December 23, 2021 -- I John 1:9-10 -- Powerful Confession

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

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
I John 1:9-10 ESV

Listening to a sermon by Sinclair Ferguson on this very passage made me chuckle. Let me explain. Early in his ministry, after preaching on this text, he’d spoken with a woman who claimed she had not sinned for the previous couple of years. Ferguson, noting he was then a young preacher and a bit mischievous, questioned her slightly taunting and slightly mocking her. She was angry. She was unkind in her words. Her very language proved she was making God out to be a liar, as if the word is not true. Yet she felt justified in her anger because she was putting a young preacher in his place. We have sinned. We may be adept at hiding it from others, or even in deceiving ourselves, but in the times of quiet, our conscience can convict us.

What a great promise John points out, the blessing given in Jesus Christ: confess your sins and He, your Father, will cleanse you by the blood of Jesus Christ. Do not cut yourself off from this great blessing. As soon as you are aware of your sin, confess it—plunge yourself into the healing streams of God’s mercy.

Man A Nothing

O LORD,
I am a shell full of dust,
   but animated with an invisible rational soul
   and made anew by an unseen power of grace;
Yet I am no rare object of valuable price,
   but one that has nothing and is nothing,
   although chosen of thee from eternity,
   given to Christ, and born again;
I am deeply convinced
   of the evil and misery of a sinful state,
   of the vanity of creatures,
   but also of the sufficiency of Christ.
When thou wouldst guide me I control myself,
When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself.
When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.
When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself,
When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will,
When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself;
I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself,
Instead of thee I look to a man’s approbation,
   and am by nature an idolater.
Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee
Convince me that I cannot be my own God,
   or make myself happy,
   nor my own Christ to restore my joy,
   nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.
Help me to see that grace does this by providential affliction,
   for when my credit is good thou dost cast me lower,
   when riches are my idol thou dost wing them away,
   when pleasure is my all thou dost turn it into bitterness.
Take away my roving eye, curious ear,   
   greedy appetite, lustful heart;
   show me that none of these things
     can heal a wounded conscience,
     or support a tottering frame,
     or uphold a departing spirit.
then take me to the cross
     and leave me there.
“A Man of Nothing” Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed: A. Bennett; Carlisle: PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020, page 166

https://youtu.be/NNbe9sthLz4

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December 22, 2021 -- Luke 22:31-32 -- Jesus prays for you!

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

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 ESV

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:23-25 ESV

The devil is always accusing. Always trying to defeat. Always chipping away at our resolve to serve Jesus. He is the accuser, the tempter, and the father of lies, who, when he lies is speaking his native language (John 8:44). Do not be surprised at how wearying it is to fight against your own flesh, the world, and the power of evil all of which are arrayed against you. In fact, notice that Simon Peter had just celebrated the Lord’s Supper with his Savior. What a glorious celebration that must have been. After such a high point, what a tremendous fall into sin! Sound familiar?

Jesus lives to pray, to make intercession for us, His people. As long as we live, we are in need of His constant intervening prayers so that we will fight temptations. Or, having fallen into temptation, His unwearied prayer keep us from wallowing in sin, too ashamed to rise and return to Him, to Jesus for the very cleansing and healing we need. Jesus is our High Priest—He is perfect. He is infinitely powerful. He is aware of the frailty of human flesh. Therefore He is the perfect prayer-warrior-King, speaking on our behalf to the Father.

Notice the incredible kindness of Jesus. He uses us, people familiar with the pull of sin and the strength of temptations, people who have fallen into sin and then been confronted with resurrecting grace such that the strongholds of sin are thrown down, yes, He uses us to testify to His goodness. We speak of what we know, His prayers on our behalf, and the only boast we make, which is to boast in Christ—look where once I was, and see how, by His great mercy I am restored to new life. This is how we strengthen our brothers, in view of the vast mercies of God given us in Jesus and sealed in us by His Spirit.

Blessed are You, Jesus, our Intercessor-Warrior-King! Thank You for Your constant prayers on our behalf. Spirit of the Living God, deepen our devotion to Jesus and increase our awareness of His work that the times of trial and temptation might be foreshortened and we will be swift in turning from sin and finding relief in Jesus. Blessed are You, Jesus, for You have made the way open to our Father, He Who is Dreadful in Holiness. Merciful are You, Father of Love, for the way You have opened to Yourself in Christ and for gift of Your Spirit Who guards us that pathway of life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/gTFG_nvreoI

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December 21, 2021 -- II Chronicles 2:13-14 -- Am I working in obscurity?

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

“Now I have sent a skilled man, who has understanding, Huram-abi, 14 the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre. He is trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, and in purple, blue, and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and to do all sorts of engraving and execute any design that may be assigned him, with your craftsmen, the craftsmen of my lord, David your father.
II Chronicles 2:13-14 ESV

Solomon was going to build a temple to the LORD his God. It would be very great. He asked the neighboring king, Hiram of Tyre, to send him a man skilled to do all kinds of work for the adornment of this temple. As with the construction of the tabernacle (used as the meeting place while Israel wandered), so with the building of the temple, someone from the tribe of Dan is set to work. In this case it is Huram-abi, his mother is from Dan and his dad is from Tyre.

For the work of bearing burdens, moving quarried stone and taking rafts of precious wood and carrying these from the harbor up to the temple mount, Solomon assigned 70,000 workers. There were 80,000 quarrymen. What a huge labour force employed for this work. One man is named, Huram-abi, tens upon tens of thousands are skilled laborers or workers in their own right, but these are not named. Without these 150,000 workers cutting stone to precise measurements, and their 3,600 oversees to coordinate their work there’d be nothing for Huram-abi to work with at the site of the temple.

It is very easy to think, I am working in obscurity. What I do, how can that make any difference? Does anyone notice? The LORD our God notices each one. Every laborer in His Kingdom is known by Name. We are His, not by a human will or husband’s decision (John 1:13), but we are His because of the precious blood of Jesus Christ. That glorious covering means we are precious in the sight of our Glorious God. His Spirit works in us and through us to accomplish the work of our Father, to the honour and glory of Jesus Christ. Whatever it is God gives you to do, do it with all your might to His praise.
Stay sober one more day.
Honour your spouse, especially when it is difficult to do so.
Pray for the person who God the Spirit keeps impressing on your heart.
Give generously, quietly, though no one else may know it, the LORD our God sees you.
In fact, there is no such thing as obscurity in the Kingdom of God, for the Spirit of God is at work to seal within you the salvation of Jesus Christ and work in you so that sin is more and more hateful to you and the things of Jesus more and more pleasing.

Who is like You, O LORD of Glory, Father of all mercies? There is none and nothing that is Your equal. You do all things perfectly, wondrously, and all You do results in praise to Your Name and evokes from angels and saints greater shouts of “Hallelujah!” Faithful Father, thank You for the work of Jesus Christ, by Whose blood each Christian is counted as precious in Your sight. Thank You, Sovereign Majesty of Heaven, for the gift of Your Spirit, by Whom each Christian is known to You, empowered for holy service. Triune God, if what I do is to be done before many people, let Your Name be praised because of me. Triune God, if what I am to do is done in obscurity, without the knowledge or acknowledgement of others, let Your Name be praised because of me. Strengthen me, along with Your countless tens of millions upon millions, to be willing workers in Your Kingdom, serving with every bit of strength given us, until we hear the trumpet sound and see Jesus return with all His holy angels with Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/43rnW8AdtqY

1. How bright appears the Morning Star,
With mercy beaming from afar;
The host of heaven rejoices;
O righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices:
Jesus, Jesus!
Holy, holy, yet most lowly,
Draw thou near us;
Great Emmanuel, come and hear us.

2. Though circled by the hosts on high,
He deigned to cast a pitying eye
Upon his helpless creature;
The whole creation's Head and Lord,
By highest seraphim adored,
Assumed our very nature;
Jesus, grant us,
Through thy merit, to inherit
Thy salvation;
Hear, O hear our supplication.

3. Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply;
With praise, ye sinners, fill the sky,
For this his Incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth thy power,
Ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
Till all know thy salvation.
Amen, amen!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise be given
Evermore, by earth and heaven.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/christmascarols/h/howbrightlyshinesthemorningstarlyrics.html

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December 20, 2021 -- Luke 20:1-2 -- Questions about Jesus' authority

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

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up 2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”
Luke 20:1-2 ESV

Over the past 20 centuries, what has really changed? People today still question the authority of Jesus, people within the church and those outside its walls. Gretta Vosper is a minister in the United Church of Canada, and she is an atheist (reference included as a footnote below). She denies the authority of Jesus and is challenging God for proof.
While it is easy to bash against such people, the question this text poses today is far more personal: "Jesus, tell me, by what authority You do these things, Who gave You this authority?" When we know the good we should do and do not do it, we rail against the authority of Jesus in our own lives. When the Bible sits there on the desk unopened, we are saying I know enough I don't need You, Jesus, or Your authority. When we nurse anger against others in our minds and hearts we are saying to Jesus, I know what you teach, but I am going to follow my own authority on this one.
Someone asked me recently: "Does it really make a difference being a Christian? Can't I just acknowledge what I've done wrong and do better?"
My response: "How has that worked out for you?"
We both, nodding, grimaced. We know how our own willful and stubborn hearts lead us further and further away from God and deeper into self-destruction. The only path of healing is full surrender to the authority of Jesus Christ, in Whom we are reconciled to God by the shedding of Jesus' blood. The Spirit, poured out on us by the Father and the Son, He is the power we need in order to be fully submitted and held near the spout where the healing of God comes out and this same Spirit brings the Kingdom of Jesus to fruition in our lives.

O Lord of grace,
I have been hasty and short in private prayer,
O quicken my conscience to feel this folly,
to bewail this ingratitude;
My first sin of the day leads into others,
and it is just that thou shouldst withdraw thy presence
from one who waited carelessly on thee.
Keep me at all times from robbing thee
and from depriving my soul of thy due worship;
Let me never forget
that I have an eternal duty to love, honour and obey thee,
that thou art infinitely worthy of such;
that if I fail to glorify thee I am guilty of infinite evil that merits infinite punishment,
for sin is the violation of an infinite obligation.
O forgive me if I have dishonoured thee,
Melt my heart, heal my backslidings,
and open an intercourse of love.
When the fire of thy compassion warms
my inward man,
and the outpourings of thy Spirit fill my soul,
then I feelingly wonder at my own depravity,
and deeply abhor myself;
then thy grace is a powerful incentive to repentance,
and an irresistible motive to inward holiness.
May I never forget that thou hast my heart in thy hands.
Apply to it the merits of Christ’s atoning blood
whenever I sin.
Let thy mercies draw me to thyself.
Wean me from
all evil, mortify me to the world,
and make me ready for my departure hence
animated by the humiliations of penitential love.
My soul is often a chariot without wheels,
clogged and hindered in sin’s miry clay;
Mount it on eagle’s wings
and cause it to soar upward to thyself.
"Penitence." The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. Arthur Bennett, Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH, 2020, page 164.

https://youtu.be/eyZsVxUz7aA

The United Church of Canada Decides to Retain Atheist Pastor Gretta Vosper - The Gospel Coalition | Canada

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December 18, 2021 -- Luke 18:35-43 -- Even the Blind See Him!

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

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Luke 18:35-43 ESV

It is funny. Seriously. If you missed the humour, read it again; but this time go to the Gospel of Luke and read more of the chapter. Let me summarize. Just prior to this Jesus explained Who He Is. He noted He’d be whipped, mocked, spit upon, killed, and on the third day rise from the dead. This was “hidden from them”. Basically this means the people listening were blind to the truth He was teaching. Now a blind man, hearing of Jesus’ approach, ‘saw’ Who Jesus really is, the Son of David and the Son of God clothed in power. The blind man called out for Jesus to heal him. Jesus, commending his faith, healed him.

Dear friends, do not be surprised if the people in your life do not understand who Jesus is. Unless they are given the eyes of faith, they will remain in their willful and stubborn blindness. Don’t let that stop you, though. Keep on speaking of Jesus. Obviously someone had taught the blind man about Jesus! Obey Jesus so that your fealty to Him will be observed by others who will wonder why you serve Him. By such obedience mingled with words of testimony, others have been saved in the past, and now some around you will be saved because of such full life witness.

King Jesus, thank You for the people You put into our lives Who have proclaimed Your Good News. Thank You for giving them the Spirit of Power in order to empower their persistence despite our stubbornness. Thank You, Spirit of God, that it is both Your work and Your delight to open the eyes of the blind to the truth of Who Jesus Is. Wonderful Counselor, enable us to be faithful and persistent witnesses to Jesus and this to the glory of the Father Who has reconciled us to Himself in Jesus Christ. In our hearts, in our homes and in our world, Triune God, be glorified! Amen.

https://youtu.be/4mnzvWR73O4

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

December 17, 2021 -- Luke 17:5 -- Increase our faith!

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

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!'“
Luke 17:5 ESV

Now that is an appropriate response to the teachings of Jesus! He had just instructed them to forgive any brother who had sinned against seven times in the day. He sins. He repents. He asks you to forgive, you must forgive him. Balance that out with the prior teaching if someone comes along and is tempting little ones to sin, that person would be better off—notice that—better off, to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea rather than cause a little one to sin. BTW, a millstone, used to grind wheat, weighs a couple hundred pounds. You’d be instantly dragged to the bottom of the sea. You’d never escape your punishment. Prior to these teachings Jesus noted that the Old Testament, the teachings of Moses and the Prophets are enough to cause someone to repent of their sin and turn to God for salvation. If someone rose from the dead and spoke testifying to God as Lord, that would not be as convincing as the written word!

Increase our faith! That must be our cry also. The simplest acts of obedience required in the Scripture are more than we could ever carry out on our own. That is the point Jesus makes. We are not on our own. When we believe in Him, trusting in Him completely, to change us from the inside out, we are strengthened by His Spirit to conform to the teaching of Jesus. In fact, the words of Jesus become for us, the words of life, precious, sweet and our deepest desire.

Christmas is nearly here. It would be easy to get discouraged and depressed when the day is done. So much hype and expectation, beautiful music and anticipation that the day itself can never fulfil. Consider, dear family in Christ, preparing for January. Plan for worship music that you’ll put on and play regularly. Focus your heart on the return of Jesus Christ—which is ultimately for us today, the truest meaning of Christmas. He Who came a babe in the manger will return, as the Conquering King, the Warrior, Faithful and True, to bring to the Father all who are in His army of salvation.

Jesus, increase our faith, so that we see beyond the celebration of Christmas Day and see You, the King of Glory preparing to return.

Faithful Savior, send Your Spirit to us in ever greater measure so that our hearts are subdued before You, and our willingness to forgive is far quicker and truer.

Jesus, by Your Spirit living in us, increase our faith, so that we hate our sins more and more and repent of them, turning away from them so that we can turn our eyes and our attention more fully on You and the promises of our Father, all of which are “yes” and “amen” because of Your redeeming work.

Jesus, increase our faith, so that our lives will not be filled with idleness but with the joy-filled anticipation of knowing Your return in splendor is closer now than it was even one hour ago. O come, come and return, Immanuel. Amen.

https://youtu.be/iO7ySn-Swwc

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

December 15, 2021 -- I Chronicles 15:28 -- Shouts of joy, unspeakable joy!

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

So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.
I Chronicles 15:28 ESV

Look at the layers of sound involved in this praise-making which is given to the glory of the LORD. Horns are loud. Trumpets louder. Cymbals—these make a noise which we call a clash. The brief text before us notes the players made loud music—they took loud sounding instruments and played them to the full and added to this harps and lyres—coaxing from these as well as much sound as they could produce. Why?

The Ark of the Covenant of the LORD represented the presence of the LORD among His people. Inside the Ark are the Ten Commandments, the sign of God’s covenant commitment to His people. There is a jar of mana in it as well. When Israel disputed about which tribe should have leadership concerning the things of God their LORD, the leaders of each tribe brought an almond branch. These twelve sticks were placed before the Ark and overnight the stick of Aaron, the Priest, grew flowers, and produced ripe almonds. God the Creator confirmed Aaron and the Levites as His servants. All of these are signs of the fact God is Immanuel—The God Who is with His people.

Today we shout and praise God because He is Immanuel—proved so in Jesus Christ and now, in our time, it is the Spirit of God Who seals the work of Christ in us. No wonder the people of the Living God break out into praise through-out every age and every generation. It is joy unspeakable, and full of glory. God is near. He has rescued His people.

Mighty God, Majestic Deliverer, forgive the times my praise is barely lukewarm. Forgive the times I am mumbling words of adoration as I am rifling through my desk for this thing or shuffling through the archives of my brain for that inconsequential item. As David and the people of Israel shouted before the Ark, inspire me by Your Spirit to declare my praise to Jesus Christ—Who is the radiance of Your glory. Give me holy focus that is centred always, truly, and whole-heartedly on Jesus. Spirit of God let the overwhelming joy of knowing Jesus Christ result in overflowing joy which leads to outpourings of praise and loud ascriptions of His glory.

https://youtu.be/rqxMvvptf9I

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

December 14, 2021 -- Luke 14:31-33 -- Battles on every side and ready to make peace.

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

Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:31-33 ESV

What a parable! What a graphic description of our circumstances. We think we have all we need for the battles of life, but the world, the devil and even our own evil desires are rising up against us seeking to take us down! The question is: with whom should this king seek terms of peace? The clue is found in verse 33—when a man confronted by Jesus, sees all the power of Jesus and His ability to conquer all enemies on every side—one's own evil desires, His power to heal sickness, calm raging storms, cast out demons and bear the punishment of God against our sins—it would be foolish to side with the devil rather than run to Jesus.

The devil will demand everything. Any addict will tell you, one hit or one puff is too many, and ten thousand is never enough. The devil uses our own vices and lusts against ourselves so that we are swallowed up into death. He is a tyrant.

Jesus tells us, up front, His condition for peace: complete surrender of all things to Him. We renounce all we have and all we are and put our lives in His hands. Look at the security and peace which follows such surrender:

Jesus taught His disciples: no one and nothing can snatch us out of God’s Hands (John 10:29).

Jesus is not a tyrant, He has done the heavy lifting so that we might be called children of God. He calls out, are you weary, carrying heavy burdens, let Me shoulder this load. Burdens of sin. Burdens of guilt. Burdens of unworthiness. (Matthew 11:28-29).

Jesus is a warrior. Believers are in a battle to end all battles. Our Champion, Jesus is the Rider of the White Horse. Jesus is called: “Faithful” and “True” and He judges all the earth in righteousness and makes war. From His mouth comes a sharp sword that is used to strike down the nations (Revelation 19:11-16). All He needs to do is speak and rank upon rank of enemy soldiers fall before Him.

So, you ready to run to Jesus and make peace with Him?

Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
     for His judgments are true and just;
for He has judged the great prostitute
     who corruption the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.
Praise our God,
   all you his servants,
you who fear him,
   small and great.
Amen.
Revelation 19:1b-2,5 ESV

https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A

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December 13, 2021 -- Attitude Adjustment. Check. -- Psalm 119:65-66

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

You have dealt well with your servant,
   O LORD according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
   for I believe in your commandments.
Psalm 119:65-66 ESV

This morning, before I was about to start my devotions, there were a pile of emails. One jangled my nerves, because a credit card authorized prepayment didn’t go through and I was going to be charged $20. I don’t know if this is the latest scam, or a three-hour-on-hold-waiting-to-speak-with-a-customer-rep kinda call that I don’t want to deal with on a Monday morning. There is a backlog of FB personal messages to answer because I turned my computer off a bit earlier than usual last night in order to have some quiet. The credit card thing set me on a wrong path…but, before doing anything about it, I realized I was not walking in the good judgment which God, by His Spirit, has given me. The decision was made. Stop. Sing to God. Listen to His Word. Pray.

The credit card thing still is sitting there, waiting to be answered, but my attitude has changed. My willingness to sort this out with a much better attitude flows from the deep places of knowing God and His faithfulness. Tapping once again into the fullness of His goodness, I am prepared to speak with customer service reps and snarky people who begin the conversation by assuming I am angry, which I am not—and oddly that seems to be far more off -putting to some people than if I actually were angry!

The point is this, Jesus’ work and word aren’t meant to make my day easier. When I realize how my Father in heaven has dealt with me, such a plunging profundity of kindness beyond my deserving, giving me Jesus and sealing me with HIs Spirit then I know it is required of me to respond from this storehouse of grace. This little light of mine will be shining for Jesus Christ no matter who I speak to and what their attitude or posture is. My response is anchored in the good judgment and knowledge that comes from believing in Jesus and walking in His commandments. So in matters great and small, simple decisions or matters of huge implications—all these will be acted out from the foundation of living for the LORD and acting according to His Word. And putting it out there like this is a great way to be held accountable.

O LORD-God, You are my portion, You are my rich reward,
and I know this because of the gift, the priceless treasure Jesus.
Spirit of God, sent by the Father and the Son, to guard in me
such treasures that on my own I would burst rather than be able to keep them in,
You have dealt well with Your servant,
O LORD, according to Your word.
Keep on teaching me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in Your commandments.
Amen.

(This prayer is based on Psalm 119:57,65-66).

https://youtu.be/CO6OZIY-lYw

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December 11, 2021 -- Luke 11:53-54 -- Rescue

As he [Jesus] went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Luke 11:53-54 ESV

Jesus came to rescue us from the present evil age. That is from Galatians 1:4. The people of His day and the people living today do not realize the extent of the evil in which they are drowning. Jesus comes as the Savior. He is our Rescue. Rather than reaching out to Him, the very people He came to save folded their arms and challenged him. It is almost like they are now up to their armpits in the quicksand of evil, completely unaware of their peril.

Our generation today needs the warning as much as that generation which lived in Jesus’ day. He asks: “Why do you call me ‘Lord,’ ‘Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46 ESV). That title Lord could be used sarcastically by those who mock Him. The title Lord might be used with a measure of respect, but no obedience.

The Savior of the World has come. Are you looking for excuses not to believe in Him? Why would you ignore the rescue which our Father in heaven provided?

Spirit of the Living God, open up my eyes and my heart, so that I will both call Jesus Lord and obey Him. Spirit strengthen me for holy obedience to Jesus and this to the honour and praise of the Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/6nJ0PZt05H4

December 10, 2021 -- Luke 2:20 -- Sing out with the shepherds and angels!

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

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:20 ESV

From fearful trembling at the vision of angels who proclaimed Jesus’ birth, to tremulous praising what a transformation had taken place for these shepherds! You had to be a man’s man to face the elements and the wild beasts, the marauders and harshness of that life. They were hardened. They were tough. They were conquered by the love of God which had become incarnate in Jesus Christ.

The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?
    My God, no hymn for Thee?
My soul’s a shepherd too: a flock it feeds
    Of thoughts, and words, and deeds.
The pasture is Thy word; the streams, Thy grace
Enriching all the place.

Shepherd and flock shall sing, and all my powers
    Out-sing the daylight hours.

“Shall Shepherds Sing and I Silent Be?” hymn by G. Herbert

Truly God is good to Israel,
   to those who are pure in heart.
You guide me with your 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 besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
But for me it is good to be near God;
   I have made the LORD God my refuge,
   that I may tell of all your works.
Today’s prayer is Psalm 73:1,24-26,28

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December 8, 2021 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Let Holiness be the Pattern

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

How often have you watched “Elf”? Can you count the number of times you’ve watched “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? No doubt you’re thinking of your favourite Christmas movie, or your favourite genre of Christmas movie—like Hallmark’s series along the lines of “A Prince for Christmas”. Watching those movies often conforms you to this world’s priorities—the Christmas spirit (whatever it is according to the world without Christ at the centre of it). According to these movies cannot be happy without the perfect tree, or the perfect boyfriend, or the perfect gift or whatever is the standard or pattern of the world.

We are called to a different standard reinforced by a holy pattern. The daily reading of Scripture, so that our hearts and minds are loosened from the the grip of greed and surrendered to the grip of grace. Even passages so familiar to the heart can be used to yield fresh insights and work in us its transforming power because of the glorious presence of the Spirit, Who ignites in us an ability to savour the Word and carry it deep into our hearts.

The Word establishes in us a standard of all that is good and acceptable and perfect. Each time we read the Word, and as we memorize the Word, the Spirit stores up the directives of the Word within us, we are more influenced by it, directed by it and unconsciously as well as intentionally shaped by it.

In the morning you won’t miss that first cup of coffee (or tea, or orange juice). You know you need to brush your teeth. You get into the habit of preparing for the day. Do so with the Word. Let it be your holy habit, so ingrained that a day without the word is life a day without coffee.

King of Creation, Who is like You—the LORD God Who approaches His people and makes Himself known?! Blessed are You and great is Your glory. Spirit of the Living God drum into us a deep and steady desire for the Word. Spirit of the Living God from the riches of the Word, help us to see Jesus Christ and perceive His glory, perfections and the more we perceive of His blessedness make ever greater the pull to study the Word and memorize it until holiness becomes the well-loved habit of our heart.

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December 7, 2021 -- Genesis 3:8-10 -- The beauty of the LORD God's reconciling work

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

8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
Genesis 3:8-10 ESV

A wonderful part of my work with Redemption Prison Ministry includes the privilege of teaching Biblical Christian Truths to new Christians. Biblical Christian Truths is part of RPM’s series of correspondence courses. Many of those who show up for the Bible Studies I teach do not take our correspondence courses. It is my joy to teach today as well. Today’s lead question is this: “After man sinned, who made the first move toward reconciliation?”

It is a sad spectacle. Adam and Eve, having rebelled against the command of God, are now hiding, as if the LORD could not see them. As if the eyes of the LORD, which roam over all the earth, had not seen their violent disobedience against His command. The answer helps us to see the LORD God's faithfulness in reconciliation.

The LORD approached Adam and Eve; when they were locked into and lost in their misery He went after them.

The LORD God approached the entire nation of Israel when they were locked into slavery in Egypt and He rescued them.

The LORD God approached His people again and again through prophets, priests and kings.

Finally, the LORD God approached His people by sending His Son—born a child and yet a King! He is our reconciler. He is our peace.

If today you find yourself locked up in misery, wondering, could the LORD God ever love me? You have your answer. He has sought you out, sending Jesus. If the Spirit is stirring your heart now, giving you hope, find a Christian whose walk with God you admire, and ask for help to understand this more. Read the Word. Attend a Bible-believing, Jesus preaching church.

Who, O LORD God, is like You?! There is none in the heavens or on the earth under the earth! You are Majestic in splendour, extravagant in mercy, and perfect in justice, and patient in showing love. Thank You for approaching us in Your great salvific love. This Christmastide may many of our friends and family members turn to You and truly believe. In Jesus’ Name we ask this, to the honour of Your Name, Triune LORD God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/nT-5cP4BeoI

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

December 6, 2021 -- Luke 6:45 -- When circumstances squeeze you what do you produce?

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

45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 ESV

Who is good? According to Genesis 6 the LORD looked on people whom He had created and noted “that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Yet Noah was righteous, Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9). What is the distinction between the wickedness of the generation and the righteousness of Noah? Noah walked with God. A good person, is righteous, walking with God in humble service and obedience. As New Testament Christians we know that a person who is in Jesus Christ is a new creation—the old, sinful self has passed away and the new has come—because the treasure of the Holy Spirit is given to every believer.

Therefore a sinful man, constantly filling his mind and thoughts with evil will overflow with evil words at every trial and frustrating time. When he is squeezed by his circumstances he will produce vile language and words and actions.

Child of God, put into your heart the Word of God so that the treasured Spirit of God within you will use these to teach your soul and by the Word—namely Jesus and all writing and teaching about Him—guard your heart so that the day of trial which squeezes you will produce good. Even your tormentors will be amazed at your Christlikeness. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, has come, to conquer your heart, drawing out the poison of evil and making your completely new.

Come, LORD Jesus, by Your Word and Spirit continue to conquer our hearts and tear out every remnant of the old nature and hateful past. Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us so that from the treasure of Your fullness within our hearts and minds, souls and life, when we are bruised or crushed, the fragrance of Christ will waft from us and our circumstances. This we pray in Jesus’ Name, to the honour and glory of the Father in heaven, the Giver of Every Good Gift. Amen.

https://youtu.be/5Vwu-t7QRaE

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

December 3, 2021 -- Luke 2:52 -- Jesus Perfect Reconciler

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

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52 ESV

Wasn’t Jesus perfect already? He is, after all, the Son of God. True. As the Son of God He was fully perfect and fully in favor with His Father in heaven. As the Son of Man, Jesus truly was human. At every age and every stage of His life, He was confirmed in perfection. Hebrews puts it this way: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him…” Hebrews 5:8,9 ESV. That passive “being made perfect” carries with it the sense that He at every stage of His life was accomplishing the goal for which He was sent—to glorify God and be the Mediator between God and man.

Jesus is the perfect source of life for all who believe.

Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, punished in our place, so that we are the children of God.

Jesus is the perfect Mediator, full-well knowing all our struggles—for in His flesh He was tempted, though He never sinned—He is able to give the grace necessary so that believers should overcome.

Jesus is the perfect Savior, He leads us to our Father in heaven by the power of the Spirit given to us. Yes, the same Spirit Who through-out Jesus’ earthly life was upon Him without measure.

In the strength of Jesus’ reconciling work and by His Spirit poured out on us, we as believers grow in wisdom and in stature, in favor with God and man.

Today’s prayer is a reading of praise, drawn from Isaiah 40.

Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
and because he is strong in power,
not one is missing.

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.

Isaiah 40:21-23; 25-26; 28

https://youtu.be/dCRunZGYBi4

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

December 2, 2021 -- Luke 12:49-53 - - Christmas Division

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

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:49-53 ESV

One of the greatest privileges I have as a prison visiting pastor is to teach the Gospel to believers and to new believers. The Gospel of Luke has been my focus for more than a year now. This passage is particularly difficult for many people. The sentiment goes something like this: “Isn’t Jesus all about love?” So a passage like this is jarring.

Milne, in his helpful study of Luke, notes this is an advent passage. The little phrase “from now on” highlights this for us. Jesus Who has come to the earth and will return, His work and ministry will have a huge impact. Why will families be divided in this way?

     The primary reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world was the salvific one
     of reconciling the world to God (John 3:15-16; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; I Tim. 1:15). But
     because of human freedom to rejoice him, his coming carries another side,
     that is, to judge sinners for their failure to respond favourably to him. This is
     the dark side, inevitable side of the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
     Douglas Milne. Let’s Study Luke. Carlisle, PA:
     THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST; 2020, page 211

Biological families will be disrupted because of Jesus Christ. However, in Christ, we are a new family—this is the privilege of our union with Jesus Christ. God is our Father; Christ our elder brother and Savior; and we are held together by the powerful presence of the Spirit. This is Christmas joy. This is one aspect of the great gift of Jesus Christ for all who believe.

Mighty Father, thank You for Jesus Christ. Thank You for the gift of being called Your children, not by a husband’s will or human descent, but we are Yours because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, this Christmas season we urgently pray for the salvation of our estranged family members. Let the joy of Christ and His reconciling work truly penetrate stubborn hearts and walled minds so that true family ties will be forged and maintained by the gift of the Spirit.

https://youtu.be/wL_llr33ZTs

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

December 1, 2021 -- I John 2:15-17 -- Christmas Victory

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

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

I John 2:15-17 ESV

One of the Bible Study groups I lead has been going through the basics of the Christian faith. We are using a booklet called: “Ultimate Questions” by John Blanchard. Yesterday our group was talking about sin. On the one hand, those who are in Christ are a new creation, on the other hand, we still struggle against sin. In his chapter “Is sin serious” Blanchard writes: “This does not mean that you are as bad as you can possibly be, nor that you are constantly committing every sin. Nor does it mean that you cannot tell right from wrong, or do things that are pleasant and helpful. But it does mean sin has invaded every part of your nature and personality…” (page 16).

Knowing how insidious sin is, the Christian heeds the warning of John given in today’s text. Believers discern, by the powerful presence of the Spirit, what is right and what is wrong and in the strength of the Spirit live for Jesus Christ, even as the world is passing away all around us. The celebration of Christmas fills us with confident hope that the day is near, when every eye shall see Him, Jesus.

Beloved, this is a great reminder as the calendar switches over from November to December and we think of Jesus’ birth. The focus is not just on the fact that Jesus came as a babe in a manger, the focus is centred on the fact that Jesus will return! Sin will be thrown down forever, the defeat of the devil and all his demonic hosts will be final. And those who name the Name of Jesus will know the completion of their salvation—sin will be no more. This is the rescue we celebrate at Christmas. This is the Spirit of Christmas to see Him once a baby and now expect His return as the King Who has conquered and is about to launch the final victory. Listen especially closely to the third stanza of Joy to the World—no more let sin and sorrow grow—Jesus’ victory is being proclaimed.

O Son of God and Son of Man,

Thou wast incarnate, didst suffer, rise, ascend or my sake;
Thy departure was not a token of
Separation but a pledge of return;
Thy Word, promises, sacraments, show thy death until thou come again.
That day is no horror to me,
   for thy death has redeemed me,
   thy Spirit fills me,   
   thy love animates me,
   thy Word governs me.
I have trusted thee and thou hast not betrayed my trust;
  waited for thee, and not waited in vain.
Thou wilt come to raise my body from the dust,
   and re-unite it to my soul,
   by a wonderful work of infinite power and love,
   greater than that which bounds the oceans’ waters,
   ebbs and flows the tides,
   keeps the stars in their courses,
   and gives life to all creatures.
This corruptible shall put on incorruption,
  this mortal, immortality,
   this natural body, a spiritual body,
   this dishonoured body, a glorious body,
   this weak body, a body of power.
I triumph now in thy promises as I shall do in their performance,
   for the head cannot live if the members are dead;
Beyond the grave is resurrection, judgment,
   acquittal, dominion.
Every event and circumstance of my life will be dealt with –
   the sins of my youth,
   my secret sins,
   the sins of abusing thee, of disobeying thy Word,
   the sins of neglecting ministers’ admonitions,
   the sins of violating my conscience –
      all will be judged;
And after judgment, peace and rest, life and service,
   employment and enjoyment, for thine elect.
O God, keep me in this faith,
    and ever looking for Christ’s return.
"The Second Coming" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. ed: Arthur Bennett; Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020, page 48

https://youtu.be/kyciMYZq2-Y

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November 30, 2021 -- Mark 14:3-7 -- True Poverty and True Help

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

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
Mark 14:3-7 ESV

The sacrifice the woman made in honouring Jesus, the pure nard, was worth a year’s wages. It was an extravagant gift. The response Jesus makes is rather enigmatic. First of all, understand this, Jesus is not expressing approval when He stated the poor you will always have with you. Poverty is a sign of broken covenants. Some are poor because of their sin. Some are poor because of the greed of others. Some are poor because of circumstances and despite their poverty remain faithful to the Living God. Second, the greatest gift one can receive is not the alleviation of their poverty, but the treasure of knowing Jesus. That is riches beyond compare.

I wonder, how much of our charity work is more harmful than good? It is work that inadvertently keeps poor people poor. Soup kitchens for emergencies, yes, these make sense. If soup kitchens become the main source of food, then a man’s dignity is crippled and both his desire and his ability to work are deadened. Robert Lupton, in his book, Charity Detox, notes the three R’s which truly are the most useful to help lift others out of poverty.

Re-neighbouring—that is knowing and living among those who are in need. True fellowship and friendship are the community which Jesus teaches. This means not just occasional visits to those in need, but true friendship and mentoring.

Reconciliation—living in diverse neighbourhoods and learning to be true neighbours, even where there are different politics, different social strata and values. How do we live, truly and deeply with one another?

Redistribution—Lupton is quick to note he is not a socialist. But good neighbours will lend a hedge clipper back and forth. People who are good neighbours can ask for flour if they happen to run short. True communities lend gifts and services, for example—I need a babysitter, you need help mowing the lawn while you’re recovering from a broken leg.

How shall we live? As those dedicated to Jesus Christ—in Whom we experience new life. We are lifted from death and the poverty of our sins and brought into fellowship with our Father in heaven through the powerful work of the Spirit.

Our prayer this day is one of the stanzas of the carol: O Come, O Come, Immanuel.

O Come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Text of this carol is from the 12th century

https://youtu.be/jX3T5sL0pzY

November 29, 2021 -- I Corinthians 15:51-52 -- True Christmas Anticipation

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

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52 ESV

All Friday last week there was a growing sense of urgency and increasing anticipation. The first warnings were sounded that our region was going to have a winter storm. Our focus shifted. Suddenly the whole question of what summer items needed to be cleaned up and put away immediately came to the fore. The BBQ and tank. Yes! These must be put into the shed. The glass top table and chairs have to be removed from the deck and be properly stored for winter.

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, shows the promises of God which give to believers a sense of urgent anticipation. Christmas concentrates this for us. At that first Christmas, Jesus came to this earth as a child; and each successive Christmas celebration reminds us He will one day return as the triumphant King. Reflecting on such things increases our hope and expectation for His return. This fallen sinful world will be swept away in judgment and those who are in Christ will receive new life in the new heaven and new earth. How glorious this is. How does that change your prayer life for family and friends who are not saved? How does this motivate you to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection? How does this change your celebration of Christmas, so that you don’t just look backward, but with hope and joy you anticipate His return in terrible majesty?!

Our prayer this morning is the familiar Christmas Carol, “O Come, O Come, Immanuel. This carol is more than 800 years old.

O Come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
   that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O Come, O King of nations bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
   Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
 

https://youtu.be/_rQYv8EsGSQ

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

November 27, 2021 -- Matthew 1:21 -- What the world needs: A son.

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

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 ESV

Joseph, the man engaged to Mary, has just learned she is pregnant, and he had resolved to divorce her quietly. It would have been within his rights to have the elders of the city throw heavy rocks and have the people stone her to death. This pregnancy is evidence of adultery and Joseph and Mary had been publicly committed to one another for marriage. While thinking of this the angel of the LORD spoke to Joseph and explained she, Mary, is pregnant by the Word of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son. Joseph, in humble obedience to the will of God, took Mary home as his wife, but did not have sexual relations with her. Mary remained a virgin until the birth of Jesus, her son.

Son. That is a strange title for Jesus. Look at all the problems in the world. Poverty. Tyranny. Sickness. Floods. Droughts. War. Calamity. What does this world need? We can think of all kinds of answers. We might believe a particular political party could make all things right. We might think if we just had enough money, we could set things straight. Perhaps the final antidote that could be dispensed for the health of all. What does the world need? The Father in heaven resoundingly answered: A son.

The Son of Abraham—Matt. 1:1—through Whom all the nations will be blessed.

The Son of David—Matthew 1:1—through Whom Jesus has the right to rule.

The Son of God—John 1:49—through Whose life and sacrifice and resurrection we have life.

As Christmas approaches, think of Him, Who came as a child, the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, the Son of God—our Savior. Worship Him.

Blessed are You, God our Father, the Glorious and Holy One, Who has given to this broken and sinful world, a son, Your Son. Jesus, we adore You, born a child and yet a king. Spirit of God, move in our hearts with such power that our brains will comprehend and our hearts will bless and our souls be refreshed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/lLf6QvlE4Ak

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