Going Down to Egypt

February 10, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 17:14-16

Egypt is a fascinating country. I have seen it from the air, a blue ribbon wending its way between mountains of sand…yes mountains! We often think a desert is flat, but dunes rise to tremendous heights in the Sahara. Bordering the blue ribbon are green swaths which on closer inspection are the gardens which provide their markets with delicious produce. No wonder the Israelites longed for the leeks and onions of Egypt, during their desert wanderings (Numbers 11:18).

But Egypt also has history – a race of strong and intelligent people, their exploits in architecture, literature and commerce, as well as in war, gave them a reputation for excellence, over centuries of time. Wealthy, they had goods and horses. No wonder the struggling Israelites looked to them for help. However, Isaiah pronounces a woe against the Israelites for this very thing. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help!” (Isaiah 31:1). Why is this such a serious thing?

God had rescued His people from persecution and actual slavery in Egypt. The “Exodus” is a famous event in world history. God spoke to the Israelites through Moses and Aaron, giving them regulations for life in their own land, a land He was already preparing to give to them. Several times in Deuteronomy God said “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you….” He gave them instructions re the king He predicted they would ask for, and how to avoid the religious practises of the heathen nations around them (Deuteronomy 17 and 18). Specifically the kings must not make the people return to Egypt ….for the Lord has told you “You are not to go back that way again” (17:16).

The danger was that Israel might prefer the evils of the known above that which was unknown. Think of your own life. How often do we return to the comfort of a familiar pain or problem rather than face the uncertainty of the unfamiliar. Sometimes it might seem we are addicted to pain. Certainly we compromise what God wants for us, when we turn back. God knew the Israelites might rely on the strength of Pharaoh, losing their spiritual compass altogether.

Paul who had experienced trauma of every kind, being beaten and cursed, fleeing for his life, stoned by those in righteous anger, shipwrecked, mocked and imprisoned, knew the past must be left behind if he was to endure. He could see enough of the prize – the mark of the high calling of God motivated him to press forward (Philippians 3:13-14). Oh! that we could envision the glory God has promised to those who are in Christ! To gain that glory we must put the past behind and press forward, trusting God to lead the way. Let us not make the mistake of “Going Down to Egypt”!

Reflection:

How much time have you spent in “Egypt”?

How productive was that time?

What lifted you out of a conflicted situation?

Could your experience speak into the life of someone else?

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Getting in God’s Way

November 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 16:13-

The Bible records a story that is close to the experience of every believer. How often do we try to interpret God’s word as instruction for us to do something? Sadly we often do so on the basis of incomplete listening. We are so frequently reactionary that we only have half the picture when we fly off to “do” or to “fix” something.

Perhaps this is why we are told “…know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In that same verse the Lord tells His people to “Be still” – cease striving, and know that I am God. It seems that although they claimed to know God, they didn’t understand the magnificence, or the intentions of this Sovereign Being.

God spoke: “I will be exalted among the nations.” Pretty incongruous with the state of affairs in their world. So many other nations, heathens, pagans, were worshiping at the shrines of man-made gods. How would God be exalted among the nations? Certainly not with the help of the Israelites. Stop trying to fix it, God said.

A hymn-writer penned the words “Speak Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee.” If God speaks to us in a still small voice, will we hear Him amidst the noise of our world? What assurance will we have that God speaks to His children today if we don’t practise the art of listening?

Back to our story – Peter had just identified Jesus as Divine. Jesus commended him for listening to the Holy Spirit who had revealed this truth to him, for it was on that truth that Jesus would build His church! (16:18). WOW! Imagine having that “well done” from Jesus’ own lips! However, Peter, being Peter, fails to listen to the rest of what Jesus needed to teach His disciples. He interrupted Him in the middle of an important prophecy. He only heard “I will be killed” – or that was what Peter thought he heard. Words tumbling over each other, Peter hastened to correct Jesus by exclaiming that was impossible! (Matthew 16:22).

Immediately Jesus turned the tables and spoke to him sharply. You are acting just like Satan; in fact your denial of my sacrifice is exactly what Satan wants this needy world to believe (16:23). You see – Peter was getting in God’s way. The perfect plan God was orchestrating in order to achieve redemption for the sins of the world, would have been turned upside down by Peter’s well-meaning protection of the One who needed to be his Saviour!

When the unexpected, or distasteful happens to us we are often tempted to tell God “Never, Lord!” just as Peter did, but if it fits into a Divine plan that is veiled from our eyes, might we just get in God’s way? Perhaps we need to pause, to listen carefully, and to wait for God to clarify His purpose, before we deny Him the opportunity to teach us precious lessons that He knows we need to learn.

Reflection:

Think about what God’s purpose might be in some unwelcome circumstance in your life.

Do your reactions tend to get in God’s way?

Does He sometimes need to rebuke you for not listening?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

You Must Stand Trial

October 24, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Acts 27:24

Most of us do not consider standing trial a positive experience. If someone told us we were to be on trial before the highest tribunal in the land we would shudder with fear. The Apostle Paul was promised, by an angel, that he would stand trial before Caesar (:23). Yet somehow we get the feeling that he welcomed this news as we read his story recorded in Acts 27.

It was a long sea voyage from Caesarea to Rome, but that was the route they must take in order to meet Caesar. Weeks later they were transferred to an Alexandrian ship in Myra, but ran into bad weather as they sailed close to Crete. On the day after the Day of Atonement (referred to by Paul as the “Fast”) the captain decided to ignore Paul’s warnings about impending disaster, even though he knew sailing in October could be very hazardous.

Later, as they endured weeks of hurricane force winds and raging seas, Paul reminded them that they should have taken his advice to stay in Crete, but he also had some encouraging words. He urged them to keep up their courage (:22) on the basis of a vision he had. An angel visited him in the night to assure him he would stand trial.

Some of us might prefer to drown at sea, rather than suffer Roman persecution, but Paul was selfless. He cared about his fellow-passengers. Twice he encouraged them to have courage. (:22, 25) It was a moment of testimony to his faith in God, whom he assured them would keep His word by bringing him to Rome.

It was not smooth sailing after that. He knew they were in trouble and sure enough – they ran aground (:41) just as he had prophesied (:26). The prisoners then faced a new threat – their captors wanted to kill them all, but because the centurion wanted to save Paul (prisoners going to Caesar were to be kept safe for trial) the others were given their freedom to get to land as best they could. Once on Malta, everyone safe as Paul had foretold, they encountered poisonous vipers (28:3). But Paul was delivered from a snake-bite to the amazement of all the people (:5-6).

When things are not going well we often lose sight of the bigger picture. However, God had a plan. Paul was used by God to heal the sick on Malta. The people were so grateful after his work during a three-month stay, they assisted them along their journey with all supplies they would need to reach Rome.

Reflection:

We can learn a few lessons from Paul’s experience. He trusted God to accomplish His purposes; he believed God’s promises implicitly. He encouraged others along a very difficult journey, when he might have well felt sorry for himself. Whatever his own personal fears may have been, fear of drowning in the sea, fear of Caesar, he took advantage of every opportunity to praise God (27:35). He ministered to the spiritual and physical needs of the people around him. He adjusted to the unexpected without complaint. At a rather difficult stage in my own journey this passage of scripture has not only challenged, but comforted me. May it reassure all who read it!

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

Desperation

October 8, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

James 4:1-10

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection:

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

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Battle is God’s

October 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them, you may fight the good fight.”

Apparently, as was the custom, Godly men had commissioned Timothy to ministry by the laying on of hands and prayer. At that time they recognized his particular gifts [preaching and teaching] to be used in the Lord’s service (1 Timothy 4:13).

When you read 1 Timothy 1:18 what do you understand about the battle Paul is warning young Timothy against? In daily life do you sometimes feel like you are at war? What is going to give you the victory over that feeling? Paul recommends holding onto faith and a good conscience (1:19). To me that means I must live up to God’s expectations, not to qualify but rather to quantify what a Christian is. In Him I must live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).

In his famous sermon on Mars Hill, the Apostle Paul reviewed all that God had done from the creation of the world in order for man to seek Him, and even find Him – this great omnipotent God! The Greeks were worshiping gold and silver, or stone – images made by man’s genius (Acts 17:29). Now Paul challenged them to look to someone far greater than they could imagine, One who would eventually judge the world through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

The battle, even in Paul’s day was against false doctrine. Myths and endless genealogies promoted controversy. Is it possible to over-examine God’s Word? What considerations take over truth, if we do not take it at face value, trusting the Holy Spirit to make it clear enough for even a child to understand. Jesus warned we need to become like little children, humble, trusting (Matthew 18:2-4). The greatest defence a child or adult could have is trusting God. We sing:
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land -The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand -The battle belongs to the Lord!
The power of darkness comes in like a flood -The battle belongs to the Lord –
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood -The battle belongs to the Lord!
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear -The battle belongs to the Lord!
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near – The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory and honor, power in strength to the Lord!
Songwriters: Collins Jamie (sue)

Paul reminds Timothy that the weapon of prayer is to be used in this battle. When we pray for kings and all those in authority, it pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3). The battle for lost souls, whether they be in leadership or just your neighbour, concerns our heavenly Father because God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (:4). Let’s not forget God loves all people, [individuals in our families or communities, kings and bishops, of every tribe and nation] even more than we do.

Reflection:
When you read about anger and strife do you read from a defensive position? Who is the enemy? Who is the protagonist? In November we remember those who were lost in the great World Wars, but let us not forget we also are in a battle against evil!
As a herald and apostle of the true faith, Paul knew what it was to fight the good fight. He brought glory to God by engaging, in love, with those who held him prisoner. Was it really God’s purpose to appoint someone to suffer (2:7)? How would you respond to such a situation? Would you, could you completely trust God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Where Were You?

July 31, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Job 38:4-41

I enjoy learning about nature from programs on television. God has given us the means to see mountains and seas, stars in outer space, and minute details of the unborn in a mother’s womb! The knowledge of Creator God is past human understanding, yet He blesses us with glimpses into various realms, for which He has some wonderful eternal plan.

Elihu, one of Job’s friends ended a long speech into the mysteries of God’s ways with these words: “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power!” (Job 37:23). Elihu assumed Job has offended God so he took the position that he must defend God (Job 36:2-3). One of Elihu’s themes is that God is beyond our understanding (36:26). This is so true, even today when technology has advanced our understanding of science, medicine and astronomy.

Finally God speaks! Newspapers and television are full of the great discoveries being made by man. God warns us to stop flapping our gums! “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). How dare the creature take the glory belonging to the Creator! God has been patient with Job’s counsellors, and even with Job himself. Now they must listen. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” Scientists may yet have to answer that question, when face to face with God.

Back to Job….in exasperation, riddled with pain and sorrow, he had cried out “If only there were someone to arbitrate between us….someone to remove God’s rod from me”. In Chapter 9 Job speaks about his God, who is not a man like himself. He wished that they might confront each other, so he could get an explanation for his suffering (9:32-34). He speaks out of the bitterness of his soul (10:2). Have you ever been at that point in your life?

Now God thunders from out of a storm. Quite often in scripture we read that God speaks out of the power and terror of stormy circumstances. Perhaps when the storm clouds rise over our lives we should prepare our hearts for a message from God!

God asks some difficult questions. “Who marked the dimensions of earth” (:5) or fixed the limits of the sea? (:8-9). Have the gates of death been shown to you? (:17) What is the way to the abode of light? (:19) Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons? (:31-32) Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? (:36)…and His questions continue into Chapter 40 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” (:1).

Reflection:

When we are struggling we ask a lot of why questions, but here we have God asking where, who, what. The contrasts between the knowledge of God and the understanding of man is vast indeed! No wonder we fall down in worship when we see Him. Job gained the right perspective when he exclaimed “Now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes!”(Job 42:5-6).

Where were you when Creator God planned the marvellous details of your earthly existence? The important question is – Where am I now, in the plan of God? Have I accepted the arbitrator of my soul, Jesus Christ the Lord? Thank God for the plan which included one for my salvation and yours!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Privilege, Responsibility, Opportunity?

July 25, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“It’s a mess!” How often do we hear those words? Mom’s in the kitchen where the cake fell flat. War has decimated a population! Babies are dying of starvation. The environment is deteriorating. A marriage is on the rocks. Large or small, problems are a very real part of life. Who do you lean on when you are frustrated, anxious, depressed? That is a question often asked. What is the answer?

As believers, there is one great answer….we have the privilege of talking with the Almighty God, about anything. He invites us to bring our problems, great or small to Him. Why should He care so much about you and me? Perhaps it is because we fit into the bigger picture, each person, each piece an important part of the puzzle. No puzzle can be complete with one piece missing; missing just one small piece, the picture will be a mess.

There is a short verse in the Bible that brings privilege and responsibility together. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That means more than just keeping in touch. As we walk through each day we converse with Almighty God about the things we see and hear. Of course we worship Him for the beauty of His creation, but what about the messy side of life? How do we pray about wars and famine and flood? Certainly watching these tragedies around our world gives us opportunity to talk with our heavenly Father.

If we see a precious family member making a mess of their lives, we pour out our hearts, don’t we? But how about the human “family” – the people for whom Christ died, who don’t know about Him? Do we care enough to pray? Do we believe that God will hear and answer our prayers? Can our prayers change the world? We have Biblical examples which assure us of the power of prayer. Esther, for one, fasted and prayed for her people, who by law had been condemned to death. God answered her prayer. Read the book of Esther.

I wonder if we pray in too general terms? What if we were more specific, enough to pray for individuals. For example, I know about a man named Samson who lives far away, someone I will never meet, but living in a Muslim country, he probably needs Jesus in his life. Why does the Holy spirit prompt me to pray for Samson, among all the other Muslims in his town? I can’t answer that question, but when we are prompted to pray, we must – it is a compelling force, a privilege, and responsibility, in answer to the opportunity.

How often we are so caught up in our pain and need, that we forget the bigger picture and the privilege God has given to us to specifically bring people in our world to Him, in prayer. If our prayers are conversational, as continual prayer must be, it may make a change in both the way we pray and the things we see happening around us. What delight there is in talking with ones we love! We ask their opinion because we want to understand them. How often do we rush into the presence of God, breathlessly pouring out a request focused on our perceived need, without wondering what God’s thoughts and purposes are. Is our prayer a conversation or a demand?

Reflection:

Prayer gives us the opportunity to hear from our loving heavenly Father. Are we taking advantage of our privilege? Do we drown His voice with the tears we shed over our own desires? Do we miss the delight of hearing His voice and the joy, when He choses to overwhelm someone we have prayed for, with His love? I have learned so much by asking God to help me understand His will. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways”, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thought than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Let us pray without ceasing, so that we may know the heart of our God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Vanquished or Victorious?

April 10, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

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

Near the Cross

January 30, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 10:38

Sometimes our hearts can be challenged by the stories of others who have overcome great obstacles in life. Today, more than one hundred years after she was born, the life of Fanny Crosby continues to challenge us to hope that through God’s mercy and grace our lives might speak to others, in spite of the trials God allows. The secret to her success might lie in one of her more famous hymns:

Jesus, keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.

Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star shed His beams around me. [Refrain]

3 Near the cross! O lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day with its shadow o’er me. [Refrain]

Fanny Crosby, who was blind from infancy said: “If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.” She also once said, “When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior”.

From the age of 10 Fanny memorized five chapters of the Bible each week, with the encouragement of her grandmother; by age 15, she had memorized the four gospels, the Pentateuch, the Book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many of the Psalms.

Arguing for support of education for the blind, she was the first woman to speak in the United States Senate when she read a poem there. She appeared before the joint houses of Congress; what a testimony!

Sometimes we refuse to try new things, using our limitations as the reason. She learned to play the piano, organ, harp, and guitar, and became a good soprano singer. She wrote thousands of hymns, remarking: “I never undertake a hymn without first asking the good Lord to be my inspiration”. Her capacity for work was incredible and she could often compose six or seven hymns a day, dictating them to an amanuensis. However, Fanny said that her chief occupation was working in missions.

“Rescue the Perishing” (1869), which became the “theme song of the home missions movement” shows us where her heart was. She was active in speaking engagements and missionary work among America’s urban poor almost until she died at the age of 94.

In her nineties in 1911, Crosby spoke to 5,000 people at the opening meeting of the Evangelistic Committee’s seventh annual campaign held in Carnegie Hall, after the crowd sang her songs for thirty minutes.

Reflection:
What lessons might we learn from this remarkable servant of God? Why did God allow her to struggle with blindness? Why does God allow our particular struggles? What is it that gives you and me the strength to overcome?

“Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river”. [Refrain]

Let us begin a New Year at the foot of Jesus’ cross, watching and waiting for His return!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Vanquished or Victorious?

January 16, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 44

‘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.

However, momentarily there is a pause. “Selah” – pause and listen. The Director of Music who wrote this Psalm for the sons of Korah, worries about the possibility of God’s rejection. Israel has known the judgment of God. It was not a pretty sight when God removed His blessings because His people broke faith with His everlasting covenant. Their armies failed to gain the victory (:8-9). There had been a diaspora – scattering among pagan nations (:11). In fact, they became a laughing stock among the nations; vanquished in shame and disgrace (:15).

This Psalm is written in denial of ever having displeased God (:17-19). Trusting God who knows the secrets of the heart, he pleads with God to redeem Israel on the basis of his unfailing love! (:21, 26) Jewish history had taught him that God is faithful. This gives him confidence to cry out for redemption from the present overwhelming circumstances (:26).

In the midst of Israel’s rejection of God, He renewed His covenant promises through the prophet Hosea. Down through the ages God has proven Himself to be true to His word: “I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord!” (Hosea 2:19-20).

Reflection:

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 will your certain victory originate?

Note that God’s promise is forever…and so we look to the end times when it will be fulfilled in all its glory!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)