May 13, 2022 -- Psalm 144:1-2 -- Christians as agent provocateurs

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

Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 144:1-2 ESV

Look at verse 2, the writer refers to the Living God as “my steadfast love”. The expression is not that of a man loving his wife, or a smitten man singing of his new love interest. In the Scriptures such steadfast love is one of the terms used to describe the covenant commitment of the Living God Who, despite man’s fickleness, waywardness and promiscuity, will direct His healing grace and salvific love to those whom He has appointed for life with Himself.

Now look at the context—our lives are filled with warfare. There is a constant battle for holiness and wholeness in the world around us. Consider this, the Canadian government’s January 2022 report noted there is no place in the Canadian military for Christian chaplains! In the name of inclusivity the Canadian government is issuing harshly exclusive laws. Being a Christian in Canada is to be counter-cultural and an oddity. Christians do not consider man the measure of all things; our lives are lived in submission to Jesus Christ. We are accountable to Him.

So it is the LORD our God Who trains us for this battle; He gifts us with the greatest gift of all: Himself. In this life we are not allied with the society or culture or the nation around us; we are infiltrators, we are agent provocateurs for the King of Glory. This world and all its people are His; for now we see much rebellion against His true reign, but like the Psalmist, we can see the glory of the True King, Who is subduing nations and kingdoms, prime ministers and princes so that one day His Kingdom will be fully revealed and fully realized and the all His enemies will be swept away.

MY DEAR LORD,
I can but tell thee that thou knowest
I long for nothing but thyself,
nothing but holiness,
nothing but union with thy will.
Thou hast given me these desires,
and thou alone canst give me the thing desired.
My soul longs for communion with thee,
for mortification of indwelling corruption,
especially spiritual pride.
How precious it is
to have a tender sense and clear apprehension
of the mystery of godliness,
of true holiness!
What a blessedness to be like thee
as much as it is possible for a creature to be like its Creator!
Lord, give me more of thy likeness;
Enlarge my soul to contain fullness of holiness;
Engage me to live more for thee.
Help me to be less pleased with my spiritual experiences,
and when I feel at ease after sweet communings,
teach me it is far too little I know and do.
Blessed Lord,
let me climb up near to thee,
and love, and long, and plead, and wrestle with thee,
and pant for deliverance from the body of sin,
for my heart is wandering and lifeless,
and my soul mourns to think it should ever lose sight of its Beloved.
Wrap my life in divine love,
and keep me ever desiring thee,
always humble and resigned to thy will,
more fixed on thyself,
that I may be more fitted for doing
and suffering.
"Longings After God" THE VALLEY OF VISION: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, page 231

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May 11, 2022 -- Mark 14:29 -- Rash vows and the Savior's Prayers

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

Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.”
Mark 14:29 ESV

It is easy to imagine that Peter fell away from Jesus at the moment in the courtyard where he denied knowing Jesus. As I re-read Mark 14 today, part of my morning devotions, I wondered, didn’t Peter actually begin his fall when he could not stay awake with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus warned him and asked him “Simon [Peter], are you asleep?” Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (verses 37-38). Even after that warning, Peter fell asleep a second time.

I have often said I can identify with Peter. Quick to speak, but much slower to engage the brain before speaking. I am like Peter, prepared to make bold statements in dedication to the Lord of Glory, but as quickly falling asleep when the hour of need is nigh.

Thanks be to God we have a Savior Who intercedes for us. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ Who never failed in prayer, in courage, in faithfulness. Thanks be to God, this same Spirit given to Jesus is given to all who believe.

Mighty King, seated at the Father’s right hand, thank You for Your prayers. Thank You that you know my weakness and know my failures—all of them—past, present and future. Thank You, Father in heaven and dear Savior beside Him, for the gift of Jesus Christ, given while I was yet a sinner. Blessed Spirit, thank You for Your presence in my life. Thank You that by the bequest of God You are given so that I have all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him Who called me to His own Glory. By Your work in me, Spirit of God, bring me to maturity in faith. Amen.

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May 10, 2022 -- Psalm 141:1-4 -- An Appropriate Morning Prayer

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

O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
    Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
    and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
    to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
    and let me not eat of their delicacies!
Psalm 141:1-4 ESV

This is an appropriate Psalm for the start of the day! The writer is seeking the protection of the LORD right from the outset of the day and imploring Him for His help to continue till the time when evening sacrifices are made. That makes sense, I too, need the help of the LORD all day and all night!

There is a verb which made me recall an earlier Bible scene. It is the verb guard. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, the LORD cast them out of that beautiful place. He placed a mighty angel at the entrance to the Garden, with a flaming sword that turned every way so that no one could pass by it and take from the Tree of Life—and live in sin for all ages. It is that picture which comes to mind as I read verse 3—that the LORD Himself in the same way, guard my mouth, even with a flaming sword so that no words would pass my lips that are ungracious, defaming of His glory, or discrediting to my Christian walk.

Thanks be to God, by His Spirit’s presence, my heart is becoming purified and my thoughts are being cleansed, but I know so much wickedness can still well up from within me. The Living Water given in Jesus Christ is constantly flowing into my mind, heart and life, displacing the cesspools of evil which are even now are becoming diluted from evil and cleansed.

I appreciate the urgency of the psalm-writer, who is asking for the power of God to resist the company of friends or co-workers, or family members—those who might have a claim on our lives—and use this claim to draw us into immoral or gross behavior. Even food can become a snare because it is at the table of friends we can let down our guard and engage in sinful words, or joking which lead to greater sins.

Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father and the Son give to believers the Holy Spirit, the very Person of Power Who strengthened Jesus in His humanity. As the Spirit guarded Jesus, so that same Spirit is given to you and to me, so that we have all things that pertain to life and godliness and knowledge. Now that is a great start to the day.

O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
    Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
    and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
    to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
    and let me not eat of their delicacies!
But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
    in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
Psalm 141:1-4, 8 ESV

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May 9, 2022 -- Mark 12:41-44 -- The LORD keeps vigil

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

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44 ESV

There is a good reason to read Scripture over and over again. Each time you’ll hear or notice something new. This morning in my devotion time this brief passage was part of my readings. I have often heard it. The focus, usually, in sermons I’ve heard or in my own reading has been on the widow herself, or the money she gave. Today, something else impacted me.

A little background first. I suppose it is because I was reading and preaching Exodus 12 recently, the exodus of Israel out of Egypt. It was the LORD Who kept vigil over His people (Ex. 12:42). That echoes through-out Scripture. The LORD is your keeper (He watches over you) by day and by night (Psalm 121:5-6). And there are many other places where one reads it is the LORD Who is watching His people. So, with this Scriptural echo reverberating through my mind, I was transfixed this time as I read what used to be fairly ordinary words: “Jesus sat down opposite the people putting money into the offering box” (verse 41). He knew she’d be there. He knew her poverty. He knew her state and need. He kept vigil, He was watching. This is God Incarnate, Jesus demonstrating what is ever-true in the heavenly places:

“The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over sojourners;
   He upholds the widow and the fatherless,
   but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.”
Psalm 146:8b-9 ESV

There Jesus is, seated in the temple, doing what His Father in heaven always does, He watches over those in need. Be warned, those who are wicked, the LORD sees. Be comforted and reassured, those who are weighed down by troubles, and cry out to the LORD, the LORD sees and is keeping vigil in love.

Read these verses, slowly, out-loud, as a recitation of praise to the LORD and be assured of His gracious promises to you.

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

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
    and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
    and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:25-31

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May 7, 2022 -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Jesus Does ALL Things Well

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

Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:31-37 ESV

Jesus strictly commanded those He’d healed not to tell others about Him. Notice that it is the whole of Jesus’ ministry that has the crowds talking and telling others; they declare "He has done all things well". From the start of Jesus' ministry the people reported of Jesus “He speaks as one Who has authority” (Mark 1:22). What impressed the people? It was the fact that He communicated the Word of God to the people of God. It was electrifying for them. They could not keep it to themselves.

Dear family in Christ, is that your experience of Jesus? Do you read of Him in the Bible, hear Him preached about on Sunday and does the Spirit so capture your heart that you can’t help but talk about Him? I ask that, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, pretty much aware of the answer already. Why is it that our experience of Jesus, in our personal times with Him each day, our Sunday times with Him, and our family devotion times do not motivate us to go out and tell the world? What has made your time with Him so stale that you are not declaring Him to all?

Pray for the Spirit’s work to reawaken your soul to delight in the Savior. Examine your life to see what sin might be hindering your walk with God. Then confess it, praying for forgiveness and strength to turn from it. Spend time with Christians whose walk you admire so that you will grow in delight of the LORD and boldly proclaim Him. Like the crowds that first encountered him, tell everyone you meet, Jesus has done all things well.

Recite this passage of Zephaniah as a poem of praise to God our Father and as a song of instruction, teaching you Who you are in Christ. Then powered by the Spirit, rejoice and the tell others what all the LORD our God is doing. 

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
    so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[c]
19 Behold, at that time I will deal
    with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
    and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
    and renown in all the earth.
20 At that time I will bring you in,
    at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
    among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
    before your eyes,” says the Lord.
Zephaniah 3:14-20 ESV

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May 6, 2022 -- Mark 6:14-20 -- He kept him safe

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

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
Mark 6:14-20 ESV

There is something beautiful about reading longer stretches of Scripture consecutively. First, what stood out in today’s reading is at verse 20, Herod knew John was a righteous and holy man, that is why Herod kept him safe. However, when Herod’s step-daughter danced a lustful dance, Herod made a rash vow, ask me for anything and I’ll give. She, incited by her mother, asked for John’s head on a platter. Herod did not keep this man, whom he respected, safe.

Second, I would have missed the contrasts which the previous chapter and later narratives highlight. Now the contrast. In chapter 5, Jesus went out of his way to save a man possessed by a legion of demons (Mark 5:1-20). Jesus kept him safe. A woman who’d had an issue of blood for 12 years and no doctor could help her. Jesus kept her safe (Mark 5:21ff). Jairus meanwhile was tapping his foot in impatience as his daughter was near to death and while Jesus stopped to help this other woman Jairus feared the worst. His daughter died. But death does not stop Jesus. He raised this little girl from the dead. Jesus kept a family safe from the clutches of evil.

Those whom the Father has appointed for eternal life will be saved. Those who are saved will suffer in this life; but they know the suffering they endured before their salvation, they lived lives devoid of holiness and honour. Now that Christ has lifted them from the hell-bound direction of their lives, such who are kept safe in Jesus are prepared to pour out their lives in sacrificial service to Him. It is the Spirit Who empowers holy living, so men like John, can declare the glory of God, even while in prison. No king kept John safe. Jesus, to Whom John gave his life in righteous service, saved him from the wrath of God and the clutches of hell, and delivered John safe to His Father in heaven.

Fellow believer, read the flow of Bible history. The Father is faithful. The Father keeps His promise of steadfast covenant love so that in Christ all are kept safe. The Father and the Son pour out the Spirit so that those who are saved by grace to the glory of the Father can give their lives in righteous and holy service to the Triune God, in Whom is all protection and safety now and for eternity.

Heavenly Father!
Thou hast led me singing to the cross
where I fling down all my
burdens and see them vanish,
where my mountains of guilt are leveled to a plain,
where my sins disappear, though they are
the greatest that exist,
and are more in number than the grains of fine sand;
For there is power in the blood of Calvary
to destroy sins more than can be counted
even by one from the choir of heaven.
Thou hast given me a hill-side spring that
washes clear and white,
and I go as a sinner to its waters, 
bathing without hindrance in its crystal streams.
At the cross there is free forgiveness
for poor and meek ones,
and ample blessings that last forever;
The blood of the Lamb is like a great river of infinite grace
with never any diminishing of its fullness
as thirsty ones without number drink of it.
O Lord, forever will thy free forgiveness live
that was gained on the mount of blood,
In the midst of a world of pain it
is a subject for praise in every place a song on earth,
anthem in heaven,
its love and virtue knowing no end.
I have a longing for the world above 
where multitudes sing the great song,
for my soul was never created to love the dust of earth.
Though here my spiritual state is frail and poor,
I shall go on singing Calvary’s anthem.
May I always know that a clean heart
full of goodness is more beautiful than the lily,
that only a clean heart can sing by night
and by day, that such a heart is mine
when I abide at Calvary.
"CALVARY'S ANTHEM" Valley of Vision, page 314

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May 4, 2022 -- Mark 2:15-17 -- Confronted by the Great Physician

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

And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17 ESV

Jesus was eating at Levi’s house—a man who was a hated agent for the Romans. He betrayed his fellow Jews by collecting Roman taxes for them, and overcharging his own people in order to line his own pockets. The words of the religious leaders (Pharisees and their scribes) are so willfully self-ignorant it is painful. They demand of Jesus' disciples--so sowing in them seeds of doubting the goodness of God, just like the serpent did in the Garden of Eden--"Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Who are the sinners? If the religious leaders had just read the Old Testament faithfully they would hear what Paul summarized in Romans 3:22-23 “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

The tax collectors and others sinners were drawn to Jesus because they were made aware of their sin, which like a cancer was killing them. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had all the signs of a cancerous-sin condition, but refused to acknowledge it or get the help of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. It is much worse for the religious leaders because they understood the Old Testament, they know the judgment of God against the wicked, but they still refused the prophets’ warnings and teachers from the Old Testament who exposed the sins of all the people.

Very bluntly, this is why prison ministry is so appealing to me. I meet with men who know they are sinners. They have been convicted by the courts, and by their own conscience. They know the sins of the men around them. When you speak Good News to them, they are thirsty. Amazed at the Living Water Jesus brings. This is why church ministry is often so difficult for me. Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, many in the pews believe themselves far superior to “those sinners out there” and therefore, they are in a cancerous-sin-state, unaware of their great need for healing—the very healing Jesus brings to all who know their need of Him.

There is no sin so great that the cross has not disarmed it. The punishment against sin was taken by the Great Physician Jesus Christ. To know who know they are debtors to Jesus, being made aware of one’s own sinfulness is not anger-provoking, it draws from the lips of believers a volley of thanksgiving and praise. Who is like our God—rich in mercy and having unfathomable depths of steadfast love for ruined sinners. Blessed be His Name.

Now, now is the day of repentance. Now is the day to acknowledge how great are your sins. If you're already a pew-sitter, or a tax-collector sinner, know and believer how much greater, infinitely greater, is the Great Physician Who heals you and brings you to the Father. You are those who were gross sinners, but now you can be presented as those made clean by His shed blood. How great is Jesus our Healer, Who plants within us the Holy Spirit so that the cancer of sin will never again reclaim us. The Spirit is the guarantee of this great salvation given to us by the gracious Father through the redeeming work of Jesus!

Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,
You have opened a new and living way
by which a fallen creature can approach you with acceptance.
Help me to contemplate the dignity of your Person,
the perfectness of your sacrifice, 
the effectiveness of your intercession.
O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
the cares that corrode me,
the fears that disturb me,
the infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to you in my need
and feel peace beyond understanding!
The grace that restores is necessary to preserve,
lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here your saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich,
bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.
Every new duty calls for more grace
than I now possess,
but not more than is found in you,
the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.
To you I repair for grace upon grace,
until every void made by sin be replenished
and I am filled with all your fullness.
May my desires be enlarged and my hopes be emboldened,
that I may honor you by my entire dependency
and the greatness of my expectation.
Be with me, and prepare me for all
the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance, the death of friends,
the days of darkness, the changes of life,
and the last great change of all.
May I find your grace
sufficient for all my needs.
"GRACE ACTIVE" from Valley of Vision, page 214

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May 3, 2022 -- Philippians 2:12-16 -- Throwing down respectable sins

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

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 
Philippians 2:12-16 ESV

Not that long ago I heard a marvelous, piercing-the-conscience teaching on “respectable sins”. The day was long and there were a few podcasts I listened to and I cannot recall exactly who the speaker was. All I know is the topic struck a chord with me. Of course we all affirm “big sins” like murder or stealing are unacceptable. We know the 10 Commandments quite well and realize the things we are not supposed to do. But there are insidious, brain-worm sins that wheedle their way into the fabric of the day and are not as well-known, nor immediately cut out of our lives.

How many of us are grumblers? Under the breath we protest against what it is we know we should be doing but are finding reasons or justifications not to do so. Or the grumbling is murmuring of discontent as we are internally arguing against the boss who gave us a proper directive but our pride was wounded. Grumbling against a leader is in fact, complaining against the Living God Who has saved you and Who is by His Spirit giving you the will and the ability to work. Grumbling is a direct refusal of the Spirit’s directive work in your life.

Disputing is a tough one as well, a respectable sin that is boring holes in the fabric of your life so that your witness is discredited. How often a Christian will dispute before the full command is given. Isn’t it true that disputing happens almost on automatic pilot, because a heart is puffed up with its own self-importance and is not humble enough to yield to the Living God?

Rather than grumbling, the believer is called to pray to the Living God, asking for the vulnerability to see his error and know his weakness and despite such to have the courage and strength to fight against his flesh and inertia. Rather than grumble the believer who has “prayed himself up” addresses perceived wrongs and is prepared to admit his own wayward thinking should that be pointed out to him.

Instead of disputing, the brother or sister in Christ is confident of his standing before God and is therefore able to hold his tongue until he sees the purpose of a directive. Sometimes an order will seem arbitrary to the one receiving it until a broader plan unfolds and in the working out of the thing reveals its reasonableness. In an age of social media where all the platforms encourage disputing and senseless argumentation, it is hard for Christians to regain a sense of proportion and restrain himself from automatic disputing.

What is the antidote to grumbling and disputing? It is a heart filled with thankfulness, awed by the gracious work of God that continues to bless the Christian. When one is holding fast to the Word of God, the fickleness of man is constantly being exposed, but one who is dedicated to the Living God finds life that is full and joyous. Even hardships are transformed—as Mary Poppins sang, a ‘spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down’. The sugar is the delightfulness of the nearness of God, the medicine is the work we are called to do, striving against the contrariness and rebellion of the world, devil and even our own flesh. The Psalmist proclaimed, “You make know the path of life; in Your Presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11 ESV).

O LORD, the Salvation of ruined sinners, rescuing them in Jesus Christ--You are the glory of Your people. You are the highest desire of the soul and the best aspiration of the mind; You are worthy of all blessing and service. Forgive us for the softheaded acquiescence with the world that leads us to places where we murmur and grumble against You. Spirit of the Living God, revive us so that our lives, gripped by the Father Who pours out a steady stream of grace in Jesus, are lived in whole-hearted obedience and enthusiastic humility. Help us, Spirit of God, to fight against our own flesh and inertia. Aid us, Spirit of God to stand against the influence of worldliness. Triune God, our Rescue Story, guard us from the schemes and wiles of the devil and all his demonic agents. Preserve us, O God, for in You we take refuge; You are the LORD, our LORD; apart from You we have no good thing! Amen.
 

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May 2, 2022 -- Exodus 12:38 -- In the Exodus a Mixed Multitude

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

A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
Exodus 12:38 ESV

Think of it, when Moses and Aaron led the people of the LORD out of the land of Egypt, 600,000 men left, added to that number is their women and children. Now, add to that number this teaching from Exodus 12:38. Besides the 600,000 Israelite men there was added to them a mixed multitude. This is important. You can see from the very beginning of the Bible that it is the intention of the LORD to have His people be a light to the nations so that many people will join with the people of God.

It was the power of the LORD which wore Pharaoh down in such a way that Pharaoh was not strong enough to be angry with the LORD and kill all the people of the LORD, nor was he so powerless that his leaders deposed him. The power of the LORD was so great that some Egyptians and some foreigners who together formed a multitude, a great number of people, who had lived among the Egyptians, this great company of people left family, wealth and land and joined themselves to the people of the Living God.

Beloved, that should impact us powerfully as well. Our lives as men and women devoted to Jesus Christ should shine out from our lives in such a way that others will join us in following Him. We have, like the Israelites left Egypt, the land of slavery to sin. We have, like the Israelites, been shielded by the blood of the Lamb—they by a lamb a year old, and we by the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. The Egyptians were plundered by the Israelites, the followers of Jesus have all things needed for life. Our Father in heaven supplies our daily bread, all that is needed for spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. May the people God has placed in our lives see the Mighty Grace and Goodness of God poured out in Jesus Christ and see the outworking of the Spirit in such a way that they too will join us to follow Jesus.

Mighty God, just and true, great is Your work of salvation in and among us. May the Light of Your glory shine out from us in such a brilliant way that Christ is exalted. Spirit of the Living God, use our words of witness and words of confession in such a way that many will be drawn to Jesus Christ and forsaking all, honour Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/NXSGpvDArr4

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

April 30, 2022 -- Psalm 90:14; 42:8 -- Open yourself up to the never-ending steadfast love of the LORD

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

Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love,
   that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 ESV

By day the the LORD commands His steadfast love,
   and at night His song is with me,
   a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42:8 ESV

What do you do when your feet hit the floor in the morning? Maybe after your coffee is brewed, or your tea is steeped, do you with steaming cup in hand, scroll through social media to see if anyone liked your posts? Do you tweet an opinion about something with the hope that you’ll get a heart response? Dear, fellow lonely creature, look to God at the start of and the end of the day.

The psalm-writer calls out to the LORD at the start of the day, perhaps before anyone else is awake, and his heart is yearning, hungry, restless. He calls out to the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and Earth trusting in His steadfast love. That expression, steadfast love, is translated as mercy in some other versions. The original language Hebrew word is Hesed. It is the covenant love of God the Father, whereby He has chosen people to be His Own. Such people are sinners, saved by the blood of Jesus. Such people are prone to wander and yet, have been captured by His grace and never-ending patience.

In the morning and at night the steadfast love of the LORD surrounds you, fellow believer. There is no place on earth or in the furthest depths one can go where the LORD is not already present. There is no moment of the day that is free from sacredness. What a concept that is. It is especially potent knowing the LORD commands His love even at night. In the second text the context of the whole Psalm is the writer's battle against depression and discouragement. His soul is thirsting for the Living God and tears have been his food, day and night. What stops the flow of tears? It is preaching to his soul the steadfast, covenant, love and mercy and patience of the God of glory. He is commanding his soul to open up and receive the steadfast love of God that has never, not even for a nanosecond, halted.

If you have poured out your heart on tweets and posts and no one has noticed, commented, or liked, remember this, the LORD has not stopped looking at you. Psalm 33, “behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him” (verse 18). Behold means, see and take notice, place this in the safe-keeping of your heart—the LORD has His eye on you, He will not leave you nor abandon you. Such a steady stream of love lifts you from the pit of depression. Such amazing love directs your steps in holiness. Such steadfast love surrounds you so that you are a living witness to His goodness in every part of your life and in every moment of your life. Such steadfast love prompts you to valiant acts of obedience in honour of His Name, whether or not anyone else on earth notices. The LORD has directed His steadfast love toward you. Rejoice and sing! Serve your King!

Our soul waits for the LORD;
   He is our Help and our Shield.
For our heart is glad in Him,
   because we trust in His holy Name.
Let Your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
   even as we hope in You.
Psalm 33:20-22 ESV

https://youtu.be/FMBRLq0-y9Q

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

April 29, 2022 -- Matthew 20:20-28 -- untitled

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

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:20-28 ESV

Talk about a proud, pushy mom—she’d give soccer moms and pageant moms are run for their money. The mother of these grown men, the sons of Zebedee, is pushing her sons forward completely oblivious to what Jesus is doing and blind to the implications of what she is asking. She is kneeling before Him, the Suffering Servant, and asking that her boys have a guaranteed short-cut to thrones, exalted thrones, for all eternity.

The meek and truthful response Jesus offers is evidence He is the Messiah, Master of His emotions, tongue and Lord every situation. He exposes the folly of this woman, the prideful complicity of the men to their mother’s request (note that Jesus asked them, James and John if they thought they could suffer like He suffers and would suffer). Jesus leaves the question hanging in the air. Readers of the Gospel according to Matthew know how this turns out.

All the disciples will abandon Jesus—it is not just Peter who betrays Jesus, each one at the Garden of Gethsemane proves their need for a Savior. After the resurrection, these sons of Zebedee do not have confidence Jesus is risen from the dead. They prove they are not able to drink the cup that Jesus drinks. In fact, no follower of Jesus past, present or future can endure all Jesus did to bring many sons and daughters to glory!

Dear people of the Father, you are made sons and daughters by the blood of Jesus, the Suffering-Servant, now King of Glory. How often we want short cuts. We would serve Jesus, but we want it to be easier, quicker, and have more guarantees which the efforts of others, but not on our own efforts and exhausting exertions.

To the sons of Zebedee, and to you and me, Jesus replied to all people's yearnings for a quick and easy path to glory, cutting off any hope for a Christian life of ease—the path of service given unto Jesus Christ is one of serving, giving, and pouring out one’s life in obedience to the Living God. Jesus knew He was giving up His life and serving even to the point of death. He knew He was pouring out His life, in full obedience to the Father, and doing so among those who did not understand. He served though His followers have an inflated view of self and a great disrespect for the others, even others for whom Jesus died.

It is the path of Jesus’ suffering which wins for believers the crown of glory. It is the work of the Spirit to humble the hearts of believers before Jesus. The Word of God exposes the folly and the pride of Christians and pulls from our lips the confessions of our vanity and false pride. Delight in this, fellow-Christian, the Savior, meek and mild in responding to soccer moms and boastful sons is patient in bringing you to completion in His full salvation. This Jesus is also fierce in His protection of your life. At the cross He disarmed the hosts of hell. His Father is the wall of fire surrounding His people. The Spirit is the deposit guaranteeing your eternal salvation. Triune God will bring you safe to His presence. In view of this, go, and serve Your King!

Who is a god like You?! Your steadfast love, O God of Heaven's armies, is beyond description! King Jesus, Mighty Savior, Suffering Servant, Desired One of all Nations, blessed be Your Name now and forever more. Equip us Spirit of God, to abase ourselves, emptying ourselves of all pride so that the flood of grace which flows from the throne of Jesus Christ may cleanse us and renew in us joy-filled, obedient service. Amen.

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

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

April 28, 2022 -- Psalm 147:1-5 -- Praising the Omnipotent One Who cares for you and me

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

Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant,[a] and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
Psalm 147:1-6 ESV

[a] or it could read: “for he is beautiful”

There is a lingering memory in our family of the years when our children were growing up. We had three children and at any given time we might have one, or two, or up to three foster children in the house at the same time. When Carolyn was exasperated with one, she’d call out for him (or her). However, because she was flustered she might call out one name, though everyone knew she actually intended to summon someone else (!); then call out another name and finally get to the name of child she actually wanted. She hadn’t exactly forgotten the name of her child, she was just thrown off balance by her agitation. What is funny is Carolyn’s mom did exactly the same thing, running through the names of her children until she reached the right one whom she wanted to scold or command. Look at verse 4, the LORD determines the number of stars and He give to all their names. He doesn’t forget. Every nanosecond they are sustained by His might and it costs Him nothing to keep the hurtling solar systems in perfect check. He simultaneously knows every single one of the stars. Awesome!

The mighty power of the LORD God—evidenced by the starry hosts and His complete knowledge of and sustaining of each one--means that it is a simple matter for Him to care for His people. It is easy to feel neglected, like a speck of sand on an endless seashore and wonder: “God, do you truly care for me?

He Who is powerful in every way (therefore powerful enough to help you) is also He Who is loving and willing to help you. The fact you are asking this question means He is paying attention to your wounds. He heals the brokenhearted. He has answered your every wound in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Father’s wrath against your sin has been averted. Now Jesus, as the LORD of the Church, gathers His revivified people by His Spirit and brings them to the place where they are protected by the fiery walls of God’s grace and glory (Zechariah 2:5).

Reflecting on the beauty of our God, the splendour of His might and evidences of His grace changes our attitude, our awareness, our heart. In view of Who He Is, the soul captivated by His beauty, can not do anything but break out into praise. The heart determines the course of your life—this God is Great and Abundant in Power and He has revealed Himself to this poor man. Therefore, it is the purpose of this once-entombed-in-the-poverty-of-sin man to give his life to singing to the LORD with thanksgiving and continuously hoping in His steadfast love.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
   make melody to our God on the lyre!
He covers the heavens with clouds;
   he prepares the rain for the earth;
   he makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the beasts their food,
   and to the young ravens that cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
   nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
   in those who hope in his steadfast love. 
Today's prayer is: Psalm 147:7-11 ESV

https://youtu.be/0nnkkra4FwY

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

April 27, 2022 -- Zechariah 2:1-5 -- God's gift of hope revived

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

And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand! 2 Then I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” 3 And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him 4 and said to him, “Run, say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. 5 And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.’”
Zechariah 2:1-5 ESV

It has been said a man can live 40 days without eating, three days neither eating nor drinking anything, but cannot survive a single day without hope. Zechariah is prophesying to a community of exiles who'd recently been returned to the Promised Land. This people were supposed to rebuild the temple and inhabit Jerusalem. Instead of doing this, they languished. Broken and dispirited. The hope had fled from them. They were sinners, descended from sinners, far from the realization of the nearness of the grace of God. So, the LORD spoke, to revive His people, to grace His people with a vision of hope.

A city without walls was unprotected. It would be vulnerable to the attacks of surrounding nations. Surely the people just returned from exile would be too exhausted to contemplate any disaster or face any threat. The LORD showed them His gracious presence. Jerusalem would be without walls, so that it would be open enough to accommodate any and all the people who would choose to return there. It is an inviting picture, a sign of welcome to those who return from foreign wandering.

And the LORD will be a wall of fire all around Jerusalem. What a show of strength and protection that is. Imagine it, a city ringed by divine fire! No one would dare attack that for any enemy would not be facing dispirited, helpless people, but would be facing the very strength and unlimited power of the Living God Who pledged Himself to protect His people. 

This people will be orphaned no more. They are given a land, given protection, and given a Father. The glory of the LORD will be in their midst. Those who are Christians, read this passage as interpreters who see with the clarity of the New Testament. We know glory of the LORD visited His people in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the glory of God, come to earth, to rescue the exiles, find the lost and break the chains of those enslaved to sin and bound over to the wrath of God.

The long-ago prophesied fire did fall, it fell at Pentecost, when the Spirit of God made the dwelling place of God to be limitless—an ever-expanding city to encompass the ever-expanding people of God. The people of God have a name—sons and daughters of the Most High God who have been made such by the blood of Jesus Christ. The family of God are walled in by His holy fire, so that their lives, their work, and even their death all these happen under the ever-vigilant care of the One Who is able raise up the dead to newness of life.

People of God, live in hope! See the power of God at work right now—that power which is a wall of fire around you, bringing you safely through the sufferings of this world, as your life and words bear witness to Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God continuously gives you the assurance that the glory of the LORD is near you right now and will be everlastingly visible and known to you in eternity!

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 
Blessing and prayer: Romans 15:13 ESV

https://youtu.be/Jcl6WSNVcHM

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

April 25, 2022 -- Leviticus 19:1-2 -- Holy messengers

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

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:1-2 ESV

[Jesus said] “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV

Why is the holiness of God’s people so important? Here is a wonderful illustration (I heard it two times yesterday, in two different sermon podcasts, from two different ministers!). Imagine you are having brain surgery. You are anaesthetized, but wide-awake so that the surgeon can make sure you are responding well; also being alert will help the surgeon know the fix he is effecting won’t cause more damage to nerves, or major organs and so on. Midway through the surgery, the doctor drops the scalpel. You see him wipe it on his gown, which you plainly observe is soaked in your blood. The scalpel remains dirty and there is a long hair on it. He then takes it and wipes the scalpel under his armpit and there is no more visible blood on it. The hair which had just previously been tenaciously clinging to it is gone. Would you be frightened? Terrified if the doctor continued to use this scalpel on you? You bet. So unclean. Such an invitation for gross infection.

The people of God are sent as heralds, in the Name of the Great Physician. We apply the Word. Holy people speaking the Word of the Holy One show the sin-damage the heart and the head unsanctified people carry. As witnesses, we declare what God has decreed, the danger of remaining sin-stained when such a state will invoke the wrath of the Physician, the Very God Who has given the cure in Christ.

A sin-carrying herald, like dirty scalpel, cannot work on a heart or head that needs to be clean. Such a sin-infected herald would spread the infection of sin even further. Be clean, people of God. Cleansed by the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, kept clean and holy by the Spirit Who works in you. As those so cleansed, like the sterilized scalpel, can declare the healing work of Jesus Christ to any and all who are now condemned by the wrath of God against sin. The Father in heaven has given the cure, Jesus Christ.

Almighty God, before Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your Holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord — Amen.
Prayer, Gregorian Sacramentary, A.D. 590

https://youtu.be/I_402FDIG_Y

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

April 23, 2022 -- Matthew 12:9-14 -- Is there a treasure of evil or good in your heart?

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

He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
Matthew 12:9-14 ESV

Two things should be immediately obvious from this brief text. 1. The Pharisees are not interested in Jesus’ answer. They’d already decided against Him and were seeking to trap Him and accuse Him. 2. The Pharisees were blind to their own deep-seated wickedness. They’d pretended to care about the LORD’s law concerning the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) in order to trap Jesus. Notice how the vile blackness of their hearts was revealed in the fact they were prepared to plan how to kill Jesus, and that on the Sabbath, the very day which they’d so duplicitously presented to Jesus as the day they would keep holy.

Jesus noted, just a few verses later, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil” (Mathew 12:34b-35).

What is gushing out of your mouth—in public and in private? What are you mulling over in your heart and mind? Is your heart abounding in good and striving to be more like Jesus or are you, like the Pharisees, hoarding evil treasures and dispensing evil? Now is the day of salvation. Now is the day—if you hear Jesus’ voice, to turn away from you sin and so confess God is just in condemning sinners and vast in His loving-kindness whereby He punished Jesus in the place of sinners and gives to them the righteousness of Christ. Right now, your reaction and your thoughts either condemn you as belonging to demons, or as those made good in Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, we
behold the Servant You have chosen,
   Your Beloved, with Whom Your soul is well-pleased.
You have put Your Spirit on Him,
   and He proclaims justice to the Gentiles.
He did not quarrel or cry aloud,
   nor did anyone hear His voice in the streets;
a bruised reed He did not, nor does He, break,
   and a smoldering wick He will not quench,
until He brings justice to victory;
   and in His Name the Gentiles will hope.
Prayer based Isaiah 42:1-4

https://youtu.be/mH3I_6hvLyc

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

April 21, 2022 -- Matthew 9:26-38 -- Pray to the Lord of the Harvest

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

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:36-38 ESV

Currently, all around my city, Moncton, NB., there are signs in store windows, restaurants and gas stations “Apply within”. All kinds of jobs are available. I heard that one of the fast-food restaurants is even offering a $200.00 signing bonus. There is a lot of work available and there is a huge work-force sitting at home. Many people who are not prepared to go out and get a job.

When Jesus entered a town He healed the sick; He cast out demons; He taught as one who has authority; He had compassion on those who were harassed. Those who are followers of Jesus Christ cannot be all those things to all the people in need. The one who follows Jesus Christ is given talents, spiritual gifts, so that according to the gifting he has been given by the Holy Spirit, he’ll have a Christian inclination and ability to meet a need.

Some Christians want equitable distribution of food and appropriate housing and as they advocate for this are regularly mentoring those in need; it is a harvest field. Some Christians love to educate others, it is a harvest field. Some Christians are great at meeting their neighbours by getting involved in community events; it is a harvest field. Some Christians are wonderful at helping those who are in physical distress or mental distress; it is their harvest field. Some Christians are fitness buffs; it is their harvest field to share this passion and use it to reach others.

The command to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” is in fact a command aimed at you, Christian, to see where you fit in God’s plan to preach the Gospel. By your words, putting to use your skills and actions you will reach the lost. The harvest field will be gathered. There are help wanted signs all around you. Your particular gift mix is needed right now. Pray. Get up and answer that help wanted sign to the glory of the Lord of the Harvest.

Lord of the Harvest, thank You for Your great compassion for Your people. Thank You that we ourselves have experienced Your great grace and healing love. Lord of the Harvest, send out labourers into the harvest field so that the Father's love will be deeply felt and embraced by many. Lord of the Harvest, continually fill us by by Your Spirit so that endlessly supplied with all grace, mercy, and peace which is anchored in Jesus' accomplished work, Your labourers will be prepared for the hardships and victories; the suffering and the blessing of shepherding. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Ngoit0sRTWY

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

April 20, 2022 -- Matthew 7:28-29 -- Jesus' astonishing authority

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

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Matthew 7:28-29 ESV

When was the last time the Word of God left you astonished? Yesterday I was teaching in a jail and three men attended the Bible study. One was a Christian. The two others came out because they are curious about the faith. The Bible course material took the men through the basics of the faith—God created the heavens and the earth, all people are descended from Adam and Eve, the sin of Adam affects all people because we are all one race, Jesus is the new Adam. The heavens declare the glory of God and the Bible makes it plain all people know God exists and He is divine, and the Scriptures show Jesus, the full revelation of the Father. Those who confess their sins receive forgiveness.

One man declared—"I knew it!" His eyes lit up and I could hardly keep him from talking through-out the rest of the study--he wanted to hear it all and at the same time he wanted to affirm it all. "We are all one family." He blurted out. "I am black and Asian, I am part white and part Aboriginal—because we all belong to God as one people."

At a moment like that surely you can see it is the Word of God which points to Jesus Christ; He has all authority. His teaching is accompanied by the dynamic Spirit. It is the most exciting thing to teach in the Name of Jesus and see men respond with wonder and thirsty joy.

The man at the Bible Study asked for a Bible. Sometimes I wonder—do we as Christians really understand the power of the Gospel? Do you know the Word is dynamite? Thanks be to God Who by His Spirit continues to make the teaching of Jesus astonishing and life-changing.

Father in heaven—thank You that You reveal Yourself in creation and that You reveal Yourself most perfectly in Jesus Christ—the Living Word. Spirit of God thank You for bringing to us the Light of Jesus and the power of His astonishing life and work. Bless these men who are attending this Bible study; and bless all who are incarcerated and interested in Your Word—may the breath-taking news of Jesus put to death the old nature and things of sin and by Your Spirit breathe new life into lungs, hearts, and minds which have been prepared for the glory of our Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/nzy7jFNUc3w
 

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

April 19, 2022 -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- The Light of Christ

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

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

Have you ever seen a picture where the dark side of the earth is in view and piercing the darkness is every point of light—cities and airports, street-lights and highways—all of them shine brightly into the gloom? It is awesome to see how powerful light is effectively piercing all the darkness. Light cannot be denied.

When someone is wrapped in darkness, your light of faith is the most welcome sight, a bright hope.

When pleasures of sin have been exposed, shown to be nothing more than a banquet in the grave, and the one in its stranglehold sees the light of Christ shining from you, a believer, that light offers an alternative which cannot be denied. The Spirit of God draws sinners to the light of Christ.

When a fellow brother or sister in Christ is discouraged and broken down the grace of seeing the bright light of Christ which shines out from your good works will reignite in the heart the brightness of faith.

When you tip your candle towards another, unlit candle, you light that other candle and doing so doesn’t diminish the strength of your light, it merely increases the reach of available light. That is an illustration of the glory of God. He sent the Light of Jesus Christ into this world. All who believe in Jesus are set ablaze by the Spirit. The Spirit keeps the fire burning and believers carry this light everywhere and so, in the power of Jesus’ Name, dispel the darkness.

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
    Your faithfulness to the clouds.
 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
    Your judgments are like the great deep;
    man and beast You save, O LORD.

For with You is the fountain of life;
    in Your Light do we see light.

 Oh, continue Your steadfast love to those who know You,
    and Your righteousness to the upright of heart!
How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!
Psalm 36:5-6; 9, 7a

https://youtu.be/FcD9uhRC3Ew

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

April 18, 2022 -- Psalm 119:32 -- Enlarge my heart

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

I will run in the way of Your commandments
   when You enlarge my heart.
Psalm 119:32 ESV

Awake, O harp and lyre!
   I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples;
   I will sing praises to You among the nations.
   For Your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
   Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 108:2-4 ESV

Resurrection Sunday—the joy-filled psalms, spiritual songs and hymns of praise reverberate on our lips and our rebound in our soul. It is the mind captivated by the splendor of God and His redeeming work that swells with praise and worship. It is a swirling kaleidoscope of heart-felt emotions and exultation which are offered to the Father for the gift of King Jesus and His glorious resurrection. It is what Psalm 108 seems to capture. Yet, I am aware how praises and blessings offered up to the Living God fall short.

It takes the work of the Spirit to enlarge my heart so that praises swelling within my heart do not fall silent shortly after the church service does.

It takes the work of the Spirit to enlarge my heart so that the bliss of celebrating God’s goodness can be sustained. I am most aware of my finite humanity on days of celebration and blessing because wonder cannot be sustained.

Oh, doesn’t it make you long for eternity? Then God the Father will be fully present and unveiled to His people; the work of Jesus will be fully applied so that even death itself will be thrown down and be no more. The Spirit of God will do His enlarging work so that our capacity for remaining in such joy-filled bliss and sustaining worship will not tear us apart or end.

One day this prayer from Psalm 119 will be fully answered, the people of God will have their hearts enlarged. Joy will not be temporary. The people of God in the presence of God will be rejoicing and there will be sustained praise, honour and blessing that stretches down the corridors of eternity, ever increasing to the glory of the King of Glory Who alone dwells in unapproachable light!

God, from the beginning, You were the word. You sent Your only Son to save us all and He even allowed Himself to be tortured and crucified to obey You. Bless me with the gift of understanding and of unshaken faith in You. By Your Spirit's power working in me, let me know the meaning of Your words in the Bible and to live accordingly. Open the door of my heart, and fill me with Your light and understanding. Amen.

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April 16, 2022 -- Jeremiah 3:12b -- Between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday: Reflections

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

“Return, faithless Israel,
declares the LORD.
I will not look on you in anger,
for I am merciful,
declares the LORD;
I will not be angry forever.”
Jeremiah 3:12b ESV

At a recent church meeting there was a big box of books available, for free, for anyone who wanted to take one. The book’s title is: “Inexpressible Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness”. It is written by Michael Card, a musician and theologian I admire. I am thoroughly enjoying the book and reveling in the richness of the meaning of the Hebrew word Hesed—which in English can be translated: mercy, merciful (as in our passage today); lovingkindness; divine kindness; graciousness; covenant friendship—in fact it is a word that Card argues is unique to Hebrew thought and therefore very difficult to translate into other languages.

It is the Saturday, that odd what-are-we-supposed-to-do day between Good Friday and the exuberant celebration of Sunday, Jesus’ resurrection? It is a strange time in many ways—what do you call it? How is it celebrated? You can find all kinds of rules about fasting and what services to hold or not to hold. Today Jeremiah’s words echo with great clarity for me—it is obvious that the people of the LORD are faithless—but He is faithful, merciful, loving, kind, ardent in His zeal for His lost people, compassionate.

The disciples were scattered, unable to process all the promises of the Old Testament—and Jesus is in the tomb, fighting for their victory. He died in their place, He the faithful One sent by the Father for the rescue of faithless, slow-to-believe people. This people will be captured by His Hesed.

Crowder sings, “I’m the one who held the nail…I’m the one who denied You with my lips'“. That seems a fitting line for Holy Saturday—a meditation on the great explosion of my sins and uncontainable contamination of my mind—my great faithlessness today, more than ever is met by the Hesed—the matchless loving-kindness and mercy of God abounding for me in Jesus Christ. I think today is a day for awe and Spirit-led reflection, prayer which will swell to Resurrection thanksgiving.

O LORD, I fling myself
   with all my weakness and misery
   into Thy ever-open arms.
I know that I am ignorant and much mistaken about myself.
Thou, Who seest in very truth, look mercifully on me.
Lay Thy healing hand upon my wounds.
Pour the life-giving balm of Thy love into my heart.
Do for me what I have not the courage to do for myself.
    Save me in spite of myself.
May I be Thine, wholly Thine, and, at all costs, Thine;
   in humiliation, in poverty, in suffering, in self-abnegation, Thine;
   Thine in the way Thou knowest to be most fitting,
      in order that Thou mightest be now and ever mine.
Thou art my Strength and my Redeemer.
I am Thy poor little creature, dependent on Thy merciful charity alone—Amen.
Père Besson (1816 - 1861) Prayers Ancient and Modern. Ed. Mary Wilder Tileston. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1928. page 226.

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Shalom--your fellow wounded healer...

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