September 28, 2022 -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Why do good deeds?

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

It is a phrase I have been hearing over and over recently: “You are not saved by your good works, but you are saved for good works.” It is a clever phrase that is very helpful. It is the work of Jesus Christ that saves us. He was brought out to the hill outside of Jerusalem and crucified. True Light that gives light to every man endured great suffering and darkness that He might be for us the sacrifice Who takes away our sin. We don’t have to do things to makes ourselves right with God, Jesus has done it all. Now, as those who have been made right with God, it is a pleasure and a joy to live for Him. We willingly endure mocking and scorn, ridicule and whatever else might happen to us because we know our life has been anchored to Jesus Christ. We are kept in Him by the power of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. The Holy Spirit is the power of God in us so that we can shine brightly for Jesus in all we say and do.

So, I don’t do good works in order to be seen and applauded by others. However, the good I do will be seen by others and I want to recognize Jesus Christ, making it clear He is the Author and Perfecter of anything good that flows from my life. I do this so that He receives the credit and glory. And this will have the result both for believers and for those who are being drawn to Jesus by the Spirit. They see and marvel, looking up to God the Father, they will declare: You are Good. Right and true all Your ways. Thus, the Father receives the glory.

It may be others see your good works and hate you. Rather than despair or question God because of this, be assured this too results in the praise and greater glory of the Father in heaven. Here is how to achieve this. Remember that once you too were revilers, those who questioned God the Glorious and rejected His people. When you experience now what you once measured out against others, you will stop and bless God all the more declaring, “Your grace is so amazing, saving a wretch a like me!” The Light of Jesus Christ will shine through you in all and every circumstance, this generated in you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

O GOD, WHOSE WILL CONQUERS ALL,
There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying YOu 
and being engaged in Your service;
You are All in all, and all enjoyments are what
to me You make them, and no more.
I am well pleased with Your will, whatever it is,or should be in all respects,
And if You propose me decide for myself in any matter,
I would choose to refer all to You,
for You are infinitely wise and cannot do inappropriate,
as I am in danger of doing.
I rejoice to think that all things are at Your disposal,
and it delights me to leave them there.
Then prayer turns wholly into praise,
and all I can do is to adore and bless You.
What shall I give You for all Your benefits?
I am torn between two thoughts,
knowing not what to do; I long to make some return, but have nothing to offer,
and can only rejoice that You do all,
that none in heaven or on earth shares Your honour;
I can of myself do nothing to glorify Your blessed Name,
but I can through grace cheerfully surrender soul and body to You,
I know that You are the Author and Finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is Yours alone,
that every good work or thought found in me
is the effect of You power and grace,
that Your sole motive in working in me to will and to do
is for You good pleasure.
O God, it is amazing that men can talk so much
about man’s creaturely power and goodness,
when, if You did not restrain us every moment,
we should be devils incarnate.
This, by bitter experience, thou hast taught me
concerning myself.
"God The All" edited from The Valley of Vision, page 4
 

https://youtu.be/fXVUYC_ykwE

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

September 27, 2022 -- Ephesians 3:14-19 -- Contemplation to accompany your morning coffee

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

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV

This is probably a very familiar section of Ephesians, one you have read and pondered before. In preparation for teaching this text in today’s Bible Study I read Sinclair Ferguson’s “Let’s Study Ephesians”. It was so helpful. My usual focus is on the fact that we need the strength of the Spirit, in our inner being, so that we can have Christ live in our hearts through faith. It is both beautiful to think about and marvelous to meditate on that He Who fills the heaven of heavens could make our hearts His home. Awesome.

Today I was challenged by the paradox at the end of the reading. We need strength in our inner being so that we will know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Yeah, read that last sentence again, I’ll wait! (You might want to read it one more time, it is very rich!) Jesus is fully God and fully Man. He is in His divinity perfect and infinite, and our language almost breaks down trying to describe Him and HIs holiness. Yet, the Father has decided to give us, His children, the gift of Christ and of His Spirit, living in our hearts, so that we will know His love. Such love is so vast and great and perfect and strong and steadfast that the more we know of it, the more we realize there is to know, and we realize how little we actually understand even as we long for more. Just thinking on this leads us to worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Father from Whom every family in heaven and earth is named, great are You and worthy of praise. You have blessed Your people in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Jesus Christ—sealing to our hearts Him Who is the most extravagant gift and doing this by Your Spirit. Fill our thoughts and imaginings with the constant contemplations of Jesus so that we will truly be filled with the fullness of Him Who surpasses knowledge. Father, Source of every good gift, lead us by Your Spirit so that the Bible is precious to us and as we read it Jesus is our highest desire and joy. Amen.

https://youtu.be/277WLU3p52A

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

September 26, 2022 -- Revelation 20:11-15 -- The Day of Judgment

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

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11-15 ESV

What a powerful and sobering passage! A few days ago, I was listening to a podcast, Steve Lawson preached on this passage. He explained verse 13, and his explanation was so helpful. Here was the issue I had. Why does God wait with judging the dead who are to be cast into hell? Lawson noted that Death and Hades hold the enemies of God until the Day of Judgment and at that terrible day the full extent of their deeds will be made known. You see, sin affects more than just the man who commits it. Sin may ripple through a generation or two. When the Sovereign LORD declares the end of history and Jesus returns to Judge the Living and the Dead, then the full effects of one’s wickedness will be traced through his life and the tentacles of evil will be revealed wherever it is they reached. That too will be judged, and the wicked man held to account.

Look at the passage, verse 15, there at the Judgment is the Lamb’s Book of Life. The names of the saints are written therein and the same have been sealed for salvation by the work of the Holy Spirit. Oh sinner, confess your sins. Ah, Christian, you too, as you recall your evil deeds and waywardness, repent and confess. Trust in the full mercy of the LORD. Deny yourself and follow Jesus Christ. I wonder, by way of contrast, do the deeds of the godly, those directed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, have an impact for good that flows from one generation to the next? Will we rise up and praise the Lamb of God at the Throne, blessing the Father and adoring the Spirit for the ways in which the Triune God directed our lives to have an influence for His glory while we lived and even to a generation or two beyond?! What an exciting thought.

Father in heaven, Yours is the Kingdom and the power and glory now and always. Blessed Jesus, thank You for your great work of salvation which lifts sinners from death to life. Spirit of the Living God thank You for Your mighty presence in the life of every believer. Father of Love, so direct us by Your Spirit that the Word will be for us living and precious, and our life’s goal will be to live for the glory of the Triune God and to enjoy You forever. Amen

https://youtu.be/3RqfAjPzpko

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

September 25, 2022 -- Psalm 1:2 and 2:1 -- What consumes your thinking?

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

…his delight is in the law of the LORD,
      and on His Law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:2 ESV

Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalm 2:1 ESV

The word “meditates” and the word “plot” are, in the original Hebrew language, the same verb. The man who loves the LORD meditates on His Law. He plots more and more ways to show his love and adoration for the LORD. The wicked man spends his time thinking of more and more ways to rebel against the LORD. Such a man may not even be aware of how wicked the many thoughts of his heart are. He may think himself neutral towards God in heaven, while he merely pursues his own ways and goals and wishes. He may be living his life with no reference to God at all. All such living is rebellion.

The Christian, for we are New Testament Christians who read these verses, is singularly devoted to the Son of God. The one who is blessed by the LORD is the One Whose thoughts are fixed on this: how will my actions honour God? Questions that guide his thinking will flow along the lines of: How will these words honour God? Will this action or refraining from dong that thing bring greater honour to my King? Do the people around me, at work, at school, in my neighbourhood, know that I am a Christian? 

Christians are renewed in their zeal for serving God when they gather for worship with other Christians.

Christians are deepened in their meditating on the Law of God as they memorize His Word.

Christians meditate on the Law of God and His goodness as they teach others His way.

What fills your thoughts? Are you thinking about the latest season of your fav program, or the latest installment of your video games more than you reflect on the things of God? You be saving and preparing for your retirement with great focus, but do you with even greater commitment and enthusiasm, prepare for eternity in the presence of the Son of Glory Who will usher you into the Presence of the Father and this by the power of the Spirit?

Thank You, Father in heaven, for the gift of Sunday—this beautiful sanctuary in time where Your people can gather and delight in You. Father, Giver of every good gift, by Your Spirit renew in us a greater zeal for meditating on Your Word. Spirit of the Living God, lead us to Jesus Christ in our Bible readings, in our prayer times, and help us to walk with Him in all our daily tasks. May we live profoundly aware of the fact that no part of day or night from sacredness is free, but all our lives in every step, is to be spent in fellowship with You. Amen

https://youtu.be/sXgCi5mhRYM

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

September 22, 2022 -- Psalm 2:11-12 -- True Power

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

Serve the LORD with fear,
   and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
   lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
   for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:11-12 ESV

In half an hour or so I’ll be preaching from this Psalm. My congregation will be a room-full of ministers and elders and leaders in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Canada. The passage is a clarion call—a clear sounding alarm—warning world leaders and church leaders, people of whatever station in life to consider their ways and submit to the LORD and to His Christ—the Anointed One.

If the warning is heeded, then those who repent are to break with all the idolatry of their lives and give their honour and their worship to the Father in heaven through their obedience to Jesus Christ. The trembling comes in at the mercy of God, extended despite our great sins. The fear of the LORD is the view of His greatness, and His patience with us—extended until we have finally turned from sin. Old sins and terrible patterns are always pulling on Christians to return to former slave ways. We tremble at the thought of such foolishness.

Those rebellious who do not kiss the Son—that is, confess their sin and turn from wickedness—will experience His wrath. All it takes is a word from Him and nations will be humbled and every rebellion quelled! What a mighty God He is.

What fascinates me is the final line. When anyone leaves his sin and turns to Jesus, He welcomes that person. There is no cursing. No requirement of a ‘time out’ while the King enthroned in heaven makes you sweat, as if to get one to prove his sincerity. No. When someone runs to Jesus, Jesus receives Him, gives Him refuge and safety. What a glorious High King!

King Jesus--Truly You are the Blessed One--the Refuge of all who turn to You. High King of Heaven, thank You for Your salvific work which brings us to our Father as beloved sons and daughters. Spirit of the Living God, work in the hearts and lives of all those around us who do not yet believe, may their hearts too be conquered for King Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/agROj9nTQP4

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

September 21, 2022 -- Colossians 4:2 -- Called to prayer

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

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 ESV

“Instinctively and automatically it [your old sin nature] will mobilize all the reasons it can conceive of for not praying now: You’re too busy; your mind is too preoccupied; your heart is not inclined to prayer” Owen Hallesby “Prayer”

It is interesting, isn’t it, how much time we make for the things we love? We call ourselves too busy, but the pile of things to do is left idling while we are binge-watching that movie series. There is always time for the things you love. I urge you pray to Jesus until He is for you exactly as He is pictured in Scripture: The Beloved One; the Desire of All Nations; the Anointed One set up by the LORD on Mt. Zion to rule your heart. When Jesus Christ captures your heart, fills your imagination as what He truly is, the King of Glory Who reveals the Father, then your prayer life, so illuminated by the Spirit, will be deeper and more vital. It won’t be a litany of things you want; it will be privilege to spend time with Him in conversation, praise, adoration, thanksgiving and asking.

THREE IN ONE, ONE IN THREE,
God of my salvation, Heavenly Father,
Blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence,
one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to thy knowledge and to thy kingdom.
O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me
and entered my heart,
implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.
Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable,
so wondrous, so mighty to save the lost and raise them to glory.
O Father, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast given me to Jesus,
  to be his sheep, jewel, portion.
O Jesus, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast accepted, espoused, bound me;
O Holy Spirit, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast exhibited Jesus as my salvation,
implanted faith within me,
subdued my stubborn heart,
made me one with him for ever.
O Father, thou art enthroned to hear my prayers,
O Jesus, thy hand is outstretched to take my petitions,
O Holy Spirit, thou art willing to help my infirmities, to show me my need,
to supply words, to pray within me,
to strengthen me that I faint not in supplication.
O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those things
that concern thy kingdom and my soul.
Let me live and pray as one baptized into the threefold Name.
"The Trinity", Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions

https://youtu.be/8DRLmrboGK4

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

September 19, 2022 -- II Peter 3:17-18 -- Living as Light in a sin-darkened world

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

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
II Peter 3:17-18 ESV

How many personal questions do you get asked in a day? A dear friend might have the right to ask you questions, but strangers in our world ask weird things. Questions about political affiliations—and if your answer is not deemed acceptable the one asking you may well offer you a volley of his own unwelcome viewpoints. So much of our world’s discussion centres around sexuality and various expressions of it. Again, near strangers, such as bank tellers, might ask you to support their institution’s efforts at promoting one or another worldly cause. We live in a world of lawless people.

How can we grow in the grace of Jesus? The most basic and important answer: to know Jesus by His Word and through the worship of His great Name with fellow believers. Set apart time to pray. Here are a few suggestions that go beyond these foundational things.

When asked such personal and odd questions by near strangers, tell them of your devotion to Jesus Christ. Explain how His Spirit opens the wisdom of the Bible to you so that you know how to respond to the vagaries of the world, and, in fact, you are charting a path of purpose as you march towards an eternity in His presence. Sharing what you believe consolidates your faith and might open a doorway to others learning of His glory and grace.

Counter the questions of this world with your own, relevant questions. For example, today is Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. All of us face death: what do you think will happen to you when you die? What do you think is “out there” beyond this life? Listen respectfully. Then share your faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear Father in heaven as Your Word promises, let Your grace and peace be multiplied to Your people in the knowledge of God and Jesus—and this by the power of Your Spirt at work in us. Direct us by your Word and Spirit so that having escaped the corruption of the world we may be ever-more fruitful in the way of salvation. Mighty Father, in the strength of Your Spirit may we be bold witnesses for the work and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/5Nkvfnz4Tyw

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

September 18, 2022 -- Matthew 16:2-3 -- Reading the Signs of the Times

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

He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Matthew 16:2-3 ESV

Beloved in the LORD our Father, for the last couple of days my newsfeed keeps showing stories of the dire winter predictions of the Farmer’s Almanac. Winter snowfalls will be heavy in Atlantic Canada. Then this morning’s weather newsfeed showed a tropical depression that could well become a hurricane. These two things made me think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 16. Are we, as believers, following the signs of the times?

Jesus asked the question: “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8). Surveys and research claim many people are leaving the Christian faith. Jesus foretold it. He gave a gracious warning to the Seven Churches in Revelation—reminding them and us—to remember our first love, Jesus Who leads us to the Father.

There will be troubles in the world—Jesus said something to the effect that no servant is greater than his Master, if they persecuted Him they will persecute you (John 15:20). This has been experienced by believers through all times and ages. It is no surprise. It is something more Christians in North America are experiencing after years and years of freedom.

Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ—stir up your faith. See the signs and return to church, the fellowship of believers who together are blessed and blessing one another. Listen to the Word of God so that you may grow strong in Christian hope, faith and love—no matter the climate of the world around you. And do not fear—Christ our King has been given all authority and power—these challenging times are not a surprise—but a sign that the end is nearing. Bless Him. And speak boldly of His return, which is drawing nearer and nearer every day. There are many who must even now, by the decree of our Father in heaven, be snatched from the gates of hell. Tell your friends and co-workers about Jesus. Do so knowing Jesus’ Spirit lives in you and He will keep you in our precious faith until Christ returns.

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ—the Savior of the World and the Prophet extraordinaire—Who leads to victory those who formerly were captive to the kingdom of darkness. Mighty God, send Your Spirit to Your Church and people so that Your people will proclaim Jesus Christ and His ever-approaching return doing so with urgent zeal.

https://youtu.be/cYTsIvbwETY

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

September 15, 2022 -- Proverbs 10:6 -- What is on your head?

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

Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
   but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:6 ESV

Over the last ten days or so I did a lot of traveling. Whenever your travel you meet all kinds of people—and many wearing all sorts of headgear. There are turbans and caps; yarmulke and hoodies. Whatever is on your head is obvious to all who look at you. According to Hebrews Jesus is crowned with glory and honour (2:9). Because the crown of glory and honour rest on His head, all His followers are those whose lives bring blessings to others. It is as obvious as the crown on Christ’s head. The true followers of Christ live to honour their Savior and Lord and such obedient service to Him results in the blessing of others.

Sometimes it is hard to read the lips of even your best friend. What may seem like a scowl is actually laughter being held back. Equally, the smiling face of a wrong-doer can suddenly spit out curses and hateful words.

Here is the lesson from this proverb—as you have received blessings and salvation from God the Father through Jesus Christ—then bless others. Let your words be seasoned with kindness and your lips pour forth encouragement. Such living is the crown of Christ already becoming visible upon your head.

Father in heaven, You have crowned Your Son with glory and honour and blessing. Praised be Your Name for the gift of Jesus and His reconciling work. Triune God, as Your favour rests on us, help us, Your people, to radiate blessing to all we meet. Let the knowledge of Jesus Christ and devotion to Him fill this earth, as the waters cover the seas. Amen.

https://youtu.be/agROj9nTQP4

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

September 13, 2022 -- Psalm 4:1-3 -- Prayer, urgent prayer

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

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
    the LORD hears when I call to him.
Psalm 4:1-3 ESV

At the start of my years as a minister I was introduced to E. M. Bounds. Many references to his works and quotations peppered lectures and various sermons that I heard back then. One minister even urged seminary students: “Get your hands on whatever works by E.M. Bounds that you can find.” For years and years I heard nothing more about him. About a week ago, my sister-in-law showed me her new book “The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds”. As I would be traveling by plane a lot in the coming days, she loaned it to me. Today’s meditations are drawn directly from this excellent work. The word “importunate” will be used, it means asking and asking, even to the point of annoyance.

“How glibly we talk of praying without ceasing! Yet we are quite apt to quit, if our prayer remained unanswered but one week or one month! We assume that by a stroke of His arm or an action of His will, God will give us what we ask. It never seems to dawn on us, that He is the Master of nature, as of grace, and that, sometimes He chooses one way, and sometimes another in which to do His work. It takes years, sometimes, to answer a prayer and when it is answered, and we look backward we can see that it did. But God knows all the time, and it is His will that we pray, and pray, and still pray, and so come to know indeed and of a truth, what it is to pray without ceasing. Anonymous.

“The wrestling quality in importunate prayers does not spring from physical vehemence or fleshly energy. It is not an impulse of energy, not a mere earnestness of soul; it is an inwrought force, a faculty implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit. Virtually, it is the intercession of the Spirit of God, in us; it is, moreover, the “effectual, fervent prayer, which availeth much.” The Divine Spirit of God informing every element within us, with the energy of His own striving, is the essence of the importunity which urges our praying at the mercy-seat, to continue until the fire falls and the blessing descends. This wrestling in prayer may not be boisterous nor vehement, but quiet, tenacious and urgent. Silent, it may be, when there are no visible outlets for its mighty forces. Nothing distinguishes the children of God so clearly and strongly as prayer.

The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds. Pantianos Classics. page 22

https://youtu.be/2TdEZXPuKOo

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

September 10, 2022 -- Jude 1 -- Filled to overflowing with the blessings of God

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

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 1 ESV

How challenging it must have been to grow up as a brother of Jesus. Jude calls himself a slave of Jesus (aka a servant) and a brother of James. James and Jude are brothers, therefore, they both are brothers to Jesus. They watched Him. They mocked Him. They were ready to take Him back to Mary because Jesus’ public ministry seemed to them to be crazy and they were ready to just keep Jesus at home (Mark 3:20-21). When Jesus was pursued by the authorities and nearing the time of His death, the brothers mocked Jesus, taunting Him to go to Jerusalem (John 7:1-5).

Jude noted that those who are called are given many blessings by the Father. Called, that is, those who had formerly resisted Jesus, who lived in rebellion against God, but are now drawn near because of the decision of God to bring many sons and daughters to Himself through the reconciling work of Christ Jesus. This is the love of the Father, His decision before the foundation of the world, which designated His children as beloved.

Who keeps you for Jesus? The phrasing is odd in the passage. Those who are called are kept for or kept by Jesus. Jude knew this personally. That is, he knew the role of the Spirit. Without the on-going activity of the Spirit in the heart and mind of the child of God one could not sustain a relationship with the Father Who calls us beloved. Our sinful nature constantly pulls against the Father’s love. Our sin-nature struggles to delight in what is perfect and wholesome and good. This is why the Spirit of God keeps the believer by breaking down every inclination to set up new idols and the Spirit casts out every budding sense of rebellion that stirs up in the heart.

This all may seem too extreme; as if there is too much emphasis on sin and not enough on a person’s desire for good. Ask yourself, when no one is looking, are you inclined to doing good for the glory of God? When you are tired, do you think about activities to “reward yourself”? Are such activities completely holy or good or upbuilding? When you are bored, are you immediately going to God for the next task and opportunity? Thanks be to God, our Father, that His Spirit restrains us and continually brings us back to our merciful Father by the way made open to us in Jesus Christ.

Glorious Father, thank You for Your mercy which rains down on us every day, at every juncture of our life where it is needed. Thank You, mighty God for peace—that steady state of beautiful shalom where there is peace with You through Christ Jesus, peace with other Christians, peace when facing difficult circumstances because the believer knows You are in charge of all things. LORD of heaven and earth, thank You for Your love. Such a measureless ocean of love that surrounds us, overcoming the brokenness of our world, rebuilding the shattered pieces of our lives, and divine love that gives perspective to our circumstances and lifts us to the knowledge that all things are, right now, working together for good for those who love Christ. Blessed are You, Triune God, worthy of all praise and honour and worship. Amen.

https://youtu.be/C6jslZT2aSM

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

September 9, 2022 -- I Timothy 2:1-6 -- God the Sovereign over the Kings of the Earth

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

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
I Timothy 2:1-6 ESV

No doubt in the coming years people will be able to remember exactly what they were doing the moment they heard the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Seventy years of her tenure as a much respected queen abruptly ended. Then the speculations started about her son, King Charles III. All kinds of discussions about him and opinions offered about him and his fitness to rule. My question, which pierced my own heart this morning, was: “but have you prayed for him?” Indeed, today's Scripture reading reminds us it is the call of Christians to be men and women of prayer. It is our duty and our privilege to pray for those in authority.

The reasons for such prayers are clearly enunciated in our passage:

1. that Christians may lead a peaceful and quiet life. Those leaders who are covered in prayer, may well be led by God to rule in equity and peace. If not, then Christians will be, through these times of prayer, assured of the rule of the Prince of Peace, Jesus our Lord.

2. It pleases God for His people to be obedient to Him as they pray for rulers.

3. This text reveals God as our Savior Who desires for men and women in authority to be saved. So, in obedience to Him, pray for the salvation of those in authority.

4. Leaders who are not Christian cannot understand the world—that God preserves His creation, that God upholds one nation and casts down another and so on. Therefore urgent prayers and intercessions must be made for all in authority that they may discern between what is true and what is false.

5. There will be a terrible judgment imposed on those who reject Jesus as the Mediator between God and man. Prayers for leaders also impacts believers, reminding them that the lives of believers must bear the fruit of righteousness which is consistent with the salvation given them in Christ.

Sovereign LORD GOD it is You Who plants nations at Your pleasure and You Who uproots nations according to Your will. Kings and Prime Ministers, Governors and Presidents are put into positions of power for Your purposes. Thank You, LORD of Hosts, for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, for the faithful way in which she kept her vow to give her life in service to You and the people Who were entrusted into her care. Sovereign above all the kings of the earth, give to King Charles III Christian advisors and counselors, faithful men and women who will help him to see Jesus Christ as the Mediator Who is excellent and worthy of all praise and obedience. Ruler Supreme, Who hears humble prayer, hold our dominion of Canada in Your loving care. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yKP_XxCBDZY

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

September 8, 2022 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Renew me God, renew my heart in Your love

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

A dear brother in Christ recently posted a “before and after” photo of himself. The “before” was how he looked before he knew Jesus Christ. The “after” shot showed a man who looked very similar, sure the hair and beard were now trimmed, but those who know him now, know the transformation of his heart. It is bigger and grander than what meets the eye and it is precious to the eyes of faith.

This passage was always daunting to me. It felt like a big commandment which I did not have the power to fulfill. What has changed is how much Jesus Christ has come into the forefront of my heart, my thoughts and my life. I can’t do the renewing work that is required. However, the mercies of God have taken hold of my life. Jesus Christ is the holy and pleasing sacrifice which as been given so that God’s just anger against my sins has been turned away. Jesus Christ intercedes, praying for me so that my life will conform more and more to His perfect life.

In times of worship, I get out of the way. In times of worship, the glory of God and His tremendous goodness fills my heart and mind in such a way that I realize He has done the work, He is providing the strength by the Spirit Who lives in me, and my job it to get out of the way. God the Father sees now the perfections He has in store for me. I confess my sins. I admit all the things which are hindering this transformation with the full confidence that He Who started this good works is going to finish it. He won’t let me go.

So imperfect and unsteady as my own efforts are in the project of renewing my mind, I can be sure of this: God has no unfinished projects in His basement. He is the Master Craftsman and Glorious Perfector of all He has made. In the Light of Scripture I see how He guards His people in peace. By the presence of His Spirit, I know He pursues me and applies His healing work to my soul. In the embrace of Christian fellowship with other believers I can experience the necessary course correction, encouragement and blessing of communion with God and with His people.

Father in heaven, I am prone to zig-zag and all kinds of wandering, inclined to chafe at the cords of kindness with which You bind me to Yourself. Help me, God of my Salvation, to stop fighting Your saving work which You are bringing to fruition in me. Thank You that Your goodness and patient lovingkindness is greater than all my weakness and brokenness. Spirit of the Living God, as I open up my heart to worship God, the LORD of Majesty and Father of all mercies, may my squirming restlessness cease until I finally, fully surrender myself to Your sanctifying work. Like a sated child in his mother's arms, may I rest in You, and then refreshed, may I rise and serve You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/HYkkPkr04_s

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

September 6, 2022 -- II Peter 2:1 -- Jesus the True Teacher and Master

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
II Peter 2:1 ESV

As one who visits in prison, bringing the Gospel, I can assure you this passage is accurate. There are many false prophets who seek to dissuade the believers from continuing to believe in Jesus Christ—the Master Who bought them. There are many reasons for this.

1. The Devil hates it when a man is captured by Christ, where this man is denying himself in order to follow Jesus. There will be many fierce temptations back to old sins and old slavery.

2. Most of those who are in charge of prison programming and schedules do not believe there is ultimate Truth. Religion—whether it is Wiccan, or Islam, Buddhism or Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses or any other group—must conform to the pattern set by the prison without reference to any truth claim.

3. Christians must not proselytize—that is, Christians may not actively seek to make converts out of non-Christians. However, while I am serving in prison, the JW’s have actively pursued newly believing Christians and drawn them away from Christianity—leading such to deny the Master, Jesus, and His deity. In another recent instance, one man who was a Baptist was catechized to believe his faith is wrong and he was later baptized as a Roman Catholic.

4. Presently the lingering effects of Covid has the impact that many prisons have limited access to those who desire to attend chapel or Bible Study Groups. The prison population is divided into cohorts, so there is not a general mixing of the whole population. This means for 6 to 8 weeks Christians in one cohort may not attend, because they are not part of the group that is permitted to attend. 

5. The environment of prison is not conducive to maintaining one’s faith on one’s own. The fact is, Christians no matter where they live, are called to meet together, to look to Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith. Thanks be to God for the privilege I have, along with many, many other Christians, to bring the Gospel to those whose hearts thirst for Christ, the well of salvation.

Ask yourself today, what teachings are you receiving, via podcasts or social media, which are detrimental to your faith. Any teaching which does not proclaim Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine, the One and Only Way to the Father, is not in fact Christian. Ask yourself today, as school begins, what is my teacher or professor’s bias? Is this teacher an opponent to Christian faith? Parents, make sure you are following up with your children on this so that the very things you are seeking to instill in your children are not undermined 40 hours a week by school.

Get to church—one that preaches the whole Bible and God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Stay connected to God as you read your Bible daily.

Pray—have formal times of prayer and informal times during the day so that you recognize the LORD your God hears you, wherever you are. He is as near as a sigh or a prayer. Pray for those who are incarcerated, that God will continue to make a way open for those who are bringing the Gospel.

Encourage other believers. Wherever you are, in prison or at work, in school or at coffee time with friends, proclaim Jesus Christ and Him as Lord to the glory of the Father. The Spirit will lead you to other believers who need Him, who you can encourage and by spending time with them will encourage you.

Worship God. Thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. Confess you sins, including your tendency to wander form Him and acknowledge how often He brings you back to Himself.

Ask your questions. If you are struggling about certain bible issues or questions, find a Christian whose faith you admire and get your questions answered so that you will continue to grow in the glorious knowledge of Jesus Christ—Who by the powerful presence of His Spirit living in you, will one day, present you without spot or blemish before the Father in heaven.

Faithful God, You have promised in Your Word that Your divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us to His Own glory and excellence. Increase the faith of Your servants by the work of Your Spirit. Let the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His victories roll through our land to the honour and praise our Your Name, Father of Glory. Amen.
(the first sentence of this prayer is based on II Peter 1:3)
 

https://youtu.be/rZCbQFTswrs

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

September 5, 2022 -- Job 5:7 -- The Suffering Arbiter

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

but man is born to trouble
as the sparks fly upward.
Job 5:7 ESV

Perhaps this brief proverb from the Book of Job is familiar to you? Those who love the movie Anne of Green Gables might recognize this verse because it is quoted there. Just think of roaring campfires, the deep night pierced by the flames which lick up the wood and as the wood is devoured it breaks before the blazing tongues of fire, sending sparks jumping upwards and dancing in the night air. It is beautiful to see.

Why is man born to trouble and suffering? It is Job’s question as he wrestles with God and strives against his friends whose words do not bring him comfort. So, Job longs for a mediator between himself and God. “There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both” (Job 9:33). It is our suffering that drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ—the arbiter between God and man. It is suffering that shows us the ugliness of our sins and the wrong-headedness of our old nature. It is suffering, the path which Jesus endured, which unites us with Christ—for He suffered more than we ever could or will—and His suffering, death and resurrection made us right with God.

When I see sparks fly upward, I am reminded of my desire to fly up to God. But I also recognize how easily my own passion dies out. When I see sparks fly upward, I am reminded that Christ was raised up and His fiery passion never burned out, He endured great agony on the cross so that He might lay a hand on us and a hand on His Father and present us to the Father as blameless and pure. Jesus’ sacrifice has done this for us. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Mighty LORD of Splendor, You, Who alone lives in unapproachable light, blessed are You--for You have ignited in Your people an unstoppable fire stoked by Your Spirit so that our lives are ablaze with the glory of Jesus Christ. When the suffering comes, direct us, God of all Help and Strength, to Jesus, in Whom there is all help. When suffering comes, Faithful Father, send Your Spirit so that we, Your people, know the hand of the Arbiter, Who lays His hand on You and on us--Jesus, Who keeps us in Your reconciling grace and mercy. Amen.

https://youtu.be/L2QvFKKCzzs

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

September 3, 2022 -- Esther 10:3 -- Leading in peace

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

For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
Esther 10:3 ESV

What happens to many people when they gain power? They change. They act as if this power was their right and so begin to speak harshly, act unjustly and show favoritism to others. It is heartening to read of Mordecai who was raised to a very powerful position and yet he kept his humility and he spoke peace to his people.

The Jewish people had faced annihilation by Haman. His earlier rise to power the backlighting to Mordecai’s rise to power. Haman hated the Jewish people—the people of God who were protected by His promises. Therefore, Haman acted in a way that shows his contempt and hatred for God. Mordecai continually showed allegiance to God, no matter the difficult circumstances he faced. And when he came to power, he was still humble and submitted to God.

Mordecai spoke peace to a people who had been in upheaval because of the recent threat to their survival. People who have faced disaster are still facing adrenalin rushes and reactionary thinking. A man who can speak peace to such people is a man who walks in the power of God.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ—in your sphere of influence, how are you speaking peace to the people in your life? How are you keeping your eye on Jesus Christ so that your life is in all things submitted to Him as you exercise whatever influence you have. May God direct you in HIs great love.

Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have put into our lives. Thank You for those who look up to us. Direct us by Your Word and Spirit so that our lives reflect the beauty of Your peace. Faithful Father, give us holy boldness to live for You in such a way that others will see our love for Jesus and commitment to Him and desire to follow Jesus also. Amen.

https://youtu.be/hXttZ5rd1Qk

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

September 2, 2022 -- I Peter 5:7 -- Removing the weight of anxiety

…cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you…
I Peter 5:7 ESV

There are so many things which can cause people stress and anxiety. Right now the media is shouting about inflation. Inspectors are at the nuclear power plant in the Ukraine, inspecting damages there while the war rages on. Other stresses can be more personal. Will your children be okay? Will your finances hold up? Can God love me even after all I have done? Does God care about all the things which run through my brain?

Throw all those anxieties up to Him in prayer. He cares for you. The proof is in the prayer Jesus taught His followers to pray. It begins “Our Father”—what a moving expression. The LORD of Heaven and Earth Who by His mere word, formed hurtling galaxies has the power to help you. Because He has revealed Himself as Father, He proves His covenant commitment to help His people in their distress. Jesus, through Whom we are reconciled to God as our Father, taught this prayer to His followers knowing they'd encounter suffering and persecution in the world.

Prayer is not a burden—it is the place where the burdens of our lives are lifted. What a mighty God we serve. How majestic in excellencies and how tender in His great love.

Today’s prayer comes from the Old Testament prophet, Zephaniah. Remember this, in Jesus Christ we are True Israel, all the blessings given to Abraham and his descendants are given in Christ to all Who believe in Jesus for their salvation. It is beautiful.

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
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.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
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.
Zephaniah 3:14-17 ESV

https://youtu.be/SNQOcpECk4A

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

August 31, 2022 -- Nehemiah 9:16-21 -- The power of God revealed in confession

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

“But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt.[c] But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. 18 Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, 19 you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. 21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
Nehemiah 9:16-21 ESV

What a prayer of confession this is! Nehemiah had already led the people in a long time of confession; then for a quarter of the day the whole assembled people listened as the Book of the Law was read. Then for another quarter of the day the people confessed their sins and worshiped God—and then Nehemiah led this large assembly in this public prayer of confession.

The hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” captures the waywardness of the human heart. Though we have been captured by the great love of God, we absolutely need His good Spirit to instruct us and the restrain us. It is a great relief that my sins are not stronger than my Father’s intention to deliver me from all my sins having reconciled me to Himself by the blood of Jesus His Son and sealing His saving work in me by the powerful presence of His good Spirit.

Somewhere along the way it seems to be that the organized church has lost its way with regards to the open, honest confession of sin. Meeting men in prison, hearing confessions and the open admissions they make stating they are afraid their sin and their wretchedness is beyond the grip of God’s gracious work—all these work together to remind me of God’s redeeming work through history—in the Old Testament and in the New. His people are bound in sin and without hope except this: God has determined to bring to Himself the full-number of those He’d chosen before the foundation of the world.

Hallelujah! What a Savior. He works in the hearts of individuals to bring them from death to life; from the dominion of Satan to the Kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of the Son He loves. Our gracious Father has appointed Jesus Head over the Church and the assembly of God's people, imperfect as it is, professes her confidence in the Savior's redeeming work. Our sins, individually, collectively and as an organization--all of these are to be confessed so that God will purify the Bride of Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior. 

Father in heaven, blessed be Your glorious Name! How rich is Your mercy and steadfast is Your loving-kindness toward Your people. Help us to look to You when we confess our sins--not to worry about what others think, or what earthly consequences might follow, instead, with the eyes of faith fixed on You, may we unburden ourselves and trust in Your covenant promises--that You do take us, slaves to sin who are incapable of saving ourselves, and make us to be a kingdom, priests to serve You, our God and King. Bind our wandering hearts to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/UiJiDphZvbs

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

August 30, 2022 -- Ephesians 3:13 -- Fighting under the parachute-like blanket of discouragement

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

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:13 ESV

Paul had just written a paragraph explaining God’s multi-coloured work of bringing together His people as Church, a new fellowship of believers, which defies the work of the enemy. However, Paul, the main encourager to this people is himself in prison. It is important for the Ephesians and for us to know suffering is part of God’s plan and design for glory to be fully achieved.

It is easy to get discouraged, thoughts like: my mentor has forgotten me. Or, the minister is not paying attention to me. Can crowd in. Today's verse declares over you: Do not lose heart; God sees you, He knows You; He has placed you in community.

Sometimes our enthusiasm for the things of God leaks out of us and we lose confidence in this work. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, reminds the Ephesians then, and you today, of the Father’s glorious work, started before the foundation of the world—the work to bring you to glory in Christ, the Head of the Church. Preach this to your soul and keep up your hope in Him.

It may be other Christians who are rubbing you the wrong way and you start to think wicked thoughts: “if this is what the church is like, I’m leaving”! Really, where will you go? The Church is the new community forged together by the blood of Christ. It is God’s sign to the Devil that his days are numbered. Do not lose heart. Trust that this brief and momentary suffering has good purpose and a weight of glory attached to it. As much as it depends on you, be reconciled and trust the work of God in bringing you to Himself in a particular people.

God, my heart is near breaking and my mind can’t see the purposes You have. Help me. Thank You for Your beautiful Bible. Thank You for the work of Jesus Christ, in Whose reconciling work I am part of Your family in heaven and part of your family here on earth. Spirit of God, plant deep within me, the glory of the Word of God so that I will endure heart-sickness and these gloomy thoughts will disperse. Thank You for the weight of glory already given to me in Christ and that is in store for me in heaven—which will reflect the greater, most glorious radiance of Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Y2SGjX3iHK4

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

August 28, 2022 -- Revelation 2:1-7 -- Remember your first love

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

Revelation 2:1-7 ESV

How condemning these words are, especially at verse 4: “you have abandoned the love you had at first”! Listening to Sinclair Ferguson’s excellent exposition on this passage I was struck by one of his wonderful illustrations. Imagine a man, who claimed to love his fiancé, met her for an hour on a Saturday and he professed his love for her, and then as they were leaving, he said, “this is nice, let’s meet again next week for an hour”! How ridiculous that would be. A man who loves desires to spend as much time as possible with his beloved.

God’s love toward His people is as steady as the pattern of day and night. As surely as the sun rises each day, so surely does He show His love toward His people. We, His people, are ones who are fickle. How much we need words like these, from Jesus, Who walks among His churches—by the way, did you catch that at verse 1? Jesus walks among His people, among His churches?! He is calling you, warning you, to return to the heights of love and the devotion once characterized your dedication to Him.

Today is Sunday. Get to church where the Bible is preached. Open the Bible and delight yourself in the LORD and trust the promise of Psalm 16—”in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (verse 11b ESV). Spend time in praying. You will find as you engage in these things something will happen. Like a man spending time with his beloved, you will be restored in true love and devotion to God.

O LORD,

 Thou knowest my great unfitness for service,

   my present deadness,

   my inability to do anything for thy glory,

   my distressing coldness of heart.

I am weak, ignorant, unprofitable,

   and loathe and abhor myself.

I am at a loss to know what thou wouldest

   have me do,

   for I feel amazingly deserted by thee,

   and sense thy presence so little;

Thou makest me possess the sins of my youth,

   and the dreadful sin of my nature,

   so that I feel all sin,

   I cannot think or act but every motion is sin.

Return again with showers of converting grace

   to a poor gospel-abusing sinner.

Help my soul to breathe after holiness,

   after a constant devotedness to thee,

   after growth in grace more abundantly every day.

O Lord, I am lost in the pursuit of this blessedness,

And am ready to sink because I fall short

   of my desire;

Help me to hold out a little longer,

   until the happy hour of deliverance comes,

   for I cannot lift my soul to thee

   if thou of thy goodness bring me not nigh.

Help me to be diffident, watchful, tender,

   lest I offend my blessed Friend

   in thought and behaviour;

I confide in thee and lean upon thee,

   and need thee at all times to assist and lead me.

O that all my distresses and apprehensions

   might prove but Christ’s school

   to make me fit for greater service

   by teaching me the great lesson of humility.

“Need of Grace” Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020, page 180.

https://youtu.be/ihJAJA4ibEs