June 19, 2021 -- Psalm 63:1-4 -- Breaking the hold of spiritual lethargy

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:1-4 English Standard Version

Consider these words. They were written by the righteous King David, a man after God’s own heart. He was the king of the land, the Land of Milk and Honey, the Land of Promise. Here is a man at the pinnacle of human power who is longing for the Living Water only Jesus can provide. He knows only the LORD can break through the ^ennui and groundless uneasy feelings of the mind.

Yesterday I was reading an article about harmful side effects of the vaccines. Then I saw government articles promoting vaccinations. Amid the cacophony were posts of those who celebrated having their second dose. Recently a young-in-the-faith Christian expressed a goal-less restlessness and undirected energy mixed with lethargy. Some Covid restrictions have been significantly relaxed and many people celebrate. Others chide the government for inciting fears and then bribing citizens with their own charter rights and freedoms. Part of my summer reading included a book on a Hasidic Jewish man who chronicles the ebbing away and finally the loss of his faith.

Psalm 63 is a necessary reminder that no matter what government rules the land at any particular moment in history—the human heart can be discontented and parched. It is worship that leads the soul-dry Christian to Jesus, the Living Water.

No matter the upheavals in a land—peace or war, famine or prosperity, riches or poverty, sickness or health, corporate greed or social activisms or ascendant church movements—God the Glorious He alone is great and He alone can fill our thoughts and vision and souls with such satisfaction that we have great peace no matter what the circumstances of our lives.

Our spiritual lives and hope-filled courage in God does not depend on who is in government or what policies are being enacted. Sure, these various things impact our physical well-being and our economic standing. The anchoring hope of our hearts and the refreshment of our souls is found when we look to God, by faith looking at and considering His power and glory.

^ennui: soul listlessness, dissatisfaction

O God, You are my God~So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

Today’s prayer is Psalm 63:1a, 2-4 The Message translation

The music is a contemplative version of the triumphant hymn “Thine Be the Glory”. Usually this is with organ and trumpets and choirs. This quieter version seems to fit today’s meditation.

https://youtu.be/jItTCHchMkk

June 17, 2021 -- Psalm 51:17 & Mark 7:24-30 -- A broken and contrite heart

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart you, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 ESV

And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Mark 7:24-30 ESV

Wait, can Jesus speak to this woman like that? Isn’t He being offensive? The story of the Gospel is powerfully carried forward by such questions which believers use to examine Scripture in order to gain understanding.

Note where Jesus is—He is far outside of the territory that belonged to Israel. He is the Son of God, Who created all things and had been sent by the Father to claim all His people. Jesus is the descendant of Abraham—the Covenant Promise of Genesis 12 is that those who bless Abraham will themselves be blessed. Jesus is the Son of Promise, the descendant of Abraham through Whom all the nations will be blessed. In order to receive this blessing the people of the nations must acknowledge Him.

Now, back to the Syrophoenician woman. She was part of a proud people and territory. The city of Tyre was a rich trading port with a proud tradition, defiant. When she went to Jesus she believed He could heal her daughter. Jesus’ words to her were to evoke the sacrifice of a broken spirit and a contrite heart—a heart that relied on Him for salvation.

Jarring is the expression Jesus used speaking of taking the food of the household and giving it to the dogs of the house. Pet owners will immediately respond, but the dogs are part of the family. A dog allowed near the table where everyone eats is a dog that is loved and spoiled. What Jesus is noting that salvation comes from Jesus Himself, a Jew, and He is sent first to the Jewish people and then to the world. The fact that He speaks these words, outside of the historic lands of Israel, in the region of Tyre proves He is the Savior of the World.

She humbles herself, gladly, before Jesus. She gladly notes the mercy of God, shown in Jesus Christ is more than sufficient for the people of Israel and for the world. The footnote provided by the Reformation Study Bible I use adds this wonderful observation about the mercy of God to His covenant community which will “spill out to meet Gentiles’ needs as well—another anticipation of the church’s global mission following Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and outpouring of the Spirit.” The promise of God was given to the Jewish people, through Abraham, all the other nations are Gentiles. All those who believe in Jesus Christ are a sign of the abundant mercy of God overflowing the table of the children and are more than sufficient for the salvation of all who humble themselves before Jesus, serving Him with all they are and all they have.

Faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, thank You for Your suffering, obedient love to the Father, by which all who believe in You are saved. Move us, by Your Spirit, to carry the Good News of Salvation far and wide. Give us, O Spirit, holy boldness to speak with co-workers and friends of the glorious mercy of Jesus Christ which overspills the table to the feeding of the people of the world. By our words and effervescent service to Jesus may many near and far be drawn to Your love, justice and faithfulness God our Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/WGPM0nDEDfQ

June 16, 2021 -- Proverbs 31:10-12 -- pursuing lady wisdom

Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus

An excellent wife who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV

While in day-whatever-it-is now of my most recent quarantine, I have been listening to Bible podcasts to feed my faith and continue to be encouraged in the Lord. A number of months ago a friend introduced me to “The Glory-Cloud” podcasts. The two men who host it reflect on themes of the books of the Bible and in their reflections they integrate the insights of Meredith Kline, the late American, Old Testament scholar.

This passage from Proverbs 31, as explained by Kline via the men of the Glory-Cloud podcast, is not about a particular wife who is the standard to which all other women must aspire. In that sense this passage has caused many a woman to feel guilty and inadequate. Instead, the key is found in Proverbs 7 and 8. In Proverbs 7 the adulteress is a woman who leads men to their destruction. In Proverbs 8 wisdom is a woman who leads men in godliness and wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a lady who leads men to God. Wisdom is to be a desire of all. Therefore, the woman wisdom, is the great desire of all who seek to follow Jesus.

What a glorious change this perspective brings to the passage. Married or single. Young or old. Man or woman. Suddenly Proverbs 31:10ff is not a standard so high that it is used as a measuring rod to make people feel guilty. Instead, it is a glorious passage that stirs in our souls, creating in us all a greater desire to be wise. To pursue wisdom as a young man might pursue a woman. The attributes of wisdom are evident and many.

I encourage you, if you have 5 minutes, look up Proverbs 31:10-31 and read it from the perspective of the woman described there as Lady Wisdom. Think of yourself as the one who is desiring wisdom. Finally, understand that this metaphor is the desire for Jesus Himself, Who is wisdom from on high.

King Jesus, with the psalmist, I confess, I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, those who follow the adulterous woman of the world. Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Truly You set the wicked in slippery places, You make them fall to ruin. Nevertheless, Father in heaven, I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand by the glorious work of Jesus Christ. You guide me with Your wise counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire beside You. Triune God, how vibrant and true, standing the test of time and generations, are Your words: “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Amen.

Today’s prayer is drawn from various verses of Psalm 73 and the final sentence is Proverbs 1:7.

https://youtu.be/a1YYMSP5clM

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 15, 2021 -- Philippians 2:4-11 -- Honour His Name

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:4-11 ESV

Yesterday, when considering this passage the thought that of all of life and worship is a drill for the sure event of Jesus’ return was in focus. Today, look at verse 9. Read it again. I’ll wait. How precious Jesus’ Name is to the Father in heaven. The Father has raised up Jesus and given Him the one Name that is more precious, more beautiful than any Name.

When you are in a taxi cab, or at work, is Jesus’ Name honoured? Or, at least, when someone uses His precious Name as a curse word, do you comment and tell them how precious He is to You? It is an opportunity for witness—you can, with gentleness, explain why for you and all Christian believers His Name is great.

Is your life consistent with your confession of Jesus Christ? When someone points out to you the disparity of what you say you believe and then shows you your inconsistent actions, do you repent?

Today is the day of salvation. Now is the opportunity to praise God and honour the Name of Jesus—the Name that is above every other name. The great kindness of God our Father is shown in this, He has poured out His Spirit so that we can read the Word, learn, grow in understanding and in joy-filled obedience.

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
   and forgive us our debts,
   as we have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and glory,
   both now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Xm19p9Nd-20

June 14, 2021 -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- To Whom or what do you bend your knee?

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 ESV

Last week I was able to attend the several-days-long meeting of our denomination's synod. I participated from my home via Zoom. Each sitting of Synod began with a sermon. What a treat to hear so many of my colleagues offer up this means of grace. Rob Patrick preached on this passage, today’s text written out above. Here is a brief summary of his wonderful sermon.

Many of us have participated in fire drills—for a fire that likely will never come. Patrick noted he grew up on an army base on a Japanese Island during one of the Asian -American conflicts of the mid 1900’s. At the army base school he attended students had bomb drills. All those drills were in preparation for an event which was highly unlikely to ever take place.

Christians in contrast, have drills, preparing for something that is sure to happen. Jesus will return. Therefore Christians gather and worship. Therefore Christians receive the means of grace which His has provided for His people. Therefore Christians teach neighbours and the evangelize the world, warning friends and leaders alike to serve the LORD with fear. When He returns everyone will bow the knee before His awesome, majestic presence. Those who rejected Him and refused to consider His return will face the punishment of hell. Those who exercised the drills for His return, spending time in prayer, Scripture, planning for His return shall rejoice in His presence through-out eternity. Are you spending time in prayer, planning, evangelizing and thinking with longing hope about Jesus’ return?

The Great Discovery

Glorious God,
I  bless thee that I know thee.
I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its Creator,
   was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the Provider,
   was blind while enjoying the sunlight,
   was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me,
understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways,
   saw the world, but did not see Jesus only.
O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty
   thou didst look on me, and call me by grace.
Then did the dead heart begin to beat,
   the darkened eye glimmer with light,
   the dull ear catch thy echo,
   and I turned to thee and found thee,
   a God ready to hear, willing to save.
Then did I find my heart at enmity to thee,
   vexing thy Spirit;
Then did I fall at thy feet and hear thee thunder,
   ‘The soul that sinneth, it must die’,
But when grace made me to know thee,
   and admire a God who hated sin,
   thy terrible justice held my will submissive.
My thoughts were then as knives cutting my head.
Then didst thou come to me in silken robes of love,
   and I saw thy Son dying that I might live,
   and in that death I found my all.
My soul doth sing at the remembrance of that peace;
The gospel cornet brought a sound unknown
   to me before that reached my heart – and I lived –
   never to lose my hold on Christ or his hold on me.
Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found,
   and tell to others as long as I live,
that thou art a sin-pardoning God,
taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly,
and washing them from their deepest stain.

Today's prayer is from:
"The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions" page 112

https://youtu.be/gNN0FSLwLc8

June 13, 2021 -- Psalm 31:23-24 -- Called to Worship

Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Love the LORD, all you his saints!
   The LORD preserves the faithful
   but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
   all you who wait for the LORD!
Psalm 31:23-24 ESV

Those who have reached verses 23 and 24 of Psalm 31 have scaled a mountain. The verse before it are filled with ascriptions of praise spoken by one who experiences tremendous hardship and troubles. Yet, he brings his heart, distressed as it is, to the LORD, Who alone can help. Hope that is genuine and true is hope that has been tested and refined. The expression “all you wait for the LORD” can also be rendered “all you who hope in the LORD”.

It is the LORD Who preserves our hope and enables us to wait for Him, even when circumstances and the floods of troubles threaten to overwhelm us

It is the LORD Who first loved us. it has always been so. In worship our eyes are opened to the fact that the LORD has been at work for us and in us, long before we ever knew it.

Let your courage rise when dangers threatened you. The LORD has proven Himself faithful, near and victorious.

Today is Sunday. Whether or not you can go in person and attend church services, plan on meeting via whatever media platform you can. Weak and weary Christian, be fully recharged and restored in your hope.

Those who wait for the LORD have their faith affirmed. He has rescued His people through Jesus Christ. We have been brought from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son He loves. The Father has decreed it, the Son accomplished our redemption and the Spirit has applied it.

Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
   make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
For the word of the LORD is upright,
   and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
   the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 33:1-5 ESV

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 11, 2021 -- Isaiah 6:1-5 -- Truly Cleansed

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV

How clean is clean? Yesterday my wife received a cleaning product. The instructions are clear, soak fabric in this cleaner and the dirt trapped in the fibers, hid from sight on fabrics that appear clean, will be released. So, the tea towels used for dishes were soaked in this liquid soluble solution. Note, these towels had been washed already in the laundry. These tea towels are used exclusively to dry dishes that have already been washed. So it was surprising to see how the soaking waters became gross with all the released dirt.

Isn’t that the case with us? We are sure “we’re fine” or “we’re good”. At least, we are to all outward appearances clean and upright. We even believe it ourselves. Surely, if we compare our lives and actions to others, we come away from the comparison thinking we’re fine. That is, until we are in the presence of true purity and cleanness.

Isaiah was a prophet of the LORD. He had already prophesied to the people of the LORD the Word of the Living God. Yet, this same prophet, when confronted with the holiness of the LORD, was profoundly aware how impure, unclean, and defiled he actually was. People of the Living God, confronted by His Word and Spirit we realize how much sin and stain clings to us.

Thanks be to God for the healing Isaiah experienced—”your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). As New Testament Christians, we read this and know this is the work of Jesus Christ at the cross—our defilements and impurities, our sin both known and all that is hidden to us are all cleansed and we are made holy. Blessed is the LORD our God. In view of the purification received in Christ—go and serve the King of Glory fearlessly and with all the strength you have and all the giftedness He has put at your disposal.

With the Apostle Paul, having examined our lives and actions in the light of Scripture, we declare “What a wretch I am! Who will deliver us from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Blessed are You, LORD our Father, for the cleansing You have given us in Jesus Christ. Spirit of the Living God, renew in us a fresh and holy zeal to serve our God this day and always. Amen.

The quotation marks in this prayer set apart Romans 7:24-25a

https://youtu.be/sI6ZkTbUgW4

June 9, 2021 -- Luke 9:61-62 -- Hand to the plow

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:61-62 ESV

This week I am in Synod Meetings—granted I am zooming in on the meetings from my imposed quarantine. (Yes, Carolyn and I are healthy and fine, it is an overabundance of caution imposed on us by an overzealous health official.) The new moderator, Patrick Malphrus, gave his address to the assembly and his challenge. It was awesome. It stood out for me particularly because I recently preached on this passage. Malphrus’ clarity and succinct challenge are worth repeating. This is my summary of what he preached.

Malphrus noted, when a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he finishes what he starts.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he farms with all strength as long as the weather is favorable.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he does not get into other people’s business, otherwise the furrows will go sideways.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he works hard and fixes whatever needs to be fixed in order that the work can be done.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he is doing what he loves and hard work is a pleasure.

Mighty God of planting and harvest, blessed is Your great Name. Thank You for the kingdom work You give us to do. Thank You for the hard, but joy-filled, work of declaring Jesus’ Name in all we say and do. Spirit of the Living God, renew in us a holy zeal to put our hands to the plow and so work out our faith with fear and trembling until that great day when Jesus Christ is revealed with all His holy ones. Triune God, as You empower us for the faithful service to which you call us, and we do as You command, may many friends and neighbours, co-workers and family members be brought into a living relationship with You. Destroy the work of the devil. May the knowledge of the glory of God and the radiance of Christ fill this land. Amen.

https://youtu.be/LlD3CtJb7Qg

June 7, 2021 -- Proverbs 3:7-8 -- Christian life on Monday

Be not wise in your own eyes;
   fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
   and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV

It is Monday morning. Sunday with its activity dedicated to the LORD is now behind you. The question is: how will you live? This passage reminds us of the refreshment and glory which are granted to those who dress themselves in the riches of knowing God and applying His word to every part of the week.

How will you speak to your irritating coworker? Will you have yet another argument about the origins of COVID with your fanatic friend and leave irritated? That neighbour who is always trimming his lawn while he casts aspersions on you judging you because your lawn doesn’t meet his standards.

Dear family in Christ, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ. The old nature with its sinful lusts and diabolical urges has been put to death. Let what is holy and new take hold of you. As you read the Bible, delight in the goodness of the LORD. As you pray, ask the Spirit of God to cause the new life which is yours in Christ to well up and take down the old man and strangle his inclination to evil and sin. Trust the promises of God that humble service offered in Jesus’ Name and turning from the evil you know can easily entangle you will result in healing of your heart. Resentments will fade. Old scores will no longer need to be settled, instead, the grace of our God and King will bring relief.

A Christian's Prayer

Blessed God,
Ten thousand snares are mine without and within,
   defend thou me;
When sloth and indolence seize me,
   give me views of heaven;
When sinners entice me,
   give me disrelish of their ways;
When sensual pleasures tempt me,
   purify and refine me;
When I desire worldly possessions,
   help me to be rich toward thee;
When the vanities of the world ensnare me,
   let me not plunge into new guilt and ruin.
May I remember the dignity of my spiritual release,
   never be too busy to attend to my soul,
   never be so engrossed with time
      that I neglect the things of eternity;
   thus may I not only live, but grow towards thee.
Form my mind to right notions of religion,
that I may not judge of grace by wrong conceptions,
  nor measure my spiritual advances by the efforts of my natural being.
May I seek after an increase of divine love to thee,
   after unreserved resignation to thy will,
   after extensive benevolence to my fellow creatures,
   after patience and fortitude of soul,
   after a heavenly disposition after a concern that I may please thee in public
      and private.
Draw on my soul the ^lineaments of Christ,
   in every trace and feature of which thou wilt take delight,
for I am thy workmanship, created in Christ Jesus,
   thy letter written with the Holy Spirit’s pen,
   thy tilled soil ready for the sowing, then harvest.
The Valley of Vision; editor Arthur Bennett, page 108

^lineaments: distinctive features, especially of the face

https://youtu.be/QdKj1-piYSg

June 6, 2021 -- Psalm 15 -- This Sunday, what are you longing for?

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
    and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15 English Standard Version

What a wonderful Psalm for this Sunday. The first verse sets up two questions and the next four verses give ten answers. Do not miss the significance of the questions. Do you want to be in the presence of the LORD? Do you want to linger there? If you are struggling to answer yes to those questions, then pray. Ask for the Spirit of God to renew your enthusiasm and yearning for the presence of God.

There is truth and blessedness in His presence. In His presence community is formed and grows closer in fellowship to one another as Christ is lifted high and praised. As people worship, deepening their devotion to the Father, the accomplished work of Jesus continues to be exalted and received with awe and the Spirit of God moves us forward in all things holy and good.

Look at the verses two through five. Find the ten things spelled out, the ethical qualifications, for entering into the presence of God. Give thanks to God for the areas where you see strength and pray for the Spirit’s power to aid you in the areas where you see ethical weakness and failing in your life. Worship magnifies the Triune God; praise highlights His excellencies and creates in us a longing to despise anything which would hinder our relationship with Him.

Mighty God of revelation and love, increase in us a desire to know You and worship You. Spirit of God, there can be hundreds of distractions and thousands of reasons which suddenly spring to mind why going to church or listening to a worship service is not necessary. Spirit of Power let the loveliness of Christ and His costly sacrifice given for our reconciliation with God the Father move us to fight past all distractions and snares so that we will worship God in spirit and truth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/EUthcuoDrVg

June 5, 2021 -- Matthew 28:31-32 & Luke 12:4-6 -- When tears run out

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:31-32 ESV

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.

Luke 12:4-6 ESV

It has taken me more than a few days to write about the gruesome discovery of 215 bodies of children, found in an unmarked grave. The buried children were connected to what used to be the Kamloops Residential School. How many more graves are there across our land? How many more stories have not been told? It is almost too overwhelming. May God give grace and strength to those who continue to document the stories so that these children will not be forgotten and our land will repent.

This story has galvanized so many people and raised so many questions. How can justice ever be done? The answer is found in Christ alone. He was punished for the sins of the world. Those who believe on Him have had their sins punished fully, infinitely, to the measure of the evil weighed out against them all this has been poured on Jesus. He then rose to new life by the glory of the Father. Grace wins. It comes at a tremendous cost.

When Jesus returns, and all His holy angels with Him, there will be a judgment upon all the the living and all those who had died. At this great resurrection, punishment will be brought against all evil doers. Christ has the authority not only to judge the wicked, but to cast those who were perpetrators of evil into the torment and agony of hell. Therefore Jesus is to be feared. Therefore, people are to examine their hearts and minds, their words and their actions and bow before Him. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the day of reconciliation. Now is the day of truth telling.

Note as well the tenderness of our God. In our lives and our busy times we do not pay attention to the little sparrows all around us. We cannot tell if there is one missing. But the LORD knows the full number of His precious little sparrows. The pointed teaching is that He knows and cares for the people, the teens, the aged, and the infants—for all people, for Psalm 8 teaches us mankind is the crown of His creation. While our grief is yet fresh, know this, those graves which are unmarked to us, are known to the tender heart of our Father in heaven as is every single person not yet accounted for. He knows them all.

Today’s prayer is taken from the book of Lamentations. It is the grief saturated cries of Jeremiah before the LORD when the city of Jerusalem was sacked, her inhabitants slaughtered and carried to exile.

My eyes are spent with weeping; my stomach churns;

my bile is poured out to the ground

because of the destruction of the daughter of my people,

because infants and babies faint in the streets of the city.

Their hearts cried out to the Lord. O wall of the daughter of Zion,

let tears stream down like a torrent day and night!

Give yourself no rest, your eyes no respite!

Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind, and therefore have hope.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Lamentations 2:11, 18, 3:19-25

https://youtu.be/UUEy8nZvpdM

June 3, 2021 -- Psalm 19:1-4; 7-10 -- Letting your imagination savour the glories of God

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules[d] of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:1-4; 7-10 ESV

Dearly loved people of God, Who declares His splendor, how much time do you spend examining the riotous colours painted in the sky as the sun is going down? Maybe you look at pictures of the most colourful birds of the earth? Or you spend time looking at the varied beauty of orchids? The LORD speaks to us through creation. It is the book of revelation called General Revelation. It is general because you can learn about God, His invisible attributes, power and divine nature are displayed in creation (so says Romans 1).

As you spend time thinking about creation, meditating on its beauty so Psalm 19 invites you to use your imagination and your soul’s longing to think on Jesus Christ. The Word of God (broadly speaking the law, testimony and precepts) reveal the glory of God to the heart and mind. This is Special Revelation. By way of the Word God makes Himself known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God shows His salvation in Jesus Christ. Spend time thinking about Him. As you might scroll through pictures of birds, animals, sunsets etc, spend time reading a passage of scripture and let your mind savour it. Consider the magnificence of God Who makes Himself known.

Wherever one looks, the brilliance of Your creation declares Your glory. The inner workings of DNA ribbons, precisely folded, and the dancing Northern Lights all proclaim Your handiwork. Spirit of God, help us to think about God and reflect on His invisible attributes and power and divine nature when our attention is caught by such beauty. Spirit of God, let the Word, soak into our imagination, so that the purity and perfections of Jesus are as sweet to our soul as honey from the honeycomb. Amen.

https://youtu.be/awEvlCRZ3WQ

June 2, 2021 -- I Corinthians 11:26-29 -- Full systems check for health

 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

I Corinthians 11:26-29 ESV

You might be inwardly groaning. Here we go again! Another passage on God’s judgment and wrath. It is easy to skip over a passage like this and miss the lovingkindness of God our Father. Why are road signs posted? Warning signs like: Bridge out. Detour ahead? So that people do not drive headlong into destruction. The warning is given for the purpose of saving life.

So too with the words concerning the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday many churches will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and it used to be the practice in our Presbyterian - Reformed circles to have the previous Sunday serve as a preparatory service, an invitation to taste and see the goodness of the LORD and a warning to make sure one did not eat and drink in an unworthy manner—a way in which would drive the believer away from God into danger and disaster.

To discern the body is to know Jesus Christ is the One Sacrifice Who has taken away the sin of the world. To discern the body is to believe this and set your whole confidence for salvation in Him, Jesus, the One Who was sent by the Father to rescue you from the dominion of darkness. To discern the body is to hate your own sin and by the inner working of the Spirit, Who is applying the Word of God to your minds and hearts, confess your sins and seek to remove anything that might block the full blessing and full joy of serving Jesus Christ.

Truly it is a wonderful blessing to know that the LORD our God is prepared to pour out His blessings on you life. It is humbling and tremendous to know His warning serves to open your heart and life to the fullest measure of blessing He has in store for you. And what blessing it is, to consider the fact that the Lord’s Supper is time bound. There will come a day when the heavens and the earth will be swept away. There will be a new heaven and new earth, sin will be no more. In eternity the Triune God’s great glory, majesty, love, kindness, patience, mercy and infinite holiness will begin to break on the senses of the believers made holy and this will increase and endure for all eternity!

Gracious God, Father of all kindness and mercy beyond the deserving of His people, thank You for the warnings You have given in Scripture. Thank You for the opportunity to repent, recommit mind and action to You by the renewing grace of Your Spirit. Jesus, Who is a Friend like You? Faithful are Your wounds received so that believers would not know wrath, but would walk in the blessedness of God our Saviour. Give us the courage and the faith to make a fearless and searching examination of our lives so that sin would be kicked to the curb and greater space is made to receive Your mercies, which are new every morning. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Nplylz-EEE0

May 31, 2021 -- Psalm 119:54-55 -- So shall no part of day or night from sacredness be free

Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Your statutes have been my songs
   in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
   and keep your law.
Psalm 119:54-55 English Standard Version

In the last few days I have been listening to some George Whitefield sermons. These are read on a sermon audio platform. One striking comment he made was something to the effect of, show me what a man does with his time at night and I will show you how warm or cold that man is towards Christ. That is a statement worthy of reflection. It is easy to bless God in the day time, especially on a Sunday when one goes to church, but what are you doing the evening? How are you honouring and praising God?

We live in a wonderful time when great sermons of past centuries are at our fingertips. We can read them. We can listen to them. Sermons are posted on so many different platforms. There are excellent, insightful, Christian commentaries available on line which instruct the believer how understand and respond to current social trends such as the “Woke Movement” and the agenda of the “Transgender and LGBT+”.

Now, gauge your reaction to what was just written in the previous paragraph. Are you protesting, “but that is MY Time”? Interestingly enough, all your life, day and night, belongs to the LORD. Can you watch sports? Can you engage in hobbies? Can you have other interests? Sure. The over-riding question: is your heart warm or cool towards the Living God, with Whom you claim you desire to spend eternity? If you find your evenings are drawing you away from your devotion to Him, it is time to rededicate yourself to learning more about the infinite greatness of the LORD of Glory. It is hard work to overcome distractions, laziness, and well-aimed temptations of the devil and the world all of which would conspire to keep you from this holy appointment. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.

Father in heaven, it is beyond my ability to express the wonder I feel that You, the Majestic, Glorious One of Heaven and Earth should know me and delight in my walk before You and the praise of Your Name. Spirit of God, renew my heart and imagination so that in all things it is my desire and my joy to honour Jesus in all things and at all times. Amen.

https://youtu.be/a91_3VYRiZo

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

May 28, 2021 -- Jude 1-2 -- Kept by the Spirit

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,

To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Jude 1-2 English Standard Version

It is that easily overlooked expression “kept for Jesus Christ” that is the focus today. In order to understand the weight of it, notice who is inspired by the Spirit of God to write this letter. Jude (and his brother James) are half brothers of Jesus. Jesus is fully human by His birth of Mary and He is fully divine, as the Spirit spoke Jesus conception to life. Jude and James are children of Joseph and Mary, therefore, half brothers to their elder brother Jesus.

Through-out Jesus’ ministry the brothers of Jesus discounted His ministry. They were prepared to call Him crazy and take Him home (Mark 3:31). It is recorded “For not even His brothers believed in Him” John 7:5. Knowing Scripture helps the reader to understand how much believers are trophies of the grace of Jesus Christ, kept by the Spirit of God.

It was the Spirit of God Who broke down Jude’s stubborn resistance to the Gospel. It was the Spirit of God Who humbled Jude so that he could believe that Jesus is the One by Whom the Father’s electing love was brought into force. It is the Spirit of God Who kept Jude for the moment of new birth in Jesus and Who continued to feed Jude’s faith so that he would be a powerful witness to Jesus. Those who knew Jude before his conversion would say, “Jude, what, you believe in Jesus now?”

Can you relate? Your pre-conversion life to the life you now have in Christ? No doubt people who knew you before and see you in Christ have serious questions. It is the work of the Spirit to break down your stubborn disbelief. It is the work of the Spirit to bring you into the fullness of life that is yours in Christ. It is the Spirit Who guards and keeps you near the spout, where the blessings of God flow out and the kingdom of Christ is brought about.

Blessed are You, Father of Light, Who gives every good gift and perfect gift. Thank You for drawing us to Yourself in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Spirit of God Who keeps us in Your loving care until the great day when we shall see Jesus face to face and our lives will be displayed through-out eternity as the trophies of His grace. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ytJymjk9xk8

May 27, 2021 -- Romans 7:12-13 -- Freed from hateful sins

So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 

Romans 7:12-13 English Standard Version

Paul Washer was approached by a Christian man who was struggling with his sin. He said to Washer, “I don’t feel like I’m a Christian. I have all these horrible thoughts and wicked temptations”

Washer replied, “I’ll get a phone book, call you a taxi to go to the most wicked place in town where you can party.”

“No! Do not do that!” the man shouted.

“Why not? If you are not a Christian, this should not trouble you.” Washer replied.

Isn’t that the point. Of course we wrestle with sin. The law of God shows and teaches us what sin is.

The glorious work of the Spirit is to show us how much He has transformed us so that sins which used to be attractive to us are now seen as sinful beyond measure. Wicked, passing thoughts happen when the devil is pressing the “easy button” which is temptation to the sin that used to trip us up every time. Now that we are in Christ and a new creation, the devil is trying to get us to fall for the old sins that used to fascinate and attract us. The Spirit is showing us sin produces death and the Spirit is directing us deeper into the new life that is ours in Christ. We are trophies of Christ’s grace held up by the Spirit all to the glory of the Father. Fellow Christian, do not be stare at the terrible temptations, instead, rejoice in the new life which is yours and has taken hold of you so strongly that old sins have become a horror to you. Great is the pleasure wrought in us by the wondrous deeds God the gracious is working out in our lives.

Mighty God, we know how wretched we were. Thanks be to Your great Name, O God our Father that You have rescued us through Jesus Christ our Lord! By Your Spirit help us to serve the law of God with our whole heart and mind. Amen.

Prayer based on Romans 7:25

https://youtu.be/-jkMnq2Hfzo

May 26, 2021 -- II Peter 1:2-4 -- Excuse-busting power in Christ

2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

II Peter 1:2-4 English Standard Version

Today’s passage is a powerful excuse buster as God’s grace is multiplied to believers. You have so many excuses—I can’t do this. The temptation is just too strong. I couldn’t stop. I didn’t even realize it was sin. I didn’t know what I did would cause so many problems. I can’t handle the consequences so I’m just going to give up.

Excuse buster 1—God’s grace and peace are multiplied to you in the knowledge of God. The God of infinite power has set His blessings on all you who believe. It doesn’t matter how big or small your faith is, this depends on His omnipotence (the fact He is all-powerful).

Excuse buster 2—The Spirit of the Living God has taken up residence in your heart and life. You have the full power of God for ALL THINGS—all circumstances, defeat of all sins, hope and strength in holiness.

Excuse buster 3—Jesus has provided escape from the corruptions of the world and thrown down sinful desires. He is the Desire of All Nations, He is the glory of the temple (Haggai 2:7). Satan has been disarmed at the cross of Jesus Christ so that you have new life. So your heart as a new directive and a new desire—pursue Jesus!

Excuse buster 4—the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” in Jesus. To live in the strength which God has promised you in this passage, you need to know the Word and the many, rich and varied promises of God which fill the Scriptures. The more you know God by knowing His Word, the more you have peaceful confidence to face down the sins which had been overwhelming you.

Applying the strength of this passage: ask God for His help. Find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and agree together to walk out your faith in daily life, holding each other accountable to keep applying the excuse-buster power of Scripture. Read the Bible. Listen to the Bible. Memorize the Bible. Be a fully engaged member of a Christ-exalting, Bible-believing Church.

Father in heaven, Your majestic voice gloriously declared “This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I am well-pleased”. It pleases You to empower Your children to live in the grace and peace which Jesus’ obedience has won for all who believe. Father in heaven, pour out Your Spirit so that this power for life and godliness truly directs us in obedient and joyful submission to Your Word and will. Amen.

https://youtu.be/NjOGX5zT8KU

May 25, 2021 -- I Kings 19:13-14 -- We shall overcome someday deep in my heart I do believe

And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

I Kings 19:13-14 English Standard Version

Usually at the end of the day I’ll check out the internet and see what the latest news is. Interestingly, there were several articles with provocative titles like: “COVID hastens the demise of the Church” or “Will there be a post-Covid Church”? Truly there is nothing new under the sun. Even the mighty prophet Elijah was afraid that the crisis of his day—living under the wicked King Ahab whose wife was persecuting the followers of God and promoting the worship of a hateful pagan god—meant he was the last faithful man standing.

Don’t believe a word of it. Then it was not true. Nor is it true today. In every age and through every crisis the LORD our God brings in His people and preserves for Himself a faithful remnant. The book of Acts records the scattering of Christians, displacing people around the known world, which contributed to the spread of Christianity. James wrote his letter to Christians in dispersion.

Jesus declared to His disciples, just hours before His arrest and mock trial and crucifixion: “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

King Jesus, doomsayers and prognosticators of woe railing against Your victory have in every generation proclaimed “God is dead” or “The Church is no more”. Every single ill-breath of forecast has failed and Your people have always been protected through the persecutions, which inevitably have meant the scattered believers were like seeds sown in new regions. Blessed are You, Triune God, for You are from everlasting to everlasting. Spirit of God, give to us this very day, eyes of faith, such that we see Jesus has already overcome the world and based on this grant us the confident, peaceful, conviction we too overcome in HIs Name. He is our boast and our song. Amen.

https://youtu.be/wMYbd2ZhhjE

May 24, 2021 -- James 4:7 -- How the Spirit makes the Devil RUN!

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 English Standard Version

Yesterday I listened to someone reading a George Whitfield sermon. It was quite interesting. Whitfield noted there are several ways the devil attacks. Knowing these helps one prepare.

The devil is the accuser. He will remind you of your sin. Be prepared by remembering at the cross Jesus disarmed Satan and his accusations (Colossians 2:14-15.

The devil will tempt you with things you desire, by offering you his wicked short-cuts, which have no reference to the glory of God. As Jesus quoted scripture, so also know the word and declare “it is written”.

There will be times the devil suddenly seems to leave you alone. After Jesus was tempted the devil “departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). So there may be a brief season where temptations are lessened, be prepared for the fact a new onslaught will come, when you least expect it

The devil will sometimes launch obscene and wicked thoughts. These are the flaming arrows of the devil (Ephesians 6:16). Unwelcome and set ablaze in the pit of hell, be aware the devil is just trying to ignite a fire which the God-given shield of faith can extinguish.

Such vile and hellish tactics are such which the Christian must be prepared to fight. The greatest protection the believer has is being fully submitted to the Living God. We are submitted to Him as beloved sons and daughters who have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. We choose to drink deeply from the well of Salvation—Jesus Christ is for us living water—which quenches the fiery arrows of the enemy, refreshes the soul and keeps the believer from feeling parched. Dearly loved people of God, know that the Living God has already given everything you need for salvation—the forgiveness won by Christ’s blood; the disarming of the enemy at the cross, the Spirit of God to guard you in the riches of Christ. The Spirit makes the Word clear so that we are protected in our God. Rejoice believer rejoice! Help those who are struggling while you prepare to endure until the day of Jesus’ return.

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:1-7 ESV

https://youtu.be/A98YQHG8tLY

May 21, 2021 -- James 2:14-17 -- Costly Obedience which leads to praise

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17 English Standard Version

There are many Christians who bristle at these verses, wanting to be very careful to guard against a theology that says something like in order to be saved one must do works, as if such works contributed to their salvation. It is a misunderstanding easily corrected. To whom is the Spirit of God prompting James to write? Yes, to believers who are in dispersion, scattered because of persecutions suffered for the Name of Jesus. So, James is writing to warn believers to act according their faith in Jesus Christ.

It is costly. Remember these believers being urged to give generously are themselves in exile because of their faith. This obedience of practically and financially caring for others will be a sacrifice. So we learn it is not a matter of accumulating enough money in order to be able to help others at some vague future time; where there is a need and you can help, do so at that moment.

It is a blessings to see other Christians serving in such a way. Faith is encouraged and built up where, in dire times, needs are met and those receiving help are blessing the LORD. Such praise and thanksgiving is contagious sweeping across whole congregations.

Giving generously despite one’s own circumstances lends humble urgency to the petition of the LORD’s prayer which states “Give us this day our daily bread”. Surely we are at the mercy of the LORD our Father for every day’s rich supply.

Finally, where Christians give generously, it is obvious that the LORD is the Giver of every good gift and every perfect gift (James 1:17). Believers cannot out give God, Who in Christ, has rescued us from death and hell and by His Spirit preserves us for Christ Jesus until that rich inheritance is given in full throughout eternity. Blessed be our God.

God our Father, thank You for our daily bread and for every blessing You have poured out on our lives in Christ our King. Thank You Father in heaven for the privilege of being able to help others. Mighty Spirit of God, thank You for the humble grace of being able to ask other Christians for help and finding Your bounty and Your love shines through their giving. Triune God, help us to live up to the high calling of Your Word so that in all things our faith will be strengthened to the glory of Your praise. Amen.

https://youtu.be/E8d0bMPl2hY