January 17, 2024 -- Acts 16:25 -- Suffering. Reprint from Feb. 15, 2023

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

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
Acts 16:25 ESV

10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.
I Peter 3:10-14 ESV

Suffering. We all go through it. Could be sickness. Could be the death of a loved one. Could be suffering under an unjust boss. Could be strains and stresses within your family. Could be any number of things. How do you endure suffering and the wrongs committed against you?

Paul and Silas were in prison, suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and they were praying and singing hymns to God. Now that is a powerful testimony. The other prisoners could hear them and must have wondered how they could be so confident in God in that place. In his letter to believers, Peter reminds them and us our lives will have suffering. How you endure this suffering points to whom you serve. Those who follow Christ Jesus will suffer all the suffering common to all people, and in addition will suffer for belonging to Jesus. The Scriptures today remind us to endure all suffering of any kind with the grace of the Spirit in such a way that the people around us will see Jesus Christ and His glory revealed in you.

Have you failed in your suffering? Been a complainer. Been a mutterer. Been angry and cursing? Written off the people around you because of their lack of compassion? Confess it to God. He has placed you where you are. He has given you the opportunity to shine for His glory in the times of trouble. He has provided His Holy Spirit so that you can endure all things and suffering for righteousness’ sake, be blessed. Trust God the Father in this and know His love and mercy are greater than your circumstances. Know that He is preparing for you a weight of glory that far outshines whatever it is you are going through.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. It seems almost too embarrassing and simplistic to confess it, to acknowledge all people will suffer and that I too have suffered and not carried it well. I have complained. Pointed a finger at others and discredited Christ the Captain of Salvation and the very One Who is praying for me to endure to Your glory, O God. Forgive me. Lead me to the cross where love and mercy are mingled and given to believers with such a great measure that we can, with renewed strength and confident hope in You, live as those who are suffering for righteousness' sake. Let our God-centred, and hope-fueled suffering, bring You honour and glory, King of kings and LORD of Lords, for we endure and vow to continue to endure it in the grace of Jesus and through the strength of the Spirit's work within us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MxRnzJT5mvo

Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross — Ernie Haas

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 16, 2024 -- Romans 3:22b-25a -- Are You Bent Out of Shape?

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

For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Romans 3:22b-25a

Yesterday I was listening to a talk given by Martyn Iles. Iles is the Chief Ministry Officer of Answers in Genesis, U.S.A. Iles noted: “The day I learned I was a sinner going to hell was the best day of my life. Because then I knew where to go, where to look, where to find the Truth” (YouTube “What God’s Kingdom ACTUALLY Looks Like in Today’s World). Seems like a shocking statement, doesn’t it? Iles is making the point which Paul made almost 2000 years ago. Unless a man knows he is a sinner, violating the very purpose for which God made him, he will be rushing head-long to hell with no idea of his destination.

How many of you have bent butter knives in your drawer? You needed a screwdriver, to tighten the screw holding a loose knob in the kitchen and you were too lazy to go all the way to the garage to get the screwdriver, so you used a butter knife. It did the job. But the butter knife now has a slight bend in it. You can tell it did the job, but not well. That is not what it was designed to do, and it can’t handle the required tension.

My friends, we were designed to show off the glory of God. Sin has twisted us so that we do not walk in the glory God intends for us. When a man knows he is a sinner, like a bent butter knife in the kitchen drawer, and he confesses his sin—he is trying to do things we was not made to do—then God’s gavel goes down. “Not guilty” is the verdict God the Father proclaims, as He accepts the righteousness of Jesus in the place of the man’s former sinfulness. Propitiation means that the anger of God against our sins has been turned away, from us to Jesus. While Jesus was on the cross, He bore the full-on anger of God against all our sins. Every.single.one.of.them.

Now, we accomplish the task for which we were created—we bring glory to God. Like a butter knife smoothly going through room-temperature butter, our lives accomplish the task for which we were created. It is natural for us to give glory to God. It is what we do because we are doing the very task for which we were made.

Sometimes the knife spreads butter over hot toast—the butter smears, gets liquidy (is that even a word?) and drippy. Messy work. But the knife is accomplishing the task for which it was made. The results are not up to the knife. In the same way, we are in the hand of God, and He directs us to His purposes so that all our lives bring Him honour, and glory, and praise. If we are out of step with this glory-design of God, our whole lives are bent, twisted out of shape, because we are not doing what we are made to do. Perhaps this might be the best day of your life? If you realize you are a sinner, then you also know where to go, to look for help, to find the Truth.

Ah, gracious Father, with the psalmist we cry out
“^Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
Thank You for the new life You have given us in Christ. Thank You for the re-purposing You have accomplished in those who are in Christ by which You have given us the glory You intended for us. By the powerful working of Your Spirit help us to shine glory and honour to You. Merciful Father, for our friends, our neighbours, our family members who don’t yet know You, or who have wandered away, give us opportunities to speak. Let our lives makes them curious so that they want the gift of redemption which You have so wondrously, so freely given us. Amen.
^Psalm 32:1-2a

https://youtu.be/HEV_Lj8ITX0?si=WdpT8Wj_NacNAGC- “How Blest Is He Whose Trespass”
 

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January 12, 2024 -- Titus 3:4-8 -- Salvation and Good Works

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

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Titus 3:4-8 ESV

Why are Christians to devote themselves to good works? Well, Paul spends the verses four, five, six, and seven explaining why. Look at the riches of the salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ. The lovingkindness of our Savior—think of this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We were utterly undeserving, but God’s mercy reached us. Consider the washing of regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit of God Who always points believers to Jesus. This is one of the cautions I would speak to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Pentecostal assemblies—are the works of the Spirit directing the believers to Jesus Christ and the lifting up of His Name? If the demonstrations of the Spirit’s power are focused on the Spirit alone, then they are wrong worship. The Spirit always points to Jesus.

After a plethora of reasons explaining why Christians are tremendously blessed then Paul comes to the imperative, the command. Those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. The good works are a response to the great and glorious blessings the Father has poured out on us in Christ Jesus which are kept sealed in us by the working of the Holy Spirit. Good works are not something extra we are required to do, these are the outworking of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. The flood of joy which wells up in us by Jesus’ salvation prompts us so that we cannot help but do good works.

Notice the promise of God included here. Such good works are excellent and profitable. Good works show the excellencies of our God. All our good works lead us to boasting in Jesus Christ. He is the One Who has blessed us with salvation. He is the One Who demonstrates for us the Father’s love so that God’s glory is reflected from our lives shining to the credit of our God. And good works are profitable. Others come to know Jesus Christ because of our good works. We are confirmed in our precious faith as we serve God and realize, as the Spirit’s power works in us prompting us to good works, we belong to God.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name! In Christ You have gifted believers with the Holy Spirit so that we will grow in knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness. You have confirmed Your goodness through the preaching of the Word. Oh, blessed God, draw Your people to worship. Stir in us a longing for the Truth of God made manifest in Jesus Christ and guarded in our hearts by the Spirit’s presence. Spirit of God so rule in our hearts that we both desire to do and are empowered to carry out good works which are excellent and profitable. Amen.

https://youtu.be/u0a1Pq9avbg?si=xCvKgeEy6ypy8KJT “Oh Worship the King”
 

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 10, 2024 -- II Timothy 4:1-5 --Everyone has a fav Bible verse

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

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
II Timothy 4:1-5 ESV
 
Recently I have been listening to a series Ligonier teaching on Christian worship. Jason Helopoulos teaches the course. He has a wonderful phrase “everyone has a favorite bible text, even heretics”. Consider how true that is. People caught in the act of wickedness of some sort or another coyly say, “Judge not”. Of course, they are ripping those words out of context and twisting their meaning. Jehovah’s Witnesses blaspheme the very name of God by twisting John 1 so that they claim “the word was with God and the word was a God”—you see they have added the article “a” where the Greek does not have it, so that Jesus’ status as fully God is brought into question.
 
Certainly, this is an age that wanders off into myth. Sometimes the myth is science. Sometimes the myth is human sexuality as if this is not to be subjugated under God’s Sovereign control. Sometimes the myth is ignoring one’s own sinful impulses whereas the Scriptures declare the strong pull of the iniquitous heart.
 
How does one counteract this? Simply, one must go to a Bible-believing, faithfully Word-preaching church. Where the believers gather and confess their sins and look to God for His grace poured out in Christ. Believers hear the Bible preached and look to the Spirit of God to rescue them from every evil deed, and corporately the people of God encourage one another in living for Jesus. The world around mocks and despises Jesus and His claims of ultimate Truth, so it takes corporate Christianity, the gathering of believers, to sing together, to pray together, to hear the word preached so that the power of Jesus Who has overcome the world will be made obvious in the life of believers individually, as families and corporately.
 
Father in heaven we confess how easy it is to neglect the gathering of Your people. How readily we find excuses or allow plans to keep us from gathering with Your people for the worship You command. Already in Paul’s day he warned of believers who are in love with this presence world; this wicked infatuation with the world has increased greatly in this generation. Blessed be Your Name, Father in heaven, for You have rescued Your people through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and sealed His blessings to believers through the powerful work of Your Holy Spirit. By Your Spirit rule in our hearts so that the world and all in it that is rotten with sin will be repulsive to us and by magnificent Christ will be for us the fragrance of life and the marvelous Captain of Salvation. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/_irIeaAWVyw?si=EpIhBONVJ15vbytB “We Shall Behold Him”
 

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January 9, 2024 -- II Timothy 2:1-5 -- Soldiers of the cross, battered, strong, all in need of grace

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

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
II Timothy 2:1-4 ESV

Be honest. How many New Year’s resolutions did you make? It is merely a week ago since you made them—have you kept them? Can you remember them? No doubt there are many which are already broken and crushed and you might even experience embarrassment at the remembrance of them. Today’s text is for you.

Paul’s friend Onesiphorus searched Rome until he found the place where Paul was imprisoned. He ministered to Paul. Now, if a human friend can offer help and grace, how much more can a Christian be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus! That is the point made at verse 1 of our text.

Soldiers encounter battles. They are exhausted. They are wounded. They are hungry. They are caked in blood (not all their own) and mud. They stumble and fall and are protected by fellow soldiers. They do not get discouraged. They knew the fight could cost them their lives. So it is with those who are in Christ. They can get wounded, stumble and get separated from the main fighting. Look to the grace of Jesus Christ. Trust He will strengthen you and His Spirit minister to you so that you will be ready for the battle. It is the only battle worth fighting—going hard against one’s own wayward fleshly desires, the devil and the world.

If you are wounded and weary, find a Christian friend to encourage you and keep you going. If you see a fellow Christian struggling and falling—rush to his aid with prayer and the word of Truth for that is the healing grace we have in Christ.

Father in heaven forgive us for the times we thought we were alone in this fight. Forgive us for the times we got into quarrels and controversies with fellow soldiers instead of focusing on the fact that we are soldiers of the cross of Christ. Grant us repentance which leads us once again to the knowledge of the truth. Faithful God, by Your Spirit, heal those whose minds are battle scarred, whose hearts melt because of the terrors of past conflicts. Triune God our lives are fixed on the truth that You, Lord, know those who are Your Own. As soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ, who bear this Name as our standard, help us to depart from iniquity. As those who are strong help us to rescue others who are shell-shocked and in need of Jesus’ healing. Glorious God let the triumph of Jesus be our song of joy and our battle cry until Jesus returns with all His holy ones. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BXfwBETWQiU?si=ycOGIgDkLag0hzig “Am I A Soldier of the Cross”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 8, 2024 -- I Timothy 4:15 -- Lady Wisdom calls to you to leave Wayward Folly

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

15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
I Timothy 4:15 ESV

During the pandemic, it was reported that students were on their smart phones on average more than seven hours a day. Prior to the pandemic, students were on their smart phones an average of three and a half hours a day. Nearly one third of Canadians watch sports every day. Statistics like these show how people practice the ways of the culture, immersing themselves in them.

By way of contrast, a Christian is one who practices godliness. One Who sets an example in speech and in conduct, in love and in purity and faith. The practice of such things is what he is steeped in. Those who have been graced by God the Father through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ are fascinated and captivated by the all things that pertain to God.

Let’s face it, evil and wickedness are still a temptation. According to Proverbs the woman Folly is seductive, she is wooing the simple minded to leave all sense and all wisdom and shack up with her for a night. The warning of Proverbs 9 is that her guests are in the depths of the grave. They are headed for death.

Wisdom is a lady. Wisdom is preparing men and women for the moment when the siren song of Folly’s temptation would seek to sway their resolve. Practice wisdom. Immerse yourself in what is pure, what is love as the Father in heaven demonstrated love in Christ and conduct yourself in the way of Christian faith. Holy habits are momentum which help you to pass by the allures of temptation so that you will see your progress in holiness and those around you will also note your progress in holiness. Follow wisdom.

Father in heaven thank You for the gracious gift of Jesus Christ—in Whom we have grace and mercy and peace. By the Spirit’s presence in our lives train us in words of faith and in good doctrine. Guard us, Spirit of the Living God, from silly myths and the deceptions of Folly. Mighty God, Source of every good gift, our hope is set on You, the Savior of all people. Give us holy boldness to call others away from loitering at the door of Folly’s house. Spirit strengthen us so that by our example and joy, those being bedazzled by Folly be drawn instead to Lady Wisdom. Thank You, Mighty God that wisdom is life in Christ fully trustworthy now and also for the life to come. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_22zruhO-4w?si=_TdHoliLXb6kFqpl All Sufficient Merit

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January 6, 2024 -- Psalm 65:5-8 -- Satisfied with the goodness of our God

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

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
    O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas;
6 the one who by his strength established the mountains,
    being girded with might;
7 who stills the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    the tumult of the peoples,
8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
Psalm 65:5-8 ESV

Who is God? According to Psalm 65 He is the God of our Salvation; He is the Hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. Why does this matter? He is LORD of all people, everywhere, all through the ages. There is no such thing as various gods or religions that are enough. The LORD’s signs go out even to the ends of the earth so that people are without excuse. Wherever the morning dawns and the evening stars shout for joy, there the glory of the LORD is displayed so that men are without excuse if they do not believe in Him.

It is so easy for people to question the purposes of Him Who is the Hope of all the ends of the earth. What about people who have never heard of Jesus? What about good people in other regions of the world where there are no missionaries? Creation itself testifies to the God of our salvation. There is no other god, no other entity worthy of adoration and praise. Second, this is why missionary endeavors are so urgent. Jesus worked through His disciples and followers, sending them out two by two into the towns and villages and cities of Judea. When the Holy Spirit came, His followers were sent to the ends of the earth. Finally, there is no such thing as a good person. Good is defined by God. Those who are good are those who are humble, contrite and tremble at His Word.

Today, because of wars, political instability and natural disasters, Canada is welcoming within her borders people from all over the globe. Canadians can witness right here, in our own country, reaching people from various languages and tribes. In view of the awesome glory and majesty of our God, ask Him, “With whom am I to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God? Who in my life needs to know of Your awesome deeds, shown so clearly in Jesus Christ?”

Or, perhaps, God is putting it on your heart to become a missionary? A Christian teacher in another part of the world. Pray.

Praise is due to You, O God, You Who hear prayer—the promise of the Word is that one day to You shall all flesh will come and bow down. Let the glory of the LORD our God rise above us. Let Your Name and Your praise be known at every compass point across the earth. By Your Spirit send us as missionaries and evangelists to our neighbours and friends, coworkers and fellow students so that wherever the sun shines the beauty of Jesus Christ will be celebrated and His salvation shall be their satisfaction. Amen.

https://youtu.be/mgVS1W9nbO0?si=yi6zEuHwj3tZ52vY The Ends of All the Earth

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 5, 2024 -- I Thessalonians 5:23-25 -- Sanctified and being sanctified

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

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
I Thessalonians 5:23-25 ESV

This blessing, at the end of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, is so comprehensive. The blessing is that the holy-making (that is what sanctify means) God of peace will apply the salvation of Jesus into, around, over every part of your life. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to enact this faithful work of the Father so that our salvation assured in the Bible is applied in real life. It is the work of God in your life that is making you holy, so that God Himself will always, fully, receive the glory for all the changes that are brought about in your life.

I love the request of Paul. In view of God’s powerful work in effecting salvation into every part of the life of the believer, Paul is asking the Thessalonians to pray for him (and Silvanus and Timothy who are with him). Their work can only be effective if the people of God are praying for the work of the evangelists and preachers and shepherds will be effective as it is carried out in the power of God.

Prayer has no power. It is utterly useless on its own. It is not a charm or some magic power. Prayer is effective because through it God, Who is All-Powerful, chooses to act and work. Prayer is effective because we, in our humble awareness couple our powerlessness to His Almighty Power. Prayer is effective because our Father in heaven chooses to give every good gift in response to the prayers of His people. Prayer is effective because Jesus Himself is constantly praying for us—we have One Who takes our prayers and presents them to the Father. How great is the love of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—which is poured out on us!

LORD of Hosts blessed be Your Name. Those who know You constantly turn from idols and from weak self-willed practices because of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ that lives in them. Thank You for the powerful Spirit Who working in us so that Your grace and peace are becoming more and more obvious in all parts of our lives. Help us to yield more of ourselves, more of our willfulness, all of every part of our lives to You so that Your sanctifying work will be accomplished in us. Spirit of God, move us to remember the leaders, missionaries, preachers and shepherds who are carrying out Your work in our lives so that their work will be accomplished for Your glory, for the building up of Your people, and the healing which You intend. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BtP4QhUoIcw?si=tpzIjdpLwWtZ2HY_ Now Blessed Be the Lord our God

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 4, 2024 -- Hebrews 7:20-22 -- Jesus the High Priest We Can Count On

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

For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
  “The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind,
  ‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
Hebrews 7:20-22 ESV

Jesus is the priest we can count on. Israel’s priests were given office based on descent from Aaron. Some priests we good in their offices, others were a train-wreck. Each priest’s office pointed to Jesus, the Perfect Priest. Jesus’ priesthood is given Him by oath from the Father in heaven. The Father’s word should have been sufficient, but our sin-darkened state means that we don’t often keep the oaths we make. The Father’s word is 100% sure and trustworthy. But stooping to our weakness so that we can trust what He has put into place, the LORD of Glory confirmed His Son’s priesthood with an oath.

Why does this matter? We have confidence to approach Jesus because He is trustworthy. He is priest by the Father’s oath and His own willingness to act as mediator between God and man. We can end our baseless, hopeless efforts at self-reliance. Jesus has seen every part of our lives, our bad and our worst, and He has been placed on the throne of heaven as our High Priest, the One Who lives to pray for us. What a glorious truth.

Trust Him. Pray. Thank God for Him. Confess your sins to Him. Walk in obedience and faithfulness to God the Father in the righteousness Christ has given you by His once-for-all sacrifice and do so in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Who is the gift from heaven so that you can know Jesus, Who with the Father and the Spirit is forever blessed.

Great are You, LORD, and worthy of honour, and glory, and praise. Who is like You, Jesus, the Savior of the world, the rescuer of sinners?! There is none like You! Spirit of all Comfort, Help of the helpless, come and rule our hearts for Jesus’ sake and to complete in us His saving work. God of all healing, draw us close and daily closer to Yourself, so that knowing You more perfectly we will walk in the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/cY6k2QhdCn0?si=ppTf_d3VROMCraqg “How Firm a Foundation”

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January 2, 2024 -- Philippians 4:19-20 -- My God will supply every needs of yours

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

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20 ESV

When you begin cherry-picking through the Bible for verses you like and sayings that are comforting you take these out of context and you miss the significance of what it being taught. At the start of chapter four believers were called to stand firm for in the Lord (verse 1) those who do so will have their need supplied. Look at the various circumstances where the supply of God is needed in this gathering of people.

Believers were instructed to help Euodia and Syntyche end their feuding—verse 2. (Can you imagine how embarrassing that must have been for these ladies and their families and the people who sided with one or the other to hear this named out loud?!). Yet the supply of God’s rich treasury would be needed for this to be effected.

Rejoicing in the Lord, no matter the circumstances, trusting in Him and acting in accordance with what you know to be the marks of true faith verses 4-9—this is the riches of His glory given us in Christ. This is why we constantly need God’s rich supply.

Caring for missionaries and evangelists in need (verses 10ff) is why the Father in heaven has supplied His people with all they need, so that the people of God can be built up in every way and each worker can serve according to the giftedness which the Holy Spirit has apportioned to each one.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Christmas holidays are ending for many, and life begins to follow a more regular routine, stand firm in the LORD and live out your faith in the vicissitudes of life. Truly God will supply your need so that in you and through you He will be glorified and the redeeming work of Jesus will be made clear to all.

Yours, O Father in heaven, is the glory and the praise and the majesty, now and forever. Spirit of God as the more regular patterns of work life and are slowly getting traction in this new year, help us to walk intentionally as those who are in Christ and grateful for His magnificent salvation. Spirit of God prepare us so that we will give an answer to all who ask us why we are acting as we are in these difficult circumstances so that people will see and hear from us, the work of Jesus’ salvation which has penetrated every part of our life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KLTu1xv2-Us?si=yaJInIvi3R2Xkkom “Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 1, 2024 -- Proverbs 1:32-33 -- Who's your lawyer?

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

For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Proverbs 1:32-33 ESV

It was a striking exchange that played out in front of me. After leading a Bible Study in one of the prisons, I knock on the locked, steel door, and wait for one of the Correctional Officers (CO) to let us out so I can leave and the men get escorted to their range. We had a long wait. That happens. The men began a whole new conversation. One of the guys was facing a hearing. Another one of the guys asked: “Who is your lawyer?” The one guy said, “I’m going to speak to the judge and explain what happened”. All of a sudden the others in the room had all kinds of advice. When the CO finally did arrive and the men filed passed me, the last one leaned close as he passed me and said, “He’s an idiot for trying to talk to the judge alone; he needs a better lawyer than any of us can afford”.

The complacency of fools kills them. They think they know what they have never been taught and believe themselves capable in an arena that is highly specialized. Infinitely more so, those men are idiots who think they can stand before God the Judge of all the earth and not be represented by Jesus Christ, the One, True Mediator.

In Proverbs wisdom keeps a man from sin. in the New Testament, wisdom is personified in Jesus Christ. He is our wisdom. He is our One True sacrifice so that there is peace between God and man. He is the best lawyer and anyone who knows Him, walking in humble obedience to Him will truly live securely in this life and in the one to come.

Our Father in heaven You are All-Glorious beyond description and understanding, and in Jesus Christ You are my God in Whom I trust. Keep me from complacency and loose living. By Your Spirit direct my thoughts and my actions so that I will stay close to Jesus the Mediator, the Savior, the Friend of Sinners. Amen.

https://youtu.be/CgTvSAMp4Ec?si=kFAQt9OMSjkEFd9L “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

December 31, 2023 -- Ephesians 2:10 -- Wishing you God's blessing for 2024

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

For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV

This is a radical expression in our culture today. We are not our own. We belong to God because He crafted us. Psalm 139 says that He knit us together in our mother’s womb (Ps. 139:12-13). He gave us the correct gender. He knows the purposes for which He made us.

Funny thing, when you walk into some antique shops there are fine porcelain containers, unfamiliar to many generations of people. These containers are slop buckets. Yep. When there was no indoor plumbing, these fancy containers, served as in bedroom night-time toilets. Why mention this? Well rich people could have fancy slop buckets, made from fine porcelain manufacturers like Doulton. And at their gorgeously laid out breakfast table there might be Doulton plates with cups and fancy saucers. Same maker, very different purposes for the porcelain.

All people on earth have the finest origins. We bear the Maker’s mark. We are far better than the best porcelain earthbound-artists can fashion. We are made by our Father in heaven. We are exquisite workmanship. Our sins lead us to be containers for night slops. We are wicked and sinful—beautiful as we are, we are basically just sloppy.

What is the remedy? It is to know the work of Jesus. In Him we were chosen in love from before time began. In Christ the hatefulness and ugliness of sin is exposed. In Christ’s work at the cross, the stranglehold of original sin and our on-going sin was addressed. Jesus and His righteousness is credited to us. In Him the Father has restored us for clean and perfect purposes. We are called to walk in these clean and perfect purposes.

Will we mess up? Yes. That is why believers gather each Sunday. It is not a gathering of the perfect, it is a haven for those who need Jesus’ on-going healing. I clearly remember when in the early 2000’s a good friend of mine, a police officer, joined me at a worship service. It was, ahem, rare for him to attend. He is muscular, tattooed, and wondered if he was out of place. Certainly some of his cheeky friends, also officers, thought he was. They radioed him and joked they were avoiding the area, afraid of potential lightning strikes on the building when he entered. They missed the point.

Church buildings, like hospitals, are for those who know they need help. A cancer patient doesn’t wait to get better, somehow curing himself, before going to a hospital so that the hospital won’t get dirty trying to heal him. So too a man doesn’t keep himself from a place of worship until he has cleaned himself up. When a cancer patient knows it is serious, he goes to the hospital and follows the doctor’s orders. When one knows the extent of the sins that cling to him, he rushes to the church for cleansing and then to worship Him Who purifies us. We are called to be purified in Christ so that the Father’s good plans and purposes for us will be exactly what we walk in by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the LORD our God, Who has made You clean by the sacrifice of Christ, by the power of His Spirit, help you to walk in the strength of Jesus all through 2024. There is good which God is calling you to accomplish. Walk it out. If you do not already to do, in 2024 start to attend a church that preaches Jesus Christ and His great healing. Amen.

https://youtu.be/UB8rKNrlpDQ?si=gz5WXBpa9VGtI1Ey As With Gladness Men of Old

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

December 30, 2023 -- Galatians 5:16-26 -- Distinguishing between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit

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

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26 ESV

Yesterday we were challenged by II Corinthians 13:5 to test ourselves to see if we are in Christ. This passage is also helpful in this testing process. One who desires to be led by the Spirit can distinguish the works of the flesh (evil) from the fruit of the Spirit (good). When examining yourself, note a few things, perhaps you do not attend orgies, but what kinds of movies do you watch? Likely you are not allowing yourself fits of anger in public, but the video game you are watching is encouraging you to kill and to cavort with prostitutes. Why encourage the fleshly desires that fight against the Spirit of God?

Those who belong to Jesus, fight the urges of the flesh and the sinful desires—every minute of every day. The activities of the flesh are practiced and exercised—they get stronger and stronger by engaging in them. The Spirit’s work in us produces fruit. Fruit is the natural outflow of a life which is connected to God—Jesus is for us a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). The word of God is the soil of our lives, holding us in Jesus (Psalm 1). Where there is good soil and water a fruit tree will produce good fruit (John 15 tells us the Father is the Master Gardener and He will prune us so that we will bear even more fruit).

People, loved by the Father, decide now that in 2024 you will keep in step with the Spirit. Pray to God for His help to do this.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Enable us, by Your Spirit, to sow in righteousness so that by the same Spirit we may reap eternal life. Keep us from becoming weary in doing good. As those who belong to Jesus may we fulfil the command to bear one another’s burdens and do good especially to others who are in the household of faith. As 2024 stands new before us, Father prepare us now by Your Spirit so that we will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Pr2RG-xR2lA?si=l7FOEX4xjZOA5UJ6 “Prince of Peace”

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

December 29, 2023 -- II Corinthians 13:5 -- Can You Pass This Test?

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

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
II Corinthians 13:5 ESV

Writing to the people of Corinth, the Apostle Paul was defending his apostleship, his leadership and his right to instruct them in the way of Jesus. He turns the tables and calls on the people of the Corinthian church to examine their faith and test their reliance on Jesus Christ. Why? The answer to this question applies to the Corinthians and to us today.

• Those who are in Christ are family. We are to live in the grace that God has so richly supplied in Jesus Christ and exercise peace (II Corinthians 1:2). This is not easy. It can be the hardest work we ever do, because by our sinful nature we are prideful and consider others in the wrong without carefully examining our own actions, words and thoughts.

• Those who are in Christ, after hard fighting and finding themselves on the path of reconciliation must nurture those tender seedlings of healing. The start of healing can so easily be trampled down and die. Once someone, or all parties, have repented, there must be comfort extended one “or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (II Corinthians 2:7) over his past sins or the community's constant repetition of it.

• Those who are in Christ find freedom to live in true community once again “where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom” (II Corinthians 3:17). This is true because every believer has had mountains of his own sins forgiven in Christ. If the people around us knew all the sins we have committed, we'd be just as outcast. Therefore, in the freedom of the Spirit, we know we are forgiven and together we are free to live in true, rich, deep community.

• Those who are in Christ do not trumpet their own goals, causes or agendas. No, we desire the light of Christ to shine from us, individually and communally, so that people will know “for what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (II Corinthians 4:5). This is proclaimed from us as people see how we can be reconciled; are ready to hear and humble to be taught.

• Those who are in Christ know this test Paul gave to the Corinthians (and to us) is crazy difficult. Our bodies are like jars of clay that can easily be chipped, or cracked, or broken. We withstand however, not in our own strength, but our lives “show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (II Corinthians 4:7-10). All the hurts, frustrations, pains and struggles are purposeful. God is rebuilding each of us from the ground up so that we are temples for His glory.

These five bullet points are just the start of self-examination, self-testing to prove the presence of Jesus and His Spirit’s work in us. Knowing 2024 is about to begin, it makes sense for each and every one of us to look at his or her own life and answer the challenge Paul posed: to test yourself, see how Jesus Christ is in you. Where are you missing out on HIs goodness?

If you are doing well, praise God. If you are struggling or not sure, reach out to a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and make it your resolution in 2024 to meet the test. Namely that you know Jesus Christ and His Spirit’s surpassing power to walk in new life for Jesus.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. As the passage challenges us to examine ourselves we must first, openly confess our stubborn pride. It is easy to see the flaws and faults of others while being completely numb to our own. By Your Spirit’s presence in us break down, brick by brick, the dividing walls of hostility that keep us from truly examining ourselves and from allowing Jesus into every part of our mind, our life, our thoughts and actions. Faithful Father, You are the source of every good gift, we confess how much we need this new life offered through Your Son, and how with one hand we publicly confess our need but on the other hand privately think it applies more urgently to others. It is surely a great miracle of epic proportions that You persist in giving Your people grace so that all vestiges of the old nature and the old, willful self shall one day be completely thrown down. In our lives, in our families, in our church, in our world, Triune God, be glorified. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Dz_YyrFqjcQ?si=WUm4ZURA8wjJc59f “Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn”

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

December 28, 2023 -- Psalm 91:1-2 -- My God, in Whom I Trust

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

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 ESV

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, what a testimony this psalm-writer is giving. Verses 1 and 2 are his testimony and then verses 3 - 13 are instruction on God’s protecting power and grace to all who are in need. The psalm-writer has already found the LORD to be his refuge and fortress and he trusts in Him. What a glorious statement.

It is one thing to trust God when everything is going well, but what about the times when your finances are crashing? Or your adult children are rebelling against you? Or your marriage is in the crapper? Or your church family is at odds with you and fighting? Or you are sincere in your faith and it is costing you at work? Or you are finally clean from your addictions and now you are facing the very things that threw you to the wolves of your addiction in the first place? Or you are facing persecution for your devotion to Jesus?

The point being made in the rest of Psalm 91 is not that God will rescue you out of all your troubles and set you in the lap of luxury with no problems or troubles. The point is when life is throwing its worst at you, God is big enough, near enough, loving enough, and more than able to strengthen you by His Spirit so that your life will be firmly anchored on Jesus Christ. No power, no force, nor any circumstances will be able to rip you out of His gracious care. In fact, as you endure with confident trust in Jesus, your life will be a glowing testimony to Who He really Is.

How you endure these difficulties and trials is itself a witness to the protection and refuge of God. Your life, however long or short, has one purpose: to glorify God and delight in Him forever. As you walk in this way, the people around you see that the LORD God Almighty is not merely a talisman for good luck. Instead, He is my God, in Whom is ALL my trust.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ, Who is Immanuel—God with us. Spirit of the Living God, thank You that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is given us in Christ. Triune God, give us eyes to see the great salvation work You are effecting in us, using even the hardest circumstances we experience as the anvil and forging hammer to shape us for Your holy purposes. Teach us, O God Most High, to pray as we are learning to trust You ever more fully in all circumstances. This we pray in Jesus’ Name and for the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen

https://youtu.be/lGN2rOULyMI?si=0qd3vSMek0QasQ1g "Lord of the Universe" 

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

December 27, 2023 -- Psalm 91:1-2 -- The LORD Almighty is MY God

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

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2

We are a few days away from the start of a brand new year. We have no idea what is in store for us in 2024. Think back and remember some of the joys and the challenges of previous years. SARS. Fall of Berlin Wall. Gulf War. The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Covid-19. As the New Year is in bud, who knows that its flowering may be? Well, the LORD does.

I have heard this Psalm, as well as Psalm 90, read or preached in so many New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day worship services, that my mind inevitably links them both to this time of the year. Look at the confidence of the Psalmist, who has faced hardships in the past. It is expressed in the four ways he addresses God.

He calls God the Most High—King of Kings and LORD of Lords. The Only One Who knows all things. He Who is LORD of all history.

The Almighty—that is Omnipotent, all powerful. No one, or thing, or circumstance can even stand in His presence, let alone threaten Him. He is Self-Existent and the Sole-Source of Life and Everything good.

The LORD—this Name is our God’s Self-Revelation to Moses at the burning bush in the wilderness. The Covenant-Making, Promise-Keeping God. Even when all His people fail and rebel, the LORD will keep His promises and bring His salvation. Salvation is found in no one else.

My God. What a personal testimony. This moves the LORD of the Universe from some lofty, exalted, far-away theoretical existence and demonstrates the writer’s deep, personal connection with the Most-High, the Almighty, Him Who is the LORD, my God. He has revealed Himself to be so personal in Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus that the radiance of the Father’s glory is revealed. It is in Jesus that our sins are forgiven and we have life.

How has the writer experienced the Almighty in such a personal way? When he was neck-deep in trouble the LORD was (and in confidence he is declaring this God will again be) ‘my refuge’ and ‘my fortress’. When do you need a fortress or a refuge? When there is war. When there is pestilence. When there are enemies on all sides, in all joys or any troubles, the LORD, my God, is able to abundantly provide. What a beautiful message to carry into the New Year.

Teach us to number our days
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on Your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let Your work be shown to Your servants,
and Your glorious power to their children.
Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us,
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:12-17 ESV

https://youtu.be/znmZswr2J2w?si=aFsL0BIFlTxvUWUr “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”

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

December 24, 2023 -- Isaiah 40:1-2 -- What is the Most Important Date of the Church Year?

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

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
    double for all her sins.
Isaiah 40:1-2 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
II Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV

What is the most important date in the church year? Many people will say it is Christmas. There are so many things associated with Christmas, food, presents, trees, lights, decorations, songs, get togethers and all sorts of traditions. It makes sense. Yet, the celebration of first importance is actually the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is what is celebrated on Resurrection, or Easter Sunday. In fact we celebrate His resurrection every Sunday; it is the reason people meet together on Sunday (instead of following the Old Testament pattern of the Sabbath, Saturday). Our whole calendar changed because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Why mention this? Many Christians are so caught up in the secular celebrations of Christmas. There is a vague sense of disappointment if their local church doesn’t do this or that. The Bible gives the birth of Jesus its appropriate place in the Father’s plans of salvation. Look at Isaiah. After 39 chapters of judgment and making the people aware of the greatness of their sin and the fullness of the wrath of God that is to come (note that there are 39 books in the Old Testament) Isaiah begins the next section with comfort (which is like the start of the New Testament which has 27 books. Whereas Jesus was concealed in the Old Testament, in the New Testament He is wondrously revealed). As Isaiah proclaimed it, when Christ the King comes His people's warfare is ended. Christ will bring the LORD’s gift, a double portion for all her sins.

This is echoed in II Corinthians 1, that the Father is the God of all comforts. He has provided salvation for His people in Jesus Christ. Our affliction was our separation from God. Our affliction was the fact that our sins provoke the Father of Mercies and incite His just condemnation on our sins. However, the Father has provided, from before the foundation of the world, a Savior. Jesus Christ, His Name means: He is anointed by God to save people from their sins and the wrath of God.

That is why Isaiah says a double portion. Jesus’ work is not barely sufficient to free us from our sins. It is more than enough. It is a full portion, overflowing so that the people of God can be comforted and assured that all their sins have been fully covered and they are made right with God. Christmas is celebrated with a view to the fact that this Child is born so that people who believe in Him will have comfort beyond description. Even in the days of godlessness and suffering, the hope of the Christian is not centred on governments, human intelligence or AI (Artificial Intelligence). Our hope is firmly fixed on Jesus, born a Child, and yet a King. Born to suffer, having His life fixed on the glory of God to be revealed at Calvary, so that three days later, at His resurrection, the comfort of God would reach us all.

Yes, sing the Christmas carols. Delight in the blessed comfort of Christmas. The most appropriate way to celebrate though, is to view this wonderful season in the proper context. Jesus Christ was born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. That is, new life which is freedom from the Father’s curse on our sin (won for us by Jesus’ shed blood at Calvary), so that in Christ we can receive the Father’s mercy (wonderfully, and extravagantly confirmed in comfort at Jesus’ resurrection).

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who hast given us Thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; grant that we being regenerate, and made Thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

CHRISTMAS. “Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces” 1950. page 37

https://youtu.be/Xw38pGhPXIk?si=ov3Ww7XMCbFa-pde “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

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

December 23, 2023 -- Romans 10:11-13 -- Everyone Who Calls on the Name of Jesus Will be Saved

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

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:11-13 ESV

Recently I have been listening to W. Robert Godfrey’s teaching on Romans. It is entitled “Not Ashamed: Paul’s Letter to the Romans”. Godfrey remembered a time he’d tried to evangelize a fellow student in college. Godfrey said, “God loves you”. Smugly, as he walked away, he said, “Well, then I’m fine”.  Godfrey wryly noted, “That didn’t go the way I expected”.

As Godfrey has been studying Romans, and for decades been maturing in his faith, he realizes now a much better evangelistic tool is: “everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved”. That simple phrase is packed with meaning. It offers the teacher the opportunity to explain what someone must be saved from (the wrath of God against sin and the sinner being held in the clutches of the devil).

Interestingly, at Christmas, the angelic host declared the glory of God to shepherds out in the fields. As the angels proclaimed Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem the shepherds believed. They sought Him out. They worshiped Him. Though a baby, yet the shepherds believed the angels’ words. Having seen Him, and worshiped Him, they told everyone they met. The shepherds returned to the fields glorifying and praising God. Their lives had been changed forever.

Those who believe the message of Jesus—His willingness to leave the splendor of heaven and take on flesh; His humble birth and suffering which proved Him perfect and the appropriate sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God Who takes away sin, so that those who call on Him can be assured God’s wrath against sin has been removed from them and the devil’s stranglehold ended. (Interesting to note: shepherds used to keep sheep, including animals that were used for sacrifices in Jerusalem. Now that Jesus had arrived, the time of animal sacrifices was ending.) Those who call on Jesus will find their lives changed. They, like the Shepherds, will glorify and praise God. As those who called on the Lord, they will be enveloped in God’s never-ending love.

Our Father in heaven blessed be Your Name. How great, persistent and beautiful is the salvation which is given to all who call on the Name of Jesus. Thank You, Faithful Father, for the work of Your Spirit Who breaks down the heart’s stubborn walls of resistance and the mind’s willful ignorance so that the fragrance of Christ becomes for us the aroma of life and the meditative wonder which fills our minds. Triune God, help us, like those shepherds of old, to believe ever more fully and to make Jesus’ glory known to all we meet and to let our words and actions praise You, now and unto the blessedness of eternity. Amen.

https://youtu.be/xd70NsO8zyc?si=FS4ty2cf67vZDzWQ “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

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

December 22, 2023 -- Galatians 6:6-10 -- What are you sowing this Christmas season?

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

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:6-10 ESV

Christmas magic. Christmas star. Christmas time, its Christmas time. Christmas tree. Christmas joy There are so many expressions people all around us use at this time of the year, but so many of these expressions are devoid of any meaning because the people using them are teaching a story of Christmas without any reference to Jesus.

What is it you are celebrating as you buy presents? What are you teaching those who gather around your table, which is groaning under the load of good things, so that those who are eating with you understand why there is a feast? What are you sowing into the lives of those around you as you prepare for Christmas? Are you making a special point of doing good, being reconciled, especially to those who are of the household of faith, that is, being reconciled with fellow believers.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians he was direct. Almost brutal. They’d been “bewitched”. He calls them foolish (Galatians 3:1). They’d received the truth about Jesus Christ. They’d had His teaching proclaimed among them—but they were beginning to abandon all that was true, precious and glorious about the cross of Jesus Christ and they neglected to follow Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Do not drift from the glorious message of Christmas. Plan to sow the Good News of Jesus Christ into the events of your Christmas celebrations. When you buy a present, in the card to the intended recipient share a brief teaching about Jesus, the greatest gift ever given. When you prepare a meal, tell those eating with you it is because Jesus first came you will celebrate the great feast, the marriage supper of the Lamb, in the new heavens and the new earth. This feast is just a shadow of what will be! Invite others to believe in Jesus and prepare for the great celebration with all the saints and believers who have lived in every generation.

Two days ago I was at the Mall Food Court enjoying a meal. The people milling all around me were sour, frowning, jostling to get past one another. There was some merry music all around, but the people were so grumpy looking. What a sharp contrast to the piped music. When you go out to grocery stores, to the gas station, to the Market, be prepared to smile and bring cheer to the people at the till, in the line with you, those all around you. Sow joy, because Jesus Christ has come and He will return in glory!

O GOD, You have revealed Your purpose for mankind in Him Who is King of Righteousness and Prince of Peace; inspire the hearts of all men to follow after justice, and hasten the time when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they war any more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“FOR PEACE” Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces, 1950, page 31.

https://youtu.be/gkCjddxp1g4?si=67WeG-eUeMl0lrfR “Good Christian Rejoice”

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

December 20, 2023 -- Isaiah 9:6-7 -- Uhm hm. Now that's how you say it.

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

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

Yesterday I was listening to a podcast sermon given by Alistair Begg. I had to smile thinking of something Christian author and speaker C. J. Mahaney once said. Mahaney noted that after completing his Sunday sermon, the Saturday night before preaching it, he’d read C.H. Spurgeon’s printed sermon on the exact text. There’d be times he’d say to himself, yup, I missed that. Uhm hm, now that is the way to say it.

Mahaney’s experience with Spurgeon is mine with Begg! Yesterday, after hearing Begg’s sermon on Isaiah 9, I wanted to summarize. It was so good, I was saying to myself, “Uhm hm, now that is the way to say it.

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. Wonderful is an overused, tired expression in our language. But look at the Bible, Jesus’ words amazed people (Mark 1:29; 2:12 to cite just two places where this is said of Him). It is as if our language fails. People were gobsmacked.. They'd never heard preaching like that. He is the sole counselor our lives ever need. In Him is Truth. Go to Him in prayer. Ask His help. 

Mighty God. Look at the miracles of Jesus. Healed the lepers. Calmed the raging storm and seas with a word. Raised the dead. Our picture of Jesus often is too comfortable, too small. He is Mighty God. And He is tender.

Everlasting Father. Begg notes this expression throws many people off. As if this confuses the Persons of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not confusing the members of the Trinity, it is defining the role of Jesus, our spiritual head—Head of the Church. He is our Gentle leader Who with a word could destroy us, but with tenderness, and strength, came as the once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. So that in Him we are reconciled to God, rescued from the tyranny of the devil, and given the one, only, worthy Leader to follow. In a world of vain fandom and heroes who crash and burn, Jesus is the One, True, worthy example, our true father-figure in faith.

Prince of Peace. Our old nature and patterns rage and rebel against the Spirit of Jesus. This same Spirit Who has been given to believers. When Jesus rose from the dead, on that first Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared before His terrified disciple and said, “Peace”. All their sins (and the Bible showed the disciples to be prideful, misunderstanding of Who He Is, betrayers, and those who abandoned Him in His hour of need…to name just a few of their sins) were atoned for by His once for all sacrifice. He is our peace. As much as He calmed raging storms and raised the dead, He has the power to bring peace to our troubled minds and spirit so that we can follow Him in security, in peace.

O LORD, the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice, give thy blessing on all states and conditions of thy Holy Church. To them that teach grant the gifts of knowledge, discernment, and love, to them that minister in holy things to be humble, tender and pure; to all pastors of thy flock to be zealous, vigilant, and unworldly, having their hearts set upon invisible things. Grant to our heads of families to be wise and gentle, to our young people to be prudent and chaste, to our old people to be cheerful and fervent, to all who are engaged in business to be honest and unselfish. Build us up in faith, hope, charity, and all virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen.

“For the Church” Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces: A Treasury of Devotion, 1950. page 23

One comment on the song selection for today. So often it seems effortless, the music that flows from musicians and singers and percussionists. It is effort. It is training. It is work. As is our Christian faith. Effort. Training. Work. And joy in Jesus! Today’s song selection shows some of the work of a young singer.

https://youtu.be/A1ybgnJh1yE?si=Hv6ixbZ12RU03tvm

O Holy Night

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