January 16, 2022 -- Job 28:28 -- Constantly recommitting ourselves to the Captain of our Salvation

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

And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
Job 28:28 ESV

And He, that is the Lord, is making this declaration, through His prophet Job. Suffering Job can still declare the word of the King of Heaven. Here he is declaring the teaching of God while he, a man God had declared righteous, suffers. Through the tears and the pain, he spoke the words of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord, let’s pull that phrase a part in order to examine it. Lord—in this particular instance “Lord” carries the meaning the One Who is in Charge of All. Walking in the fear of the Lord gives to anyone who does this a right understanding of life and connects one to the Source of joy. When Job lost his children and cattle and flocks and herds and possessions, what did he do? He arose, tore his clothing as a sign of lamentation, and he worshiped God (Job 1:20). His greatest possession was not taken from him, that is his knowledge of the Lord.

Wisdom is looking for the glory of God in every event of one’s life. Sometimes wisdom only makes itself known to us when we look back over our lives. In such times of contemplative hindsight we will catch a glimpse of the glory of God, how He guided our steps in wisdom because we chose to follow Him and we did not take the easy path or succumb to the pressures of peers who were advising a different way. Sometimes the path of wisdom shows up for us, even while we are suffering greatly, and we know now is not the time to stop, nor to step to the right or to the left. In circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us we cry out “Whom have I in heaven but You, and on earth there is none other that I desire” (Psalm 73:25). That is wisdom.

Turning away from evil is understanding. The moment you realize a course of action is evil, turn from it. When you are tempted to do something and you ask the simple question: “Then what?” And the answer is something that will lead to embarrassment before the Lord or require the shame of repentance, you know the temptation is evil. It is understanding, because choosing the right path is hard work. Deciding each morning to give to God your hands and your heart, your thoughts and your talents means you will be out of step with the world around you. So be it. You are worthy, Triune God!

Spirit of the Living God, in the Prophecy of Isaiah You are called "The Spirit of the Fear of the LORD". You live in Your people--so in the intimate place of our hearts, teach us the fear the LORD and increase in us true wisdom. Spirit of Counsel, there are so many temptations, too many pressures pushing down on us directing our feet into disastrously dumb pathways--the promise is "^greater is He Who is in us than he who is against us" prove that in our lives. Spirit of the LORD, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and drawn to Him, as the radiant light Who is inviting us to walk into eternity, guard and keep us until we lay down our lives at last and are received into the bliss of our Father's Presence. Amen.
(^I John 4:4)

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January 14, 2022 -- Job 16:6-22 -- The Witness in Heaven

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

“If I speak, my pain is not assuaged,
and if I forbear, how much of it leaves me?
7 Surely now God has worn me out;
he has made desolate all my company.
8 And he has shriveled me up,
which is a witness against me,
and my leanness has risen up against me;
it testifies to my face.
9 He has torn me in his wrath and hated me;
he has gnashed his teeth at me;
my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.
10 Men have gaped at me with their mouth;
they have struck me insolently on the cheek;
they mass themselves together against me.
11 God gives me up to the ungodly
and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart;
he seized me by the neck and dashed me to pieces;
he set me up as his target;
13 his archers surround me.
He slashes open my kidneys and does not spare;
he pours out my gall on the ground.
14 He breaks me with breach upon breach;
he runs upon me like a warrior.
15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin
and have laid my strength in the dust.

16 My face is red with weeping,
    and on my eyelids is deep darkness,
17 although there is no violence in my hands,
    and my prayer is pure.

18 “O earth, cover not my blood,
    and let my cry find no resting place.
19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
    and he who testifies for me is on high.
20 My friends scorn me;
    my eye pours out tears to God,
21 that he would argue the case of a man with God,
    as a son of man does with his neighbor.
22 For when a few years have come
    I shall go the way from which I shall not return.
Job 16:6-22 ESV

Perhaps one of the most difficult things to read—deep insight into the pain of one who suffers greatly. What a graphic description of his agony. Job lost his beloved ten children. His flocks and herds were ripped from him by marauding bands of raiders. His camels taken as well. His wife mocked his faith in God. And now Job’s body is filled with sores which he scraps and scratches with bits of broken pottery. His friends are now visiting him, telling him why God is punishing him for his sins…though the reader knows, from chapter 1, Job is a righteous man.

What is amazing in all of this? First, that Job pours out his complaint, in faith, to God, the Living God. Second, He looks for a witness in heaven. His anguished prayer anticipates Jesus Christ, our witness in heaven, Who took our place in bearing punishment and wrath. As one who has recently experienced two concussions and has for more than a decade wrestled with depression, this strong faith of Job’s, in spite of his great suffering, is an inspiration.

Friends, New Brunswick is back in lockdown. That means for the next 16 days, no gathering for church, no social visiting with friends, gyms are closed, and restaurants are closed. It is a suffocating time for those who are already struggling financially, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically. The words of Job inspire me today—we have a witness in heaven—one Job spoke of prophetically, whom we know as Jesus Christ! He is our Mediator and the Prayer-Warrior bringing the needs of the world to His Father in heaven. Take comfort. Trust in God.

Today’s prayer is a powerful reading from Psalm 73.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 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.
Psalm 73:25-28 ESV

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January 13, 2022 -- Acts 2:6-8; 37-38 -- The Way of Great Freedom

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

And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:6-8; 37-38 ESV

Jesus had promised, in Acts 1:8, that when the Spirit of God descended on them, these disciples would be Jesus’ witnesses in Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The first reading today shows how this promise of Jesus Christ was immediately, partially fulfilled, and this one event must have confirmed for the disciples the veracity of Jesus’ words. Men were in Jerusalem, from 15 plus different regions and nations, for the Jewish feast and now the disciples, filled with the Spirit spoke in tongues, different languages, so all these foreign folks could understand the Gospel.

Notice also their response to the Gospel—they were cut to the heart. They were, because of Peter’s preaching which was anointed by the Holy Spirit, cut to the heart. That is, they were suddenly aware of their vulnerability before God. God is just, holy and good. Their sins were a stench before them and they knew unless the Lord would save them, they’d be left to the just and proper anger of God fully vented against their sin.

In his book, An Anchor for the Soul, Ray Pritchard gives a wonderful illustration, totally imaginary, to make the point of our tremendous need for God and His saving grace.

A fine looking man, all dressed up, rings the bell, at the entrance to heaven, where St. Peter is manning the entrance desk.

Man: I’d like to enter heaven.

Peter: Excellent. We’d be glad to have you. In order to enter heaven you need 1,000 points.

Man: That shouldn’t be any problem. I’ve given lots to charity. Was the chairman of the YMCA board for 25 years, and was involved in many volunteer projects.

Peter: Excellent. One point.

The man is shocked. He adds: I was married for 45 years to my wife and always faithful. Loved our five children and raise them up well.

Peter: I’m very impressed. We don’t get many people like you. That’s another point.

The man was sweating freely now, he starts shaking. He continued: You don’t understand. I was active in my church and gave every Sunday. I was an elder and a Sunday School teacher.

Peter: Your record is certainly admirable. That’s another point. So you have three points, you only need nine hundred and ninety-seven more.

Trembling, the man falls to his knees. In desperation he cries out, “But for the grace of God nobody could get in here!”

Peter smiles and looking at him says: Congratulations, you’ve just received one thousand points.

(Adapted and taken from: R. Pritchard An Anchor for the Soul. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2011 reprint, page 71

You get the point, right—sinners cannot earn their way into heaven. It is when a man realizes his great sinfulness and then begins to grasp the infinitely greater mercy and vast kindness, and immeasurable justice of God he kneels before the Almighty yields all to Jesus that such a man can be saved.

No wonder saints are the happiest people on earth. They know they can’t earn their salvation. They have been set free from even trying. Believers in Jesus Christ are forgiven. He, Jesus, is their story, He is their song and they praise Jesus all day long. Telling others about Jesus is not a burden or a fearful thing, the believer has already confronted his worst sins and knows these have been washed away by the reconciliation given from the Father in Jesus’ blood.

King Jesus, my sins are always before me, rising like a curtain of stench and humiliation. The more I would deny them, the greater is their foul odor. With Paul I cry out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" [Romans 7:24-25a] Blessed are You, Father of all mercies! Blessed are You, Jesus Christ--Redeemer-King. Blessed are You, Spirit of Truth leading us into such a boundless, limitless place of freedom in Jesus Christ and adoption as sons and daughters of the Living God. Amen.

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January 12, 2022 -- Acts 1:4-5 -- Baptized in the Holy Spirit

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

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:4-5 ESV

Jesus promised His followers would be baptized with, or baptized in, the Holy Spirit. For those first believers it happened ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven; it is the day the Church celebrates as Pentecost. What happens when someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit?

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:3). If the Spirit is not present in the life of the believer, a believer cannot live for Jesus and demonstrate His LORD-ship in all his living.

When one is baptized in the Spirit, one is completely changed, the old life is gone, new resurrection life takes hold. It is impossible to be a “carnal Christian”, that is a Christian who is saved, but who primarily serves sin so that there is no evidence of Christ’s work in his life (Ephesians 1).

A true Christian who slides back into sin, will be restrained by the Spirit and disciplined by the Father, in order to be brought back into true, faithful Christian living (Hebrews 12:7-11).

When a believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit brings fruitfulness—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-24). The old life and old passions are put to death in the life of the believer, these are so incompatible with this new life and new fruitfulness.

The Scriptures contain examples of believers who are filled with the Spirit immediately. Others are filled with the Spirit in some sort of fuller measure after others pray with them for such filling. The point is, God our Father is free to will and to act in us as He chooses. In all instances the Father will receive the greater glory and believers who, in the power of the Spirit yield their lives to Jesus Christ—that is for obedience and sprinkling with His cleansing blood (I Peter 1:2)--will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In sweet communion, Lord, with you I constantly abide;
my hand you hold within your own to keep me near your side.

Your counsel through my earthly way shall guide me and control,
and then to glory afterward you will receive my soul.

To live apart from God is death; 'tis good his face to seek.
My refuge is the living God; his praise I long to speak.

Hymn "In Sweet Communion" Text: Psalm 73:23-28 versification, Psalter, 1912
Stanzas 1,2,5

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January 11, 2022 -- Matthew 11:25-30 -- Rest, doesn't that sound AWESOME? Rest for your soul

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

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:25-30 ESV

Jesus invites you right now to turn to Him. Immediately, no doubt, there are so many objections:

But I am such a great sinner. Won’t He despise me? This is what is hidden from the wise of this world and revealed to you, children in the faith—it is the Father’s gracious will that in Jesus Christ sinners would be forgiven.

But I don’t feel like, all these devotions and stuff, so much work. Hmm. Don't you think it is a lot of work to stay in step with the wickedness of the world? In order to avoid the cancel culture of this world you must obey all its whims and fashions. Then there are matters like body shaming--the constant onslaught of commercials for Noom, and Weight Watchers, and this or that new diet fad. Don't even get started on this world's view of “tolerance” that is no tolerance. No wonder Jesus invites you to turn to Him and find rest.

But I am weak. Yes, you are. That is an honest and necessary confession. Therefore take on Jesus’ yoke. It is a huge piece of wood with harnesses to bind two plowing animals together. In this instance, Jesus is telling you, when you are bound to Him, He will do all the heavy lifting. In fact, He already has. The cross is where all your sins have been atoned for and Jesus’ right-standing with God has been imputed, credited to, you.

But I don’t want to. As my accountability partner will tell you, I don’t want to go to the gym. If it weren’t for the fact that he will ask me: “What time are we going to the gym?” I’d skip out, gladly! It is why the Father has given us Jesus as our elder brother and the Father and the Son have given the Spirit of Truth to live in us. You are placed in community with Jesus Christ and with fellow believers who encourage you in the battle for true faith. A faithful Christian friend will ask you, "what time are you going to meet with Jesus?"

What a glorious picture it is: rest for your souls. Rest from doubt. Rest from inadequacy. Rest from the measuring stick of peers and their opinions. Rest from worry. Turn to Jesus and find in Him, rest.

O LORD,
Thou knowest my great unfitness for service,
   my present deadness,
   my inability to do anything for thy glory,
   my distressing coldness of heart.
I am weak, ignorant, unprofitable,
   and loathe and abhor myself.
I am at a loss to know what thou wouldest
    have me do,
   for I feel amazingly deserted by thee,
   and sense thy presence so little;
Thou makest me possess the sins of my youth,
   and the dreadful sin of my nature,
   so that I feel all sin,
   I cannot think or act but every motion is sin.
Return again with showers of converting grace
   to a poor gospel-abusing sinner.
Help my soul to breathe after holiness,
   after a constant devotedness to thee,
   after growth in grace more abundantly every day.
O Lord, I am lost in the pursuit of this blessedness,
And am ready to sink because I fall short
   of my desire;
Help me to hold out a little longer,
   until the happy hour of deliverance comes,
   for I cannot lift my soul to thee
   if thou of thy goodness bring me not nigh.
Help me to be diffident, watchful, tender,
   lest I offend my blessed Friend in thought and behaviour;
I confide in thee and lean upon thee,
   and need thee at all times to assist and lead me.
O that all my distresses and apprehensions
   might prove but Christ’s school
   to make me fit for greater service
   by teaching me the great lesson of humility.
"Need of Grace" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNTER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020 reprint, page 180.

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January 10, 2022 -- Romans 3:21-25 -- Laying down the burden of sin

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

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Romans 3:21-25 ESV

All have sinned. It is an offensive statement. It is easy for someone to say, “Well, I am not as bad as Paul Bernardo.” Imagine this, an illustration of sin that will put things into perspective. You put Paul Bernardo, a notorious serial killer at the foot of the C.N. Tower, and then you go up to the sky-pod, 445 m (1,465 feet) into the air. You imagine you are that much better than Bernardo. Now imagine the Holy God Who lives in unapproachable, His perspective—from heaven—so far above the earth—the distance between you and Bernardo pales in comparison to the view from the heights of heaven. Practically speaking, from such a distance, there is no difference between the worst criminal and the person who seems to be good.

Now see the mercy, the vast, extravagant kindness of the Living God—He gives the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ. All who call on the Name of the Lord Jesus will be saved for Jesus is the offering, the propitiation for your sins. Jesus laid down His life, taking the punishment for your sin on Himself and thereby opening the way for you to be called a son or daughter of the Living God.

Do you know you are a sinner? If so, great, because only one who realizes he is a sinner can receive divine help. God the Father has put forward His Son. Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself so that the glory of God would be displayed for all to see. If you want to be rid of the condemnation of your sin, and the gnawing sense of guilt for your sin, turn to Jesus in the power of the Spirit. For this great gift is received by faith. Ask a Christian friend whose walk you admire to mentor you, helping you along the way. Pray. Ask the Father to apply the gift of Jesus to your life. Then, in the strength of the Spirit, turn from your sin, confess it, hate it; walk in the way of Jesus. Connect with a Bible-preaching and believing church so that you have a community of believers to help you.

God of all kindness beyond deserving, let the blessing of Jesus Christ and His redeeming work be applied to the heart of the guilty sinner who is now, this hour, seeking the relief only You can bring. Who is like You, Mighty God? No one. Your love, Your justice, Your mercy, Your grace, Your patience are unmatched! Blessed are You, Triune God! Amen.

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January 9, 2022 -- John 17:1-5 -- Is Jesus Worthy? Check it out!

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

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
John 17:1-5 ESV

Breath-taking words! When you read these, there are only two options: believe them; or call Jesus crazy. There is no middle ground. Jesus prayed that He would be glorified—that is, the honour, the splendour, the magnificence of the Father would be seen in Jesus Christ. If Jesus were not fully God, this is a blasphemous prayer; if Jesus is fully God (and He IS!) then believers must fall down and worship Him.

It seems almost like a throw-away line, a quick aside, but it is filled with such explosive truth—since You have given Him authority over all flesh (verse 2)—crazy talk! Isn’t Jesus about to be betrayed, put on trial, crucified? If Jesus were not truly God and truly Man—at this point He should be denied. But the Bible is proved true, over and over—even at his arrest, Jesus merely said “I AM He” (the Jesus of Nazareth whom they were seeking) John 18:7 and all the battle-hardened soldiers fell to the ground. Jesus has all authority—but He chose to humble Himself, become a servant in order that the will of the Father would be carried out and through Jesus’ reconciling work, all men would be drawn to Jesus. He is worthy of all worship.

How does one receive eternal life? Isn’t this the greatest folly of all, what Jesus prays next?? Eternal life consists in knowing God the Father and knowing Jesus—Whom the Father sent (verse 3). If Jesus were a liar, a man masquerading as the Messiah, for this petition He deserved every punishment He received and more. He is not a liar. He is Who He claimed to be. Therefore, He is worthy of all worship and honour and praise. Put your faith in Him and know the Father.

Jesus, Your are worthy of all honour. glory and praise. In Your mighty Name, believers are reconciled to the Father and share in everlasting life. What a beautiful thought, which brings us to our knees in praise to Your great glory. Spirit of the Living God, You Who have taken up residence in the heart of every believer, enable us to soak this in and meditate on Jesus, through Whom we have access to our Father in heaven and because of Whom, we bring all honour and praise to the Triune God. Spirit of God, compel us to go and share this magnificent message far and wide that many others will bring honour, praise, glory and worship to the Father, the Grave-Conquering Savior, and the Spirit by Whom we understand all this and are empowered to act, speak, worship and love. Amen.

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January 8, 2022 -- John 16:1 -- To Keep You from Falling Away from Jesus

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

I have said all these things to you keep you from falling away.
John 16:1 ESV

That is possible? It is possible to fall away from Jesus? Look at the eleven disciples that heard this teaching. Judas Iscariot had already left the group to betray Jesus. Those who heard Jesus’ teaching and these words ran from Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. They couldn’t believe His resurrection, until Jesus showed them His nailed scarred hands and feet and wounded side.

Jesus went on to teach that believers, His followers, would be put out of synagogues—they’d be booted out of religious assemblies for their faith in Jesus. They’d be persecuted. Mocked. Hated. When the believer experiences such things Jesus said “I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you”. Persecution. Troubles in faith. All of these can serve to remind us of Jesus’ words—He informed His followers of such things.

A weight lifter will experience pain, repeatedly, in order to experience the goal of lifting the greatest weight in the competition. A family preparing to sell a house will paint, clean extra deeply and thoroughly, do patch work and repairs that normally would go unattended because they are slight, doing so with the goal of selling the house. A Christian will face persecution, suffering, self-denial—with the goal of knowing Jesus better in this life and living in the presence of the Father and the Son and the Spirit in all eternity.

Judas Iscariot was among the disciples and none of the Eleven recognized his duplicity, even at the Last Supper, the disciples had to ask Jesus who is it? In fact, the disciples asked, "Is it I (that will betray You)?" How deceitful is the human heart. How mighty and powerful is the Spirit of God, given by the Father and Jesus, to carry believers through the trials and persecutions and sufferings of this life bringing them to the eternal shores.

Spirit of God, renew in Your people the glorious vision of life everlasting in the Presence. Keep Your people from falling away. Renew in believers a deep-rooted zeal and life-committing faith in Jesus Christ. With hearts and minds filled with such a wonderful hope, empower holy service and determined, courageous endurance in obedience to Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of the Father in heaven. Amen.

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January 7, 2022 -- John 15:23 -- What or Which "God" do you serve?

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

Whoever hates me hates my Father also.
John 15:23 ESV

It is impossible to say “I love God” in some general sense; and then decide the Spirit is just some sort of force, but not the third Person of the Trinity. Or to question the full deity and full humanity of Jesus, as if that were an option. Such things are evidence of hating Jesus.

If you take up the name “Christian” you cannot pick and choose from the Bible deciding what to believe and then discard whatever is inconvenient. Jesus explains Who He is, the True Witness to the Father. Later in this same chapter Jesus tells His disciples He and the Father will send the Spirit of Truth who will make this plain (John 15:26).

Fellow Christian, you are a fellow truth bearer. You have the Spirit of God living in you. Every activity of your life either shows you a faithful follower of Jesus or a hypocrite who needs to be on his knees confessing sin and saying, “God, You are right when You say I have done evil in Your sight” (variation Psalm 51:4). But even the one the world calls a ‘hypocrite Christian’ is actually a truth-bearer when he sinks to his knees and confesses his sins. Christians are the people who are aware of their sin and have an even greater awareness of the mercies of Jesus Christ. It is not possible for a real Christian to hate Jesus—He is the One True Hope for all who believe.

Jesus, thank You for the Helper You sent from the Father. Thank You for the Spirit Who bears witness to all the truth You taught. Help weak and wounded sinners find true forgiveness and peace in You. Humble Your people so that true confession brings great comfort to the soul urgently in need of You. Amen.

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January 6, 2022 -- John 14:21-24 -- God's Love Demonstrated

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

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
John 14:21-24 ESV

The disciple’s question helps the reader to understand this passage. How is it Jesus manifests Himself to His followers—the word manifest means: makes Himself clearly understood, reveals Who He Is—but does not reveal Himself to the world in the same way?

The promise of Jeremiah looks to the day of Jesus, when God will write His law on the hearts of His followers (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The prophecy explains that the Father in heaven will make Himself known to His people and He will forgive them. Jesus noted His true disciples have His commandments (written on their hearts and in their minds)—the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31. As those who are forgiven they respond in love to God their Father by keeping the commandments of Jesus. There is a clear sense of, in view of all the blessings Jesus has given them, they respond by saying let me serve You with thanksgiving—and the shape of this thanksgiving is obedience to the commandments. This is the role of the commandments for believers, it has become their rule of thankful living.

The world does not have the commandments of God written on their hearts. They do not have the magnificent forgiveness of Jesus Christ covering all of their lives. In that sense God’s glory has not been made manifest to them. Know Christians, the things you do and the things you choose not to do, all are evidences of the love of God which show the people around you God is real, He is good.

Notice the intensification Jesus makes in verse 23. The one who has the commandments and obeys them to that person the Father loves, approaches even closer to that person, and both Jesus and the Father make their home in Him. The more one obeys the closer God the Father comes to him. The Spirit of God, living in the believer, makes the nearness of God the loving Father so much more obvious—when the bible is read, at times of prayer, in worship, in acts of obedience. The activities do not save a man, but the acts of obedience are evidence sin is being thrown out so that there is a greater capacity to receive the love of the Father. This is what will make the people around you marvel and wonder what it is that you’ve got. The love of the Father, given because of the work of Jesus Christ, magnified in us by the Spirit will make others, who have been appointed for eternal life, see you and then long for Him.

GRACIOUS GOD,
My heart praises thee for the wonder
of thy love in Jesus;
He is heaven’s darling, but is for me
   the incarnate, despised, rejected,
   crucified sin-bearer;
In him thy grace has almost out-graced itself,
In him thy love to rebels has reached its height;
O to love thee with a love like this!
My heart is stone, melt it with thy love,
My heart is locked, let thy love be the master key
   to open it;
O Father, I adore thee for thy great love
   in the gift of Jesus,
O Jesus, I bless thee for resigning thy life for me,
O Holy Spirit, I thank thee for revealing to me
   this mystery;
Great God, let thy Son see in me the travail
   of his soul!
Bring me away from my false trusts to rest in him,
   and him only.
Let me not be so callous to his merit
   as not to love him,
so indifferent to his blood
   as not to desire cleansing.
Lord Jesus, Master, Redeemer, Saviour,
   come and take entire possession of me;
   this is thy right by purchase.
In the arms of love enfold and subdue
   my wilful spirit.
Take, sanctify, use my every faculty.
I am not ashamed of my hope,
   nor has my confidence led me into confusion.
I trusted in thee regarding my innumerable sins,
   and thou hast cast them behind thy back.
I trusted in thee when evils encompassed me,
   and thou broughtest me out into a wealthy place.
I trusted in thee in an hour of distress,
   and thou didst not fail me, though faith trembled.
O God of the eternal choice,
O God of the restored possession purchased
   on the tree,
O God of the effectual call,
Father, Son, Holy Spirit,
I adore thy glory, honour, majesty, power,
dominion for ever.
"LOVE SHED ABROAD" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. Arthur Bennett; Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020 reprint page 252

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January 5, 2022 -- John 13:34-35 -- What Wondrous Love

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

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 ESV

Wait a minute! How is this a new commandment? When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment He replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself'“ (Matthew 22:37-39). Ah, as you place these two next to one another you begin to see the difference.

In Matthew, Jesus noted the Old Testament regulation, that believers love their neighbors as (they love) themselves. Now Jesus, having just washed His disciples’ feet, showing them the extent of His love (which in context includes His humble obedience to the Father which leads to the sacrifice of Himself at the cross) Jesus commands His followers love one another as He has loved them.

Believers in Jesus are self-sacrificing. Believers in Jesus are not part of cancel culture—instead they will put up with a lot from others, particularly other believers, recognizing all are debtors to Jesus and His sacrificial love. No one has the high road. All believers equally have been brought from death in their sins and trespasses to life in Jesus’ Name. Notice also that Jesus washed Judas Iscariot's feet, even His own betrayer, Jesus washed his feet, giving Judas every opportunity to receive Jesus' love and repent from wrong.

The consequence of such love is that people in our world will see such love, love which is not evident among them. and say, see how those Christians love one another. These people are true Christ-followers, look how they love! Think of this in today's context where some Christians are pro-vaxx and others anti-vaxx. Do they love one another as Christ has loved them? Think of this in the context of adult-baptism people and paedo-baptism groups. Do they love one another as Christ has loved them? The challenge today is this: ask yourself, where is your Christian love failing right now?

Jesus, Servant-Savior, Christ the King, increase our faith! As you have loved us, from the comprehensiveness of Your love and empowered by Your Spirit’s presence in us, help us to love another as You have loved us. From our Father in heaven, we have received His reconciling love through Your sacrifice Jesus, and by Your Spirit help us to be a community that loves persistently, faithfully, and without keeping score of who did what to us. Jesus, let Your love be our model and goal. As we love in this way, just as You promised, may many people around us come to know we are Your disciples, and then may such folks move from jealousy at such a display of love to being included as a member of Your community of love. Amen.

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Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 4, 2022 -- Psalm 37:3-4 -- Uncovering the Heart's Deepest Desire

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

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
   dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:3-4 ESV

This is such a plain, simple-sounding teaching. Yet, my heart is always going here or chasing after that thing. My mind is restless and struggles to be content. How can I explain the gap between the words of Scripture and the experience of my life? Perhaps that is your experience as well? Last night I was reading from a book a friend gave me. He is using this book as a wonderful evangelism tool. Listen to what Pritchard writes:

     You were made to know God. Something in you truly wants
     to know the God who created you. That desire may be hidden
     deep within, or you may feel it burning inside you at this moment.
     Perhaps you have tried to cover it up or to satisfy your longings
     with the things of this world. But that doesn’t work. You were made
     with desires that nothing in this world can satisfy. Only God can 
     fill the hole in your heart. Only God can love you
     the way you long to be loved.
Ray Pritchard, An Anchor for the Soul. Chicago, IL; Moody Publishers, 2011 reprint, page 29.

Here is the point. The moment you look for delight in something or someone other than the LORD you will be disappointed. No man, no woman, no thing can stand in the place of God as the greatest goal of your desires. When your desires and delight are all oriented toward the Living God, then you can experience His great love. From that boundless resource of blessing, given in Jesus Christ and sealed in believers by His Spirit, the believer can appropriately love others. Jesus is the well of Living Water that bubbles up within all who trust in Him. The Father in heaven and Jesus your Redeemer poured the Spirit into the heart of believers so that your heart’s desires are satisfied in Christ alone and this is the fuel which fires greater trust in the LORD and gives you the ability to do good in His Name.

King Jesus, I commit my way to You, to the glory of the Father.
I place my trust in You completely, do as You promised in this Psalm,
act and give the blessing of Your Spirit.
Fueled by such heavenly blessing, let the righteousness
   which is mine in Christ 
   shine as the light and
let the justice of Your cause, Mighty God
   radiate the reflected brilliance of Jesus,
   Who is brighter than the noonday sun,
   His radiance blazing out from my words and deeds.
Whenever I begin to feel dark or empty,
   teach me to quiet my mind and my soul before You,
   waiting patiently for You,
   until Your sure promise takes hold of me all over again:
"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
   He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
   He delivers them from the wicked and saves them
   because they take refuge in Him."
The prayer is based on Psalm 37:5-7a and ends the quotation of verses 39-40 

https://youtu.be/uaTwx0ehbvM

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January 3, 2022 -- John 11:45-46 -- Shine!

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

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
John 11:45-46 ESV

What would it take for your neighbour to believe in Jesus? Would it take seeing someone rise from the dead? What would it take for your co-worker to believe in Jesus? Can you think of a miracle that would truly convince him so that he’d believe?

This morning’s passage is pretty sobering. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been in the tomb four days—when He commanded the stone be rolled away so that He could raise Lazarus, one of the sisters of the dead man, not realizing what Jesus was about to do protested, saying the body will stink from decomposition. Jesus commanded. Lazarus rose. Many believed. Many did not believe.

What makes the difference between those who believe and those who do not believe? It is the call of God on their lives. Jesus had earlier declared: “No one can come to me unless the Father Who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). How do you know who has been appointed by the Father for life and who has not? You don’t know. Even so, you are commanded to live for Jesus. What you say will impact others. How you live will make others curious about Jesus. Your life is a bright and shining light for the glory of Jesus, and those people in your life who are aware their lives are storm-tossed and near the rocks of destruction, will see the light of Christ and be drawn to you.

Therefore, share the Good News with anyone who is interested. Be prepared for people to reject you, mock you, or even act against you, trying to undermine whatever good you want to bring to them or your workplace or your neighbourhood. We are living in a post-Christian age. The hunger for the things of God is as great as ever. Using whatever gifts or abilities God our Father has given you, shine for the glory of His great Name.

Jesus, when our children were little I taught them to sing “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” and the goal was to teach them to spend their lives glowing brightly in thankfulness for all You have done for them. Spirit of God, as an adult, help me to continue to shine, and to do so without any sense of being self-conscious or worried about what others will say. Let the words of my mouth and actions of my life bring You praise and act as a beacon which will draw many to You, Faithful High King of Heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/m8y3IKarEVY

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 2, 2022 -- Exodus 5:1-2 -- Who is the LORD that I should serve Him?

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

Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” 2 But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”
Exodus 5:1-2 ESV

Perhaps these are familiar words to you? Many people know the story of the Exodus because of movies, past and present, which popularize this narrative. What is easy to miss is the stark reality that is portrayed here. Moses and Aaron, slaves of the LORD, confront Pharaoh, a slave of Satan. As Satan’s slave Pharaoh asks, “Who is the LORD that I should obey his voice?”

All people who live now, who have lived in the past or who will live are slaves in one kingdom or another. Either they are slaves to Jesus Christ (Whose yoke is easy and Whose burden is light Matthew 11:30), or they are slaves to Satan (the Devil is a thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy John 10:10). There is no neutral kingdom, no fence or demilitarized zone where people can make a decision whom they will serve.

God, Who in Your loving-kindness both begins and finishes all good things; grant that as we glory in the beginnings of Your grace, so we may rejoice in its completion; through Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen
(Leonine Sacramentary, A.D. 440)

https://youtu.be/QZW4_8_zCBE

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 1, 2022 -- John 8:12 -- Worship Jesus, the Light of the World!

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

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

Around Christmas many people put up colored lights to light up porches and lawns. Christmas trees are decorated with lights. Candles are lit in anticipation of Christmas. Why? For me the explanation is this: Jesus is the Light of the World. As we enter into this New Year, it is wise for up to consider Jesus as the Light of the World. It is an expression that can bless us this year and through-out all of life!

He is the Light of the World and He is our Salvation! Psalm 27:1

He is the Light of the World Who dispels the darkness of sin and doubt and shame.

He is the Light of the World, the True Light (John 1:9). There are many false prophets, many who claim this about the world or seek to explain but who do so with no reference to the Living God. Such false witnesses are conjurers of darkness. Christ Jesus is the True Light that gives life.

Jesus is the Light of the World Who gives life. In Jesus our sins are forgiven. In Jesus Christ the enemy is thrown down and humiliated because in Christ we are taken from the enemy’s kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light. The Devil is defeated. Jesus gives life, the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit is ours in Christ Jesus.

Jesus the Light of the World, in Whom we have access to our Father (Ephesians 2:18)!

Spirit of the Living God, illuminate our lives in Jesus Christ, so that we will live in True Light that gives life. Spirit of the Truth, by the mighty work of Jesus, dispel the works of darkness that would hold us tightly and breaking this stronghold bring us into ever greater light, life and joy. Spirit of God, in the Name of Jesus, the Light of the World, bring us into an ever deeper relationship of wonder and praise, obedience and worship before our Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U9JEushrBH0

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

December 31, 2021 -- John 7:37-39 -- New Year's Eve reflections

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

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39 ESV

Resilience. It is the ability to bounce back after particularly stressful times. When a student receives a bad grade, resilience is the capacity to acknowledge it, to sort out why this happened and to adjust to make sure this doesn’t happen again. God, in His great grace, has created us to be creatures that can respond to the circumstances and hardships of our lives. There is, however, a limit to our innate ability to bounce back.

Thirst—it is that restlessness, that parched sense something is wrong and if the thirst is bad enough there is disorientation that comes with it. Only water will satisfy. Only water will give the body the ability to return to a state of wellness.

Our world produces deep and soul-parching thirst within us. Sin touches every part of our lives. Governments facing a pandemic that is highly adaptable make this ruling and that regulation and the people affected by these feel like pinballs hit back and forth. There are job losses. There is fear mongering about Covid and families are divided about vaccinations or lack thereof. The thirst produced in the mind, body, and soul stirs up a restless, unsatisfied longing for something better. For cool, clear, soothing, healing waters.

Jesus gives this Living Water. When the Spirit of God was poured out at Pentecost, and in every subsequent generation, the Spirit is given to all who believe, the very soul, heart, mind and body of such Spirit-blessed persons is revived. Let's look at some of the ways God the Father and Christ our King have blessed us with the Spirit. The Spirit is for believers Living Water, Sovereign One’s holy gift so that we may accomplish His holy purposes.

~The Spirit shows us that in Christ sin has been defeated and even death itself was defeated at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gives us divine resilience. We are not helpless, we are held in the grip of God’s grace.

~The Spirit of God flushes out the tawdry and foolish sins which we go to in order to satisfy our longings and thirsts. Drugs and illicit sex, anger and gossip, greed and pride, all the various kinds of sin are exposed in us by the Spirit. The Spirit uses the Word, the counsel of fellow Christians, and the Spirit awakens of our conscience. As sins are revealed to us as hideous aberrations, we begin to hate them and realize these sins have been for us what we tried to satisfy our thirsts. Instead of satisfying us, these sins were like eating hot, dry, sand. The Spirit of God is living water which rushes into us and through us, washing away the grit and filth and dirt.

~The Spirit reminds us, through the dreadful, awe-inspiring beauty of the Word, of pandemics past (Exodus), and the purpose of pandemics and hardships present and future (see Revelation). These display the glory and power of God the Merciful so that all who might turn to Him have opportunity while there is yet time. When Jesus returns in glory with all His holy ones, the day for turning from sins and turning to Jesus is ended. Now is the day of salvation.

~The Spirit gifts men and women so that those who are in Christ know the Father’s love and by the power of the Spirit and from the security of being loved by the Father use their talents and abilities and gifts to alleviate suffering in whatever way they are led to do so.

~The Spirit Who brings such living water into our souls so that there is a never-ending supply of refreshing reminds us that in sickness or in health, in times of plenty or in times of famine, in freedom or in slavery, in riches or in poverty, believers are kept secure, nothing can snatch that gift of salvation from us. The Spirit Who lives in every believer guards that treasure of eternal life.

~The Spirit reminds us of the Word of God. Passages like “whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (I John 4:16,18).

O LORD our God, under the shadow of Your wings let us hope. You will support us, both when we are little and even to the time we grow gray hairs. When our strength is found in You, it is strength indeed; but, when strength is merely our own, it is feebleness. We return to You, O Lord, that the weariness of our souls may rise towards You, leaning on the things which You have created, and from these going on to You, Yourself, the One Who has so wonderfully made things; for with You is refreshment and true strength. Amen.
(Prayer of St. Augustine 354 - 430 A.D. The prayer has been slighted changed to simplify it from an old English translation.)

May you have a Spirit-blessed New Year! 

https://youtu.be/1CdML_8uY18
 

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December 29, 2021 -- John 6:60-71 -- Jesus the Reflection of the Father's Perfect Love

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

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
John 6:60-70 ESV

Notice the great patience and steadfast love Jesus displays. All along the way there are among His followers false disciples mixed in with the true disciples. Jesus does not pluck out the false ones nor does He throw them aside. He ministers to them faithfully and perfectly. This patient love is a perfect demonstration of the Father’s love. Why does the Father delay in bringing the end times, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). Jesus is reflecting the Father's patient love is giving everyone who follows Him every chance to believe.

The disciples themselves did not know who the betrayer would be. When Jesus is with His disciples at the Last Supper He tells them there is a betrayer among them. The disciples are astonished. They do not suspect Judas. When Jesus is arrested at the Garden, all the disciples run away. Our human eyes cannot distinguish true believers from false disciples. At the Garden we would guess that every disciples is ultimately a failure, a false follower. Yet God knows His own. His Spirit gives life to all so that those appointed by the Father for eternal life will be brought to repentance and humble service rendered to Jesus.

Whomever God has placed in your life, by the power of the Spirit to encourage them, pray for them, and repeatedly lead them to Jesus.

Thank You, Jesus, for those Whom You had placed in our lives who were so patient with us. When we wavered and stumbled, when our faith looked more like rejection than submission, still You surrounded us with those faithful Christians who prayed, who listened, who loved and who did not abandon us. Thank You Spirit of the Living God that in You is life and by this power You also guard for Christ those who, to the eyes of flesh, do not seem capable nor worthy of the Savior. God of Glory and Zealous Love, blessed are You and great is Your amazing grace. In view of Who You Are and in response to all You have done and are doing, help us to be enthusiastic witnesses and joyful disciples, who patiently mentor those who are seeking the Savior. Amen.

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December 28, 2021 -- John 5:18, 25-29 -- Do you know, really know, Who Jesus Is?

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

18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
John 5:18, 25-29 ESV

When you are sharing Good News with a person who does not know Jesus Christ, the question often arises, “Who is Jesus?” The Jewish person will wonder, is He really ‘the Messiah’, that is, the anointed one of God promised in the Old Testament? A Jehovah Witness cult member will discount Jesus as the Son of God, co-eternal with God and the Savior-Judge of the World. Those who follow the Koran denigrate Jesus, claiming when he returns he will witness to their prophet. Many church-going Christians do not have a true concept of Who Jesus really is. Alistair Begg stated in a recent podcast that many evangelical Christians delight in Jesus or God as some sort of divine genie. Just rub the belly of God and get what you want.

Who then is Jesus? According to Jesus’ own words, He is fully God. He is LORD over the living and the dead. He has dreadful majesty in that He has the authority to execute judgment. According to the judgment of Jesus some will rise to eternal life, and others will rise to the resurrection of judgment, that is, be sent by Jesus to hell, ‘where "'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched’ (Mark 9:48). How does knowing this change you? The response of the heart committed to Jesus is a desire to know Him better and understand Him as the revelation of the Father.

Read the Bible so that you will know Jesus—the Savior and Judge of the world. Spend time thinking on such things, so that you will know Him better. Seek out a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and ask him to help you understand the Bible better so that you can grow in your faith. Ask the Spirit of God Who lives in you, to make Jesus more dear to your heart and more vividly known to your imagination and ever more the Person Whom you worship. The greater your love for the Son, the more your heart will be drawn to the Father Who sent the Son. As your worship and love increase for the Father and the Son, your hearts will be made more open to the work of the Holy Spirit, Who cleanses you and gives you even greater faith, insight, love and hope which is securely anchored on Jesus. All of this spills over from a heart overflowing in devotion to Him so that you will witness to Jesus.

Spirit of God, increase my faith! As I read the Bible, help me to see Who Jesus truly Is. Spirit of the Living God, bring me into contact with other Christians whose faith will stimulate in me a longing for deeper faith and greater knowledge of Jesus Christ so that what I believe truly reflects what You have revealed in the Word. Spirit of God bring me to people who need to know Who Jesus truly is and give me holy boldness to share the Good News of Who He Is. Mighty God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, in my life, in Your Church, in Your world—be glorified! Amen.

https://youtu.be/tBraI_mU1O4

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

December 27, 2021 -- John 4:39 - 42 -- Witnesses for Jesus the Savior of the World

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

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42 ESV

It is fascinating that this little Samaritan community are among the very first to believe in Jesus, the Savior of the World. Samaritans hated Jews; and that hatred was returned in great measure. Even Jesus’ own disciples had to be restrained from calling down fire on a different Samaritan community (Luke 9:54). This shows the tremendous love of the Savior, willingly enduring scoffing from mockers and misunderstanding from His own followers.

What is most interesting is how Jesus began this conversation with a Samaritan woman. It was so easy and logical. It was basically, please give me a drink of water. They were both by the well Jacob had given to his son and she had come to draw water. Jesus had nothing to draw with.

This morning the lady at the counter who was pouring me coffee asked me “Was Santa good to you this year?” Looking back, I realize I missed a perfect and smooth opportunity to segueway from talking about Santa, to speaking of Jesus. In one of those, I wish I had, I could have looking back moments, it would have been very smooth to say, “Nope, got nothing from Santa, but Jesus, gave me precious time with my daughter and son-in-law and grandson.” Just a simple statement to leave the door open for further conversation.

I know, some of you readers will say, “That is awkward”. My reply is, I am a grown man, nearly 60 years old and the woman at the counter was in the same age-range. It is awkward to me to have two adults talking about what Santa did or didn’t bring. But to look to the Savior of the world, that is the of Christmas which keeps getting better and better.

Jesus, Savior of the World, thank You for stepping into time, for taking on human flesh and blood and becoming the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Forgive me for the times I miss opportunities to witness to Your glory and faithfulness. Spirit of the Living God, keep me mindful of Jesus' goodness to me and from the rich storehouse of blessings contemplated and rehearsed, may I--wherever You send me--be a faithful witness to Jesus, and this to the glory of the Father in heaven. Amen.

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December 24, 2021 -- Luke 24:45-48 -- He opened their minds to Joy

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

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:45-48 ESV

Notice that Jesus had to open the mind of the disciples so that they could understand Him, His suffering, His work and His gift of forgiveness. This is spiritually discerned. The gift of Christmas is one of intense celebration for those whose minds are opened so that we see Jesus, once a Child and now the King in Whose name all who believe receive forgiveness of sins. This is given at tremendous cost—suffering love.

What a privilege—we are witnesses to these things. The Spirit of God opens our minds and hearts so that we can see Jesus and the meaning of His life. We peer into long history past with joy and now with expectant hope, vibrating with joy, we look for Jesus’ return. Until He returns, our joy is uncontainable—we must tell others, Jesus has brought joy to the world!

Heavenly Father,
Save me entirely from sin.
I know I am righteous through the righteousness of another,
but I pant and pine for likeness to thyself;
I am thy child and should bear thy image,
Enable me to recognize my death unto sin;
When it tempts me may I be deaf unto its voice.
Deliver me from the invasion as well as
   the dominion of sin.
Grant me to walk as Christ walked,
  to live in the newness of his life,
     the life of love, the life of faith,
     the life of holiness.
I abhor my body of death,
   its indolence, envy, meanness, pride.
Forgive, and kill these vices,
   have mercy on my unbelief,
   on my corrupt and wandering heart.
When thy blessings come I begin to idolize them,
   and set my affection on some beloved object –
     children, friends, wealth, honour;
Cleanse this spiritual adultery and give me chastity;
   close my heart to all but thee.
Sin is my greatest curse;
Let thy victory be apparent to my consciousness,
   and displayed in my life.
Help me to be always devoted, confident, obedient,
     resigned, childlike in my trust of thee,
   to love thee with soul, body, mind, strength,
   to love my fellow-man as I love myself,
   to be saved from unregenerate temper,
     hard thoughts, slanderous words, meanness,
     unkind manners,
to master my tongue and keep the door of my lips.
Fill me with grace daily,
   that my life be a fountain of sweet water.
A CRY FOR DELIVERANCE. VALLEY OF VISION: PURITAN PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS. Ed. A. Bennett; Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020; page 168

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