April 14, 2022 -- Daniel 2:26-28; 46-47 -- God is the Revealer of Mysteries

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

The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. 47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”
Daniel 2:26-28; 46-47 ESV

The king of Babylon took Daniel and his three friends captive—along with the great and leading families of Judah. In exile Daniel was taught the laws and wisdom of Babylon; all the while he and his three companions remained faithful to the Living God. Look at the Name Daniel ascribes to the LORD of Glory and the Name King Nebuchadnezzar echoes: God is a revealer of mysteries. What a mighty title that is.

Not just the interpretation of dreams, which in itself seems very cool, but deep things, secrets and riddles. For example, the mystery of how all things will be made right at the end of history, when Jesus returns with all His holy ones. This is a mystery deeply explored and prayerfully contemplated by the wise.

The mystery of evil and the triumph of goodness. While I was a police chaplain I’d often ask an officer, “What’s the worst thing you’ve witnessed, the worst evil you encountered on the job?” Inevitably the officer would have several examples, each more horrible than the last. My next question inevitably proved to be a stumper: “How do you unsee evil?”

When evil scenes and the insidious, persistent evil of others affects your appetite and your sleep, is there a way of unload evil from your heart and mind? When you find murderous thoughts and unbridled anger rising up against the perpetrator of injustices against children and you realize how much evil resides in your own heart—there is a mystery that needs unlocking. God is the Revealer of Mysteries.

In Jesus Christ, God the Father has given His fullest revelation. Evil is punished at the cross. Those who are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ have had their sins punished and are set free to live in the power of the Spirit. Those who refuse the blood of Jesus Christ, will be buffeted by evils and the swirling foul vapors of wrong-doing and there will be no peace and no escape.

A whodunit may last an hour (37.5 minutes after factoring in time for the endless commercials). It is always intriguing to follow the twists and turns thrown at the viewer, holding on until the criminal is revealed. If you are willing to wait an hour or two plus hours for a movie, or the length of a series, surely you are willing to delve into the mysteries of God?!

He Who reveals mysteries offers you a life-time of exploration, intrigue, discovery and wonder. Look at the Word and understand what is happening in the world. Get on your knees and ask the Spirit of God to show you how to be a counselor to the unwise of this world so that the powerful revelations of the Living God will bear witness to Jesus Christ. Look at the example of Daniel, so you will know how to live as a stranger and an exile for God, no matter where He places you, that God’s glory will be revealed.

Truly You are the God Who moves in mysterious ways. Thank You, praise You and Blessed are You, for the grand revelation of Jesus Christ. Spirit of the Living God, put steel into our spines so that we will dig in with faith and uncover the mysteries of Your glory and Your grace, the unfathomable depths of Your love and patience. Triune God, establish us as Christians, to be the conscience of our society and advisors to the lost doing so with such authority that the might of God cannot be ignored or dismissed. God of mercy, God of grace, gives us eyes to see Your smiling face within the mystery. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yjPR09kdCgc  the music begins at 1:26

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April 12, 2022 -- Revelation 18:1-3 -- Understand the reason for the shouts of Hallelujah

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

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
    She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
    a haunt for every unclean bird,
    a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
3 For all nations have drunk
    the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
    and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
Revelation 18:1-3 ESV

It is hard to believe there is a war raging in Eastern Europe. The news reports are like clips from a new disaster movie, rather than scenes of horror that are being lived every moment. In North America people are getting up for work and going about their lives with very little reference to what is taking place. In fact, the words of Revelation are quite jarring. Revelation speaks to the war that is taking place all around, the war of Babylon, which in every nation and every generation, represents hatred for the Living God and His salvation in Christ and His way of righteousness in which the saints walk by the power of the Spirit.

Do not wonder at the fact that the United Nations are powerless to help the Ukraine. Every nations that sends representatives to the UN have themselves drunk the wine of the passion of Babylon’s sexual immoralities, as much as has Russia, and the Ukraine. There is not a pure nation on the earth. That is the point. It is why this Revelation is for every generation, a call and invitation:

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

“Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues;
5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
    and God has remembered her iniquities.

Christians who walk according to the Spirit, have the eyes of discernment which see the wickedness and the corruption that infects every part of every nation. We ourselves had once participated in the debauchery of the world, and now, filled not with the wine of drunkenness and endless sexual prowling and greedy only for gain, Christians have been conquered by the Lamb. Christians have seen the lasting Kingdom—the Kingdom of our LORD and of His Christ—for He shall reign for ever and ever. It is out of this world of endless uncleanness and luxurious living that is opulent now but veils the true riches of God from view—if is from this morass of wickedness the LORD is summoning His people.

Read the Bible—it is the only way you will see whether or not what is written is true.

Ask the Spirit of God to apply the accomplished work of Jesus’ passion to your heart, mind, soul and life so that you will walk in a way that is completely at odds with this world.

Seek Christian friends. Together recognize what Revelation is saying, a new, human-led, world order will inevitably become a new world tyranny and a new wicked incarnation of Babylon. As family in Christ, live as foreigners and strangers, for you are citizens of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer help to those around you with the clear view His is the glory and from Him comes eternal help.

Pray. For Christians in Russia and Christians in the Ukraine. Pray for the 80+ million who are in refugee camps around the world. Pray for the wisdom to walk in Christ no matter where it is He has placed you, so that empowered by His Spirit the Kingdom of Jesus will shine out from your words and your works unto the glory of the Father in heaven.

Sing. Recognize the Hallelujah Chorus is sung by saints now--for God's victory is sure. Christians sing in defiance of the wreckage people make of power here on earth. We are Christians are rejoicing in the fact that Jesus is now, seated at the Father's right hand and of His Kingdom and of His reign there shall be no end. He has thrown down Babylon. He has conquered the beast. He is bringing in the final number of believers and the trumpet will soon sound and the new heavens and the new earth will appear! 

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2     for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
    who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”
“Praise our God,
    all you his servants,
you who fear him,
    small and great.”
Revelation 19:1c-2; 3b; 5b ESV

https://youtu.be/usfiAsWR4qU

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

April 10, 2022 -- I Thessalonians 5:16-18 -- The Commands of God are preceded by the Grace of God

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

Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

This short text today highlights the importance of reading books of Scripture from start to finish. It is the odd, commonly used practice, among Christians, to just open to any page of the Bible and randomly read verses. Look at today's readings, these imperatives—these commands to do something—separated from their context in I Thessalonians are unattainable commands. One flounders to find reasons for obedience and stumbles looking for words to speak to God, if the  imperatives are not joined to the whole letter.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are writing. These three men are a community of believers writing to a community of believers. In true community you have people who bless and help one another. The strong aiding the weak, the weak offering their vulnerability and so learning of the will of Jesus and the power of the Spirit.

In this letter there is a glorious explanation of the of faith, and the work of Spirit-fueled hope which is anchored in our Lord Jesus Christ. A few other points in this letter to give context to the imperatives of today's text. From the depths and the richness of the Good News given us in Christ Jesus—our sins are thrown down; our Savior has raised up ministers and leaders for His Church Who shepherd the flock in the strength of the Spirit. Jesus Himself is coming soon. In the light of all these blessings, it makes sense then for believers to rejoice always.

Rejoice even when things are difficult. The difficulties in your life are the birth pangs of Jesus’ return; the old is being swept away as the contractions heralding the new heavens and the new earth bear down.

Prayer is not mechanical, but it is the appeal to the High King of Heaven, the One Who has all authority and power to help those in every distress. Those who are in Christ will live with Him—He is the light of life and His people need His light and His strength—as believers pray for this they are reminded our weakness and our helplessness are a fact. His willingness to empower His people and guide them by His Spirit means all the glory and all the credit go to Him.

Giving thanks flows from all that has happened. Look at your life. Can you see where you walked in the valley of the shadow of death and thought no good could possibly come from this and after you prayed, perhaps days later, you looked back and began to understand the help which God the Father gave you? It is in looking back that you see His answers. Thankful hearts remember past failures and the greater grace of Jesus. Thankful hearts anticipate the fact that Jesus’ authority, power, and nearness, means all things truly are working out according to His purposes. Thanksgiving is a sign of the Christian’s growing maturity.

Thank You, Father in heaven for the rich streams of grace and peace which flow from Your throne room because of the intercession of Jesus, the Mediator between You and all believers. On this Sunday, gather Your people by the power of Your Spirit, so that hearts will be opened and ready to receive the Word preached. Remind Your people of the love which surrounds them because of Jesus' accomplished work at the cross. Triune God, lift our eyes from the chaos of this world, which is awash in the brokenness of sin. Help us to see the new heavens and the new earth which are coming near so that believers fed in such confident, anticipatory hope, bless You and praise You and serve You as You command of us to do. Amen.

https://youtu.be/UoHrBNTfzIs

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

April 7, 2022 -- Deuteronomy 6:4-6 -- Jesus in Every Conversation

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

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV

The benefits of intermittent fasting. Ukraine war. Russian war crimes. Rising interest rates. Inflation. Canadiens trading Toffoli and gaining Hammond and the impact on the season. The slap heard around the world. The leadership race in the PC party. Carbon tax. Spend any amount of time in a coffee shop and no doubt you’ll hear all these topics and more. Will you hear anyone speak of Jesus? It is easy to introduce Him as part of all your daily speech.

The benefits of fasting—interestingly those who are concerned about physical health and who are disciplined in this area will become more disciplined in other areas. How is your walk with God?

Russian war crimes. This is why the day of Jesus’ return is so significant—all wrongs will be addressed and every crime will be justly dealt with. All unknown sins will be exposed and judged with the full and perfect judgment of God.

The carbon tax. Do you honestly believe humans can outperform the goodness and providential care of God? Has He not sustained the world since its creation? Yes, we must be concerned for the environment, but our greatest confidence is in His creation-care keeping.

Why speak of Jesus in any and every conversation?

~Because He is our prize, our very great reward. He is the radiance of the Father’s glory. He is our hope. Our lives have no purpose without Jesus Christ and Him as our centre-point.

~Because our children and grandchildren are listening. The growing generation in needs to observe our total dedication to the living God. The next generation needs to see and hear our witness and believe so that this precious faith becomes their own.

~Because Jesus is the hope of this world. If we do not speak of Him, among ourselves and to this world, we are proving that we do not love God and do not love the people He has placed in our lives.

So, begin today. Start your day with time alone with the Living God—in reading the Bible, in prayer, in song before Him. As you meet with, video chat with people, or text, speak of Him Who is Your highest joy and your life’s reward. What seems odd and artificial at first, soon will be the pattern of your speech--words which will weave the Word, the glory of Christ, and the Splendor of the Triune God, into the fabric of every conversation.

LORD JESUS,
I am blind, be thou my light,
ignorant, be thou my wisdom,
self-willed, be thou my mind.
Open my ear to grasp quickly thy Spirit’s voice,
and delightfully run after his beckoning hand;
Melt my conscience that no hardness remain,
make it alive to evil’s slightest touch;
When Satan approaches may I flee to thy wounds,
and there cease to tremble at all alarms.
Be my good shepherd to lead me into
the green pastures of thy Word,
and cause me to lie down beside the rivers of its comforts.
Fill me with peace, that no disquieting worldly gales
may ruffle the calm surface of my soul.
Thy cross was upraised to be my refuge,
Thy blood streamed forth to wash me clean,
Thy death occurred to give me a surety,
Thy name is my property to save me,
By thee all heaven is poured into my heart,
but it is too narrow to comprehend thy love.
I was a stranger, an outcast, a slave, a rebel,
but thy cross has brought me near,
has softened my heart,
has made me thy Father’s child,
has admitted me to thy family,
has made me joint-heir with thyself.
O that I may love thee as thou lovest me,
that I may walk worthy of thee, my Lord,
that I may reflect the image of heaven’s first-born.
May I always see thy beauty with the clear eye of faith,
and feel the power of thy Spirit in my heart,
for unless he move mightily in me
no inward fire will be kindled.
"NEED OF JESUS" THE VALLEY OF VISION: PURITAN PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, rpr 2020, page 186

https://youtu.be/iFw42tZVDKI

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April 5, 2022 -- Exodus 11:1-3 -- Let him who has ears hear

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

The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people.
Exodus 11:1-3 ESV

Moses was commanded to speak into the ears of the people—our translation renders it: speak now in the hearing of the people. The ears are designed by our Creator so that people may receive divine revelation. There is much that is going on in this brief passage. The people of Israel are about to be driven out of Egypt. Pharaoh, against his better judgment, against his will and despite his declarations to the contrary, will now be forced by the mighty hand of God to send the people out of Egypt. Pharaoh's ears have been closed to the LORD. The people of Israel, who hear the the Word of the LORD and obey, know there will be one last plague. Those who believe are emboldened, in faith, to plunder the Egyptians and receive gold and silver, and jewelry from their Egyptian masters. It is the only time in history a slave people plundered their masters without even lifting a finger in their own defense.

The name of my ministry, which hosts the devotions I write, is “sh’ma”. It is the word “hear”. It comes from Deuteronomy 6:4. It is the first verse of the “Shema”. That refers to Deuteronomy 6:4-5, verses devout Jewish people recite every morning. They are reminded to “Shema” that is, to both hear and obey the Word of the LORD. It is obedience in faith. It is obedience in view of God’s great salvific act. For the Jewish people, the Exodus was the great salvation. Christians know the Exodus is the salvation which is a living parable of the salvation given in Jesus Christ. The LORD Himself acted, bringing people who were helpless slaves to sin out to the freedom which is secured by the blood of Christ. The Father sets His people in the Kingdom of His Son, the place where those freed by grace are able to honour and glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Today if you hear His voice—obey the King of kings and Lord of lords. Today is your heart is stirred by this noble theme—then turn from idols and sin, deny your sinful impulses and old associations of sin, and follow Jesus Christ. It is riches beyond compare to know Him.

God of Salvation, blessed are You. Great is the Salvation given in Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the many times we know Your speak in Your Word, but we let the words fall on our deaf ears. Forgive us the times we have not truly heard and obeyed. Thank You, Spirit of the Living God, for the spoken Word of God and ears to hear. Thank You Spirit for stirring in the hearts of believers a reawakening faith. Mighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may the Word we hear and the obedience prompted in us by the Spirit be a declaration to all around us of the Powerful Presence of the God of Glory Who is at work in our world. Amen.

https://youtu.be/5ClPWsk8Cy4

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

April 2, 2022 -- I John 5:21 -- Keep yourselves from idols

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

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
I John 5:21 ESV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I John 4:2 ESV

The first verse of the pair offered today is the final verse of John’s letter. It seems an odd way to end a letter. John is likely an aged apostle at this time. He is old enough to call the other Christians “little children”, but there may be another reason for this. Like a little child can be fascinated with an empty box, ignoring the treasured gift within it, so Christians can be sidetracked into idolatry, ignoring the treasure of Jesus Christ.

Earlier in the letter John pointed to the need for believers to have trustworthy leaders and teachers. This takes discernment. Think of all the deceptive teachers that have abounded in the last couple of years. The late Ravi Zacharias, was once a sought-after speaker; it turned out was a womanizer. The clues were in the fact he lied about his credentials and his talks were basically the same. If you listened to two or three of them, you already knew his anecdotes and stories and main points. Several Hillsong leaders have resigned amid scandal. This should not be surprising as already more than a year ago it was revealed the worship leaders were involved in a damnable practice called grave soaking. The demonic practice of laying on the graves of well-known spiritual leaders and trying to soak up the residual presence of the anointing that was on those long-dead leaders. Despicable.

The ultimate test is this—does the Christian and the Christian’s pastor or leaders have fellowship with the Father and the Son. There is an authentic, humble joy that flows from such relationship. The dead are not consulted. Instead, the Living Lord Jesus Christ, seated at the Father’s right hand, Who ushers the believer into the glorious presence of the Father, this is the glory of the believer. The Spirit already living in the believer, will reveal sinful inclinations by the light of the Word of God, showing idols that are taking shape in the secret places of the believer. Horrified by such lingering sin, the believer will confess it and long for more of Jesus, the heart’s great desire, Master and Friend. Read the Word. There are no short-cuts to deep faith in and true relationship with God. As John wrote, those who come to know the Living God keep His commandments. Such obedience is a lifelong, focused pursuit, punctuated by times of worship and joy, even as one walks through valleys of suffering and hardship. The Triune God is Himself worthy, glorious, hunger-satisfying, thirst-slating, the greatest adventure of one's life here below and then beyond in eternity.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. The world all around is choked with idols and false gods. Even hobbies which parade themselves as innocent pastimes can be barbed with hooks from the devil which would threaten to pull believers from the glory of knowing You. We confess how readily we want to be deceived; we admit we are often tired and therefore would impose on Your forgiving nature, while charging, eyes-wide, headlong into sin. We see it. We confess it. You, Father and Son, have poured out into our lives the Spirit of power so that we are without excuse for our willful disobedience. Cleanse us. Renew in us a clean heart and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Let us, in true community, walking with brothers and sisters in Christ, fight the sin that so easily clings to us and as soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ, be renewed in zeal, prepared to fight inward and outward battles for the righteousness and holiness which are ours in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/k8eVEF1LuQs

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

March 31, 2022 -- II Peter 3:10-13 -- Waiting for Jesus' Return

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

 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
II Peter 3:10-13 ESV

The end of all things is near. Christians are not surprised this is true. From the days Jesus walked this earth until now, both the warning and joyful expectation of Jesus’ return has filled the senses of all true believers. His return will be unexpected. Christians are not to grow weary in the waiting nor revert to godlessness as if His return were still far away and there'll be no reckoning. Instead, in view of Jesus’ return, with hearts filled with thanksgiving to the Father for the gift of Jesus Christ and His reconciling work, believers choose holiness and godliness. The mercy of God motivates such holy living.

The righteousness of Jesus Christ, imputed to believers, sealed in them by the Spirit, draws from the believer godliness that speeds the day of Jesus return. That is an odd statement—how can lives of Christian holiness and godliness speed Jesus’ return? Remember how Jacob asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage and Laban, her father, demanded he work seven years tending his flocks as the price for this marriage? You read this and might think 'seven years is an impossibly long time'. However, to Jacob “they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her” (Genesis 29:20). The Day of Jesus’ return is hastened, speeding up for believers, because their eyes are full of love for Him, their hearts anticipate His goodness, as their souls long to be freed from every sinful impulse.

O GOD,
I bless thee for the happy moment
   when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ,
wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven,
   my soul saved.
Ever since, thou hast been faithful to me:
   daily have I proved the power of Jesus’ blood,
   daily have I known the strength of the Spirit,
   my teacher, director, sanctifier.
I want no other rock to build upon than that I have,
   desire no other hope than that of gospel truth,
   need no other look than that which gazes
     on the cross.
Forgive me if I have tried to add anything
   to the one foundation,
if I have unconsciously relied upon my knowledge,
experience, deeds, and not seen them
    as filthy rags,
   if I have attempted to complete what is perfect\  
   in Christ;
May my cry be always, Only Jesus! only Jesus!
In him is freedom from condemnation,
   fullness in his righteousness,
   eternal vitality in his given life,
   indissoluble union in fellowship with him;
In him I have all that I can hold;
   enlarge me to take in more.
If I backslide,
   let me like Peter weep bitterly and return to him;
If I am tempted, and have no wit,
   give me strength enough to trust in him;
If I am weak,
   may I faint upon his bosom of eternal love;
If in extremity,
   let me feel that he can deliver me;
If driven to the verge of hope and to the pit of despair,
   grant me grace to fall into his arms.
O God, hear me, do for me more
   than I ask, think, or dream.
"THE LIFE LOOK" The Valley of Vision. Ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle, PA. THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, rpr 2020, page 96.

https://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I

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

March 30, 2022 -- Matthew 7:21-23 -- To be known by Jesus

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

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

Do you feel the intensity of these words and the warning? At the end, the day of judgment, there will be people who cry out to Jesus and point out the great works they did in His Name. They cast out demons, but Jesus will call them workers of lawlessness. They prophesy. But Jesus will reject them. Notice that Jesus does not dispute these mighty acts nor deny that they did powerful deeds. Who then can be saved?!

Look at verse 21. Some people cry “Lord, Lord” as if invoking Jesus’ Name would be enough. Jesus judges them justly saying, “I never knew you”. The contrast is made with those who are not boastful of the things they did in Jesus' Name, nor are they claiming a false intimacy, but their lives are conformed to the will of God—so that their lives are a living sacrifice, offering the fruit of lips that praise the Father.

This makes me think of the words of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke this word of the LORD; “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2b. The question I often ask people “did you do your devotions this morning” is actually inappropriate. Considering today’s text and warning, the better, and more important question is this: “Did you spend time with the LORD and tremble at His word?” The trembling can be mixtures of joy and humility; awe and wonder; all wrapped up in ever-growing, wide-eyed thankfulness for all His goodness which leads one to look to the Father, as a the One Who is the source of all good and the heart’s greatest desire, and the mind’s intense focus to satisfy its thirst for true knowledge of Him.

Father in heaven, thank You for the beauty of Jesus. Your Son commands Your people, "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him, Jesus, God has set His seal." Help us, Spirit of God, the Seal of Jesus, to believe in Him Who sent You, the Father. In believing, with eyes full of child-like adoration and hearts full of praise, may then our hands and feet be moved at the impulse of the Father's love to act in humble accord with all He commands. Amen.

https://youtu.be/3VUUczk6HnU

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

March 28 2022 -- Philippians 4:10-13 -- True Peace and Contentment

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV

Perhaps you heard the sad report of another celebrity who, this past weekend, committed suicide? One might be forgiven for thinking fame and money would enough to keep someone from such self-harm. What great, gnawing emptiness must haunt a man (or woman) who has achieved the dream and still finds life intolerable. Those who claim to be believers also die by their own hand. The restlessness of the soul can only be satisfied by a relationship with Him Who made us for relationship with Himself. God, Immortal, Invisible, All-wise He is the highest joy and greatest good.

Paul wrote to believers, showing them true contentment. Rich or poor, hated or loved, free or in prison, the soul’s contentment is derived from knowing Jesus Christ. If everyone pretends to love you, and you know it is false, you can find pleasure in knowing He truly is your soul’s delight. If everyone hates you, He is the Faithful Friend Who already knows your worst and is not surprised, but was sent by the Father to rescue lost souls and hell-bound sinners from the curse of God.

If reading this opens up a longing in your soul, but one you are not sure how to satisfy, I urge you to look in your circle of friends and family and find a Christian whose walk with God you admire and ask for his help. You will find contentment, deep peace, which Paul wrote of and modern day believers continue to radiate. This world and its pleasures will wear out like and be discarded like last year’s fashions, but life’s crowning joy and lasting pleasure is to know the Eternal God as Father and His Son as Savior and Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Resurrected Savior, Blessed Jesus, Who declared: “My peace I give to you, my peace I leave you. I do not give as the world gives” (John 14:27); thank You for rescuing Your people. Mighty God Who alone lives in unapproachable Light—great are You and worthy of all praise and honour, glory and blessing. In You, LORD God, life has true purpose and lasting meaning. Spirit of Truth, guide us as believers ever deeper into the gladness of relationship with the Living God. LORD of All, direct us so that we are always ready, at any and every moment, in any place, to share the hope which is ours in Jesus Christ. May the upheavals of this life strengthen the ties of faith which bind us to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Tu2uA6U4Fxg

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

March 26, 2022 -- James 5:19-20 & Galatians 6:1 -- How to restore a sinning brother or sister

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

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Galatians 6:1 ESV

As those who were ourselves sinners but who have divine forgiveness and the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, we know the pull of sin. The warnings of Scripture, not to drift away (Hebrews 2:1), are etched on our hearts and minds. We realize how easily sin can once again entangle us. Therefore, these two passages are powerful for us. We know the power of temptation. Each of us have particular sins that are more likely to draw us like moths to a flame back to old sins. When a brother, or a sister, is rushing towards to sin, because we know the particular signs of that wickedness and more importantly we know the power of Christ Who has overcome the world and every sin, we speak, calling this person back to Jesus, the way of life.

Notice the call to gentleness in Galatians 6. Jesus describes Himself as meek and lowly of heart (Matthew 11:29). It is hard for a sinner to hear a proud, hard, accusing helper. Interestingly, Jesus, our Rock of Help, is meek, He reaches out towards sinners with the greatest tenderness so that we are not consumed, and with the might all of heaven, He cradles the wanderer in resurrection power so sin is thrown down. Remember the pattern of Mathew 18, it is the first step to approach the brother who is in the wrong, and to do so privately, in order not to shame the brother, instead to win him back to Jesus and to reconciliation with you.

Finally, because you intimately know the fall from grace which is bruising your brother, beware so that temptation won’t take you out as well—ushering you back to old haunts of evil. Pray to the Father to give you such clear spiritual discernment so that you will not toy with wrong-doing—either consciously or unconsciously—as you seek to restore this brother or sister.

Look to Jesus and His throne of grace, where you will find grace and mercy to help you in every circumstance and situation (Hebrews 4:16)—and pray. Urgently and persistently pray so that every error and lapse into wrong-doing will be exposed and their powers thrown down before the omnipotence of Jesus. Be prepared to walk with this brother through the humiliation or embarrassment as you together walk back into the open arms of the Father Who welcomes prodigals.

Glorious Father, fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing all fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Ah, Triune God, strengthen us with all power according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, so that we may rightfully and constantly give You, Father, all the thanks and worship, for You have qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. You have delivered us from darkness, the domain of ruination and Your never-ending wrath and transferred us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Blessed are You, God of all mercy, Savior of the World and Spirit of all Comfort. Amen.

https://youtu.be/d4jcHf9k0RQ

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

March 25, 2022 -- Colossians 2:8-12 -- Understanding the significance of circumcision

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

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:8-12 ESV

Sicks days have this advantage: I can listen to many Christian podcasts. About a year ago a friend of mine was commenting how much he likes Tim Keller. To be honest, I had not read or listened to much of his work. So, having a few days on my hands, I took the opportunity to listen. His explanation of circumcision was so helpful.

Keller noted in the Old Testament a covenant (that is a binding promise between a powerful king and his conquered people) would be bloody. For example, a calf cut in half, and the conquered leader would walk between the severed parts and declare something to the effect: "let me be cut in two like this animal, rather than break my covenant with you, Lord." 

Circumcision is bloody. When a foreigner joined the people of Israel, he was subjected to circumcision. The foreskin of his penis was cut off. Why? That intimate cut declared, let me be cut off, and my descendants, be cut off of life, if I should disobey You, O Sovereign LORD of Heaven and Earth. Infants were circumcised, parents held up their sons in covenant commitment, declaring they would do all in their power to teach their little ones to know and serve the Living God. They would rather their child die than that he go after false gods.

Christians do not practice circumcision. Why not? Because Jesus was cut off. At the cross, He was cut off from the favour of God. God cursed His Own Son, punishing Him for our sins. In Jesus Christ we are the people whose sins are fully punished and therefore we walk in humble, awestruck love for Him. Jesus is our circumcision.

We obey Him, not because it earns us anything, we believe in Him and by faith are therefore set free from the curse. We can't earn it, it is a gift. We obey Him, because it is in Him we are already freed from punishment, hell and death. More even than this. We don’t obey Him just to save our skin—we follow Him because He loves us. His love fills our souls and captures our imagination. No longer do we chase after things which cannot fill our soul or satisfy our longings. The fact is Jesus is the Desire of All Nations. In Him our longing hearts are satisfied. In Him we are given glorious, God-directed lives which are powered for love and obedience by the Spirit Who lives in us.

This is also why Christianity is like no other religion on earth. All religions absolutely are not basically the same. That is blasphemous talk. Anything which belittles or glosses over the mighty, glorious, cosmos-purifying work of Jesus is to be quickly, heartily and thoroughly condemned. It is at the Name of Jesus every knee will bow. He was cut off so that we would not be cut off from God. Hallelujah!

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
 I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich,
   but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed.
Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern
   to obtain those blessings which are
   spiritual in their nature,
   eternal in their continuance,
   satisfying in their possession.
Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole
   or a part of my character;
May I pay regard to
   my principles as well as my conduct,
   my motives as well as my actions.
Help me
   never to mistake the excitement of my passions
     for the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
   never to judge my religion by occasional
     impressions and impulses, but by my
       constant and prevailing disposition.
May my heart be right with thee,
   and my life as becometh the gospel.
May I maintain a supreme regard to another
   and better world,
and feel and confess myself a stranger
and a pilgrim here.
Afford me all the direction, defence, support,
   and consolation my journey hence requires,
   and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.
Give me large abundance of the supply of
     the Spirit of Jesus,
   that I may be prepared for every duty,
   love thee in all my mercies,
   submit to thee in every trial,
   trust thee when walking in darkness,
   have peace in thee amidst life’s changes.
Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief
 and uncertainties.
"True Religion". The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, rpr 2020, page 118.

https://youtu.be/S1kuHmS2cyU

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

March 24, 2022 -- Hebrews 11:6 -- Hunger and Thirst

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

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Those who believe in God seek Him. When you encounter God, it is the Spirit’s presence in you, awakening your soul so that the Scriptures live for you. What follows is a zeal to know Jesus Christ, through Whom you are called a beloved son or daughter of God. You will have an insatiable curiosity about Him, you will seek Him with the intensity of a parched man imbibing water.

Pew Research reported that in 2018 55% of Canadians called themselves “Christians”. What is fascinating is Statscan reported, in 2005, that only 21% of Canadians, 15 years old and over, claimed to attend church once a week. Do you see the discrepancy? How meaningful is the self-identification of “Christian” if one does not desire to please God, nor does he draw near to Him in worship?

Yes, I can hear you protest, but you don’t have to go to church in order to be a Christian. That is an empty argument! Someone who has faith—the deep assurance this world was made by God and Christ is the Savior-Redeemer of the world—will long to meet with other Christians in order to grow in his faith and encourage other believers.

Another silly argument is: If you are only drawing near to Him to receive His rewards, isn’t that false faith? Nice try. God the Father is the Greatest Good and the Source of Every Good (James 1:17). Any other pursuit is like trying to drink sand to satisfy intense thirst. The LORD Himself declared: “I AM Your Shield and Very Great Reward”. Why would one who claims to have faith go to anything or anyone else than the LORD Who Rewards His people?

What is blocking your zeal for God? What is keeping you from reaching out to Him and knowing Him more and more? Tear it out of your soul. Fight every hindrance to this soul-satisfying and life-giving relationship with God the Father given through the knowledge of Jesus Christ by the dynamic presence of His Spirit planted deep within you.

God of Splendour and Power—You hold the power which sustains the universe. You are great beyond description and have stooped near in Jesus Christ so that our souls can live. Forgive us for our tepid faith. Forgive us for pursuing other things and false gods. Forgive our waywardness and those tawdry, flirtatious interactions with the world. Father, giver of every good gift, renew in us the work of Your Spirit so that our every pursuit and desire and curiosity draws us ever closer to You. Lord Jesus, You declared “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied”. So in faith we pray satisfy us! As we exercise faith, continually deepen this holy hunger and craving thirst so that You will always, ever, only be our desire. Amen.

https://youtu.be/fWpvknKuYrg

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

March 22, 2022 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- When you present yourself a living sacrifice

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

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

When is it that Christians “present your bodies as living sacrifices”? The obvious answer might be, when the saints gather and praise God. That word ‘present’ carries the sense of giving an account to an official of the court. This might happen when a man who is released from the court, later, must verify his freedom.

Hmm. I wonder if this present, active tense of the verb to present leads the reader to consider a broader and bigger meaning? When you, as a follower of Jesus Christ, covered by His protection, are challenged in the world and tempted to go down old paths, sinful, familiar habits, it is at that very moment you present your body as a living sacrifice. You will not be conformed to the world. You will give evidence to the one who tempts you that you do, in fact, belong to the LORD in Whom you have your freedom. The Spirit of God will use those instances to transform your mind, to confirm Christ’s work in you, and to bring all the honour and praise to God, through whom you have received mercy. Such mercy is as confirmed by each act of obedience as a living sacrifice.

Jesus, our Master, meet us while we walk in the way, and are longing to reach the Country; so that, following Your light, we may keep the way of righteousness, and never wander away into the horrible darkness of this world's night, while You, the Way, the Truth and the Life, continually shine within us. Amen.
Mozarabic Sacramentary, before 700 A.D. edited from Old English

https://youtu.be/agROj9nTQP4

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

March 21, 2022 -- Psalm 95 -- The LORD is a Great God

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

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

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8     do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
    as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test
    and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation
    and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,
    and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
    “They shall not enter my rest.”
Psalm 95 ESV

What a stark warning. It is possible for a man to kneel before the LORD in prayer in the morning and later that same morning curse his brother. When his brother is stubborn that same man might harden his heart against his brother and act in anger. In very little time a man of prayer and worship becomes a grumbler and one who tests God—a man whose heart goes astray.

Examine your heart. With whom are you angry right now? What situation is making you grind your teeth? Where is the vexatious work of the Devil slipping past your defenses and gaining entrance into your heart? Confess it. Repent. Turn from you sin. For the wrath of the LORD, the God of vengeance, will repay the proud what they deserve. If your heart is proud and hardened against the LORD, tremble in fear. It is a terrible thing to face the loathing (that is intense disgust or hatred) of the LORD Who is the Great God.

Today, if you hear His voice, soften your heart toward Him. Humble yourself. Declare to Him your need for His Spirit to bring you to the cross of Christ, where the healing streams of God’s mercy flow down.

LORD, without Thee I can do nothing;
   with Thee I can do all.
Help me by Thy grace, that I fall not;
   help me by Thy strength to resist mightily
   the very first beginnings of evil,
     before it takes hold of me;
help me to cast myself at once at Thy sacred feet,
  and lie still there, until the storm be overpast;
  and, if I lose sight of Thee,
     bring me back quickly to Thee,
     and grant me to love Thee better,
     for Thy tender mercy's sake--Amen.
E.B. Pusey (1800 - 1882)

https://youtu.be/-3ksQDomRgk

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

March 20, 2022 -- Hebrews 5:12-14 -- Desiring solid food: the Word of Righteousness

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

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14 ESV

These are harsh words. They are deserved. Believers who have known the Father because of the work of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the Spirit (Who illuminates the Word so that the Triune God can be known) ought to be growing. This solid food which the passage speaks of is the study of the word. It is listening to the public reading of the Bible. Solid food is receiving the sacraments as a means of grace. Feeding on the solid food of the Gospel means that Jesus is so precious that what has an appearance of good, clothed in light, can be distinguished from that which is a difficult path, but truly is good and coming from the Father of Light.

Training in distinguishing good from evil is also an important part of attending church. The focus of meeting with other brothers and sisters in Christ is not to make you feel good. It is not for the purpose of critiquing the music, seeing if it matches your taste or preferences. No! Believers gather together in order to receive the solid food of Gospel. Believers gather in order to become mature in this precious faith and to be trained in distinguishing good from evil. It is not easily done. One must constantly be honed in service to the King of Glory. One must constantly be stripped of pride which so easily clings to your thoughts and assessment of yourself. To be training in the Word of righteousness is to have the Spirit of God opening to you the terrible beauty of God’s just judgments, His wrath and His mercy.

Father in heaven, thank You for appointing Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, Who prays for believers. Thank You, Father in Heaven and Jesus our Priest, for the gift of Your Spirit, through Whom believers are trained in righteousness. Forgive Your people for the laziness which leaves the Word closed and the heart flabby and disinclined to know good from evil. Triune God, reawaken in Your people, a holy desire to grow in righteousness, to grow in discernment and to grow in holy zeal which carries the Gospel forward to the ends of the earth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KtxE20nMZyk
 

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

March 17, 2022 -- II Timothy 2:24-26 -- What does it take to live in unity?

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

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
II Timothy 2:24-26 ESV

Some of you are aware that I receive donated yarn from various sources and with it make blankets to be donated to the families of seminary students in the Ukraine. While listening to the Bible read to me via a Bible app., I go row by row, making something for those who are in need. There are times when a ball of yarn has a tangle in it. The knot is a mess. If I am the least bit impatient with it, the knot will tighten and become even harder to disentangle. Worst case scenario, I have to cut out the sections that are too tangled to be used. Why mention this? Good question. Today’s passage speaks of brothers or sisters who are ensnared by the Devil. That is they have become entangled in the wicked schemes or sins from which they cannot seem to escape.

How do you correct a brother or a sister who has become so caught up in evil? First, you who are strong in the faith, pray. Then, gently correct one who is so bound up. Recognizing pulling at the sin or speaking too harshly will leave one thrashing and getting more tightly bound up. It is God Who grants repentance. It is the Spirit of the LORD Who gives grace “according to the promised of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 1:1). A brother or sister will not be won by your work or your anger or your words. It is prayer-filled, gentle correction which is Bible-based that will lead the one who is twisted up back out of the knottiness and get back into freedom.

The repentance the LORD gives may take time. What you have said must by applied by the Spirit to the places where the Spirit is working so it may take time for your words to get past the defenses of the one you care about. Or it may be this person’s conscience was already inflamed, on fire with guilt, and there needs to be time for the inflammation to decrease, which in turn allows for the loosening of bonds and a greater Spirit-aided facility to slip out of twisted situation.

It is the LORD our Father Who allows His Spirit to work in the life of the believer so that he will come to his senses and escape this trap. Allow the Spirit to work in the life of the one who is trapped. Trust that the power of Jesus’ resurrection will break every cord and the Father’s love will get past every impediment and this brother will rise, released from his captivity. Once released, when he remembers your Spirit-led gentleness, he will, unembarrassed or ashamed, be able to join you in blessing the LORD as a fellow servant.

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

Today's music is a rendition of Psalm 133:1

https://youtu.be/qAs3fKpZ4p8

March 16, 2022 -- I Timothy 6:12 -- In peace and in war, there is Jesus

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

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I Timothy 6:12 ESV

There is something about Zelensky that captures the imagination. Against overwhelming odds and being hard pressed on every side, he is working tirelessly to make the plight of the Ukrainian people known through-out the world. In war-torn settings, he is valiantly and constantly appealing for help and holding governments accountable for the promises that were made in peacetime. There is a stirring Bible-picture behind these actions, a backdrop that seems vast and right. But I would urge you to be cautious fellow believer; it is God alone Who knows the heart of every leader and every soldier. The Living God uses every circumstance so that people will not rely on their own strength or human help, which is vain. Instead, at the moment of truth, the LORD prompts you to ask: "where does my help come from?" (Psalm 121:1).

The Christian confesses the Eternal God is the shield and salvation of His people (Psalm 18:2). The man of God knows the LORD of heaven and earth will use every means necessary so that the thrones and powers of this age are exposed as evil and sin is thrown down; it is the LORD Who plants or uproots nations and powers (Jeremiah 1:10). His revealed purpose is that the whole earth will be judged against the standard of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:19-20).

The allegiance of the Christian is not primarily to a particular earthly country or kingdom—the Christian is a citizen of the Kingdom of Light where Christ is the King (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:12-14). The Christian knows that the order of this world will always be shattered and reshaped according to the holy purposes of the King of Heaven. Just think of the Bible example: Pharaoh thrown down; even God’s own kings, when they were unfaithful, were judged and thrown from power.

The good fight of faith requires the man of God to fix his eyes on Jesus Christ and serve Him only. The good fight of faith begins on your knees, appealing to God for His Spirit’s wisdom as you bury yourself in the Word of God. The good fight of faith recognizes that it is the good pleasure of the Sovereign of Heaven and Earth to uproot nations and overthrow kingdoms and raise others up in order that the glory of Jesus Christ will be revealed.

Pray that you will take hold of the eternal life which is given you in Jesus Christ.

Pray for the eyes of faith which will see this conflict in the light of God’s purposes—the elevation of Jesus Christ in the eyes of every nation, person and heart.

Pray for Christians in every land—Russia, the Ukraine, all the nations. 

Pray for Christian leaders, whom God has placed in strategic positions for a time such as this, to serve and act in accord with the eternal life to which they have been called.

Pray recognizing in the past the Sovereign LORD used faithless world leaders to discipline His people and bring about a change in powers which ultimately diffused greater evils and paved the way for renewal (think of the prophecy of Habakkuk).

O LORD, I have heard the report of you,
    and your work, O LORD, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
    in the midst of the years make it known;
    in wrath remember mercy.
  God came from Teman,
    and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His splendor covered the heavens,
    and the earth was full of his praise.
  His brightness was like the light;
    rays flashed from his hand;
    and there he veiled his power.
  Before him went pestilence,
    and plague followed at his heels.
 He stood and measured the earth;
    he looked and shook the nations;
then the eternal mountains were scattered;
    the everlasting hills sank low.
    His were the everlasting ways.
   yet, I will rejoice in the LORD;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:2-6;18 ESV

https://youtu.be/I4O1ga4Ed_o

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

March 15, 2022 -- Titus 1:9 -- Holding Tightly to the Word

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

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9 ESV

Recently I have been reading a book recommended by a colleague. I have been going through it at an intentionally slow pace, in order to reflect on it as I read and to savor each page. The paragraph of explanation and application printed below is a direct quotation. It is unusually long for this brief devotion, but it is so captivating and worth mulling over. May it bless you.

     It is, somewhere, justly remarked, by one of the most eloquent
     of living preachers (Dr. Chalmers) that, of all kinds of truth, the
     pure gospel of Jesus Christ is precisely that, and that alone for
     which there is no natural demand among men. All other kinds
     of truth are called for, even by unsanctified minds. Literary truth;
     philosophical truth; commercial truth; mechanical truth;—for all
     these there is a steady, and growing demand, as population
     becomes more extended and active; because for all of them,
     there is, among the diversified classes of society, a deep-seated,
     natural taste. But with regards to the most precious of all truth -
     that which relates to God, and the way of salvation, there is no
     natural demand among the mass of mankind.
THE PASTOR: HIS CALL, CHARACTER, AND WORK. Chapter 7. Holding Fast the Faithful Word, Samuel Miller, Aug. 26, 1829. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST. 2020, page 141

Yesterday I was listening to a podcast. There was a panel of well-known theologians and the audience was asking them a series of questions. Sinclair Ferguson was on the panel and in answer to a question (I don’t remember the question), he noted in reply, one of the Puritan writers used to say a believer sinned if he did not, in his heart and thoughts, long for the return of Jesus every day. I thought to myself, what a powerful image that is of a man holding firmly to the Word, grasping its implications and living it out, not merely as fact, but as a relationship with the Blessed God, Who is, forever more to be praised.

Our Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thank You for sending Him as the radiance of Your glory. Spirit of the Living God, awaken the minds of believers to be so captivated by Jesus that He is our best thought by day or by night; Spirit, stir our hearts so that Jesus is our deepest desire and our every longing will be centred on Him. God of Splendour and Majesty, may the word, so lived out in our thoughts and hearts, become so vibrant in us, it draws out curiosity from our family and peers such that they will ask to know Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/RRbK4HG22WU

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

March 14, 2022 -- II Thessalonians 3:10-13 -- The place of work in the life of the Christian

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

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
II Thessalonians 4:10-13 ESV

In a time where many restaurants and construction sites are hanging out signs “help wanted” these verses are a strong command to believers today. I wonder how many people who call themselves Christian have inappropriately collected CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit)? How many folks are capable of work but are collecting EI? How many are able-bodied but sitting at home collecting welfare? More than once the government has floated the crazy idea of a Universal Basic Income. It encourages people not to work. It is unpopular to speak this way, but Paul raises this point for believers.

Work is a creation order. Adam and Eve were commanded to work the garden. There is satisfaction in honest work. Those who are capable of working, but do not work, become lazy, busy-bodies, and begin tearing down their witness to Jesus. Those, who for reasons of circumstances (such as the loss of a spouse, or illness) cannot work, are to be cared for by family members or by people in the church. The reason is that a family (biological or spiritual) will not tolerate laziness and sponging behaviors.

Notice how deeply the people of Christ are called to know the lives of fellow believers. There needs to be accountability on how people in the family of God spend their time, their money, their energy and their free time. Those who are struggling need to be encouraged not to grow weary in doing good. That admonition in and of itself is significant. Given all the “free money” that is available, one might wonder ‘why bother’ to be good, contributing and hardworking, when the government is prepared to give money away? The bible forbids it. The word commands: do not grow weary in doing good. The reason for work or blessing those unable to work is grounded in the fact it is the Father in heaven Who has given strength, resilience, gifts and abilities for work so that Christians will be salt and light in the work-force and among their family members.

Thank You Father in heaven for the gift of work. Thank You that You have made Your people with gifts and abilities, talents and skills so that work is a joy as well as job. Father in heaven, by the powerful presence of Your Spirit in us and among us. Help us to use our work time and play time, our family time and retirement to bring honour and praise to Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, touch the conscience of those who are in the family of faith and are lazy or refuse to work. Convict the conscience of those who are not helping the Christian family in distress. Spirit of Truth, invigorate the sense of true community accountability among the family of believers so that working together and worshiping together, the beautiful Name of Jesus Christ is honoured to the praise and glory of the Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ccVEjKFkAV4

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

March 12, 2022 -- I Thessalonians 5:21 -- Rapid test for faithfulness

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

…test everything, hold fast to what is good.
I Thessalonians 5:21 ESV

By now, many of you are familiar with those pale green, oblong boxes that contain the COVID-19 Antigen rapid text kits. You could just roll your eyes at the remembrance of the first time you had to follow all the directions. Swab this. Put the liquid from the little pack into that tube. Wait this long for that and so long for this. It was confusing. There was one good thing which came from doing all the work: at the end of it, you knew if you tested positive for Covid, or negative. Based on the results you knew your next steps.

Why mention it? Paul, who with Silas and Timothy, planted the church in Thessalonica, gave important instructions on faithfulness. Likely they were not in the region very long; just long enough for the Spirit to use them to pull together gathering of new believer. So I Thessalonians has much instruction for the believers. At the end of this brief letter there is the command—test everything.

People who had not been Christians very long were exposed to all kinds of things in the world. Sins. Vices, Temptations that appear as light but are highly deceptive offerings which would drag one back to sin. Like the rapid test, at first it is more difficult to distinguish what things you need to do in order to prove you are free and clear of infection. Even believers, strong in the Lord, can be deceived if they are not on guard. Here is the test kit I Thessalonians offers. Let's see how free you are from sin's infection.

Examine your life, are you are imitating those who are godly in their conduct (1:6)? Do your actions bring joy to the Holy Spirit (1:6)? Is your conduct, public and private, a strong example of godliness to others who are new to the faith (1:7)? Is it your desire to please God, who tests hearts (2:4)? Do you readily and hungrily receive the word of God (2:13)? Are you are prepared to suffer for the sake of God and the Gospel (2:14)? Read the results now: are you infected with the vices and sins of the world? Confess your sins and be cleansed. Are you positive for full life in Christ? Call out to God in praise and thanksgiving.

Jesus, Ruler of all Nations, thank You for the rich salvation You have won for us at the cross so that we are named sons and daughters of God. Jesus, thank You, for sending us out, equipped with Your Spirit, to be an example of godliness to the world which is tearing itself apart in wickedness and sin. Triune God, forgive us for the times we have not tested our thoughts and actions to make sure they would be pleasing to You. Mighty God, for the sake of Jesus’ Name, direct us, once again, in the the life of godliness, that adventure of leaning fully into the life which pleases You and stretches the believer so that he will grow in healthy maturity by the power of the Spirit. O God of peace, sanctify us completely and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until the come of our Lord Jesus. You are faithful! Amen.

https://youtu.be/BXfwBETWQiU

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