Playing With Fire

April 2, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Proverbs 6:20-32

A friend reminded me recently of the dangers of pyromania, an impulse control disorder which disables certain individuals from resisting the urge to set fires. Solomon makes note of this problem, but as he addresses it in Proverbs chapter 6, he is thinking about other fires, fires of passion. The setting is one decrying adultery.

In our day and age, we might ask if it is lack of absolutes or principles, that set these fires a-burning? “My son” – Solomon tenderly starts out. He is giving Fatherly advice on basic commands for Godly living. “Bind them [commandments] upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck” (Proverbs 6:21). They are to be a reminder internally, and externally, so other people will see you live according to God-given principles. Verse 22 reminds us today that these principles would guard and guide us night and day. This is a profound thought!

God’s commands, taught by a Godly mother, will give light in our darkened world and keep us safe on the road of discipline, Solomon says (:23). Why is this necessary? There are fires of passion burning in the human breast. It only takes a spark to get a fire going (James 3:5, 6). Voiced by smooth-talking tempters and temptresses, immorality in our generation has hit a peak. “If it feels good – do it.” Misguided by the evil one who seeks to destroy, this is the devil’s lie.

We do not have the right to destroy another life, let alone our own. Read Solomon’s wise words. Giving into sexual temptation preys upon one’s very life (:26). Regret looms large on the horizon! Fear of discovery, fear of reprisals, fear of consequences? Is a moment of passion worth all that fear, fears which darken our lives and bring anxiety and depression? Solomon advises against it. “No one who touches another man’s wife will go unpunished” (:29).

This is a solemn message in our day and age. The fire is spreading as surely as wild forest fires raged throughout the west this summer. The damage is irretrievable. The fires of passion demonstrate a serious lack of judgment (:32). Based on a character flaw, this impulse disorder has sometimes been diagnosed as an addiction – it really is an addiction to self. Crying out “I want” men and women experience an uncontrollable lust in their hearts (:25).

However, God loves. God yearns to forgive. God has made a way when there seemed to be no way. We read testimonies of the victory over temptation and sin that Jesus gives those who allow the Holy Spirit to control their wayward hearts. Praise God there is a cure!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”! (1 John 1:9)

Reflection:

Have you ever played with fire? Does it leave you feeling hopeless?

Upon what do you place your hope now when facing temptation?

Will you become a fire-fighter in our society today?

What is Truth by Marilyn Daniels

/https://www.amazon.ca/Heart-Matter-What-Truth-ebook/dp/B093K6SP86?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Devotional

Temptation

December 4, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:13

The story of Jesus’ temptation raises some questions. Why did the Spirit of God lead Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil? (Matthew 4:1). Was He prepared to face temptation and how? Are you and I prepared to face temptation and how? As the power of temptation attacks us, who is our enemy and what do we know about him? It is no wonder Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Lead us not [don’t lead us] into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).

Prior to His temptation we see an order of events that is significant. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. He did that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Those who follow Jesus are clothed in His righteousness, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Isaiah had a lot to say about being clothed in righteousness. One particular verse attributes that blessing to our Lord, noting much joy comes from our relationship with God: “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness!” (Isaiah 61:10). God then announced in an audible voice from heaven “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Why then was temptation necessary?

Ryrie suggests that God’s purpose was to prove His Son to be sinless, and thus a worthy Saviour. A perfect lamb, without blemish, was required for Jewish sacrifices (Leviticus 22:21). It is clear He was without sin. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It is important for us to know the blessing we have to be called “righteous” in Christ, because it makes us heirs of a promise. “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 can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” [endure] (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Reflection:

How do you handle temptation? First we need to recognize we are in a battle with God’s enemy, Satan. God has given us armour to put in (Ephesians 6:13-17). Peter reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. “Be self-controlled and alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Praise God we are not alone as we fight the good fight!

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)

Devotional

The Righteous Will Flourish

May 29, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 92

What comes to mind when you think of something that is flourishing? For me it would be plant life, perhaps some exotic flower. Is it possible for people to flourish? The Bible tells us that the righteous will flourish.

Psalm 92 is one used frequently on the Sabbath, a song of praise and thanks to God for His judgment on the wicked, and His blessings on the righteous. The ten-stringed lyre and the harp were used in corporate worship in the synagogue or temple.

This unnamed Psalmist is thrilled by the works of God’s hands. Was he speaking about natural beauty or miracles among the people of God? We may not know which, but what we do know is that his soul is touched by the thoughts and deeds of his God (92:5). His experience is calling forth songs of praise because he is not among those who do not see, who do not understand the marvels of Almighty God.

In fact, he has been anointed, consecrated and strengthened for God’s service (92:10). Defending his God, he noted that God’s enemies would suffer defeat, among them the senseless and foolish who would be destroyed forever (92:11, 6).

Meanwhile the righteous will have the joy of growing in love for their God as they “flourish in the courts of our God”. Placed in the very centre of worship, they will have the joy of bearing fruit into old age, ever green and fresh (92:13-14). Here they will proclaim praises to their God. He ends as he began, with praise to “the Rock” in whom there is no wickedness (92:15).

Contrast this picture with the one the Apostle John gives to us of religious leaders who, struggling to get into the sheepfold over the wall rather than through the gate, which is Jesus Christ Himself, their intention is to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Thankfully we know that Jesus came to give His sheep life – an abundant life! The righteous cannot help but flourish under the watch-care of the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:14).

Reflection:

The first question which comes to mind is “Will I be counted among the righteous?” Jesus assures us that those who listen to His voice and follow Him will never die…referring to spiritual death (John 10:27-28). Spiritual death is eternal separation from God. We may be secure in His love, once we have moved out of darkness into His marvellous light! (1 Peter 2:9) Just as light causes plants to flourish, so does the light of God’s presence in our lives cause believers to flourish!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Message from the Lord

March 20, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1

How often do we complicate the simple message of the gospel? We add rules and regulations to it, and sometimes even require a person to shape up before God will call them His children. What is true?

We used to sing a simple gospel hymn:

I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah!
The message unto you I’ll give.
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

Refrain:
“Look and live,” my brother, live.
Look to Jesus now and live.
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

Perhaps some of the problem stems from a misunderstanding of scripture. We think we can bring souls to Jesus. He clearly told the Jews “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them” (John 6:44). God the Holy Spirit offers us salvation. If we reject His offer we cannot have eternal life, that for which Jesus paid with His blood. “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him, comes to Me” (6:45). If we do not listen to the Spirit of God who speaks to us “heart to heart” we are guilty of unforgivable sin (Mark 12:29). “Blasphemy against the Spirit—the unforgivable sin—is ongoing hardening of your heart against the Holy Spirit who is trying to lead you to repent of sin and believe in Christ.” Kenneth Berding, Biola University

John introduces us to Jesus as the source of both light and life; the Holy Spirit enlightens us as to the Deity of Messiah/Christ so that we can receive and believe our sins have been dealt with by One who died and rose again! What a miraculous gospel! What glory! Such joy!

In a nutshell “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (1:17). John records the message of John the Baptist because he too had “seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father” (1:14). Children of God will be identified by the way they live, as Jesus lived, abundant in mercy and love.

So this message from the Lord impacts not only what I say I believe but how I live it out in my day-to-day life. “Look and live!” In the One we follow there is light which will shine God’s message into hearts that are darkened by sin, folks who need relief because they know they’ve been forgiven. This might mean we have to sit on the curbside on a rainy day, holding the hand of a person who feels hopeless. What we do there means more than cleaning them up to go to church. In the silence of acceptance, as we hold someone’s hand on the rough road of life, there may be light if our love is genuine.

Reflection:

Look and live! Remember we may be the only Jesus someone sees. How do we represent the One who said “I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The message from the Lord may be spoken by the gift of our presence, the gift of true love.

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)