November 16, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 30:1-5

In a day and age where folks seem determined to chart their own destiny, where does one go for help?

The Israelites, we read, had gone to Egypt for help, centuries ago. The Lord addressed them as His obstinate children (30:1). Starting with “Woe!” we must look closely to discover what it is that has so displeased the Almighty God!

Apparently the nation has gone down to Egypt for Pharaoh’s protection, without consulting God. What could Pharaoh do? Many times in the Old Testament God had warned Israel not to trust in Egypt’s horses and strength. Here we find them resting in “Egypt’s shade” (:2 & 3).

Resting! David had previously written “Blessed are those who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly” Wouldn’t that apply to the Egyptians whose religious idols were prolific? Were the Israelites not sitting in the seat of those who scorned their monotheistic God? (Psalm 1:1) Where did God’s people now put their trust?

The problem was ego…people wanting to form their own plans without asking “Thy will be done”, forming alliances without God’s Spirit directing the whole process (Isaiah 30:1). Before we become too judgmental, do we not often practice the same trend? How often do we make plans without asking for God’s direction? Or…. perhaps we ask God to approve our plans without any idea that His might differ. Sometimes we even try to dictate to the Almighty how He should help us.

What then could Israel expect from Egypt? At that time Egypt was a declining power. Assyria was on the rise. Their protection could only bring shame and disgrace (:3 & 5). God viewed Egypt as useless, powerless to bring help, or to put them at an advantage. Did they trust this all-seeing God? No! They chose to put their trust in Egypt.

The question for us today is “Where do we put our trust”? Do we sit in the shade of our own Egypt? Do we trust in science, in intellectualism – knowledge that at best is only seeing through a glass darkly? (1 Corinthians 13:12). Do we seek help from fortune tellers, astrology, wizards? Do we rely on alcohol and drugs to ease our emotional or physical pain? How do we deal with our spiritual emptiness and darkness?

Rebelliousness is deceitful, blind, evil – it cannot look on the Holiness of God. (30:9-10). Yet through it all God offers truth: “In quietness and trust is your strength” (30:15). Listen to God’s heart – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion, for the Lord is a God of justice” (30:18). Have you ever been loved with such intensity? Has anyone else ever pursued you with active compassion?

Reflection:

How does God view our waywardness?

Does His faithfulness and patience set us an example?

Will you rise from the shade of your Egypt, to respond to God’s obvious love?

Devotional

This Man Welcomes Sinners

August 6, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Luke 15:1-7

A large crowd was gathering. The Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered about the calibre of people Jesus attracted, since there were tax collectors and sinners in the crowd. Isn’t it interesting the designation that categorized groups of people, in their minds? Although they looked down on tax collectors as lesser beings, often of ill-repute, they separated them from sinners. How were they defined?

Jesus was teaching in parables again. This time He spoke about a shepherd who, leaving ninety-nine sheep safe in the fold, went in search of one that had strayed. It’s a very moving account of caring and compassion, of concern for the safety of one sheep that was lost. Jesus went on to describe the joy of the shepherd when he found the sheep, lifting it to his shoulder and carrying it home. We learn many things about the shepherd from this parable. He was tender and personally involved – he didn’t delegate. Help for the helpless was and is always forth-coming. Rescue operations are a rewarding responsibility. There seem to be no consequences for straying beyond being brought back into the fold. Mission accomplished was cause for celebration with the community. The Shepherd called his friends and neighbours together to rejoice with him.

Taking the story one step further Jesus explains its meaning. The lost represent spiritually needy people. The shepherd is Jesus, Himself – He talked about His mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Did you know there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents? (Luke 15:10). Jesus said that is cause for greater joy than the ninety-nine righteous people who remained securely in the fold, not needing to be rescued (:7). What an awesome thought!

But the Pharisees and teachers of the law complained. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (:2). They were treated to a long sermon using many examples of how important the “lost” are to God. Jesus talked about searching for the lost coin, about the prodigal son who strayed from the safety and security of his father’s home and for that period of time was essentially lost. We don’t read anywhere that they understood His point. Rather each time these religious leaders are mentioned it is always from a position of condemnation – “They sneered at Jesus“. (16:14).

Other Gospel writers noted this also. Matthew writes that after Jesus forgave a paralytic of his sins, teachers of the law labelled Him blasphemous (Matthew 9:3). They were quick to point out how His disciples were breaking the law by picking and eating grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:2). Mark records how Jesus was held responsible by the Pharisees for allowing His disciples to eat with unwashed hands (Mark 7:5) and how anxious they were to trip Him up as they tested Him and asked for some sign from heaven that would validate His teachings (Mark 8:11). Even the crowds couldn’t make up their minds about Jesus. Some declared Him to be good on account of His miracles, but others criticized Him for deceiving the people (John &:12, 20, 45-49)…..and these are just a few examples.

Behind the arrogance and pride of the religious leaders, Jesus continued about His Father’s business. He was too busy doing good, teaching the way to a personal relationship within the Kingdom of God, to be distracted by the complaints and criticisms that would probably deter many of us from our mission.

Reflection:

How do you define “sinners”?

What was it that kept Jesus strong in the face of criticism?

Will His example strengthen you in your resolve to welcome sinners, in spite of what people think?

Does this help you consider the impact a critical spirit might have on people with whom you interact?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Weight of Sin

April 8, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

1 Peter 2:21-24

Have you ever felt guilty because you knew you had done something wrong, or because your thoughts were unkind? It can become a heavy burden unless we deal with these feelings right away. God, in His Word gives us direction….first we are to ask for His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).

However, we are to ask forgiveness of others if there is anything between us that destroys our fellowship; otherwise the guilt which is very real, will persist, and drag us down. God doesn’t intend us to live in the doldrums. Jesus died to set us free; Paul writes to remind us “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” Therefore, he continues…”Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened with the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). We are to be proactive.

God has given us directions in His Holy Word for righteous living – living that exudes joy and peace and love. All those around us will recognize the signs of a life lifted up to bring glory to God! Why? Because “Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This is a favourite verse of mine, challenging me over a life-time to remember what I owe my Saviour.

Peter goes on to say Jesus didn’t retaliate when He suffered abuse prior to His crucifixion. Rather, “He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” – His Heavenly Father (2:23). Does our faith give us the strength to rely on God’s judgment when we have been wronged? Oh to be like Jesus! We must remember how evil our response to injustice might be, if we begin to tear another person down.

Jesus bore our sins Himself, in His body, on the tree. The punishment for the sins of the world fell on Him that day. Imagine the weight of all that sin! Hebrews tells us that “He shared in our humanity so that by His death He might destroy …..the devil” (2:14). Think of it – we might give in to temptation when we avenge a wrong, and thereby grieve the Holy Spirit. God speaks to us through His Word: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy, for without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Proactive again!

The weight of sin drags us down when we take upon ourselves a root of bitterness. When we do so we miss what the grace of God is all about, and so the spirit in which we allow bitterness to prevail “defiles many” (Hebrews 12:15).

Reflection:

“Accountability” became a catch word in Christian circles as few years ago, and rightly so. I am accountable to God for living according to His Word. Jesus died for one purpose – “that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). I am also accountable for the health of the body of Christ; we must guard that body, of which every believer is a part. Jesus bore the burden of sin to set us free. Let’s be careful not to be yoked with any spirit which drags us down, so as not to defile anyone else.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

All About Cain

March 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 4

What do you know about Cain? Most folks who know anything about this man regard him as a murderer. Shamefully he murdered his brother, so God banished him from the land where he had grown up and farmed. Furthermore he was cursed by God. End of story.

Read this chapter again, just in case you missed it – the story of God’s mercy and grace. ‘Why are you angry?’ God asked Cain (4:6). You probably know the story. Cain was Adam’s oldest son. Then along came Abel. Was there jealousy of this younger brother? Was there sibling rivalry? What was it that set the stage for murder in the first family?

Apparently they knew the drill, how to worship the Creator God, so Abel, we are told, brought portions of his flock. He was a herdsman, keeping sheep, and possibly cattle and goats. Cain’s offering was fruit and veg. What was the difference? God looked with favour on Abel’s offering. Why? Abel honoured God with the best [firstborn], and God was pleased (4:4).

Cain, however, got angry with God. What does this tell you about Cain? So God asked him “Why are you angry” (4:6). We can almost sense the Fatherly heart of God as He reminded Cain “If you do what is right will you not be accepted?” Try again. After all, if he didn’t do what was right there was grave danger that sin could overtake his entire being. It is “crouching at your door” (4:7). I’ve watched a lion crouching before she pounced upon her prey, then devouring it live. Not a pretty sight!

God warned Cain: “It [sin] desires to have [to possess] you”. That sounds pretty serious. What is the solution when sin [Satan] desires to possess you or me? Apparently you and I bear some responsibility in such a situation. Cain did, for God told him – “You must master it” (4:7).

What was Cain’s response? He took his revenge out on his brother. Why did he kill him? ….because he was angry with God. God gave him another chance, asking “where is your brother?” (4:9). Of course God knew, but he invited Cain to confess. Sadly Cain lied and a river of sin took him down a slippery slope.

Throughout this passage we find God’s mercy and grace continuing. Even after He cursed Cain God’s mercy prevented anyone from killing him, by marking him so everyone would know not to touch him (4:15). Sadly we find Cain filled with resentment and anger until the very end. He blamed God for driving him from the land (4:13). He felt sorry for himself, even though God had clearly offered him the opportunity to do what is right (4:7).

Reflection:

Let’s draw some principles from this story. Down through scripture, from the very beginning, any honourable sacrifice to God required blood. Did Cain know that? It seems that the younger Abel did. Are we clear about what God requires?

Sin is a powerful agent for separating us from God, so we must fight against temptation.

Repentance wasn’t in Cain’s vocabulary, but we know it is the number one ingredient for restoring our fellowship with God. Jesus said “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).

The glorious truth is that we worship a God who has a tender Father’s heart, filled with mercy and second chances. What is our response?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Go and Sin No More

August 17, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

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John 8:3-11 (KJV)

What are our thoughts when we read this verse, words from the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. Is this a suggestion for Godly living? Perhaps it’s a thought, which in reality is impossible because we are still warring with our old nature and prone to fall when faced with temptation. After all the Apostle Paul tells us he, the mighty giant of New Testament faith, struggled with conflicts in his own desires. Maybe it’s only situational, for surely the sin, the sin of immoral choice, is something anyone could avoid (John 8:10-11).

Or is it? Doesn’t scripture warn us to beware, for he who prides himself on standing, may suddenly find he has fallen (1 Corinthians 10:12)? How often do we continue to sin, excusing ourselves on the grounds that we are only human and God will surely understand? The question then arises – would God ask something of us that is impossible?

I was thinking of some of the excuses we use when faced with the difficult truths of scripture. We are faced with the reality of God’s holiness time and again. So far from what we find within ourselves, does He truly mean “Be holy as I am holy?” Peter makes frequent use of this word (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:5 & 9). He makes it an “ought” in his second epistle, in answer to the question “What sort of people ought you to be?” He tells his readers, including you and me “You ought to live holy and Godly lives” (3:11).

Paul solves the problem of holiness for us. In many of his letters, to the Romans, to the Corinthians, and the Ephesians he illustrates by using the root of the tree being holy, therefore so are the branches; he refers to Timothy’s calling to a holy life and so forth. Writing to the Hebrews, he confirmed what he said earlier about holiness….he gives us hope. When Christ came into the world, it was with the express purpose of doing His Father’s will. “And by that will we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all!” (Hebrews 10:10).

The goal of a holy people (“holy nation” 1 Peter 2:9) is to “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14). Now if I find I have failed to be holy, if temptation has overpowered me, I have recourse to the Father’s forgiveness, but without true repentance it’s useless to ask for it. True repentance expresses the attitude, intention, determination not to do it again. Whatever it takes, I am to flee the devil. I cannot continue to live in circumstances that bring this same temptation before me without placing some safeguards against it. Certainly blaming God for the way He made me will never hold water in the face of His holiness. If God’s word says it is wrong, then I have to examine what it tells me to do to protect myself. If a child has a murderous temper, the parents are obliged to curb it, to teach the little one to control that urge.

Reflection:

Do we think with shame and embarrassment how often we have failed by repeating the same sin?

When something is difficult is that an excuse for not trying?

Doesn’t this command “Go and sin no more” place the responsibility on us? Does God extend extra mercy and grace to help us?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Confession

August 1, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 51

What is the purpose of confession? Here’s the truth: God knows everything. He doesn’t need to be told what we have done, because He is aware. King David recognized this. “Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely!” (Psalm 139:4). The Psalm begins with a call to worship this Lord who knows every detail of our lives, perceiving our thoughts, familiar with all our ways!

Way back in time, God made clear a need for confession. Written in the Torah we read “If they confess their sins….their treachery against Me and their hostility toward Me…I will remember My covenant” (Leviticus 26:40, 42) Why is this necessary? Again we turn to David for an explanation. “Against You, You only have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:4). We may harm other people, but in doing so we are breaking God’s standard for holy living. Thus confession needs to be made to Him, while perhaps restitution needs to be made to those we have hurt.

Our confession is a recognition of the standard of God. In violating His perfect will, we need to remember the seriousness of our offense against a Holy God! Confession, if nothing else, is an act of humility. If that is genuine, we will be restored because God is faithful to His covenant. He has promised us eternal life, which begins at the moment we believe, and receive Jesus as Lord (John 1:12). Too many want Him as Saviour, but deny His Lordship by living their own way. Do we really want “Thy will be done”?

There is grave danger in using a “profession of faith” to get into heaven. That is not what the Christian life is all about. It is rejoicing in our salvation with such strength of purpose that life takes on a whole new meaning. We are indeed “…a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come” when we are “in” Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

People in New Testament times, once they confessed their sins, were baptised. That is another act of faith, a demonstration to God and the world that we are serious about becoming children of God. Now we truly are one with the Father [united], depending on Him to guide and protect us (John 17:11). When we take control of our own lives, laying plans without consulting God’s wishes, we need to confess our waywardness.

Confession opens the door for cleansing. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Of course there are those who deny they have any sin. This is a dangerous practice because it denies what God knows to be true. We often sin in our thoughts, or with feelings of anger, or fear, or hatred, resentment and the list goes on. Then there are those times when we do not do what the Holy Spirit is prodding us to do, called the sin of omission. If the truth about our personal sin is not something we are prepared to confess, then John says “His [God’s} Word has no place in our lives” (1 John 1:10). That is such a dangerous place to be!

Reflection:

What is it that prevents us from confessing to God? Do we deny we continue to sin, fearing if we do God will punish us? Have we presumed on God’s grace, believing He will overlook our sin because we are covered by the blood of Jesus? Do we look at sin casually – “it’s just a little white lie” mentality? The danger is if we are not obeying God’s Word. Satan takes hold of our weakness by inserting misunderstanding of what it means to relate to a Holy God! Our Father is also our judge…and a fair one, at that. However, we must not presume upon His mercy.

“It is written: As surely as I live, says the Lord, ’Every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God’. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:11-12).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Validate

May 2, 2022May 2, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:29-34

The crucifixion took place by people who vilified the “Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Since His ascension into heaven, His sacrifice is validated by worship of “the Lamb who was slain”, by heavenly hosts gathered around God’s throne! (Revelation 5:9-10, 12).

Returning to His earthly experience, let us first note that the baby in the manger was announced by angels who proclaimed “Today, in the town of David, as Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”. The shepherds then went into Bethlehem to check it out, and found Jesus lying in the hay (Luke 2:10-11, 16). At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry John made the proclamation, just as we read, that the Lamb had come from God to remove the sin in their wicked world.

Of course we remember that prophecy was clearly fulfilled when the Magi appeared on the scene to worship the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:1-2). For Jews who knew their scripture, this was their ultimate hope and so we read that two elderly folk recognized Jesus as the child “destined to cause the falling and rising of man in Israel” through whom “the thoughts of many will be revealed” (Simeon – Matthew 2:34-35). Anna proclaimed to all who were gathered in the Temple that God had given this Child “to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel” (Matthew 2:38). And Mary treasured all these things, validating her precious son, in her heart!

After John baptised Jesus, a remarkable thing happened. John heard the voice of God confirming Jesus’ identity “This is My beloved Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This was witnessed by crowds of folks who had repented, and were being baptised by John (Luke 3:21-22). How thrilling the moment would have been to hear the actual voice of God, as a dove sent from heaven, landed on Jesus! Think of it – the scripture tells us this was the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. How would that minister to the spirit of the man, Jesus? Here His Divinity was authorized, miraculously and publicly, so that people could rejoice in what God was doing. Here was God’s Son – the promised Messiah! This is heavenly validation indeed!

Jesus called a group of men to work together with Him; His intention was to train then to carry on His ministry. It was crucial that they understood what He said about Himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6). No one but God could make such a claim. Thankfully Peter recognized the truth, and spoke for the others when he declared “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matthew 16:16).

The “Truth”, which Jesus claimed to be inherently, (John 14:6), was also recognized as He hung dying, on the cross. One thief vilified Him, but the other validated Jesus when he asked Him to “remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 24:42). Oh that folks today would recognize the “Way” into the kingdom of God* , and the “Way” into heaven eventually, is through believing and receiving Jesus Christ our Lord! (John 1:12-13).

At the moment of Jesus’ death there was an earthquake, causing a Roman soldier to gasp “Surely He was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). The cross was a travesty of injustice, but our Lord carried on, proving the glory of God!

Reflection:

Many people, down through the ages have questioned the veracity of Jesus’ Divinity. If He was simply a man who died, our faith is also dead. But He rose from the dead, was seen by many who validated He lives! (Acts 1:3). We do not worship a dead person but the Giver of True Life, eternal life! The question is: Does your life and mine validate the reality of Jesus Christ, as Lord?

*The kingdom of God is here in the hearts of Jesus’ followers. We do not wait to go to heaven to be blessed, but are members of His Kingdom here on earth, now! ? Because our Sovereign Lord reigns in our hearts. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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When God Withdraws

January 17, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Romans 1

In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul begins with some Biblical truth, in order to ground the Roman Church. He includes truths revealed in scripture about God, Himself. Now that Paul has described God’s character to us, he turns to compare it with man’s. What a disappointment humankind must be to our Creator. He gets little glory or appreciation for all that He has done for us! In fact it is quite the opposite. Man, giving in to the folly of pride, started creating his own gods. ”…their foolish hearts were darkened” (:22).

First of all man’s intellect became his god. What he thought, what he believed, what he chose to worship, became of primary importance. Where did that take him? God first gave man over to sinful desires. His thinking was infected with self-righteousness.

Second, God gave them over to shameful lusts, through which any sexual behaviour became appropriate. The heart of man became suspect, as his feelings led his head. This was not the Creator’s intention. He had revealed Himself repeatedly, through acts of mercy, through scripture, through our Lord Jesus Christ. However, Paul writes – “Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).

Third God gave them over to a depraved mind. The mind of mankind, originally created with all the potential of Godly decision-making, became filled with every kind of evil, greed and depravity resulting in a whole list of godless activities (Romans 1:29-31). Today our society, if not condoning these, will excuse murders, insolence, mistreatment of parents, hating God, in a spirit of senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless living. The final line is drawn when they decide to approve of everyone doing such things (Romans 1:32); seen in the freedom of man’s wisdom running loose.

Note that three times Paul says “God gave them over”. Leaving man to decide his own fate, God withdrew. His character did not change. He is always, eternally, a God of love and truth and holiness. However, sin and holiness are like oil and water – they do not mix.

How is the faith community to respond? We are to love our enemies – the person, not the sin. That is very hard to do. Out of fear we want to see these evils corrected. We fear for the salvation of our loved ones, for the infection of sin which is spreading throughout society, pandemically. But we are a community of faith and our faith is put into practice by doing what Jesus would do. What would Jesus do if He walked through North America today, for example?

Is it possible to bridge the gap between right and wrong? No! Jesus already has done that with His life, and death, yet people still reject His remedy for the sickness of sin. The best we can hope for is that His joy and peace, demonstrated in a spirit of love, will create a yearning in hearts darkened by an error that is spreading like wild-fire in our hedonistic society today. We know that God has already gone to the nth degree to correct these evils, but His love is everlasting!

So we pray that the Light will still provide Life, drawing men and women out of the pit they are digging for themselves. Let us all remember at the dawn of a New Year, that positive change always begins with “me”. Furthermore, I am the only person over whom I can really have any control. With God the Holy Spirit’s help I can exercise that required control which will temper my mind and heart, and my reactions to things others do to irk me.

Reflection:

Which is the greatest sin of our day? Is one worse than another? Do we not all continue to sin in small ways or large? How dangerous is prejudice? Is this why Jesus commanded us not to judge others?

The Psalmist prayed that God would search his heart (Psalm 139:23).

Let us pray: “Create in me a new heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, or take Your Holy Spirit from me, Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant a willing spirit to sustain me.” Amen (Psalm 51:10-12).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Seized by Temptation!

May 30, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 10:13

Do you always recognize when you have been seized by temptation? Satan is subtle. We know how Job was tempted because we read in scripture God permitted Satan to submit him to extraordinary testing. (Job 1:6-12) Everything was taken away from this wealthy man, his possessions, his family and eventually his health. God knew His man! With confidence He permitted this, with only one restriction – Satan could not take Job’s life.

David was tempted on different occasions. In a cave, hidden from his mortal enemy, David could have taken Saul’s life, but he opted to trust God with his own life and future by allowing the King to go free (1 Samuel 24). He is famous for his failure with Bathsheba, but even worse perhaps than that, was when he succumbed to the thought he should take a census throughout his nation (2 Samuel 24:1). Sometimes we ourselves confuse the voice of God with the voice of Satan. Hindsight is always clearer. As David looked back he repented, confessing his sin before God. However, there was a penalty. The consequence of his wrong choice cost 70,000 people their lives, by means of the plague (2 Samuel 24:15)

Why did the man who bravely stood before Goliath in the name of the Lord, fail to remember this Holy One was the source of his strength? Why did he need to count the strength of man-power in his army? We may never know the answer to those specific questions, but what we might learn from David’s experience is how important it is to keep our eyes fixed on God.

Seeking Him, His presence moment by moment, His will for each day, His wisdom and discernment, will give us the courage we need when Satan looks for a weakness in our armour. Knowing our weaknesses is a preventative. Do you know where and when you are most vulnerable? What do you do to prevent Satan getting a toehold in these areas? Denial is the enemy of our faith.

God promises the faithful: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it.”

This was true so often, in David’s case. God sent people to confront David when he sinned because God wanted him to be pure in heart. Joab, general of his army, was horrified at his suggestion to take a census and warned him of the evils (2 Samuel 24:3). Nathan confronted David regarding his sexual sin (2 Samuel 7). Eventually David was conscience-stricken and regretted bitterly the choices he had made.

Reflection:

Why did David listen to his mentors? Because he recognized he had displeased God.

Do we pause to thank God for bringing folks into our lives who have the courage to confront us so that our fellowship with God is not destroyed?

The question for us, as we face temptation today, must be “Is this pleasing to God?” Does it really matter?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)