June 14, 2025 -- Proverbs 14:12 -- Discerning what is right from what seems right

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus! 

There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its ends is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12 ESV
 
The same wisdom is expressed earlier in Proverbs, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (12:15). What you realize as you read and re-read the Proverbs is that a person’s internal, moral compass is always off. If you are into the sport of orienteering, that is navigating through woods or over great distances using a map and a compass, you know the vital importance of both an accurate map and trustworthy compass. If your compass does not give you true north, then you will not be able to navigate the course.
 
Whatever may seem right to you will always be off course because your heart is misaligned. It is not true to the Word of God. Consider what the word teaches you about yourself and your ability to discern right from wrong on your own.
 
Lack of awareness of the depravity of the heart. Christians neglect this doctrine. So many Christians gauge their spiritual health by their feelings. The very same feelings which are obviously deceptive and wrong. Consider how easily you are tempted to sin and justify your actions in your own mind while the word of God is clearly opposed to what you desire. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
 
Inability to determine what is right. That same word right found in today’s text is used of God. “Good and upright [right] is the LORD; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way” (Psalm 25:8). One’s source of what is spiritually, ethically and morally right is found outside of oneself. A person’s moral compass is off, unless one is completely reoriented toward God. He alone can lead repentant sinners in the right way.
 
Following the LORD is described as “the way”. If you have been reading Scripture, and praying for direction and following what you believe is the right course of action, a key question to ask is this: are you humble enough to admit when you are off-course?  Just like someone engaged in orienteering can misread a map or hold the compass near his belt buckle which can have metals that can interfere with its accuracy, so the Christian can go for a while down a wrong path. When his way has proven to be wrong one of two things can happen. Through Scripture reading, prayer, the counsel of wise Christians he can discern his errors which threw him off course and then return to the way through confession, repentance and humble obedience to God. Or the one who had been playing the Christian when confronted with the fact he is off-course, will double-down and continue in what he thinks is right. It will lead to death. Emotional death. Death in relationship with other Christians. Eventually that person will be deemed a fool—one who by word and actions, denies God.
 
The Bible is filled with warnings precisely because it is so easy to go off-course. God in His great mercy gives the written word and gives His Holy Spirit so that believers can hear and obey. God the Father reconciles wayward Christians through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Believers will not leave the pathways of sin and destruction unless they have been taught right from wrong. Believers will not grow in holiness if they continually return to the mud pits of their own sinful ways. The grace of God is such that He warns His people. He provides Christian friends and counselors who lead others back to the pathway of holiness. The uprightness of God is experienced in the life of Christians who, having experienced the wrong pathway, can with urgent gentleness help others who are going down the wrong way return to Jesus. Doing so, confirms the experienced Christian in the goodness of God. God reminds him of his own past. God’s restoration means he has journeyed a long way in new obedience. God brings the fruit of joy. The fruit of joy fills him because God is using him to help others on the path of life. It is a confirmation of the healing and restoration of God.
 
Blessed Savior, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Truly You are the radiance of the Father’s glory. You are the Captain of Salvation, leading soldiers who are disoriented by their old allegiances, pressured by the treachery of the world and lured off-course by the wiles of the devil, You lead them away from all that is death. Those captivated by Your goodness, You lead to the Father in heaven, where they are adopted as beloved sons and daughters. Spirit of God, let the glory of this adoption fill our senses so that we hate all that is wrong and sinful and rejoice in the truth. Spirit of God, lead us in humility, contriteness of heart so that as soon as our sinful ways are revealed to us, we confess them, hate them, and turn to Jesus. By the fruit of righteousness, let Your people approve what is excellent and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/rpYM6Et_hVY?si=l3n4C_du6l84_F8a He Leadeth Me
 

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June 13, 2025 -- Jude 17-21 -- Facing persecution as one loved by God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But you must remember, beloved, that predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
Jude 17-21 ESV
 
Where will the scoffers come from? Well, obviously there will be scoffers, people who mock you for your faith in Jesus Christ, at your workplace and school, in the courtroom and in your neighbourhood. But Jude is writing to believers, and I wonder, as he wrote, if he was remembering the fact that he grew up as a half-brother of Jesus and he rejected his brother. It was not until after Jesus’s death and resurrection that Jude became a believer. That is an important lesson for us. Even in the household of faith, among people who should know better, you’ll encounter ridicule.
 
Why? People are following their own ungodly passions. You see it in marriages. A couple who has been instructed in the Lord to forgive 70 x 7 times, are rude, mean, vindictive. Their pride and hurt feelings take precedence over their obedience to Jesus. Churches have leaders who don’t do everything in their power to live at peace with all who are in Christ. Calling out sin. Encouraging righteousness. Teaching there will be Christians who are following ungodly passions who need to be discipled back to holiness or disciplined harshly for the purity of the church. There are people who are Christians, who grieve the Holy Spirit, ignoring for a time, the obedience that is required of all those who are in Christ. But there are also those who masquerade as Christians, perhaps not even realizing their own hypocrisy. They are not bearing the fruit of righteousness but are causing divisions.
 
Do not give up, dear fellow believers. God knows those who are His. God commands you, in so far as it depends on you, to live sharing the love of Jesus Christ until such divisive people either expose their godlessness, repent and turn again to Jesus or eventually are removed from the fellowship because of their opposition to Jesus. How can you endure hard times when the scoffers seem to win, and faith seems so hard?
 
Build yourself up in your holy faith. Spend time with believers whose faith has been tested and tried and who are great encouragers. Read the Bible. It is always true. Always used by the Spirit to direct you. Attend Bible preaching, Bible believing churches.
 
Praying in the Holy Spirit is not limited to, but includes, praying the Psalms. Praying aware that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind people, situations, needs and over all of this, will lead you to praise God. When you praise God, you realize He is greater than all your worst situations. He is mighty to save. He is using you, and your hardships, for His glory and for the purposes of convicting others of their sins, leading others to Christ, and conforming you more and more to the pattern of Jesus, His Son.
 
Keep yourselves in the love of God—did you catch it, the word beloved. Twice in our short reading, Jude called the recipients of this letter “beloved”. Loved of God. Let that sink in. The hardships, the hurts, the vindictive actions of others are actually not aimed at your but are aimed at God. People see your faith and howl in protest. People see your desire to honour God, and their own sins rise before them as a stench so they push back against you. God has not forgotten you. He loves you. He is teaching you to stand strong in Him. To keep yourself in the love of God means you regularly review the fact you have been brought from death to life in Jesus Christ. Read Ephesians 3:14-19. (I know less than 10% of you will read this, so the summary is Paul prays that you’ll be strengthened by the Spirit in your inner being so that you’ll know how wide and high and long and broad is the love of God which is yours in Christ Jesus.) Even though I’ve summarized it, seriously, look it up. Read it! Spend time reflecting on it.  Memorize it. It is a verse that helps keep you in the love of God which is so richly poured out on you.
 
Belonging to God and being loved by God does not mean that your life will be easy. Jesus was hated. He told His followers if the Master is hated, how much more will the servants of the Master be hated (John 15:18-25). Whenever you encounter reviling, hatred, scoffing, mocking and push-back because you are a Christian ask yourself these questions. Am I suffering because of my own wrongdoing? If so, correct it. If, after you have corrected your behaviour, you strive to walk in step with the Spirit and people (Christian or not) revile and hate and mock you, know that you are confirmed as a servant of the Master. You bear evidence of the fact that you are a follower of Jesus. Do not despair. Do not give up. The disciples rejoiced when they suffered for Jesus, because they realized they’d been counted worthy of the Gospel (Acts 5:40-41).
 
What great love, You Father, have given to us, that we should be called the sons and daughters of God. It is a great privilege to be Your children, both now, and perfectly so in eternity. Spirit of God, wean us from sin so that we get a distaste for it and ultimately hate it. Nourish us in the Truth of Scripture and wrap us securely in the love of God which is so richly ours in Jesus Christ. Propel us into the world, to the people who so desperately need to know the love of God. Keep us steady in affliction. Patient with those who oppose us. Joyful in gathering with Your people. Lead us in such fellowship to grow in love for and in faithful devotion to Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/4-GM9w6IA2M?si=EE2QvFDhXhPA9Hyo How Deep the Father’s Love
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 11, 2025 -- Proverbs 11:1 -- Why is God concerned about weights and balances?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
but a just weight is his delight.
Proverbs 11:1 ESV
 
Why on earth would a proverb like this be in the Bible? Great question. In fact, many times our questions lead us to seek answers and in the searching out answers, we learn more about our Great and Gracious God. In ancient times a false balance was something used to calculate the weight of a product to be sold. A false balance would be one that is tipped in favor of the merchant to increase his profits at the expense of the consumer. Weights were used for counterbalance and a false weight would be one that was less than true. Again, this is to the merchant’s benefit. Today, a false balance has an application in journalism. When a reporter gives two sides to a story, but the obvious bias shows one side gets the real weight and the other side is truncated, you have a false balance.
 
Where do we see a false balance today in journalism? LGBTG? stories are always weighted in favour of queer rights. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is emphasized as a good whereas Christians who believe life, from conception to natural death, is valuable as a gift from God is not given any weight.
 
In another arena of life, a false balance is starkly presented where Christianity is mocked while science is held up as the great revealer of truth. That is a false balance. How can science answer basic questions of life: How did we get here? What is wrong with the world? How can what is wrong be made right? What is the purpose of life? When science strays into those realms, it has moved from measurements and balance to philosophy and theology. It is usurping its proper function and is a false balance.
 
The fact that God is concerned for life in the marketplace, in the newsroom and in power structures is evidence He who created us has the right to tell us how to live.
 
The fact that people need rules and regulations in every area of life proves that the human heart is not basically good, but it is a restless, seething pit hosting evil.
 
The fact is God keeps account; He knows every deed of every person. No one will escape His justice.
 
The fact is, only God the Father has weighted the balance in our favour. We have violated His laws. Sin is the inclination of every heart. Sin commands obedience of everyone who is its slave. God in His great mercy, knowing people are helpless under the weight of their own sin and do in fact add to their debt-load to Him even when they utilize their best efforts to do good, acted to rescue those unable to help themselves. Jesus, the sinless one, at the cross was punished for every sin, every violation of God’s law, every wrong done.
 
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. All who believe in Him have a balance that satisfied God’s righteous law. The just weight of God’s anger against sin is satisfied. The love of God is set on a proper balance so that the weight of our sin was put on Christ and the weight of His purity and righteousness was credited to all who believe. So, the justice of God touches the life of the believer in every single part and every level of his life. Public and private, business and pleasure, work and recreation, school and recess, no part of day or night is free from His sacredness.
 
To be righteous is to follow Jesus, keeping straight obedience to Him. The world is described as twisted and crooked. People who live according to the standards of the world do what is expedient. They do what suits the current narrative no matter how perverse. The believer does not twist himself into a pretzel to suit the world. The believer keeps his eye on Jesus and follows, knowing that in Jesus there is both justice and love. The Spirit of the Living God resides in all who call on the Name of Jesus, He is the powerhouse through whom believers can stay true when all around them it is chaotic. It is the Spirit of the Living God who teaches you that in Christ you are the Father’s delight, deeply loved.
 
Father in heaven who is like You? You are great in mercy and perfect in justice. You are honest in all Your ways. Thank You for reaching down and rescuing those ensnared by their own sin and guilt, helpless under their weight of sin. Jesus, our Rescue, the Captain of Salvation, let Your Name be blessed in our minds, in our words, and in all our living. Spirit of God lead us in the way of holiness, to be straight as arrows in our obedience, no matter the consequences nor the reactions of others. Keep our eyes fixed on the Jesus, the goal, the prize for all who respond to the upward call of God. Spirit of God, teach us to know Jesus, both intellectually but far more importantly, to know Him relationally, intimately. So that in Him we may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom we shine as lights in the world. Amen
 
https://youtu.be/HudtQINJ81A?si=dZmdQcvNvIofcWFx ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’
 
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 9, 2025 -- Proverbs 9:1-6, 13-18 -- Where you at? The house of folly or the house of wisdom?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Wisdom has built her house;
    she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call
    from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread
    and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
    and walk in the way of insight.”
 
13 The woman Folly is loud;
    she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
    she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18 ESV
 
Notice that wisdom and folly both call out to the simple. The verses, which were not quoted today, but you should read (I’ll wait, seriously, look them up) note that a scoffer refuses to be corrected or instructed. A wise man who is instructed will be wiser still. What is the point?
The women wisdom and folly have both set a table. There are appealing delicacies on each table. The house of wisdom and the house of folly seem to be at the highest places in town. They are the places that are attractive, well-lit and beautiful. How can you tell the different between the two when both appear desirable?
 
Without the instruction of the LORD a man, or a woman, will not have the sense to choose right from wrong. Without the constant mentoring of faithful Christians, immature believers lacking discernment will think they are smart enough and strong enough to make decisions which affect their faith, their future, their very foundations. Without faithful, biblical preaching Sunday after Sunday, Christians will wither and die, and all discernment will leak out of them.
 
Common sense is not enough to distinguish right from wrong. A man who claims to be a Christian is dating a non-Christian. She is beautiful. She is willing to go to church, though she says she is open, her heart is more interested in gaining a moral man than she is interested in knowing Jesus. It is a trap for a foolish man.
A woman has a Christian boyfriend. She goes to church twice a Sunday; he once. She reads her Bible regularly and prays; he is a gamer and often misses his times with God. A wise woman needs to discern the fact she is more mature than he is. Worse yet, he might be a total poser, not even a Christian, but is a moral man masquerading as Christian. The mask will, one day, fall off. Especially if he is not willing to be corrected, for then she’ll know he is a fool, and not a Christian at all. And she is a fool for chasing him. She’ll regret her disobedience to Jesus.
 
When Jesus’ disciple John was an elderly man, he wrote to various Christian congregations and warned them. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world “I John 4:1 ESV). There are so many things which on the surface appear to be safe, or neutral, or harmless, but they are the bait on the hook of the devil. When faced with a choice, apply the words of John. Examine your motives. Examine closely what is before you, is it from wisdom or is it good in appearance but the fruit of folly? Pray for the spiritual discernment you need. Let the Holy Spirit lead you, rather than allowing yourself to be led by your vices and wayward desires. False prophets sound so good—but ask yourself is everything they say in-line with the word of God? Are they humble? Can they be corrected when it is pointed out to them what they say was out of step with the word of God? Do their teachings come true? What is the fruit of their life? Can you see evidence of the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)? If you’ve answered “no” to any or all the above discernment tools, be careful. Run. Such men or women are actually ministers of folly and join the wicked woman in wooing others to death.
 
Those who are wise unto salvation seek out Christian friendships. Those who are wise seek Christian mentors. Those who are wise for Jesus, love His word, the Bible. It is important to note that all the Bible is supposed to be in red letters. Why? It is inspired by the Spirit of God. Jesus quoted the Old Testament quite often so that believers should realize if they want to know Jesus, they must know all the Bible. He is the central figure, the cornerstone on which the whole Bible is built. Through Jesus ones comes to the Father. Those who are wise unto salvation attend church, regularly. Ask yourself right now, are you in the house of folly or in the house of wisdom?
 
Faithful Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. Jesus, who while walked this earth always choose wisdom, fully committed to walking in wisdom’s ways. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the very same Spirit who filled Jesus to fullness beyond measure. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit in me, lead me in wisdom. Humble me in the areas of my life where I’ve been too proud or too blind to see that the way I’ve chosen is destructive. I hold to Your promise that everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. Everyone who has been born of God loves You, Father, and obeys Your commandments. Such obedience is not burdensome, but it is the response of love directed to You, Who rescued us in Jesus from the clutches of folly and eternal hell. What great love You have given to me, dearest Father, that I should be called Your child! Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/oxpPIa-BskY?si=1CbUbsMLBEO2b5N8 All I Once Held Dear
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 8, 2025 -- Isaiah 1:2-3 -- Heed the holy warning

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;
for the LORD has spoken:
“Children I have brought up,
but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib,
but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Isaiah 1:2-3 ESV
 
Isaiah the prophet ministered during the reigns of four kings. The first king, Uzziah, was a strong king but towards the end of his reign he faltered in his obedience to the LORD. His son Jotham became co-king. Jotham was faithful to God, but it is noted “The people still sacrificed and made offerings in the high places” (II Kings 15:35). Hezekiah, the last one of the four, was rich and dedicated to God; again, at the end of his reign he faltered in his obedience to the very God who’d proved so faithful to him through-out his reign. Why mention this? It is a warning for us, who live in the time of the reign of Jesus.
 
The people of God who lived in Judah, the two remaining tribes of what once was a nation of twelve tribes, had kings who followed the LORD, while they strayed. Isaiah, inspired by the faithful, Covenant-Keeping God, declares this people were not even as smart as dumb oxen or braying donkeys. The people, who should have known better, kept wandering from the LORD their God. It is so shocking.
 
Jeremiah picks up this same theme asking “Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 2:11-12 ESV). Imagine the nation of China one day saying, we are wrong. We should stop following Buddhism and Taoism and take up the cross of Jesus Christ. Yet Christians, who have the greatest King in Jesus, Who have the flawless writings of Scripture and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit are dumber than oxen and exchange the glory of Jesus for paganism. Look how empty churches are on Sundays. Consider how many young people wander away, flirting with the wickedness of the world. Men and women who should know better, book up their Sundays so that going to church is crowded out with shopping, with visiting, with sports and all things which cause them to change their God for those things which are no gods.
 
Beloved people of God today is Sunday. Stir up your heart. Confess your sins. Leave the sinful ways that you’ve been traveling down and return to the Father who has called you His children through the work of Jesus. Take the warning from the word of God and renew your vows by going to the house of the LORD.
 
Why?

• Because God is your Father.

• Because Jesus is the prize of your life greater than any other.

• Because the Spirit of God unites you to God so that you can read Scripture, understand the circumstances of your life from the perspective of heaven.

• Because anything less than whole-hearted devotion to God proves you are rebellious against the God who created you, who by His mighty power gives you breath in your lungs and stimulates your heart to beat.

• Because we know enough not to put any confidence in our own flesh or mind, for we are the people who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus.

If these words are offensive to you, ask yourself whether you are really a Christian at all. Have you drifted so far from the glory of God that you are exchanging the glory of God for things that do not profit you. If you take the warning, and feel conviction then God is at work in you. The Father is repairing the damage of your rebelliousness by drawing you close to Himself through the reconciling work of Jesus, where the Spirit bring to you deep healing of mind, refreshment of heart, and a soul zealous for Jesus.
 
Father of all glory and splendour, cause me to be humble enough to hear Your words of warning You put into the mouth of your prophet, Isaiah. By Your Spirit smarten-me-up to see the rebelliousness that still lingers in my soul. Faithful Father, thank You for the work of Christ Jesus, through whom I am reconciled to you, and by whose rule I am led in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Spirit of God, renew in me a zeal to meet with the people of God and worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus, until that day of wondrous rapture and blessedness when I see Him face to face. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/slQ6MTJLU4I?si=dVSA5Xw75yldou-w Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 6, 2025 -- Ephesians 5:1-2 -- Fragrance

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

Jesus, in giving Himself up for us, is described by Paul as a fragrant offering. The fragrance of Jesus’ life was released as He suffered. Look at these examples.

• Mark 6:30 ff. Jesus had just been informed His cousin, John the Baptist, had been put to death by Herod. His disciples had just returned from going to various cities where He’d sent them to prepare the way. He wanted to take them to a desolate place, but crowds followed them. Jesus did not get annoyed. He had compassion on them and taught them. And then fed them.

• John 18:15ff. After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, all his disciples fled. As He stood before the religious leaders, facing His death, Peter was outside, in the courtyard, denying he was ever a follower of Jesus. Though Jesus was being crushed for the sake of our sins, He endured to the end.

What is the hardest thing you have to face? Take a moment and think about it. As you face this living as a Christian, no doubt you will be crushed. Some of you may know that I like cooking. When you season your food with dried herbs, like parsley, what you need to do is rub it between your fingers as you’re adding it to your food, so that the taste and the fragrance of the herb is released. The fact that you are crushed means that the fragrance of following Jesus will be released. In a real sense, people will see what you’re made of. It is easy to follow Jesus when all things are well; but when you are tested to the core of who you are, and you remain faithful, that is witness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, enduring suffering for Jesus, that is love reflected back to Jesus, who first loved you.

Teach us, good Lord, to serve You as You deserve; to give and not count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, except the reward of knowing that we do Your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Courage. Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces, 1950. page 34

https://youtu.be/FAK2SaKQ1NQ?si=U7uhUmnuCCENNcg- A Christian’s Daily Prayer

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June 5, 2025 -- Romans 1:1a -- Devotion to Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus…
Romans 1:1a
 
In New Testament times a letter writer identified himself first and then gave greetings to the person or people on the receiving end of the letter. Kind of like what we do with email today. The advantage is the read immediately knows who wrote the letter. Paul is writing a congregation that knows of him but doesn’t know him personally. His self-introduction is awesome and the importance of it is easy to miss.
 
First, he is a servant of Christ Jesus. In Greek it means both slave and servant. A slave can’t leave the service of his master. An Israelite who fell into debt could sell himself into slavery to a fellow Israelite so that his debt could be covered. If that slave loved his master, the law (Exodus 21:6) provided the opportunity for that man to declare his love for his master and his intention to remain his master’s slave for life. He’d then continue in service to his master instead of being released in the seventh year. There might well be the sense that Paul knew all his debts were atoned for in Christ Jesus and he openly declares he loves this master so deeply he chooses to give his life to Jesus forever.
 
Dr. M. Kruger, in his excellent video commentary on Romans, noted that the construction of our text today is identical to how Old Testament men of God were identified. For example, Moses the servant of the LORD is the expression used in Deuteronomy 34:5. Paul is identifying himself with Old Testament prophets and showing the continuity of the work of God. Like the Old Testament servants, Paul is a servant of God. That also means the Old Testament God, the LORD, is at work now through His Son, Jesus. The meaning is clear Jesus is God. The Father, who revealed Himself the Old Testament, continues His work through His divine (truly God) Son. There is continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
 
When you meet someone, what is it you tell them? “Hi, I work at the corner store.” Or “I’m married to Carolyn, and we have this many children.” Or you meet someone at a sporting event and you both realize your shared enjoyment of that sport, which clearly tells the other person something about your life and interests. From the very start, Paul wants his audience to know he is all-in for Jesus. His most important identifying trait is he belongs to Jesus, and he loves to declare Jesus. Do the people in your life know you love Jesus? Is it obvious to everyone you meet You love Him? Do your words and actions reveal your dedication to Jesus shining out with fervor that shows the most important thing about you is your identity in Christ?
 
Father in heaven thank You for revealing Yourself in creation, and in the Bible, and then most perfectly revealing Yourself in Jesus Christ. Spirit of the Living God, let my life, work and play, day and night, ever more fully reflect the truth that Jesus has made me His own. In view of that beautiful fact, Spirit of God teach me to forget what lies in my past, so that I don’t park there. Empower me to strain forward to the prize of ever more fully, in every area of my life, making Jesus mine. Jesus as my prise. Jesus as my life’s reward. Jesus my joy and salvation. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/8wfhhFHMgxY?si=8uTKP3SP0WKdKt5N Jesus is Mine
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 2, 2025 -- I Peter 2:1-3 -- Do you KNOW that the Lord is good?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
I Peter 2:1-3 ESV
 
Long for pure spiritual milk. Peter is making the contrast between longing for the former sins of malice and deceit and hypocrisy versus the longing passion for pure spiritual milk. Verse three is almost casual, but it is the key. Anyone who has tasted that the Lord is good will crave more and more of His goodness.
 
Earlier in this letter, Peter noted that the elect people of God have a living hope (1:3)—this world is not all there is. They crave pure spiritual milk because they know there will be a day when sin is no more, and the sweetness of Jesus will fill all their senses.
 
Peter notes that believers by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation to be revealed at the last time (1:5). The struggle is real. There are tearing hurts and slashing hardships which wound you now. Despite these believers like ravenously hungry little infants near the mother’s full breast turn this way and that seeking to nurse. As urgently, hungrily, as infants believers knowing the Lord is good, turn from past sins and nuzzle for pure spiritual milk.
 
Believers know all the various trials test the genuineness of their faith (1:6-7a). So, believers know by the presence of the Holy Spirit within them, that Jesus is better than all the things they used to use to sooth their greedy longings. Pure spiritual milk: bible reading, prayer, listening to sermons, the sweet Christian counsel of friends, these are all better than your best day when you were gorging on sin.
 
Fellow believer, have you tasted that the Lord is good? Do you know the sweetness of singing hymns and psalms and spiritual songs to God knowing that He alone is worthy of your praise?
Do you know the sweetness of spending time going to church, not because you must do so, but because you long to do so. I fear this is evidence of the fact that many believers have not tasted that the Lord is good. They drag themselves to church, maybe once on a Sunday, and think the Lord should be satisfied with that. It is the other way around. If you know Jesus, then your souls long to meet with Jesus surrounded by the people of God. The Holy Spirit within you stirs a craving to be with the people of God, receiving the word of God as a means of grace.
 
If what you’ve been reading doesn’t really describe you, perhaps it is time to evaluate, have you been returning to old sinful ways? Are you harboring malice? Are you allowing deceit to cloud your vision? Are you a hypocrite, stating you love God, but your true longings are oriented towards the old patterns of sinfulness and sating your senses with sensuality? The prayer today is from the Psalms. A beautiful prayer to recall the goodness of the LORD.
 
Prayer
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his Name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him,
and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 34:1-8 ESV
 
https://youtu.be/DciMh_ciwkk?si=Q4NcO9BglScUTHTk Psalm 34 (Taste and See)
 

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June 1, 2025 -- Psalm 136:1 -- The refrain that echoes throughout time

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 ESV
 
That refrain, “for his steadfast love endures forever” is repeated 26 times in this Psalm. As a child I thought the repetitiveness of it seemed so pointless. As an adult it took a long time to really begin to grasp what is happening whenever the refrain is repeated. If you’re in a soccer stadium and the fans of the home team begin their chant of support, it usually begins with a few guys until the sound of it increases as more and then even more people join in. Soon the stadium is filled with the roar of fans chanting. That’s what is happening with Psalm 136. It is as if a single person begins the refrain and soon more people join in. Then more take up the chant. Soon all the peoples of the earth join with all the saints above, finally joining in are all the creatures surrounding the throne. What an exuberant shout and song and combination of voices and instruments declaring HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
 
This refrain is used in II Chronicles 20:21 as well. A massive army surrounded King Jehoshaphat. He appealed to the LORD for help. Then having shouted encouragement to his people in the Name of the LORD, he appointed and sent out singers at the head of the army, who dressed in their holy attire were praising God saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever” (II Chr. 20:21). Each time you read this refrain in the Bible you are reminded that Jesus is the Captain of Salvation. In the strength of Jesus, we face hordes of enemies and strong detractors and mighty and powerful haters of God knowing that for us to live is Christ and to die is gain. The Captain of Salvation may place us where the fighting is fiercest and we may be martyred for his cause, even so, his steadfast love endures forever. God our Father has authority over our lives now and the authority to determine where we will spend eternity. His steadfast love endures forever!
 
The greatest example of the Father’s steadfast love is Jesus Christ. You know the text so well, “for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Love took on flesh. Love is steadfast and everlasting because Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in power.
 
Father in heaven great are you and worthy of praise—for your steadfast love endures forever. Mighty God thank you for your steadfast love perfectly demonstrated in Jesus Christ.
Spirit of the Living God help us as the people bathed in the radiant steadfast love of God to reflect our love to you, God, and shine such love to all those who you put into our path.
Triune God, whose steadfast love endures forever, gather us together this Sunday so that we, with all your people across the globe and across the centuries who are now in heaven, may exult you and with increasing fervor and joy declare: your steadfast love endures forever. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/oLh0lhqknS4?si=JcOvWvT6r8rhGtLq Psalm 136 Song (great tool for memorization of this Psalm)
 

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May 30, 2025 -- Daniel 12:1b-3 -- The glorious, radiant light of Christ

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn away to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:1b-3 ESV
 
It is God the Father who breaks down the stubborn resistance of men’s hearts so that they yield to Jesus. Without the intervening mercy of God, we’d live on as children who will experience the out-poured wrath of God. The Puritan Thomas Boston wrote by nature people chose evil and death every time, as consistently as water flows down hill. What follows is his graphic observation of human indifference to their wickedness in the face of God’s holiness.
 
Consider the utter inconsistency of most men’s lives with the principles of religion
which they profess; you may as soon bring east and west together, as their
principles and practice. Men believe that fire will burn them, and therefore they
will not throw themselves into it, but the truth is, most men live as if they thought
the Gospel a mere fable, and the wrath of God, revealed in His Word against their unrighteousness and ungodliness, a mere scarecrow. If you believe the doctrines
of the Word, how is it that you are so unconcerned about the state of your souls
before the Lord? How is it that you are so little concerned about this weighty point,
whether you be born again or not?
Thomas Boston Human Nature in it fourfold state, page 93
 
Those who have been captivated by the beauty of Jesus will turn from the wickedness of their sin, as surely as they’d avoid standing in a campfire. It is the fact that the Spirit of God has captured their hearts and torn out its proclivity to sin which makes believers recognize the violence of evil and how hideous an offense it is against the Holy One. It is precisely because God has loved His people with an everlasting love, has provided the full and final sacrifice of Jesus, and guards His people in the Holy Spirit that His wrath is not a mere scarecrow to His people. The Awesome One’s wrath is real. It is terrible. It was poured out on Jesus and He Who stood in our place, taking the punishment of God has become to us altogether precious. Worthy of our life’s devotion.
 
As the author of Hebrews noted, it is easy to drift away. So, we turn to the Bible. We devour it, are fed by it, are warned by it, are inspired. All who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above. The joy-filled straight-living of the godly are a bright witness to those who are perishing and headed to everlasting contempt. Those who are shining with the radiance of Christ are either blinding light so they will have scorn heaped on them by those who are hell-bound, or the radiance of Christ is so pure, such warm and wonderful light that those appointed for life will be drawn closer into fellowship with Christians until they too captivated by Jesus reflect His splendor in their lives.
 
Father of all mercy and covenant love, great are You and worthy of praise. Thank You for the radiance of Christ and the light of life that emanates from Him. Thank You for the work of Your Spirit, who captures wayward ones and brings them to the glorious light of Christ. Triune God, polish our lives inside and out so that in every part we who trust in Jesus will reflect His glory. Through our words and actions which are infused with the radiance of Jesus, draw many to Yourself in love. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/fE51e2rKpUk?si=VGL1iASf2qk29wfR The Lord is my Light
 

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May 29, 2025 -- Philippians 4:21-23 -- Not merely a formulaic ending

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Philippians 4:21-23 ESV
 
Into a few verses (which are easily dismissed as a formulaic ending) Paul concludes the letter to the Philippians with a powerful set of greetings and the benediction. The first greeting is to go out to every saint in Christ Jesus. Remember that some of the saints were fighting (Euodia and Syntyche), some are party to one side or the other. Paul is greeting all with the holy expectation that healing will come. The second greeting is from Timothy and Epaphroditus (and any other believers from among the Christian community where Paul is). There is a great unity that believers have which is given through Jesus Christ. It is His Spirit who unites us. His Spirit gives us the ability to say, “Jesus Christ is Lord”. His Spirit who leads us in humility, restoration and service. His Spirit who lifts our life from self-directed to instead having the goal of pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (3:14).
 
Read on as Sinclair Ferguson explains the next greeting,
Final greetings are also passed on by Paul from those of Caesar’s household (v.22).
These were probably slaves or freedmen who worked in the Roman civil service. It
is thrilling to think that already the gospel had penetrated the machinery of
government and that some of the power-brokers in the ancient world were coming
into contact with humble Christians shining like lights in the world (2:15).
Sinclair Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians. page 116
Add to this the fact that “the whole imperial guard” has learned Paul’s imprisonment is for Christ (1:13). What an impact one man is having on a huge empire.
 
Dear fellow readers, your life lived for Jesus Christ has an impact beyond what you can possibly imagine. The Spirit of God brings you to people and places ripe for the gospel. Sometimes, like is the case with Paul, you can see the impact you have for Jesus. Most times, you will need to cling to Paul’s Spirit-inspired assurance that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (1:6). Completion in your life so that you will receive the crown of glory. Completion for those who by the work of the Spirit you were meant to impact for Jesus. To this day I remember one senior couple in the church of my early youth, who every Sunday faithfully attended church, morning and evening. They had lots of adult children, but not one of them came to church. But this couple’s steadfast attendance in church shone out as a beacon testifying to their commitment to Jesus; that deeply affected me. They probably had no idea that some little kid, seventy years younger than they were at the time, was so impacted by their example of godly living.
 
Greet each other in Christ Jesus. Make sure your conversation, your emails, all your interactions with others are seasoned with the awareness of Jesus. When people meet you, know you, spend time with you at school, or work, or in sports, they will know by your words and actions Christ has made you His own and you seek to make Christ and His blessings your own (3:12).
 
Father in heaven thank You that from before the creation of the world, You chose for Yourself people to be Your sons and daughters through the work of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit Who subdues the rebellion of our hearts by transforming our mind and lives in conformity with Christ, who is the prize of life. As Christ has made us His own, Spirit of God direct us to aspire to make Christ our own so that the things of this world fade away and the ravenous temptations of this world are revealed to be as hideous as they truly are. Father in heaven, thank You for the rich grace with which You have covered every part of our life in Christ. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/8wfhhFHMgxY?si=NbzKJGAoctgZIJE0 Jesus Is Mine
 

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May 27, 2025 -- Philippians 4:20 -- Parking on the glory of God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Philippians 4:20 ESV
 
I wonder, as he composed this, with prison guards right beside him, if they were startled by an audible outburst of Paul’s praise to God; or if they were used to it by now. It is common for Paul to break out into words of praise.  Paul’s circumstances (two quick examples, his being in prison and knowing others are preaching Christ in rivalry to him) can not keep Paul from reviewing things from a heavenly perspective.
 
God is in charge. He Who started a good work in Paul will bring it to completion (1:6). Opponents of God will be destroyed while the faithful, who suffer now already now have salvation and suffering for Christ confirms their faith in Him (1:28,29). This is the benefit of memorizing Philippians. When you read a portion, you can recall earlier sections of the letter, or later passages, where a theme is expanded. As you read you realize the glorious work of God among His people.
 
God is our Father. What a precious concept that is. God is not just out there, somewhere in the cosmos. He is better than any earthly father ever could be. He is wiser, more gracious. He is our Father Who unites in Christ and leads us into greater intimacy with Himself through the Holy Spirit.
 
When Paul ascribes glory to the Father, he is expressing the fact that the weight of knowing God changes everything in his life. God the Father is so magnificent, so beyond comprehension, and yet so tender in revealing Himself to His people, that Paul’s whole life is oriented to Him. The Father is the sun in the solar system of Paul’s life. The gravity of His glory orients everything to orbit around Him. Paul can not help but contemplate God. Worship God. Bless God. His circumstances, harsh as they are, fade to insignificance in view of the weight of God’s majesty.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150 ESV
https://youtu.be/o-ImfnUqWxg?si=vxhLaD7OvXUIO_DN All Praise to Him
 

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May 26, 2025 -- Philippians 4:18-20 -- Sacrificial Giving

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus! 

 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:18-20 ESV
 
Sometimes someone else expresses the meaning of a passage so clearly, I can’t help but quote him. That is why I am quoting Sinclair Ferguson on this passage.
This, then, for Paul is the wonderful thing about the Philippians’ gifts (v.18):
they reflect the ministry of all believers as priests before the Lord. Not only
have they exercised the priesthood of all believers in praying for Paul; their
gifts have been like thank-offerings to the Lord, with which he has been
pleased. What a delight it was to the apostle to think that these Christians he
had nurtured were also doing things that were a delight to the Lord!
     To give sacrificially, as the Philippians did, means that we may be in
danger of impoverishing ourselves (cf. 2 Cor. 11;8). Paul has some words of
encouragement: their needs will be supplied, in turn, by the Lord, according to
his riches in glory (v. 19). He is reminding them of the principle, illustrated
frequently through-out Scripture, but powerfully enunciated by Jesus himself:
whatever we yield up to him we will regain again and again (Luke 18:28-30).
Sinclair Ferguson: Let’s Study Ephesians, page 112.
 
He then asks three penetrating questions:

1. Am I really concerned for the welfare of the Lord’s servants?

2. Do I regard my Christian stewardship, particularly although not exclusively of money, as a partnership?

3. Do I really believe God will supply what I need if I give sacrificially?

Ibid, page 113.
 
Grant us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, without stumbling and without stain; that reaching the eventide victorious over all temptation, we may praise thee, the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern all things, world without end. Amen.
Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces, “IN THE MORNING'“, 1950, page 32
 
https://youtu.be/9rZ8k9m2hwo?si=Uzx9_hojrmnzt--O Give Me Jesus
 

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May 23, 2025 -- Philippians 4:15-17 -- Thankful for the support

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
Philippians 4:15-17 ESV
 
Of these verses Sinclair Ferguson writes:
It was a partnership, each partner contributing something different to the other.
Thus viewed, the Philippians would never become jealous of Paul’s status or
gifts, nor would Paul complain that he alone bore the burden of Christian
ministry. It is an ideal description of the relationship we ought to foster among
ourselves. Ministers and people, missionaries and their supporting
congregations alike should learn from Paul’s example that there is no such
thing as a one-man ministry or missionary.
Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 111
 
The words of Paul and the explanation of Ferguson are so wonderfully humbling. It is easy for any Christian to have the feeling he is off on his own, serving Jesus with no other help. For my part I am reminded to be so thankful to God for the tremendous support I receive in ministry. There are incarcerated men who are faithful in their prayers for me. Even in a place of hardship, they are expressing to me their commitment to prayer. What a huge blessing that is. Many people make donations to Redemption Prison Ministry. Others volunteer at the thrift stores so that funds are raised. Through this passage, I realize once again that as a prison-visiting pastor God has raised up a huge community of supporters. His Spirit leads many to pray, to give, to encourage, and serve so that the work I do is possible.
 
Bring that home to yourself. Do you realize that the Holy Spirit of God has stirred fellow believers to pray for you, to encourage you, or to visit you so that you are encouraged in your walk with God? You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Many times you won’t be able to see who they are; but heaven will be a wonder and a time of overwhelming gratitude to God for the followers of Jesus Christ. By the gift of heavenly hindsight, you’ll be able to see the great support and help He had arranged for your darkest hours, when you might have thought you were all alone.
 
Blessed Father in heaven, gracious and faithful to Your people, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. Thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit, through whom gifts are distributed among believers so that Your grace is administered among the whole family of God. As recipients of Your great grace and lovingkindness, we bless You and sing out Your goodness. As those privileged to serve others (doing so knowing it is Christ Himself whom we honour through our sacrificial giving) increase our zeal and willingness to bless others. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/slQ6MTJLU4I?si=aNUDRTrpVIdguZXg Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
 

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May 21, 2025 -- I Timothy 6:20-21 -- Grace be with you. What is that?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
I Timothy 6:20-21 ESV
 
Paul is writing to his dear son in the faith. There is a depth of emotion conveyed in the exclamation “o” before Timothy’s name. It is endearment. It is expressing longing to be with him in person sharing the grace of God. It also carries the weight of the command that follows, that he guard the deposit. That is, the truth of the Christian faith as it has been expressed in this letter to Timothy. The world will tear at the faith. Even some members of the church will prove themselves irreverent babblers and get so involved in the world that their passions are directed at people and things. Paul is urging believers, inviting them in the grace of God to dedicate themselves solely, exclusively, joyfully to the Living God.
 
The benediction, that is the good word from God, that concludes this letter is not a throw away line. “Grace be with you” is a sorely needed blessing to a young pastor. It is a blessing for all who read this letter. Grace is God’s decision to deal favourably with His people. The grace of God draws people back from their waywardness into relationship with Himself. Grace is the beauty of God which arrests our attention. Whereas the idols of this world and our own sinful cravings would cause us to stare at screens or engage in wicked behaviour, it is the grace of God which is so compelling that we can’t avert our eyes from Him. His grace is so irresistible that it captures our attention and stirs in us a holy desire to guard the deposit of Jesus and the testimony of His love given to us.
 
The grace of God is a shield that puts a barrier between the fiery darts of temptation this world aims at believers. The grace of God is also a reference to the Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10). The Holy Spirit reveals what is irreverent, what are lies and false knowledge. Perhaps you have experienced something like this before. You have eaten sweets, cakes and candies. You are sort of full, but you are longing for something else. You realize you want nourishment, protein. Something hearty. The Spirit of grace takes you from the sweet-seeming things of this world, which are sweet-poison to the soul. The Spirit of grace feeds you with all that is good and glorious.
 
Grace is the outworking of God’s covenant love.
 
O Holy One, Eternal God Most High, by Your Spirit of Grace arrest our attention so that our eyes are lifted from the irreverent things of this world so that we gaze on the beauty of Jesus. Jesus, Who is the outworking of the Father’s Old Testament covenant love. Jesus, Who is the King, defending His people and defeating all Your enemies and ours. Jesus Who is full of grace and truth, given to Your people. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/bcIA8nC39o4?si=6QmB_fMwRvQyMcDx The King in All His Beauty
 

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May 20, 2025 -- Philippians 4:14 -- Sharing in troubles

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Philippians 4:14 ESV
 
In the verses 10 to 13 it almost sounded as if Paul were saying to the Philippians something along the lines of, I didn’t really need your gift, because I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances and I alone can do all things through Him Who strengthens me. It is helpful to know that Paul did what Paul always does, he gives priority to thanking God and recognizing God’s gracious provision.
 
Second, he is now commending the Philippians, who are a channel of God’s grace to him. The translation here is rather bland. The Greek is certainly more vibrant and emotive. A possible translation would be: Yet you have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction. The Philippians didn’t just send a gift to Paul; they have beautifully showed their solidarity with him. More than sharing his burdens, they are declaring before God their willingness to be partners with Paul in all his suffering (this is an echo of “for you are partakers with me of grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” 1:7).
 
It raises the question, dear reader, what Christian do you support so deeply and truly that you are willing to endure hardship to support them? Perhaps it is a missionary for whom you give sacrificially? Perhaps it is a brother or a sister enduring very hard times, and you alter your schedule to spend time and listen. Paul is noting that this band of believers has gone above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. They do so out of love. They do so in devotion to Jesus as they bless a fellow servant of Christ.
 
It often seems to me that folks who sit in the pews are very ready to respond to a fellow Christian’s need they’ve just been made aware of by saying, “I hope you’ll be okay.” The problem is that’s where it seems to end. No wallet opens. No knees get calloused imploring God for His help. No prayers are immediately offered or Scripture shared with the wounded one. No schedules are changed to sit with the hurting person. There’s a simple pat on the back. Then the Christian moves on and leaves the other alone to face affliction. I wonder, to whom would you, before God, be able to speak saying: “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?” Or, if you are in a time of strength, who would say of you, “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?”
 
It can be profoundly lonely being a Christian. I urge you, turn to Jesus. Pour out your heart to Him. Trust that the Father is strengthening you by His Spirit so that you will know how wide and long and high and broad the love of Christ for you is. Next, ask the Spirit, who are You putting in my life, someone who might need me to walk with him? The passage today certainly is a call to deeper fellowship.
 
God of splendour and glory, heaven is Your throne and earth is Your footstool, what could any small creature such as we are, ever offer to You? Your word promises “this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word”. LORD GOD I renew my submission to You. Make me aware of the needs of those around me. Prepare me to give sacrificially. Equip Your servant with Your Spirit so that trembling at Your Word I may serve others and so share in the sufferings of Jesus even as I live in His resurrection power. Amen.
Today's prayer is based on Isaiah 66:1-2

https://youtu.be/FAK2SaKQ1NQ?si=uY6A6q49HD9N35CA A Christian’s Daily Prayer
 

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May 19, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10-13 -- Resiliency

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
 
The buzz word at last week’s prison chaplain conference was “resiliency”. A person can endure a lot if he knows why he is doing it. Several times and in several ways it was stated, “If you know your why you can endure whatever comes at you”. It makes sense. Look at the example of Paul. His “why”, his keen awareness of his life’s purpose, is the fact that he can do all things through Jesus Who strengthens him.
 
Look at the hardships he endured. He is writing from prison. He had been in need financially and in need of human companionship. He had been brought low—if you know much about Paul’s life, you’ll know how true that is. He has been beaten, often. He was shipwrecked. An angry mob threw stones at him till they thought he was dead. Yet at verse 10 he can write that he rejoices in the Lord greatly! The reason he can endure all of that, and more, is his confidence and strength come from his relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Jesus has endured all things, willingly, perfectly, so that all who believe in Him will be saved from the wrath of God which is poured out against sinners. Jesus endured the punishment of God’s wrath against sin so that all who believe in Jesus no longer face God’s punishment. Those who believe in Jesus will, as He did, suffer. It is part of the Christian life. Believers do not suffer in order to be saved. No. They believe. They are saved in Christ Jesus and rejoicing in their connection with the Most High God, obey Him out of reverent joy. Believers in Jesus Christ know their citizenship is in heaven—whatever happens here on earth, those who are in Christ know the Savior will transform their lowly, sin-racked bodies to be like His glorious body. Through-out eternity any possibility of sinning has been vanquished, and those in Christ will be capable of Spirit-empowered ever-increasing delight in His presence.
 
Do you know your why? What sustains you through your worst day or your hardest fight? I urge you to reach out to a Christian friend when you find your resiliency is low, or faltering, and ask “What keeping you going when the going is tough?” Ask her “What helps to you to stand when so many others have been knocked down?” Believers know their why, their purpose in Christ, so they can endure all things, hope all things, believe all things. Jesus’ love for them never fails. In response, those deeply loved, declare “I can do all things through Him strengthens me”.
 
Father in heaven I know that I have not already obtained the fullness of resurrection life in Jesus, nor am I already perfect; but I know this, Jesus has made me His own. As such I know I am Your beloved child. What privilege and blessing You have given me. Spirit of God, deepen my conviction and faith-filled confidence that I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me, and this to the honour and glory of Your Name. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/fYqo54MBxdc?si=Brq9KgOS2KiTtydd My Worth is Not in What I Own
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

May 18, 2025 -- Join us for prayer -- various passage of Scripture

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Greetings in the powerful Name of Jesus. Today our little house church is meeting, having been rocked by events of the last week which have effected the members of our fellowship. Instead of a regular chapel, today I'll lead our little fellowship in a prayer gathering. We are guided by A.C.T.S.s. praying--as you read through, you'll understand what that means. In the spaces between each section, you can add your own prayers and call out to God.

May 18, 2025, Conviction Chapel. Prayer Gathering
 

1. Adoration: speaking out to God His greatness, His attributes, His Names.

 
Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.
I Chronicles 16:22-27 ESV
 
 

1. Confession: con means with, fess is to say, so this literally means I say with God He is right, and I speak where I am wrong, sinful, needing the healing of Jesus

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 
Philippians 1:27-28 ESV
 
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 
Philippians 2:12-16
 
 
 

1. Thanksgiving: it is intentionally looking at your life, the events of your life, and telling God, “Thank You”

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3; 23-26 ESV
 
 

1. Supplication: this is bringing to God the needs of others and making your own needs known to God. He knows everything, but He commands us to bring our prayer and supplication so that we are reminded He is the source of all our help; our strength is not sufficient and by our own efforts we can’t do anything for ourselves.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
 
 
 

1. Submission: it is declaring to God that we will trample down our pride and all our hideous, misguided self-sufficiency and in obedience to Him dedicate our mind, words and actions to Him.

Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
    and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:1-2 ESV

 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

May 16, 2025 -- Deuteronomy 33:12 -- Safe in the Father's arms

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Of Benjamin he said,
May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him,
Who shields him all the day,
And he dwells between His shoulders.
Deuteronomy 33:12 NAS
 
It is my go-to verse when lots is going on in my life. Sometimes, when tears well up and my heart is so hurt, I go to this text. What blessedness and security are pictured there.
Benjamin was the smallest tribe, sort of the least and most easily forgotten. God has not forgotten them! Look what Moses the prophet of the LORD says about Benjamin. God remembers them and claims them in love. They are dearly loved.
 
In an age of warfare, of tribal divisions, of internal strife they dwell safely. Why? Because God has set His love on them. To be loved by God means in life and even in death one is His. To be loved by God means that the world may kill the body, but in eternity there will be a new body, a new life where there is no possibility of sin, of harm, or of death. This is the security we, as New Testament Christians, read in this passage. Our live now, however long or short it is, is a dress rehearsal for eternity in His presence.
 
The final two phrases, look at them closely. The LORD surrounds His people. The LORD embraces His beloved one so that he dwells between his shoulders. Reading this I recall the passage “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18). Older translations noted that Jesus, Who was in the bosom of His Father, He has made God known.
 

• An infant suckles at the breast of the mother between her shoulders, that is the bosom.

• A weaned child, secure and remembering the former comforts of nursing, nestles close to the mother resting content.

• A child with a skinned knee or a hurt heart runs to his father and is caught up in his arms and embraced. He is in the strong, protective bosom of his father. What security and comfort are found there.

• When John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, had a question at the supper table, he leaned back. It is important to know that in those days people leaned on the armrest of open backed couches to eat a meal. The armrest of the couch was next to the table. When John had a question for Jesus he leaned backwards, leaning into Jesus’ personal space, leaning into His bosom. It is the picture of Deuteronomy 33.

 
Believers are secure, embraced by God because of Jesus. He left the bosom of His Father in heaven. He walked this earth. He lived a life completely obedient to the Father, though He was tested and tried in every way humanly possible. He never sinned. As the sinless One, He gave Himself up to death, even death on a cross, so that you and I would know the height and depth and breadth and length of forgiveness that covers all our sin. As those set free from the curse of sin, we are the people who nestle into the embrace of God as beloved sons and daughters.
 
Oh, High GOD, Who stoops down to embrace believers, thank You for the comforts of nestling into Your embrace. Thank You for the picture of intimacy and even more, thank You that this is real and true for us through the accomplished work of Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, when troubles, alarms, enemies, and the brokenness of sin wash up against the shores of our hearts with the regularity of waves, dear Spirit, remind us that we are caught up in the arms of our Father Who loves us. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/HcpeLDp0Foo?si=HJtQ4KOiHhMyKDdu Run to the Father
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

May 15, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10 -- Your reasons for rejoicing

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
Philippians 4:10 ESV
 
Paul, who has been urging and inviting the Philippians to rejoice now gives one of his own reasons for rejoicing. Some background. He loves these people (1:7,8) and they love him and have supported him. He has with him Epaphroditus, whom they sent to Paul and he brought to him their financial gift. Epaphroditus was described by Paul as a fellow worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need (2:25). What Paul is doing is modeling his rejoicing as he writes to the Philippian people.
 
Here it is, the current reason he has for rejoicing: they have revived their concern for him. Revive has the sense of persistent growth. It shows up again and again. Their concern, a word used twice, means to think of with respect and compassion. More than mere sympathy, the Philippians have empathy for Paul. They are prepared to consider his hardship and ask themselves, what would be helpful in his circumstances? No wonder Paul wrote “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly”—the care and love and practical gifts of the Philippian congregation were tremendous blessings to him.
 
What reasons do you have for rejoicing? No doubt your circumstances can highlight many reasons for grumbling. There are plenty of reasons for discontent. But where do you see the powerful love of God expressed through people or circumstances or recent events in your life? For me, two men who I care about deeply, have just been reconciled. What a sweet moment to be there with them when God brought them together! It is my reason this morning to rejoice in the Lord greatly. Come on dear reader, list five evidences of God’s goodness, the reasons you rejoice greatly in the Lord.
 
Now, offer those reasons up to God as you rejoice greatly before Him.
 
Our loving Father in heaven, we bless You and praise Your Name. How sweepingly vast is the love You have shown Your people in the gift of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior-King. Hear now the sentences of praise and rejoicing we offer up to You. Let these be a sacrifice of praise to Your glorious Name.
(Speak them out here, your own reasons for rejoicing greatly…)
To You, Triune God, belong all glory and praise and adoration and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM?si=gVa3eKO7QCx2Imv- 10,000 Reasons
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.