October 5, 2023 -- Colossians 4:2-6 -- Jesus' Prayer and Our Prayers

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

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV

As a pastor, I am ashamed to confess this, it is easy to get caught up counting nickels and noses. That is, figuring how much was given in offering and how many people were present at a particular worship service or meeting. When the attendance is good and the people are giving of their input, time, talents and tithes, then the meeting is judged good. Forgive me, God of all mercy and love.

Last night our Wednesday chapel was a much smaller-than-usual group. It'd be tempting to look at the numbers and think it won't be as good as a full house might be. Yet there was laughter around our supper table. Two of the men present spoke of the urgency of staying committed to Jesus Christ and daily choosing fellowship with His people. At the time of singing, one of the men was so excited that we now have Blue Psalters—that is a music book which has all the psalms set to music. He was excited that we are singing the Bible. Another man gave his testimony of the goodness of God. I realized this night was something different. The fellowship was sweet. The line between heaven and the people of God seemed fine and the Spirit was so present. It was a joy.

This morning I opened an email from a friend, someone who is family in Christ at Trinity, Woodstock, NB. He informed me that, as usual, the prayer group gathered and prayed for the Wednesday night chapel. No wonder the meeting had such a noticeable uplift. One man newer to the group was expressing his commitment to being in attendance and saw how vital this is. Two men shared how others they know have significantly stumbled in their faith walk—and it was not gossip, it was genuine warning to stay on course with Christ and a call to pray for these men. I truly believe that because others were praying, a difficult night, became a night of sweet fellowship with God, with one another and a time of beautiful teaching. Those who though, they are far away, steadfastly prayed did exactly what is promised and pictured in Colossians; they by the power of the Spirit opened a door for the word. Thanks be to God!

Keep praying dear family in Christ. Pray as the Spirit prompts you. The Spirit knows needs and circumstances that are beyond your knowing, but our Father has promised to work through the prayers of His people, on the basis of Jesus’ accomplished work. So pray, with full confidence, knowing what the Spirit prompts will result in Kingdom blessing. And rejoice, knowing that same Spirit raises up prayer warriors for you—and the Greatest Intercessor is King Jesus Himself is praying. He ever lives to pray for His people. When we pray—we are walking in the steps of our great High Priest.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Triune God thank You for the gift of prayer. First and always, thank You for the intercession of Jesus our King! What a treasure it is to know the Captain of our Salvation is constantly shielding us in His prayers. Thank You, Spirit of the Living God, for the prayers of the saints, those whom You have stirred up to pray, thereby following Jesus Christ, doing the work of our Father as ambassadors, in the strength You provide. Increase our zeal in prayer, showing us it is not our prayers that are effective, but You, dear Spirit. You are the power of God in Christ for all who believe. It is You Who directs us in prayer and You bring our stuttering and stumbling words to Jesus. You, Spirit of God take our babbling and translate it into words that are fit for King Jesus, making our requests known. What a precious truth it is, Holy Spirit, that You know us intimately, deeply because You live in us and You know Jesus perfectly because You live in Him without measure. Blessed be Your Name, Triune God, now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/6zTYTnyvk7k?si=fYNyarZ5-9bDCRX2 “No More Night” Fountainview Academy

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 4, 2023 -- Psalm 107:1-3 -- Preparing and giving thanks

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

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.
Psalm 107:1-3 ESV

In a few days Canadians will celebrate Thanksgiving. It was first celebrated in 1879, the Protestant clergy asking this from the government. This took place in the region that is now called Ontario. The date it was observed moved around a bit from October to November until it was set on the second Monday of October. As Canadian society becomes increasingly secularized, this celebration stands out as a beacon of faith for Christians. It is fitting that Christians lead Canadian society in giving thanks to God. Our passage teaches us why we are to be a people who give thanks.

• This psalm, and many other passages in the Scriptures, command Christians to give thanks.

• Thanksgiving is the right response of those who see the goodness of our God and Father. He is the source of all good.

• Giving thanks to God is the only response Christians can offer back to God Who has lavished on us His steadfast love.

• Troubles and inflation, persecution and oppression, sickness and famine, all these will come but the LORD has redeemed us from our troubles. All these light and momentary afflictions pale in view of His great glory in store for us in eternity. In fact, the struggles of this life often prove to be the very things that prompt believers to return to the Living God.

How will you celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Will your neighbours know you love the LORD by the manner in which you observe Thanksgiving? Will you plan on leading your family in giving thanks to the LORD of glory?

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. What a rich and beautiful land You have given us to live in where we can express our gratitude. Forgive us for our grumbling, complaining about our circumstances rather than basking in Your steadfast love and responding to You with songs of praise and prayers of Thanksgiving. By Your Spirit and the Word, lead us to reflect on Jesus Christ, and the riches we have in Him. Stir us up by Your Spirit to be a people who give thanks to You every day all year through. As believers give whole-hearted praise and thanksgiving to You, may our family, co-workers and neighbours see this and be drawn to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Ef1as5GTl5k?si=8yTIwjWjwwQeFYJS “Praise and Thanksgiving”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

Oct 2, 2023 -- Matthew 9:35-27 -- Pray to the Lord of the Harvest

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

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 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 9:35-37 ESV

No doubt in Jesus’ day there were false religions all around Him. Jesus was not politically correct. He was not concerned about offending the feelings of the those who worshiped demons, idols, nature or themselves. In fact, those who worship false gods and false practices are harassed and helpless. The Devil hates those whom he rules. Every single man, woman and each child is made in the image of God. The Devil hates the LORD of Heaven and Earth and cannot attack Him, so the Devil oppresses people, who are made in God's image, and harasses them and drives them deep into addictions, brokenness and afflictions.

The Good News of Jesus is the release He brings from the tyranny of the Devil. Jesus, by His blood, sets people free from the just anger of God against their sins, because Jesus Himself bore that punishment. He is the Good Shepherd Who does not harass His people, but gently leads them. Jesus breaks the strongholds of the enemy and brings them into the tender care of the Father in heaven.

Perhaps Christians who do not pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest likely neglect to do so because they themselves are still toying with sin and struggling with basic obedience. Perhaps Christians do not pray constantly to the Lord of the Harvest because their own faith is so cold they can’t imagine Jesus as the Healer, the Chain-breaker, and the Giver of life.

If you have not been praying, fervently and regularly for those who are unsaved, ask yourself why that is. Confess your anemic faith. Pray for the Spirit’s powerful presence to stir up in you the great awareness of Jesus as your Good Shepherd Who has broken the Devil’s hold on you, turned aside God’s wrath, and is leading you into greater holiness. Pray for the Spirit's corrective work in you so that you will realize our God in heaven is the Good Father. Then, renewed in His salvation, get to the work of praying for those who are not yet saved.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for our lackluster faith and our callous attitude towards those who are in the Devil’s death grip. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest! Thank You that He left the splendours of heaven and in loving obedience to You rescued ruined and lost sinners who were subject to Your wrath Thank You, Father and King Jesus, for the blessed work of Your Spirit within us. Spirit of the Living God, give us renewed joy in Jesus that leads to ever greater obedience and a longing for the salvation of those who do not yet know You. For yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/H8QN8bTR1k0?si=ItzRC6nf8przyDof “Father, Let Your Kingdom Come”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 30, 2023 -- Psalm 42:8-11 -- The Psalm Series: Songs in the night

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

By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock:
    “Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,
    my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
    “Where is your God?”
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:8-11 ESV

Through-out this brief Psalm the writer has been lamenting listing the hardships his soul endures as he longs for the Living God. It’d be easy to miss verse 8 and the significance of it. Even though so many troubles and suffering has been stacked up against the psalmist he confesses this glorious truth: “by day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me”. At the command of the LORD our days are filled with the steadfast love of the LORD. Do you see His goodness? Here are some of the evidences of His commanded steadfast love:

• the fact you are alive

• the fact you are speaking to Him and He is commanding His love to you

• the fact you are able to remember His goodness when you struggle

• the fact you are anticipating renewed times of worship

• the fact that He is your salvation

• go ahead. Add to this list, your own experiences, the evidences that the LORD has commanded His steadfast love towards you.

At night His song is with you—that is how verse 8 continues. Think of these beautiful words:
     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 3:17 ESV
After these beautiful words there is the promise that the LORD will gather His people once again for worship and He will restore their fortunes. The point is this, whether you can hear Him or not, the LORD our God sings lullaby’s over His people at night. The loud war cries of verse 14 have ended in His victory and now He tends to His battle weary people, approaching them with songs in the night, because the terrors of war have ended. The LORD has got you in the grip of His grace and you can sleep in peace because He will quiet you with His love.

The Psalm ends with the same refrain of verse 5. The Psalmist is using his voice to command his emotions, he is preaching to his soul the salvation of God. Read verse 11 again. He is taking the words of the Bible, the gift of the Spirit of God, to speak God’s encouragement to his situation. In I Samuel 30:6 you read “But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God”. He was in the middle of a near mutiny by his soldiers, enemies had raided his camp and carried off their all the wives and children of the men with David and David’s own two wives were taken captive. Their supplies and their possessions were gone But David strengthened himself in the LORD. I wonder, did he use words like those we read in Psalm 42?

You have promised, O LORD, to command Your steadfast love towards us by day and night Your song will be with us. Help us to hear this music of heaven. King Jesus, Captain of Salvation, by the powerful presence of Your Spirit in us, help us preach to our soul the powerful truth of Scripture found here in this Psalm. Help us to declare it over and over until we are comforted and renewed in our confident hope of Your past victories and Your final, quickly approaching victory, when sin and death will be no more. Amen.

https://youtu.be/4iPIi7sunEU?si=CZ1g7dp3h5ufFhGq “No More Night” David Phelps

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 29, 2023 -- Psalm 42:1-2 -- The Psalm Series: Flowing streams of Living Water

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

As the deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2 ESV

Some of you may be familiar with the couple-decades-ago popular Christian song “As the Deer”. It is a cheery song that starts with the opening words of Psalm 42. Perhaps you sense there might be a disconnect between a light-hearted tune paired with the urgent tone of these verses? I sure do.

The writer of this Psalm has chased after other things and realized they can never satisfy him. Nothing else can quench his thirst. Or, he may have been pursued by his temptations like a deer is chased by hunter. He is exhausted. He is realizing that nothing else can satisfy except God, the Living and Holy One. He alone is great refuge for those who are haunted by past temptations. He Who made us knows exactly what we need for life and godliness and satiation.

In the New Testament Jesus describes Himself as Living Water. He met a woman who’d had many men. Jesus pointed out she is living with a man not her husband (John 4:18). She’d been thirsty and hoping that sexual satisfaction might fill the void in her life. Jesus revealed Himself to her as the Savior of the World. In this context Jesus shows He is greater than our need for sexual satisfaction, greater than our need for food (John 4:34). She believed Him. She told the townsfolk about Jesus and many followed her back to Jesus.

There is a great thirst among the people of this world. Even Christians can get side-tracked and try to satisfy their longings with anything and anyone other than Jesus. Our passage today reminds us that our soul is truly thirsting for Jesus. He is living water. If this seems hopeful and attractive to you, it is His Spirit calling you back to Jesus. Listen. Get advice from a Christian whose walk you respect.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the probing nature of Your Word which illuminates the condition of our heart so that Your Spirit can reveal our deepest and truest need, Jesus. Forgive us for the times and ways in which we try to satisfy our longings with other things: sex, alcohol, anger, shopping, pride, or whatever other idols our hearts manufacture. Thank You for Your Spirit Who pursues us and will not let us get away from You, but by our very longings and thirsts brings us back to Jesus. As our thirsts are quenched in Him, help us then to invite others to Jesus, the flowing stream of living water. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sXgCi5mhRYM?si=VFmuPDLoI7vlETEN “Whiter than Snow”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 28, 2023 -- Hebrews 4:8-11 -- Sunday rest and the Promise of Eternal Rest

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

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:8-11 ESV

"So, so busy", that is the reply some people might offer when you ask how they are doing. It is almost like a badge of honour. It is a sign that all the technologies of our world have not made our lives easier, but have instead increased our pressures, increased our workload, increased our sense we’ll never be done. There is a ghoulish, but accurate statement highlighting this, which goes “graveyards are full of people who thought they were indispensable”.

The Bible gives a beautiful, ultimate picture of rest.

In the Old Testament Joshua completed the work of Moses. Moses, under God’s mighty hand, led the people of Israel out of Egypt, out of slavery and brought them to Mount Sinai, the place of the covenant. Joshua was the leader after Moses who completed the work of bringing God’s people into the Promised Land. The land of rest. The land of milk and honey. But the people’s rest from slavery and entrance into the Promised Land pointed to an even greater rest to come.

The New Joshua is Jesus. He will bring believers into the New Heavens and the New Earth. This rest means:

• no more fighting temptation to sin

• no more encroachment of old age

• no more broken relationships and the drama that goes with it

• no more separation from God and wondering if He moved or if we did.

Every Sunday is a day of rest. A day of drawing close to God. A day of contemplating the goodness of God in forgiving us in Christ. Rest that allows us to reflect that our work will not save us, but Christ our King has saved us by His blood and His Spirit is leading us to the Eternal Land of Promise and rest. No wonder Sunday is a celebration and a joy for the people of God. Sunday stirs in us the anticipation of the treasure house of blessings in store for believers when we finally have our eternal rest.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. What blessings You have packed into the lives of Christians; among these abounding blessings is the gift of rest. Forgive us for the many times we have neglected the Sunday rest and kept up a busy schedule that has tyrannized us. Forgive us for refusing Your blessing in fulfilling the Sunday’s purpose of leading us to unburden ourselves before Jesus, in Whom we find true rest from You. Thank You, Triune God, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, in Whom all the treasures of heaven are guarded in us and for us. Teach us to live according to the blessings Your commandments have for us so that we will by them know the Giver-of the-Commandments, He Who Is our soul’s delight. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_JNJXnZzc9g?si=U0OzwNf0-b5xxBvM “Don’t Forget the Sabbath”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 25, 2023 -- Psalm 41:13 -- The Psalm Series: Now Blessed be the LORD our God!

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

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
Psalm 41:13 ESV

The very first book of the Psalms, there are five books in total, ends with the Psalm-writer crying out “Blessed be the LORD”. Likely this is not a common part of your daily speech. Blessing the LORD is more common than you think in the Scriptures. Moses’ father-in-law speaks blessing to the LORD in conversation with his son-in-law Moses (Exodus 18:10). When Abraham’s servant finds a suitable wife he blesses the LORD (Genesis 24:27). In fact, today’s devotion could be filled with Scripture references, all the people and an explanation of their circumstances when they spoke out blessing God.

What does it mean to bless the LORD God? It is to recognize His goodness in your life and speak it back to Him. To bless the LORD is to tell Him His greatness is beyond all comparison. Sometimes a Christian will declare this in holy awe, for example, the moment a father holds his newborn baby. Sometimes a Christian will declare the blessedness of God in joy even as it is served with a side of grief, at the graveside of a beloved family member. Through the tears it must be acknowledged our lives and even our death is in His hands. Blessed be the LORD Who gives and takes away. Sometimes a Christian blesses the LORD in worship, gathered with fellow believers knowing the LORD is very great and worthy of such blessing. 

How can we, mere mortals, tiny specks of dust as we are, bless the LORD our God? Our Father in heaven has chosen us in love from before the foundation of the world. Our Father in heaven has sent His Spirit to strengthen us, so that we will know how wide and high and long and deep is His love for us in Christ. When we understand these showers of blessings, our love is reflected back to Him and we declare Him blessed. Simply, and this is nearly beyond comprehension, the LORD our God has created us for relationship with Himself. He delights to bless us, His people, and we delight to be in HIs presence, it is what we are made for and where we find our life’s highest, purest purpose. The Song of Solomon is the book of the Bible that teaches us most clearly how our Savior delights in His people and rejoices to be blessed by His Church. At the very end of Scripture King Jesus calls out to His Church, His Bride: “Behold, I am returning soon”. The Bride of Christ, the Church calls out to Him, blessing Him in her anticipation—return quickly! It blesses Him that we delight in Him.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Who is a God like You? You have crowned Your people with glory and honour. By Your Spirit You have planted in our hearts a yearning for knowing You better, a longing to be in fellowship with You. If that longing is thwarted in any way our minds and hearts are idol-factories. We will make pitiful substitutes and begin running after these worthless things. Forgive us. In view of our glorious Bridegroom Jesus and His redeeming work, cleanse us from the inside out so that all our longings are fixed in Jesus and our words and our lives, our thoughts and our actions bless You, Triune God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ZOtF0RP_c00?si=DaOGnseSetIDqI2U “Now Blessed Be the Lord our God”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 23, 2023 -- II Corinthians 5:6-11 -- The Proper Fear of the Lord

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

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
II Corinthians 5:6-11 ESV

The fear of the Lord is such a difficult topic for so many Christians. Verse 11 teaches us that knowing the fear of the prompts us to teach others to fear Him. Currently I am listening through a teaching series given by the Dr. Michael Reeves and his topic is “The Fear of the LORD”. He is making a beautiful distinction between being afraid and the fear of the Lord.

Reeves notes that the fear of God is the proper object of all our fears. The fear of God reins in anxiety. Society having lost the fear of God our culture has become more and more neurotic. Without a Father’s proper care for us, other concerns from safety of the planet, to safety and even facing death become for us cruel and pitiless idols that fill us with anxieties. And this is a real blow to atheism. Liberating people from the fear of God was touted by the atheists to liberate people from fear. But this has all back-fired. “The Fear of the Lord” from the Ligonier teaching podcasts. What a beautiful and succinct summary.

“The fear of God is the soul of godliness”
Professor John Murray.

“The fear of the Lord means the whole worship of God,
all the obedience which we owe unto Him.”
Puritan John Owen

We live in fear of disobeying the LORD our God and in the confident fear of the LORD that He has all things in His hands. Our past and future, our life and our death, our struggles and times of ease, the sustaining of the planet, all things in fact, are in His hands. He is the Source of all Good. What a relief it is to place our fear in Him so that all other fears are relegated to insignificance knowing His powerful work in saving His people through Christ.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the blessing of life and strength, for the confident hope of salvation that is properly placed in Christ, Your beloved Son Who is our Savior. Thank You for the confident fear we have which guards us against disobedience to You and as we are strengthened by Your Spirit helps believers to face a hostile world. Amen.

https://youtu.be/jcp6w4zaW7U?si=aJkZpQtPRzIMG4TJ “When Peace Like a River” Anthem Lights

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 21, 2023 -- Hebrews 3:1-3 -- Jesus is better -- surpassing Moses in faithfulness

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

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses was also faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
Hebrews 3:1-3 ESV

Other translations put the command this way: “fix your eyes on Jesus”. Paul was writing to people who were formerly Jews and now Christians. Some of the member of this audience were slipping back into Jewish practices, rather than staying fixed on Jesus. In Hebrews 1 Jesus is proved to be better than angels—as some of the audience had become fixated on angels and their spirituality was bound up in all things angelic instead of focused on Jesus, Who created angels and before Whom angels bow.

In Hebrews 2 there is a sharp warning not to drift from the faith. Unless Christians are actively engaged in attending worship, hearing sermons, learning more about Jesus, genuinely being fixed on Him, Christians will drift away into other things and their faith will grow cold.

Now Paul is addressing his readers on another point of contention—the sharp focus on Moses, as if might be of greater consequence than Jesus. Some of the Jewish readership was returning to Moses. While Moses is called “faithful” (verse 2) Jesus eclipses Moses because Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest. Jesus is sent by God to lead men to the Father and Jesus is the One Who represents humanity to Father. He is the Great Apostle, the only One Who can go from heaven to earth and then represent earth to heaven. Second, He is the High Priest. Jesus was the Lamb of God Who by His blood once for all takes away the sin of the world. And Jesus is the intercessor for sinners Who opens the way for believers to come to the Father.

All of Moses’ ministry pointed to one greater than himself, to Jesus. This is the point Jesus makes in John 5:46-47. If you believed in Moses, then you would believe in Jesus because Moses wrote about Jesus.

What is distracting you from keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus? Is it seeking some kind of prophetic message or word? Stay focused on Jesus and read the Bible. Is it hoping that there will be a new temple in Jerusalem? Jesus now lives in believers by His Holy Spirit—we are the temple of God. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. How great and glorious is the salvation You have given us in Jesus Christ! By Your Spirit and the Spirit’s illuminating work through the pages of the Scriptures, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ZiEqKpN90W4?si=O0leDrCVyKuvXg6S Casting Crowns ‘Tis so Sweet to True in Jesus

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 19, 2023 -- Philippians 3:20-21 -- "I believe in the communion of the saints"

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

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21 ESV

The focus of my teaching at two of the institutions I teach at weekly is the Apostles’ Creed. We are examining it line by line and I am showing the Bible-basis for this creed. Today the focus is on “the communion of the saints”. It is a lengthy teaching. The text before you today describes one aspect of belonging to this new community. In Jesus Christ we have a new citizenship. Consider the implications of this.

Like temporary residents in a foreign land, we long for the country of our citizenship, the place where Jesus is. Like foreigners in a strange land we long for news about our home country and we gobble it up (the Bible). Whenever we meet other citizens we rejoice to see them and love to talk about the splendors of true home. Though we live as foreigners and exiles here on earth, we love to talk about our Royal Family—the Father Who loves us, the Son Who has redeemed us and the Spirit Who keeps us in close fellowship so that our homesickness does not overwhelm us.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. What a beautiful hope You have placed in the heart of every believer. We live with the expectation that one day soon we will join You in the land of our inheritance, the beautiful place where there is no need for sun or moon, for You, O Living God, will be all our light. Spirit of the Living God, help us to be ambassadors for King Jesus, declaring the splendors and our longing expectations which are tied up in our citizenship in heaven. Spirit of God, we need Your help to live here, as foreigners and strangers, so that we are not overwhelmed with the practices of this strange land. Increase in us all the expectation of Your return and the anticipation of the glories that accompany this so that our hearts and lives, our hands and actions will show our love for You by our obedience. Amen.

https://youtu.be/C-T7VyCMbQQ?si=C2EyKmX73mxxUgis “Take My Life and Let It Be”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 18, 2023 --Psalm 40:5, 13-14 -- The Psalm Series: Thanksgiving and Lament

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

You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
   Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us;
   none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
   yet they are more than can be told.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!
   O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
   who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
   who delight in my hurt!
Psalm 40:5, 13-15 ESV

It is almost jarring to read these verses together. Psalm 40 shows the complexity of the human heart which is vulnerable to God and open in prayer. The first ten verses are thanksgiving, but the last seven verses are lamentation. So the lead paragraph is taken from the thanksgiving section, while the last is three verses of lamentation. It is almost jarring when you read it flowing suddenly from one emotional state to another. Yet this shows us the lovingkindness of our Father in heaven Who, by His Spirit, taught His people to pray such prayers. The Psalms are the prayer-book of the Scriptures. The Psalms, written by ordinary men, were composed so that the whole range of human experiences and emotions and circumstances could be lifted up to God in prayer.

The last few days have been rough for me. I have been battling depression…and it seems to be winning. A Psalm like this is evidence to me (and others who suffering from anxiousness, or depression, or other mental health struggles) that the LORD our God does not reject His suffering ones.

Perhaps anxiety and depression are not part of your vocabulary or experience. Thanks be to God for that! Then let the words of this psalm be for you a prayer on behalf of those in your life who you know are struggling. Furthermore, let the opening thanksgiving of this Psalm be for you true worship and praise.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the lamentations of Scripture and invitation You give that all who suffer can find refuge in Jesus, for He suffered in every way we do and yet was without sin. Spirit of the Living God let those who rejoice today rejoice with great thanksgiving and let those who are suffering be comforted in the knowledge their suffering and tears are recorded in Your book of life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/SR7aLsMTE3U?si=F7clqOpbnUl8vzX8 Psalm 40 The Psalm Project

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 16, 2023 -- Job 38:22-28 -- Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His Name

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

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
    or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
23 which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
    for the day of battle and war?
24 What is the way to the place where the light is distributed,
    or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?

25 “Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain
    and a way for the thunderbolt,
26 to bring rain on a land where no man is,
    on the desert in which there is no man,
27 to satisfy the waste and desolate land,
    and to make the ground sprout with grass?

28 “Has the rain a father,
    or who has begotten the drops of dew?

Job 38:22-28 ESV

Well, Tropical Storm Lee is now lashing our windows with heavy rain and gusts of wind are whipping small branches of trees and swaying limbs of bigger trees. It is an awesome display. When the LORD God approached Job, He questioned Job. Have you seen where the wind is scattered? Of course not! It is the LORD Who is in charge of the winds. He is LORD of the storms and the snows and hail and thunderbolts and flood are just the smallest display His infinite power.

All of these questions the LORD asks are designed to show man how small he really is. Today highlights the smallness of mankind. Officially Hurricane Lee is now a Tropical Storm. Consider the effects of the storm and the puniness of people. For all his boasting and imagined power, planes are grounded, ferries stop their crossing and local governments issued warnings for people to stay indoors.

It is a perfect day to read Job. A wonderful day to be reminded the LORD our God is in charge. Wind and waves do the bidding of our LORD. When Jesus came to the earth, the stormy winds and tempestuous waves recognized Him and were stilled at His command. This is the glorious One Whom we serve. Place all your confidence in Him. 

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. With the Psalmist of old we cry:
^Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His Name
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as King forever.
May the LORD give strength to His people!
May the LORD bless His people with peace! Amen.
(^Psalm 29:2-4, 10-11 ESV)

https://youtu.be/PbsbBq-q2D8?si=upg853lBRzLENoV- Psalm 29 (The Voice of the Lord)

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 15, 2023 -- Psalm 39:11 -- The Psalm Series: The Holy Spirit as iconoclast in your life

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

When you discipline a man
    with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
    surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
Psalm 39:11 ESV

What mercy is packaged in God’s discipline and His rebukes against our sins. How easily our sins become such a strong distraction that we are unable to break the trance-like hold they have on us. The LORD God consumes whatever dearest idol would take a man from considering the LORD his Keeper as his greatest good.

What is it that is being attacked in your life right now? Now ask the Spirit if that which is being attacked must be thrown down because it was threatening to eclipse the place that belongs to God alone. It is your health? Or money? Dangerous friendships? Possessions? Addictions? A collection you're gathering?

Our lives are short. God in His great grace has given the Holy Spirit to believers so that no-thing, no circumstance, and no person can take the place of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the iconoclast in our lives, smashing false idols and all the statues we’ve erected which would place Jesus second or third or fourth in our lives. Jesus is the Captain of Salvation. He is your life’s greatest good.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the unswerving persistence of Your Holy Spirit Who relentlessly smashes all idols so that our lives, hearts, and minds are purified for the glory of Jesus alone. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sXgCi5mhRYM?si=q91yPOHJK42NrEvB “Whiter than Snow”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 14, 2023 -- Psalm 39:1-5 -- The Psalm Series: Considering how fleeting our lives are

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

I said, “I will guard my ways,
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
    so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was mute and silent;
    I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3     My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “O LORD, make me know my end
    and what is the measure of my days;
    let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
Psalm 39:1-5 ESV

What you're reading is an intense and very personal opening to this psalm. David had vowed to guard his mouth whenever the wicked were in his presence. This teaches us that David, though a powerful king and a man after God’s own heart, had people in his life who were wicked. It is too easy to think of David as a man who would not have to face the same kinds of struggles we do.

Why does he muzzle his mouth? Does he realize his thoughts are sinful? Does he not want to answer a fool according to that fool’s folly? Does he compare his circumstances to that of the wicked and feel as if he is not getting what he thinks he deserves while wicked men seem to prosper? There is no answer to those questions. Any one of those suggestions could fit the circumstances described. The pressure is building up in him. You can feel it in the reading. David’s distress increased. His heart burned hotter and hotter. What brought relief?

He prayed: “Make me know my end and what is the measure of my days, let me know how fleeting I am!” Knowing the end of our days brings relief. The righteous and the wicked will be judged at the end of time. The length of our days on this planet are few when compared to eternity in the presence of the Living God. Think of it, King David lived around 3000 years ago. So as of today David’s brief life of around 80 years on earth has already been eclipsed by about 37 times in eternity. And eternity has no limit of joy and blessedness in the presence of God our Savior. Even the wicked who seem so strong at the time King David faced them have a life that is as short, so if you tried to measure the span of the life of the wicked it would as small as the distance from your thumb to your pinky, while after death the length of eternity stretches out into the fading, unseeable future as a length of thousands of light years.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. When confronted with the wicked, who seem to surround us on every side, by Your Spirit and Your Word help us to understand the victory of Jesus Christ at the cross. He disarmed the devil and took away from us the wrath of God which had been stacked up against us. Jesus’ work on the cross makes the sinfulness of the wicked even more vile and punishable because of their refusal to bend their knees in humble awe and need of the Wondrous Savior. God of unimaginable splendor, we fall to our knees in humble faith and awe before You. Triune God of glory, help us to know our days, how fleeting our lives truly are and in view of the quickly approaching judgment of Jesus, when He returns with all His holy ones, give to us a greater sense of urgency to pray for those who persecute us. O God, Who hears the prayers of the humble, enable us by Your Spirit us to express our love for Jesus as we walk in ever greater assurance of this blessed salvation He has given showing such assurance by keeping His commandments. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis?si=09RbO-fWYhJfJ2j5 “I am not my own”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 13, 2023 -- Hebrews 2:5-11 -- Jesus' Glory and the Glory of those Who Believe in Him

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

5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him,
    or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
    you have crowned him with glory and honor,
8     putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.
Hebrews 2:5-11 ESV

What is your opinion of humanity? Infinitely valuable? Evolved pond-scum. The Dr. Rev. Michael Kruger, in his series on Hebrews offers two quotations which emphasize the very different view of the world versus the Christian’s view. Kruger's teaching has shaped today’s devotional.

“The human race is just a chemical scum on a moderate-sized planet, orbiting around a very average star in the outer suburb of one among a hundred billion galaxies. We are so insignificant that I can't believe the whole universe exists for our benefit. That would be like saying that you would disappear if I closed my eyes.” ― Stephen Hawking

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously - no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.” ― C.S. Lewis

The world is so inconsistent in its view of humanity. Are people merely dust in a vast, nearly limitless universe? Then there are woke view of humanity that the feelings of a person are so important that any harm, real or perceived, is punishable. Strange.

C.S. Lewis captures the sense of the reading from Hebrews. Man is made for glory. People are not mere mortals, but those who have been designed by God for “immortal horrors” (hell) or “everlasting splendors” (life God with in the new heavens and new earth).

We do not yet see man as such for the effects of sin have clouded our eyes and dulled our senses. However, the eyes of faith see Jesus, and Him glorified, so that empowered by the Spirit and taught by the Word, believers know the weight of glory that is in store in Christ.

Such a high view of humanity leads the believer to bring honour and praise to God.

Such a high view of humanity causes the believer to be urgent in evangelism.

Such a high view of humanity brings the believer to his knees in prayer for those who do not believe in Jesus, asking God the Father for their salvation and that by His Spirit He will raise up missionaries and preachers and teachers to go out in Jesus' Name.

Such a high view of humanity enables the believer to patiently endure adversity and suffering, knowing that God the Father has a weight of glory in store for those who abide in Christ.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. It is almost too much to think about, that You have created Adam and Eve with such crowning glory. Indeed, Your people today have such glory, though it is veiled to the sight of the world, it is revealed in Scripture and perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. How great and blessed are You, God of Heaven's Armies and how vast is Your mercy to us, who so often aimlessly run in circles and do not seize upon the riches You have for us in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, lead us to meditate on the wondrous truth of Scripture. Help us to see the weight of glory given and in store for Christians and send us out to our neighbours, family, and this world as representatives and ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/tvSAZaHae2I?si=KVqcfRR9Av-t71qN “Lord, our Lord, Thy Glorious Name”

If you are able to read the words of this hymn, perhaps as you sing along, you’ll see it follows Psalm 8, which was quoted in Hebrews 2.

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 11, 2023 -- Psalm 38:1-5 -- The Psalm Series: Lamentation and Healing Confession

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

A PSALM OF DAVID FOR THE MEMORIAL OFFERING.
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath!
For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
like a heavy burden, they are are too heavy for me.
My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness.
Psalm 38:1-5 ESV

There is a Dutch proverb that goes Zachte heelmeesters maken stinkende wonden. For those who are not Dutch speakers, an approximate translation is mild physicians lead to putrid wounds. How does that relate to our psalm-reading this morning? Great question.

David is experiencing physical, mental, spiritual and emotional anguish because of the discipline of God. Until this psalm of confession, he had not chosen to go to the Healer for his cleansing. The point is this, the more we try to deal with our sins apart from repenting of them, turning from them and turning to Jesus, the more our sins will fester and weigh us down. This is in fact the mercy of God which is designed to drive us to His healing arms. The worldly advice for such sin-inflected suffering is: just forget it. Or, “God loves you no matter what”. Another killer is: "Time heals all wounds". Those are lies which lead to sin’s infection burrowing ever deeper into one’s life and causing more widespread putrefaction.

This is a psalm for the memorial offering. That sacrifice pointed to the ultimate sacrifice. This psalm is the lamentation of confession to God acknowledging He is not a mild physician, but the Only One Who addresses the root cause of suffering and has the ability to heal at the deepest level of our pain and need. The memorial offering is a sacrifice which points to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our wounds are healed at the cost of Jesus’ humiliation, suffering and death. At the cross His righteousness is given to all those who confess their sins and their need of Him so that their evils are punished on the person of Jesus. He will never forsake those who cry out to Him for true, deep healing.

Our Father in heaven blessed and honoured, praised and magnified be Your Name now and forevermore. You alone are the Physician Who in Jesus Christ offers healing and cleansing beyond anything this world can offer. Spirit of God, help us to be vulnerable enough to open our hearts and confess our deepest, festering wounds, so that the fullness of Jesus’ healing and redeeming work can be effected in us and in our lives. Faithful God, by the Spirit’s power help us, as the community of Jesus Christ, to lead others to Jesus Christ in Whom all the Father’s healing work is found. Amen.

https://youtu.be/mH3I_6hvLyc?si=iaqriEbtGYwroFj9 “Remember Not, O God”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 10, 2023 -- Psalm 16:11 -- The only place you'll find lasting, deep, ever-growing joy.

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

You make known to me the path of life;
   in your presence there is fullness of joy;
   at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 ESV

Perhaps the words of Psalm 16 quoted for us here today seem a bit over the top? Who would have such delight in the LORD? Who can really have such fullness of joy? G. K. Chesterton noted “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

Test the LORD on His promises of fullness of joy and finding pleasures by living at His right hand. Get up. Get to church. Spend time in the glorious presence of our God and King. Ask the Holy Spirit, Who from eternity has delighted in Jesus the Son and in the Father, to give you delight in the path of life which is walking with Jesus. This is not asking for obedience for the sake of getting God to like you. No! Ask the Spirit to give you such a deep relationship with the Living Jesus that you will be overwhelmed with the knowledge of the Father's deep and abiding love given to you in Jesus and obedience will then be the only response of your heart and mind, and it will be offered with joy and thankfulness.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. With the Psalmist we declare: “Your are my Lord, I have no good thing apart from You!” Mighty Father send Your Spirit so that Jesus will be our soul’s delight and walking in His ways will be easy because it is the path to ever deeper relationship with Him. Let the truth of Your word be fulfilled in our lives like a tide coming in so more of Your righteousness and gladness spill into our lives because we know Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/pTTlSx6zXio?si=8L17WKAztjC998rR “Knowing You, Jesus”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 8, 2023 -- Proverbs 6:16-19 -- The Evil God our Father hates. Part III

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

16 There are six things that the LORD hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
    and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

There are two common errors that Christians make with regards to the laws and commands of God. The first is to think we are now, in the New Testament era, past having to keep all the laws of God and now there is freedom in Christ. A simple test proves this wrong. If someone is telling others lies about you and the good opinion your boss used to have about you is now changed, you’ll say, that is unfair. It is wrong. Ah, so, laws should exist. The LORD our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, His laws endure. The second temptation is legalism. Everyone’s actions and attitudes are weighed on your own scale, so that you become the judge of the behavior of others and the standard. Besides this there are all kinds of other rules you believe should be added on. Think of these two as the ditch on either side of the road of righteousness. The Christian steers a path in between these ditches, knowing that the road to a living, vibrant relationship with our Father in heaven depends not on legalism, nor ignoring His laws, but in living for Jesus and keeping His commandments as the way of expressing our love.

That is why feet that run to evil are an abomination to the LORD our God. It is evidence of heart that is twisted against His will and His ways. Oh, it is easy to run to evil. Like the siren song calling sailors to crash against the seashore so evil sings and tries to lull people into sin. Remember, Proverbs are the way of wisdom for those who desire to please God the Father. This is for Christians, given as a warning.

False witnesses who breath out lies. As easily as one breathes in and breathes out, so easily does a false witness lie. Dear fellow believer, consider how many false teachings and wrong-headed notions still linger in us. The instruction of the world is a constant fire-hose catechism of untruths which infects media, and social networks and the school system. Unless our lives are constantly realigned with the teaching of Scripture we can be breathing out lies without even knowing it.

If the believer is unaware of the lies he is breathing out, because his thoughts are not God’s thoughts and his ways are not God’s ways, then what he says to others will sow discord. Often sincere Christians will be teaching the ways of the world and promoting such things within the body of Christ and this will be discord and trouble because it is against the very Word of God. Other times trouble-makers and self-promoters will sow discord, causing people to be divided because they want their own way. It can happen as well that believers, sincere in their walk with God and devout in their knowledge of Him, teach other Christians and their fellow believers are upset because the teaching contradicts their comfortable, but wrong notions. Think of how often the prophets of Israel irked and irritated the people of God who had become comfortable with their sinful ways.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. The commands You give and the instructions found in Your Word are not the ends in and of themselves, but these are given so that Your people will know You and walk in Your loving ways. Spirit of God help us to live in the light of Your teaching so that sin will be recognized as sinful and the desire for good and godly ways will be what draws us closer to Jesus. Thank You Jesus, for the depths and breadth of Your healing, saving work. Triune God, continually motivate us to holiness and ever greater love for You in all our words, actions and thoughts. Amen.

https://youtu.be/IzXnINe12_E?si=7E-eO1FPFAJiFjPP “Teach Me, O Lord, Your Way of Truth”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 7, 2023 -- Proverbs 6:16-19 -- What God the Judge Hates. Part II

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

16 There are six things that the LORD hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
    and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

What does the word abomination mean? It is something vile, something corrupt, something that is disgusting. It is one of the strongest words in Scripture to describe our LORD’s profound animosity towards sin and these specific sins, which are repeated through-out Scripture. Consider New Testament lists, warning passages like Ephesians 4:17-32 and Romans 3:9-18. Those who practice such things are placing themselves in great spiritual danger.

Today we consider the third and fourth vile practices which are named as an abomination to the LORD. The third evil which is an abomination to the LORD: hands that shed innocent blood. Most among us are relieved, we have not actually killed anyone. However, Jesus upped the ante when He said, “I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire” (Matthew 5:21-22 ESV). Wow, that is an incredibly high standard God the Judge commands of His people. When we read what this means we immediately realize we have much to confess.

The fourth is a heart that devises evil. There is something about revenge movies that appeals to the sinful nature which still lingers in us. An example is the movie which depicts a group of bank robbers betrayed and robbed by one of their own. These bandits plot to get their revenge. And even gentle Christians are catechized to hate, to plot wickedness and to get even. Cheering even, when wickedness prevails, because the subtle movie-director's art has toyed with the viewer's heart so that sympathy is created for evil-doers. So much of our worldly movies and media celebrate plotting evil against others. How easily Christians are infected by this and then, sometimes unwittingly, other times knowingly, begin to practice such evils against one another.

A warning passage like this makes it clear why the Bible is so direct in pointing out sins. Christians directed by the Holy Spirit begin to see their lives in the mirror of Scripture. Christians gain a holy fear against lingering sins, wickedness which discounts the glorious work of Christ and would place them liable to the hell of fires. Oh, pray to God that the people of the LORD would stop playing church and instead, imbibing the truth of the Word would confess sins and hate them, throwing them far away and ardently seek the Rock, Jesus Christ, in Whom is all our righteousness.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. How great is Your Holiness. Lofty and majestic beyond all telling. There is none like You in splendour, in perfection, in requiring an absolute standard of righteousness. Spirit of God continually lift Christ high in our thoughts and in our meditations. Let the written word lead us to the Living Word, Jesus, so that in Him we will see the blackness of sin and run quickly and urgently toward Him in Whom is all life and godliness. Spirit of the Living God, blessed be Your Name for Scripture teaches us that in Your divine power we have been granted all things that pertain to life and godliness. Increase our knowledge of Jesus. Increase our knowledge of the Father, Who from before the foundation of the world has chosen us in love through Christ the Beloved One. Viewing Him, Christ, the radiance of the Father’s glory, help us to put aside all shedding of blood and all plots of evil. Instead, cause us to be a people who repay blessings for curses received and plotting ever greater kindnesses for the sake of Christ against those who are planning evil against us. In so doing Father in heaven, receive the praise of Your people, in so doing, Christ heap burning coals on the heads of those who oppose You, in so doing Spirit give us strength and humility and an ever deeper devotion to Jesus, the Warrior-Captain of our Salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/rsb6quBWxlw?si=B95BDdl69IyKFMy4 “Lead On, O King Eternal”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

September 6, 2023 -- Proverbs 6:16-19 -- What the LORD Hates

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

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
    and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

Dear family in Christ it is my usual practice to read one chapter of Proverbs a day—on the sixth day of the month to read chapter six, on the seventh to read chapter seven and so on. So, the quotation above is part of my scheduled reading. It is written to believers. It is a warning for the faithful community. It is a measuring stick by which Christians can examine their hearts and their actions.

• Haughty eyes reflect a prideful heart. They look down on those who are deemed less than. Read these words:

  Thus says the LORD:
  “Heaven is my throne,
      and the earth is my footstool;
  what is the house that you would build for me,
      and what is the place of my rest?
  2 All these things my hand has made,
      and so all these things came to be,
  declares the LORD.
  But this is the one to whom I will look:
      he who is humble and contrite in spirit
      and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

  In view of the greatness and the majesty of the LORD, what right do you have to be prideful? All you have is from the LORD Who is enthroned on high.

• Lying tongues. How easy it is to lie. Perhaps to spare someone’s feelings. Maybe to ease oneself out of a difficult situation, a little lie can seem like an easy short-cut out of a lot of explanation. Read this warning

  Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3

Notice the theme here, in view of the greatness of God, His awesome holiness and splendor, it is critical that believers guard their lips and keep watch over their thoughts. Such words of warning should drive us to our knees in penitence, asking the LORD’s mercy offered in Jesus Christ and asking for His Spirit’s strength so that we will have the strength we need to walk with integrity and true holiness.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. You are resplendent with majestic glory. Who shall not adore You and bow before You? How great is Your steadfast kindness in warning believers to guard their lips, keep watch over their actions and the live their lives constantly aware of Your fiery holiness. O Spirit divine, let the fear of the LORD govern our thoughts and direct our lives so that the world around us sees believers who are unafraid of the world’s pressures and unmoved by her temptation but are instead wholly devoted to pleasing the LORD. Amen.

https://youtu.be/zUAQdd2ELuE?si=CPFTcAK7O9-8Tas- Phillips, Craig and Dean “Let My Words be Few”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.