March 3, 2024 -- Acts 19:21-28 -- What is a revival?

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:21-28 ESV

Earlier in Acts one learns that Paul preached up to five hours, every day, in the Hall of Tyrannus. He kept this up for two years. The passage before us shows the impact of his teaching. Secular craftsmen, who made gods and images of the temple for the tourist trade and for the people of Ephesus, were seeing the impact of Paul’s preaching. People who converted from paganism to Christianity, yielded their lives to Jesus, and the result was they stopped buying into anything that smacked of false worship.

Isn’t that the real definition of a revival? People who get converted and radically saved stop doing things the society around them does and begin living out their faith in Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. Here are some signs of true revival 

First, there is Biblical teaching. That is the core of the Revival at Ephesus. Men and women read the Bible at home. Men and women read the Bible during their family devotional times. Men and women gather for church services to hear the word of God preached. 

Second, the Christians at Ephesus are transformed in such a way that ungodly activities and purchases stop. Immediately the secular tradesmen see the change. During the Welsh Revival of 1904 - 1906 "the police were left with virtually nothing to do and the courts were empty. Saloons and bars shut down for lack of business. Public drunkenness was almost non-existent. Old debts, many long forgotten, were paid off in full".  Sam Storms: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma > 10 Things You Should Know about the Welsh Revival of 1904-06

Third, there are conversions. People leave the life of sin and debauchery and turn to Jesus. Worship services are full. People love to sing to God, pray, and are hungry for the preaching of the word. Ordinary Christians, are themselves so noticeably different, that the people around them want to change like they are changed. So, non-Christians are drawn to the new life in Christ they see in their co-workers, in their neighbours, in their family members.

Fourth, there is great humility. Christians renewed in their walk with Jesus are humble, sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Aware of their sins and prepared to confess them. Such humility has been described as the dry wood which is ready to receive the fire of revival.

Finally, the secular folks at Ephesus raged and rioted. The Gospel threatened them. So it is today as it was then. Christians who stand up for their faith will be persecuted, ridiculed, hated and bear the cost. Yet, the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit means such men and women, willingly suffer for the sake of Jesus. Peter and the apostles who were arrested with him "left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (Acts 5:41 ESV).

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, writing to the church of the Thessalonians, noted there will be the coming of lawlessness in order to reveal those who do not love the truth (II Thessalonians 2:11-12). Dear family in Christ, do not let that scare you, but dig deeper into the word of God. Get connected with a Bible-believing and preaching church. 

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unit of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable to thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES "For the Church", published 1950, page 23

https://youtu.be/cM5qFXQ0p1o?si=h3-eDv7S5h2e-Gmq CeCe Winans "That's My King"

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March 2, 2024 -- Proverbs 1:7-9 -- True Luxury and Victory

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
   fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
   and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
   and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:7-9 ESV

In the day when this was written a runner who'd won a race received a garland of victory. So King Solomon teaches the reader to walk in knowledge and wisdom and instruction is to find victory in your life. The next metaphor is that knowledge and wisdom and instruction are pendants for your neck. These are the only true luxury in your life. The clear warning is that godless people, fools who know the LORD is but live as if He does not exist, will try to snatch the garland of victory off your head and have you exchange the luxury of God’s goodness and love for the chains and iron fetters of sin.

Where is the Devil tempting you or charming you, enticing you to put off the victory that is yours in Jesus for foolish things? Jesus warned His followers: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b ESV). Read the Bible. Talk with Christian friends. Pray together. Take hold of the victory that is yours in Christ.

Perhaps the greatest luxury in this world is not money, or Bitcoin, or topnotch over the moon jewelry, it is the fear of the LORD which is a pendant of luxury around your neck. Money and accounts can be frozen by the government. Bitcoin is volatile and easily manipulated. Precious diamonds can be grown in a lab. What is luxury? What has lasting worth in this world and in the world to come? It is the knowledge of God that comes from a steady diet of instruction which together lead to wisdom.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who didst lead our fathers into this land, and set their feet in a large room: Give thy grace, we beseech thee, to us their children, that we may approve ourselves a people mindful of thy favour, and glad to do thy will. Bless our Dominion with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from lawlessness and discord, pride and arrogance, and fashion into one godly people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Give to all the spirit of service, love, and mutual forbearance. In prosperity make us thankful unto thee, and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in thee to fail. So that, loving thee above al things, we may fulfil thy gracious purpose in this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, “For the Dominion of Canada” 1950, page 17

https://youtu.be/-WXi3lGYA6E?si=70Egza7Jg_tb-I0I Pat Barret “Morning by Morning”

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February 29, 2024 -- Psalm 113:1-3 -- The Command to Praise bears surprising blessing

Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
   praise the Name of the LORD!
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
   from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
   the Name of the LORD is to be praised!
Psalm 113:1-3 ESV

By the repetition of the expression “Praise the LORD” one understands this is the great command to the people of God. It is one’s life’s duty to praise God. You see it in the life of a carpenter who is humming songs of joy to the LORD as he works his craft. You notice it in the cleaning, baking and work of a woman who rejoices to serve God as she blesses her household. Praise becomes joy because one is cultivating the glorious presence of God in every part of the day.

Praise is commanded for formal times—like the gathering in church for worship services. And praise is commanded for ordinary time. What keeps a man from sinning? If his heart is focused on God and His glorious praise—then sin is not even a distant thought. Praise is commanded for informal times, like the morning bible reading and prayer times. What a blessing accrues to those who praise God.

Praise is drawn out from the people of God through-out the day. We can’t help ourselves. The world talks about Oscars and Emmy awards, sports heroes and models—but their stretch of fame is short. When a scandal touches them their precipitous fall from grace raises dust clouds from the ash-heap of history where so many other once-famous now lay forgotten.. The LORD is from forever to forever majestic, glorious, perfect, right in all His ways. His praise begins the day and ends it. Jesus is the radiance of the Father’s glory. Jesus is the Lamb of God Who has taken our sins far from us. Jesus is the One Who rises with healing in His wings. The one who contemplates this finds that the Spirit of God causes the water of life to well up within. His praise stretches from the start of life to its earthly conclusion and then reverberates throughout eternity.

To praise the LORD is to declare His attributes so that one’s mind considers Who God Is. Thinks about what God does. The praise of God takes the reading of Scripture and moves it from merely being a box to be ticked on this day—yup, did my devotions, tick—to an exercise where one’s brain is set on the course of contemplation and wonder. If your ability to praise God, to declare His greatness is puny, then spend time listening to good preaching. Ask a Christian friend, what do you listen to in order to get encouraged in your walk with God?

To praise the Name of the LORD is to think of His reputation. His Name is tied to His deeds This is why it is so hideous when people curse with God’s Name or the Name of Jesus. The debasing of God’s Name will not be tolerated. The third commandment requires believers to honour the Name of God—it is stated: “Do not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Why is that commandment in the negative? I’ve often wondered this.

Yesterday I was listening to Sinclair Ferguson’s preaching (hint, hint, he is worthwhile looking up and listening to in order to grow in your understanding of God and His praise) who noted when you speak to a child you give commands in the negative. Don’t touch the stove. Don’t walk near the road. Such little ones are not capable of understanding the reasons. Until one is older, one hears “don’t touch”, “don’t do”, “don’t go”. Psalm 113 is for those who are maturing. It is a positive command—expecting that those who read it are mature enough to heed it and follow through.

O LORD OUR GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, Who keeps covenant and promise for those that love Him, with their whole heart, Who Is the life of all, the help of those that flee to Him, the hope of those that cry unto Him; cleanse us from our sins, and from every thought displeasing to Your goodness. Cleanse our souls and bodies, our hearts and consciences, that with pure heart and clear mind, with perfect love and calm hope, we may confidently and fearlessly pray to You; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Divine Service Book. “A Treasury of Devotion”, Copyright 1950, page 9.

https://youtu.be/eWcy4O7HIro?si=DBNoxteRbLQBYbRA Bless the Lord— Psalm 103

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February 28, 2024 -- Luke 21:25-28 -- Taking fresh courage in the face of today's evil

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:25-28 ESV

Jesus has spent a significant amount of time warning His disciples of the coming persecutions, wars and natural disasters that will take place just before the return of the Son of Man. Our world is convulsing in the ways in which Jesus predicted. And in ways that seem unexpected, but are definitely part of His prophetic words. A recent article noted that students in public schools are assaulting their teachers at rates never seen before. Teachers are hurt, kicked, hit but there are virtually no consequences for the students.  Another example, the Canadian government is preparing a bill to regulate the use of the internet against sexually explicit material—great. Problem. This same government is promoting gender dysphoria, celebrating drag, and teaching all kinds of sexually confusing messages in the public schools. This is the government that is going to regulate what is wrong and what is right? It continues to usurp the role of parents in its bid to make the state the main influencer in children's upbringing.

Rather and grab one’s gut and bend over double as if hit by a gut-punch, Christian, straighten yourself, and raise your heads. Why?

~Jesus Christ is in charge. He will return when all the evil has been gathered and He will destroy it. Jesus’ victory is assured. He has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

~Stand up tall and see, as in the past, so it will happen today, evil will tear evil down. In the Bible times you see this repeated so often. In history it is repeated so often. Think of World War II, when Hitler’s own generals plotted to kill him. Evil is a restless poison that pollutes the unwary and continually infects and kills the conjurers of it.

~The Spirit of God will place you in circumstances, some exactly suited to your gifts, others extremely difficult but also suited to your calling in Christ—all such things happen not by accident but by God’s design so that wherever you are you can testify to the salvation of God. It was reported that when the theologian-pastor D. Bonhoeffer was taken from prison to a concentration camp, while in the back of a truck he witnessed to his fellow prisoners. Later just before he was executed, the man who’d pastored many in the death camp, preached before he died, and prayed with such fervor that even decades later witnesses remembered it and wrote of it.

~The times we live in should drive us to our knees in prayer. Appeal to God for the Spirit’s power to help you. Ask that Jesus’ saving work will touch family and friends, and the nations, that those appointed for life in Christ will be drawn into the kingdom. Pray for fresh courage.

Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to Your steadfast love! Let them know that this is Your hand; You, O LORD, have done it! Let them curse, but You will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but Your servant will be glad! May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise Him in the midst of the throng. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one., to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

Be not silent, O God of my praise! Psalm 109:26-31, 1ESV)

https://youtu.be/pCoWaxaU0sQ?si=UvlqhXLt9DYqOis4

“Draw Me Close to You” Michael W. Smith

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February 27, 2024 -- Proverbs 28:13 -- Posting your no trespassing sign at the pathways of your old sins

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 ESV

The word “transgressions” means crossing a line from what is right to intentionally do what is wrong. It is knowingly trespassing. For the Christian the pathways of sin are posted with “no trespassing” signs. The Spirit of God applies the Word, awakens the conscience to know the evil of sin and its consequences, transforms believers through the preaching of the Word, and works through the counsel of other Christian friends with the result that believers clearly know what is right and what is wrong. To conceal one’s transgressions is to start a pattern of trespassing that leads to one’s own destruction.

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1 ESV). The one who is trespassing against God, His Law, and against the Christian community is by definition moving himself away from the very people who love him and desire his good. He isolates himself, shielding himself from the advice of the very people who love him. As one fulfills his destructive desires, he is more quickly and more intentionally moving into enemy territory.

What breaks the power of sin? It is confession. When one confesses he has run into enemy territory, consorted with the hosts of hell, and defied God. Confession is telling and admitting to God how great is one's sin and misery. He is admitting he is far past his power to save himself. Jesus is the Rescuer of those who are caught in this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). It is only when a man admits he helpless and completely powerless that he stops fighting the salvation of Jesus.

Then, forsake the sin. Renounce the sin and abandon the practice of it and run from the things associated with it. Christians cannot toy with sin, or spend time thinking about past sins without immediately getting aroused to try them once again. The brain which had been trained to sin, must now, for the rest of one’s life, be continually retrained, by the renewing of one’s mind, to walk in the pathway of life.

Those who confess their sins and forsake them will obtain mercy. It is the free gift of the Father. He redeems His people to Himself through the blood of Jesus. He seals His people as His Own through the work of the Spirit. However, be warned, the temptation might be to sin knowing there is forgiveness and mercy just around the corner. What happens, however, is that sin hardens the heart and deadens the conscience so that there is less and less desire for confession and the forsaking sin. The ultimate goal of the Devil is to get a man to play with sin until he is so captivated, he is enjoying a banquet of sin in the grave. The ultimate goal of Christ is the glory of the Father. Jesus leads Christians, captives from the wars with Satan, in His victory parade so that He will bring them to the presence of the Father as the purified people. The Spirit of God will change the heart, life and mind of dedicated Christians so that their desire is more, more of Jesus.

Glorious Father, that You for the grace and peace which flow to Your people through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Blessed Jesus, You gave Yourself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, and You accomplished this according to the will of our God and Father. Blessings and honour, praise and glory, dominion and worship belong to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ghi-48bqqDE?si=rTd0lrhyE1O7rHo8 “Rescue Story” Zach Williams

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February 26, 2024 -- Numbers 11:33-34 -- What is it you crave?

While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck down the people with a very great plague. 34 Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving.
Numbers 11:33-34 ESV

Kibroth-hattaavah means graves of craving

The people of Israel were slaves in Egypt. The LORD heard their cries and groaning. He rescued them from Egypt. Ten plagues fell on the land of Egypt until the once-mighty Pharaoh was completely humbled by the LORD. Not only did he let the people of Israel go--he sent them away. They took all their flocks and herds and the people of Egypt were so eager to see them off, they gave the Israelites silver and gold and garments and jewels. Then people faced the enraged Egyptian army behind them and the Red Sea before them. They complained and cried out. The LORD their God parted the Red Sea. The people complained. The LORD their God gave them mana, that is, bread from heaven. The people complained. The LORD their God gave them water. The people complained. Now they wanted meat.

The LORD had been faithful to His covenant promises. The LORD guided His people with a cloud by day and a fiery pillar by night. What a dramatic display it must have been. Yet the people grew so used to the presence of the LORD that they took Him for granted and ignored the splendor of His Holiness. They craved. That is, they were led by their lusts, rather than by their minds and the knowledge that it was the LORD their God Who rescued them, protected them from their enemies and gave them water in the wilderness lands and daily mana. They ignored the fact that the LORD their God kept them safe so that in the desert heat their feet did not swell up. Their garments did not wear out (Deuteronomy 8:4).

What is the point of this? The people were created not to enjoy the things God could provide them. They were created to delight in God Himself. Delight which is richly given in speaking with Him through prayer, in hearing His voice through the teaching of the leaders and living for Him through obedience to the commandments. The LORD Himself was to be their prize and very great reward. But the people’s lusts and hungers led them to despise the LORD and crave. Many were tossed into crave-graves.

The warning is just as pertinent for believers today. The LORD God Himself is His people’s very great reward. Jesus invited His followers to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 5:19). That is, to know Him and walk with Him in the riches of His salvation. Whatever a person owns here can easily be taken. Governments can freeze assets. Thieves and fraudsters can empty accounts. Even the length of one’s life is unknown. What can never be taken from the believer is his love for Jesus through Whom they have access to their Father in heaven. The Spirit of God moves the heart of the believer to value above all other things the salvation which is his in Christ Jesus. That is true riches. That is the prize and glory which can never be taken from the believer.

LORD our Lord in all the earth, how great is Your Name! By Your great covenant promise, You have loved Your people in Jesus and kept them safe by the Spirit’s power. LORD our Lord Ruler over the earth despite its overwhelming corruption and violence, You have drawn out Your people from death to life in Christ. The final resting places for Your people are not crave-graves, but rest in Jesus Christ and resurrection through His accomplished work. LORD our Lord You are the Sovereign, robed in Majesty, in Jesus Christ believers find the Desired One of all Nation. Blessed are You, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lead Your people away from their former patterns of sin and craving, and lead them, every hour of the day and through-out the watches of the night into true contentment and life, which is found in Jesus Christ and only in Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sXgCi5mhRYM?si=O91Nnf-A8mCe0B2Z Whiter than Snow

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February 25, 2024 -- Acts 18:5-8 -- Preaching Jesus in Tumultuous Times (a Fav from Feb 2023)

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:5-8 ESV

Paul first preached to the Jews. They are the ones who have the covenant, the knowledge of God through the Old Testament, and the Patriarchs. It echoes what one reads in John 1, Jesus "came to His Own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:11-12). The majority of the Jewish people in Corinth rejected the Good News of Jesus. But that is not the end of the story.

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and his family, in fact, his entire household, believed. What beautiful evidence that all who are appointed for eternal life will come to God the Father and find in Him great grace and salvation.

What a raucous group those Corinthians were. This brief reading in Acts helps one to know why Paul shook out his garments against them. To shake out one's clothes against someone is a declaration he’d have nothing more to do with them. They were under the judgment of God. The Corinthian Jewish population, the great majority of them, did not follow Jesus. And they resented Paul. Those few Jewish families who did follow Jesus were now intermingled with the non-Jewish people, Gentiles. There’d always been hostility among the Jews against “outsiders”, Gentiles, and other very different people from different classes in society are brought together in Christ. And the Corinthians lived in a society that was radically secular and sexualized. All these factors show why the Corinthians believers had a tough time. It is a very difficult thing to break from one's culture and history and social circle and live for Jesus.

Dear family in Christ, it explains why believers today have a difficult time as well. The majority of people around us have not grown up going to church, or even knowing the basics about the Christian faith. The world around us is radically secular and sexualized. Bringing in new believers means the established Christian community will have much to teach them and must exercise much patience. This requires intentional discipleship. It is the work of Christians to make disciples for Christ who make disciples for Christ. And to do this while the world opposes your mission, the Devil hates Christ and hates you and hates all believers so he will scatter seeds of fighting and dissension among you. Do not be discouraged. God has appointed people around you, people in your network for eternal life in Christ. Keep serving Jesus with diligence.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed and blessed be Your Name. Great are You and wonderful are all Your works. Thank You, that from the beginning of time, the Bible displays Your great love and powerful purpose in bringing people to Yourself through the work of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. Thank You that the Devil’s schemes and confusions will never stop Your plans and purposes. Thank You, Mighty God for the powerful Spirit, given to preserve believers in the way of Jesus Christ. Help us, God of Glory, so that guided by Your Spirit Who directs us in ever deeper understanding of the Word, we will continue to be able to face every opposition and declare the Good News of Christ our King. Lord Jesus, by Whom the dividing walls of hostility are broken down, direct Your Spirit within us so that we can be peace-makers within the community of believers and that the world around us will see Your beauty, which is the radiant display of the Father’s great love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U8zWzw_Cc2o?si=wiBZTCM27uLgSWQ1
Keith & Kristyn Getty and Skye Peterson "Take Shelter"

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February 23, 2024 -- Matthew 5:17-20 -- The righteousness God demands Jesus supplies. Find out how.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20 ESV

Who can do this? Who has righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees? I used to find this one of the most discouraging verses ever! However, as I was traveling this week, I was listening to Sinclair Ferguson’s teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. He gave such helpful insight into this passage. At verse 19 you see the problem which Jesus pinpoints. The scribes and Pharisees relax the laws of God. They teach people to swear oaths in such a way that they can wiggle out of the oath. They teach people if they dedicate money to the service of God, such persons do not need to support their parents in their old age. Pharisees taught you can love your neighbour and hate your enemy. As you read through such things you realize, okay, they are actually working ways around the righteousness required of believers.

To be honest, that still leaves believers with a problem. Who among us is righteous? No one. No one keeps the promises he makes to his wife. No one is honest, even to himself, in his innermost heart he lies to himself, to others, even to God. We are left with a problem which Jesus has clearly shown us. Now look at the first sentence of today’s reading. Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. Everything that was required He has done. And His righteousness is credited to all those who believe in Him alone for their salvation.

The result of believing in Jesus is transformation. Sinful patterns and behaviors are exposed as ugly. Such sinful behavior and patterns are confessed. As often as needed. Remember it is Jesus Himself Who taught us: if your brother asks for forgiveness 70x 7 times in a day, forgive him (!). What mercy there is with Jesus our Savior! Therefore, the more one knows Jesus, the more he finds it gradually becomes harder to willfully sin against Jesus. The Spirit of God transforms the heart of the believer so that he desires to learn more about God the Father and live in loving obedience to Him. Jesus becomes the Captain of Salvation and Chief desire of his heart. Let’s be honest, the sinful heart tugs against the mind which has been renewed by the Truth of God. It is an endless battle, which will only end at death. Then the new life of Christ will fully and perfectly reign in the life of the believer and Jesus’ joy and peace and love by the Spirit’s work more fully fill one through-out eternity. It is exciting. It is awesome. It is blessedness beyond compare.

Are you stumbling? Ask a brother to pray with you. Are you cold to the things of God, ask the Spirit of God to reignite the fires of passion for God the Father. So often the things of faith are like “better health program”. We all know what we need to do. We put it off. But the moment we make a small effort at it the benefits are immediately recognized. Even the smallest actions towards better health increase the desire and motivation for more. This is a physical example of what can happen spiritually.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in your words and blameless in Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:1-10 ESV

https://youtu.be/px-eU1QjQiU?si=mUUhjA_F_2_zeaum “Psalm 51” Shane and Shane

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February 21, 2024 -- Proverbs 21:21 -- You're exhausting yourself chasing something. What is it? Is it worthwhile?

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21 ESV

A short proverb like this is packed with Truth. It is easy to pass it by, in favor of funny proverbs, like “It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman” (Proverbs 21:19). While both proverbs are true, and worthy of consideration, today’s proverb leads one to ask the deep, important question of yourself: “what am I pursuing”?

In Jesus’ lengthy “Sermon on the Mount” one can hear the echoes of this proverb. Jesus commanded His hearers not to be anxious about food, clothes, money, or the length of one’s life. Instead “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

The main thing, the main purpose of your life is life is to chase after, invest in, and run towards righteousness. Yes, actively look for God with all you have and all you own. He is your life’s priceless treasure. Look until you find His kindness. Other translations have in place of "kindness" the word “mercy”. Some translations have the word “love”. The word in Hebrew is hesed; which can be translated in more than 100 ways into English. The hesed, steadfast love, of the LORD is shown most perfectly in Jesus Christ. He is the great evidence of God’s never-failing love. While we were still sinners, unaware of our need for Jesus, standing in the stench of our sins unaware how full our diapers were, the opportunity to be made clean in Christ was given at the cross

Those who seek Jesus find not only the Savior of their souls, but find in Him and in Him only a life that is worth living. Life that has the purpose of knowing Jesus is so grand, so powerful, that one cannot help but delight in it, fight for it, and at all costs avoid the sins and lusts which would war against the knowledge of God.

Have you found such purpose? If not, find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and ask him or her why their love for God dominates their life.

Blessed are those people, O Father in heaven, of whom it is said: “Sing aloud, O daughter of God’s covenant people; rejoice and exult with all your heart. The LORD has taken away the judgment against you; He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 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”. Surely Your righteousness and Your covenant love are enough to fill our thoughts for this life and all eternity and we will never reach the edges of Your powerful, mighty goodness revealed in Jesus Christ. Amen.

The quotation within the prayer is from Zephaniah 3:14,17)

https://youtu.be/L5-DrwN0-EM?si=oxiIZcLkqQfQ784u “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus”

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

February 20, 2024 -- Proverbs 20:11 -- Every child is known by his actions

Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
Proverbs 20:11 ESV

It is certain that a child does not have the same skills to deceive as does an adult. You meet little ones who bat their eyes and seem sweet and innocent, but all it takes is a few minutes of watching them when they think no one is near and their conduct will reveal their heart’s wretched condition. Watch a man long enough and you’ll know what he truly honours. He may say he loves the LORD, but such things as his spending and indulgences in lust will prove otherwise.

The fruit of one’s conduct reveals the heart. David, writing about the wicked, noted “For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue" (Psalm 5:9 ESV).

By way of contrast, David wrote of the people of God: “But I, through the abundance of Your steadfast love, will enter Your house…Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness (Psalm 5:7a,8a ESV). What prompts the Christian to act in purity and uprightness? It is the steadfast love of the LORD, which has been revealed by the gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus sacrificial love, sealed to the believer by the Holy Spirit, prompts believers to respond with ever greater acts of devotion and love for God.

The contrast between the saint and sinner is this: both sin, but the saint turns to Jesus Christ in repentance, confessing his sins while hating them more and more. The saint is made a saint by the on-going work of the Holy Spirit Who throws down sin and reveals the intentions of the heart so that such a man takes refuge in God and sings for joy at the work of God’s hands.

Mighty God, all who take refuge in You rejoice, singing for joy, for You have spread Your protection over them by the reconciling blood of Jesus. Those who love the Name of Jesus exult in You by the power of Your Spirit! For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You cover him with favor as with a shield. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ezxuJ_Irpks?si=g7rvjR9FB51FzGxj "The Perfect Wisdom of God"

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

February 19, 2024 -- Deuteronomy 33:29a -- God's shield of help and sword of triumph

Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD
the shield of your help,
and the sword of your triumph!
Deuteronomy 33:29a ESV

Notice that the LORD our God is both a protector—He is the shield of help for His people—and He is the conqueror—with the sword of your triumph. So, are you staying safe behind the shield of God? A shield is not helpful if the one meant to be protected by it runs out from under its sheltering protection and plays with the enemy. A sword of triumph works God’s righteousness for Him; be warned, however, beloved of God, that you remain captives in the train of Christ, submitted to Him by the power of the Holy Spirit so that you do not run over to the enemy camp and so be fodder for His sword.

Who is Israel? Well, in Christ Jesus, non-Jewish people who believe in Jesus, are grafted in. It is the wonder and blessing that was promised long ago, in the Old Testament. Many nations would come to the Light of Jesus (Isaiah 60). So Jewish people who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and non-Jewish people who believe, are united under Jesus the Head of the Body.

How are you doing? Are you careful to observe the battle lines and staying under the shield of Christ and near the sword of our Father’s victory? Are you toying with sins and destructive behaviours so that you are now facing the onslaught of the world and the Devil and this without any protection? Return to the LORD, He is your shield and your sword of triumph.

There is none like God, O Jeshurun (O righteous people who belong to the LORD);
He rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in His majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are His everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:26-27
Blessed are You, Triune God, for the victory You have granted us in Jesus Christ. Blessed are You, LORD of Triumph, for the sealing of Your Holy Spirit Who guards the believer in the way of our glorious God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/D3xlq2L0hcs?si=pSBgpXOyzUbnuHsQ “Victory in Jesus” Guy Penrod

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

February 18, 2024 -- Acts 17:10-12 -- The Only Sign is the Word: Fav from Feb 18. 23

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
Acts 17:10-12 ESV

Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ notice what the Bereans did not do and compare it to what they did. They did not seek signs. They did not seek spiritual insight without consulting the Old Testament. They did not demand healings and miracles before believing. By way of contrast: they did use their minds. They did open the Old Testament and prove the words of Paul and Silas and confirmed the truth of Jesus and His salvific work. The Old Testament points the believer to Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work.

Hebrews 1 reminds believers that in the Old Testament times the Father spoke through the prophets. However, in the New Testament, the final and best word is Jesus. Those who walked with Him and knew Him and saw His miracles recorded the New Testament. After that signs and miracles and prophetic utterances ceased. It is the word of God that directs believers. It is the prayerful examination of the Bible that directs the lives of believers.

One reads in Deuteronomy “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever that we may do all the words of this Law” (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV). God has taught us His will. It is found in the Law and in Jesus’ summary of the Law: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-39). As it was then for the Bereans, so it is today for us, if we want to know what God would have us do we must prayerfully research the Bible, know it, learn it, delight in it. And by it the Lord will guide our path.

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

https://youtu.be/6VBBpZrPixw?si=-ns_cOo_LRK1jp_-
"At the Name of Jesus" The ZOE Group

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

February 16, 2024 -- Mark 13:37 -- Who will save your soul? A Jewel of a question

And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Mark 13:37 ESV

What a strange command. When read in isolation from the context, it is stranger still. In context however it makes sense. Jesus is asking His followers if they will remain awake, alive to Him and true to His word. The Bible is filled with warnings for the people of God to stay true to God and to avoid backsliding and neglecting the great salvation that is yours. Way back in the Old Testament, while Moses was still with the people of God, having led them for eighty years (!), he gave his farewell address. He knew he was about to die and he urgently commanded the people to stay true to the LORD their God. Under the inspiration of God, Moses declared “For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the LORD. How much more after my death!” (Deuteronomy 31:27).

Within a few decades of Jesus’ death, Paul wrote to the Hebrews and warned them: “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). It is harder to stay anchored to Jesus and keep His commandments than it is to allow oneself to drift with the currents of popular culture and the tides of peers who pressure you to go along in their degenerate ways.

How can anyone do it? How can anyone stay awake and ready to serve Jesus when there are so many pressures pushing and pulling against him? That is a critical question.

1. Jesus Himself knows the inclination of His people to wander and stray. He tells Peter “I have prayed for you”. What a glorious promise. As soon as you know you are drifting from all that is holy confess this to Jesus and know He is already praying

2. When Jesus rose from the dead, on that first Resurrection Sunday, He met with His disciples and said “Receive the Holy Spirit”. The Spirit of God lives in every believer. It is the Spirit of God Who helps the believer turn from sin and drifting and return to Jesus.

3. Jesus is called the “Captain of their salvation” in Hebrews 2:10 (prosaically He is called the Founder of their Salvation in the ESV). Jesus is commanding His people to stay away because He Himself guards them, standing over them and defending them in their weakness.

Father in heaven, we tremble before You! For You are the Living God—enduring forever. Your Kingdom will never be destroyed and of Your dominion there shall be no end. The Living God delivers and rescues, He works signs and wonders in heaven and earth. As You Father saved Daniel from the power of the lions and David from the hand of all his enemies and Peter from the chains of his guilt at betraying Jesus through the power of His reconciling blood, so You continue to be our rescue story. Spirit of God, keep us from straying. Spirit of the Living God, by the Bible, through the counsel of Christian friends and based on Jesus’ prayers on our behalf, bring us back into ever deeper relationship with Jesus. Amen.

(Opening part of the prayer is based on Daniel 6:26-27)

https://youtu.be/3rT8Re1EIQc?si=D4ZqZsUkQx8Qzmdt Casting Crowns “Who Am I?”

February 15, 2024 -- Mark 10:17-22 -- Jesus and the Rich Young Man - a living lesson

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Mark 10:17-22 ESV

You’re likely thinking to yourself, what would I do in this situation? You might wonder if you are as rich as this Rich Young Man (RYM). You might be wondering if this command applies to you. Here are a couple of points to ponder.

Jesus left the splendours of heaven. He was born in a barn. He had no home. His family thought He was crazy. Jesus is doing precisely what he commanded the RYM to do. He proved it is enough to have treasures in heaven and be content as a wanderer here on earth.

You also might want to consider the fact that the RYM claimed to have kept all the commands since his youth. The goal is to love not the commandments themselves, but by keeping them to set one’s heart and affections on the Living God. So the RYM's reaction to Jesus proved his true loyalty was not to God the Father but set on his treasures.

Finally, to follow Jesus Christ requires one to be prepared to surrender all, or any one thing, any possession to Him at His request. Whatever we have here on earth we keep  in trust for His service. This includes our life. For Jesus Himself was that obedient to His Father. When He was required to lay down His life, He did. Jesus did not require of the RYM anything which He Himself was not prepared to do. How? This by the power of the Holy Spirit Who lived in Jesus’ humanity. The Spirit given to Him without measure (John 3:34). Those who are in Christ are also given the Holy Spirit.

O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, Morning Prayer

https://youtu.be/Pr2RG-xR2lA?si=O-_Sg3wralho_eq2 “Prince of Peace” Celtic Worship

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

February 14, 2024 -- Proverbs 14:14 -- Is your love faithful and faithfully expressed?

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
Proverbs 14:14 ESV

So many men will be lined up to buy flowers today, or candies, or jewelry for their significant other. They might be surprised at the recipient’s response—why today? What are you aiming at? What are you apologizing for? Seriously, just because it is Valentine’s Day you suddenly think you need to do this? The gift intended to be a sign of love (let’s be honest, for many of show of lusty intentions) is immediately questioned. The action of gift-giving is so out of character that the recipient is not sure of the motivation.

So too for a man in his walk with God. Are you consistent in prayers and Bible reading? Not because God demands it. Not because you are required to do so, but because it is part of your character, part of the beauty and joy of walking in relationship with the Living God. Are you faithful in going to church, where His word is proclaimed and His love for You is declared? He has demonstrated His steadfast love in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). One who is lax in his expressions of love towards God is a backslider. Such a man is himself confused by his intermittent expressions of devotion to God while on the other hand he is regularly expressing his selfish desires as he lives his egocentric way of life

Meanwhile, the man who is good, as is defined by God—who walks humbly, is contrite (quick to confess his faults and sins) and trembles at God’s word, (Isaiah 66:2)—will regularly express his joyful devotion to God in thanksgiving for the accomplished, reconciling work of Jesus. It is a pattern of living that continually bears the spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Faithful Father in heaven, Your word is so penetratingly accurate, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). Therefore Your love is extravagant beyond comprehension. You do not leave the wicked in the sludge of their sins, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift through redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to be received by faith (Romans 3:23-25). Mighty Spirit, move us to be faithful and consistent in our service to Jesus Christ so that our lives are lived as an offering of praise to our Heavenly Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KLTu1xv2-Us?si=Z54Ndl8wxTALvlLm “Oh, the Deep Love”

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

February 13, 2024 -- Mark 8:27-30 -- Who or What is Bigger than the Superbowl?

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
Mark 8:27-30 ESV

This is the biggest question of your whole life and the answer you give changes everything. The question is: “Who do you say Jesus is?” Answering this question is crucial. It is more important than “what am I going to do when I grow up”. More important than “who will I marry”. More important than “what will I do when I retire”.

Crowds followed Jesus. They were looking for a miracle worker. A healer. A provider of free bread and fish. He was a bigger hit in His day than the Superbowl is today. His actions then went viral, more so than any modern half time performance. People talked about Him for days. And then they didn’t.

That is the point. Is Jesus an event? Is He something fascinating, entertainment like a Superbowl, but He doesn’t really change your life, your behavior, your words, your thoughts, your attitudes? Jesus directly asked His disciples "Who do you say I am? Peter answered “You are the Christ”. That is, You are sent from God and anointed to accomplish His work”. That answer changes everything. Who is Jesus to you? A curiosity? Does He change everything? Where you spend eternity depends on the answer you give. How you live right now depends on how you answer Jesus’ question.

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Jesus—Your Son, our Savior. Thank You that in Him a man may lose all possessions and ego, honour and reputation, but when Jesus returns in glory with all His holy ones gain life everlasting . Thank You Father in heaven, for the powerful gift of Your Spirit Who teaches a man to understand that Jesus is worth it all. He truly is the Desire of all Nations and Him for Whom it makes sense to follow, denying one’s lusts and ambitions and ego, and taking up the cross—that is, witnessing to everyone about Him for Your glory Father, no matter the cost. Amen

https://youtu.be/FcD9uhRC3Ew?si=hJ5tUOQv8BpuO1j2 “Go Light Your World” Fountainview Academy

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

February 12, 2024 -- Philippians 1:21 -- Life and Death

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

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 ESV

While preparing for a recent sermon I heard a minister mention the previous centuries past practice of some Christians, which I found bizarre. It is called memento mori. That Latin phrased is translated to “remember you have to die”. So, as a reminder of their inevitable death some Christians would keep a skull on their study desk. The 17th century puritan Thomas Smith is one such person. There is a well-known self-portrait of him at his desk with his hand on a human skull. Why on earth do this?

It was a reminder that all men must die. It is a reminder that all the pleasures of this world, all its pains, all its temptations and all its glories will soon fade away. The Judgment Seat awaits all people. Whatever can be described as truly lasting, all that is reliable treasure is found in Christ alone. That is why the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians noting for him to live is Christ—the pleasures of this world can not hold a candle to Him. Death is not terrifying to Paul, nor to any believer. Christ his Savior has by His life, death, and resurrection opened the way for Paul, and for all believers, so that their death and burial is the entryway to God. The result is that believers have confidence they will enter the Presence of the Father in heaven. This entry into heaven is based on the accomplished work of Jesus.

Such confidence is demonstrated in the life of the believer by his growing dedication to and zeal for Jesus. Such confident hope in Jesus bears fruit in the life of the believer so that the things of this world lose much of their appeal. The Word of God and times spent in prayer are not a burden, but are instead experienced as life-giving, joy-affirming, and hope renewing activities. The believer sees through the things that this world celebrates and idolizes. A Christian can scarcely watch the movies, events, and the prized things of this world because he knows they are merely funeral processions, highly decorated, but those involved in them are unaware that for all their finery their destination is the grave and judgment before God Who is holy. Memento mori—remember you have to die.

Blessed are You, O God our Father. Thank You for the grace and peace which flow to believers based on the accomplished work of our Lord Jesus Christ—Who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to Your will, O Father. To You, Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit be glory forever and ever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/JbgG0Monvd8?si=oaRCqV4V5HP10yFZ “In Christ Alone” Michael W. Smith

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

February 10, 2024 -- Matthew 5:17-18 -- Why keep the Old Testament Law?

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Matthew 5:17-18 ESV

Do Christians still have to keep the Law? I thought that was Old Testament stuff? Today’s passage is clear. Believers are commanded to keep the Law. Jesus Himself is reaffirming that in today's passage. It is by His perfect Law-keeping Jesus proves He is completely righteous, without sin so He is the only human ever Who can be the One Sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world.

Okay, for Jesus, it makes sense to keep the Law, and believers are blessed because He kept it perfectly. Do Christians keep the Law in order to make God happy or by it to somehow add to their salvation? To answer that you need to know why there is a Law at all? The purpose of the Law, in the Garden of Eden, was to guide Adam and Eve in their relationship with the Living God. They failed. They deserved death, the punishment of God. Instead, God withheld His immediate punishment, pouring out all His wrath on His Own Son, Jesus. For believers the Law is designed to help one walk in communion with God. Since God is your Father in Jesus Christ, the question can be asked: “how can I please my Father in heaven?” The Law and the Prophets (that is a short-hand for the whole Old Testament) point out how a believer walks in fellowship, in deep and true relationship, with the God of Heaven and Earth.

The Law has a purpose—it will be accomplished unto the glory of God. One day, when Jesus Christ returns, those who have been guided and instructed in the Law of God by the Spirit of God, kept in the Spirit’s power for obedience to Christ, will be free from sin and guilt, so that they will spend eternity in the blessed, joyful, wondrous presence of God. At the Judgment Seat of the Almighty, sinners and Lawbreakers who refused the work of Jesus will be thrown into the eternal lake of fire in hell. Believers, who by the righteousness of Christ have been given His righteousness, will look and realize how the Law of God was their guide and instructor in joy and all blessedness.

MY DEAR LORD
I depend wholly on You,
wean me from all other dependences.
You are my all, You overrule all and delight in me.
You are the foundation of goodness,
how can I distrust You?
How be anxious about what happens to me?
In the light of Your preciousness the world
and all its enjoyments are infinitely poor:
I value the favour of men no more than pebbles.
Amid the blessings I receive from You 
may I never lose the heart of a stranger.
May I love You, my Benefactor, in all my benefits,
not forgetting that my greatest danger arises from my advantages.
Produce in me self-despair that will make Jesus precious to me,
delightful in all His offices, pleasurable in all His ways,
and may I love His commands as well as His promises.
Help me to discern between true and false love,
the one consisting of supreme love to You, the other not,
the former uniting Your glory and man’s happiness
that they may become one common interest,
the latter disjointing and separating them both,
seeking the latter with neglect of the former.
Teach me that genuine love is different in kind
from that wrought by rational arguments or the motive of self-interest,
that such love is a pleasing passion
affording joy to the mind where it is.
Grant me grace to distinguish between the genuine and the false,
and to rest in You Who is all love.

Prayer from Valley of Vision

https://youtu.be/h-wYZLd_FIk?si=XIUKDIu3t2XjYhQS “Awake My Soul” Phillips, Craig, and Dean

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

February 9, 2024 -- Proverbs 28:1 -- Bold as a Lion

The wicked flee when no one pursues,
    but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1 ESV

Recently I was driving with two friends in the car with me. I saw a jogger and quoted the first phrase of this Proverb—to be fair, I paraphrased it. “The wicked run when no one is chasing him”, that was my paraphrase. Immediately one of the guys said, that’s not in the Bible. Well, it is. But it means something completely different than a mocking of joggers and runners.

This is a precious verse to me. Let me explain. After a car accident I became afraid of many things. I was afraid to drive the highway. I was afraid to drive over long or large bridges. I was anxious in crowds. Fears began to crowd into more and more of my life, affecting work, social times, intimacy, friendships. I would flee—though no one was chasing me. Unfounded fears began to dog my every step. It was a very dark period of my life.

It became a time of intense praying. For a few years I prayed that God would relieve my anxieties and fears. Thanks be to God He answered these prayers. I remember very clearly the first, cautious attempt to drive a long distance on the highway. I can’t say I was bold as a lion, but the LORD had, in HIs grace, removed my fear and I needed to walk in the newfound freedom. Eventually I was able to take a job as a driver for a car rental company, driving highways as part of my job. Today I drive 3,000 plus kilometers a month for work. Surely God has rescued me and given me holy boldness.

When a man discovers the strength of Jesus Christ, His whole life, demeanor, and attitude changes. He is bold as a lion. He is bold in prayer, asking for friends and coworkers to become Christians. He is bold in telling them about the resurrection power of Jesus, which has conquered one’s old life and old fears, and brings a holy boldness. It is the Spirit of God Who seals this to the heart of the believer. As you read, believers can be shaken and bowled over, but in Christ, there is a renewal of strength. God raises up counselors and Christian friends, prayer warriors and pastors, so that a believer can find the help necessary to bring renewed confidence in God through the redeeming work of Jesus and this by the power of the Spirit. Such episodes of descending into fears remind the believer it is totally God and His mercy, which lifts one from fear and death and hell, and places him in the arms of Sovereign love.

There is no one, no thing, no god like you, O God of Glory, Who rides through the heavens to bring help to His helpless people, Who rides through the skies in His majesty! Ah teach us once again, the promise that You, Eternal God, are the dwelling place of Your people and underneath the believer are Your everlasting arms. You will thrust out the enemy before Your people. Happy and blessed are you, O believer! Who is like you—a people saved by the LORD, shielded by the Spirit, with the sword of Jesus’ triumph in your hand. Amen.

(prayer based on the words of Deuteronomy 33:26-29)

https://youtu.be/IeaDNylMvuo?si=NZ0D2seEClnvwRoG Aaron Shust “Even in my old age”

February 7, 2024 -- Hebrews 12:28-29 -- Getting off the Treadmill

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV

Ever heard of the hedonic treadmill? It is a theory that what makes us happy can only make us happy for a little while and then we go back to our set point of happiness. For example, you might hear your favorite song on your play list. You hit repeat. You might still enjoy it a third time, but what happens if it is played fifty times in a row? You might think “I never, ever, want to hear that song again”. Those who take drugs or alcohol become like hamsters on a wheel. The faster they go, the more exhausted they become, and they never get anywhere. Where once a bit of a chemical made you happy, soon you’ll need more and more and your exhausted brain and body can’t process it but you still crave more in order to get the same high you had before.

Paul is writing to a people who were looking backwards. They were focused on the old ways of Jewish practices. They had hoped what they used to do might now bring greater happiness and peace. They were going in the wrong direction. All the practices of the Old Testament were all pointing forward to Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfilment of God’s plans and promises. In Him, there is joy unspeakable full of glory (I Peter 1:8). 

The worship of God is not like a treadmill, or a hamster wheel, because the more one knows about God, the more there is to explore, to know, to love, to respond to with awe and praise. He is a consuming fire—He is infinite in His wisdom, infinite in His glory, infinite in His being. The more we explore, there more there is to know. So worship is not a treadmill, or a stationary experience, it is a journey that leads us onwards and forwards our whole life through. Knowing Jesus Christ, and His perfect obedience and faithful love is enough to fill a whole life-time of contemplation. The Holy Spirit takes the things of God and the Word of God and sets them ablaze for us so that it is with reverence and awe that we approach the Majestic High King of Heaven offering our praise, ourselves, our contrition, our humble adoration. The more we yield to Him, the greater is our desire to know Him and submit. The greater our submission and love, the greater is the pull to know Him and adore Him. It is proper hedonism—pursuing God with all we have, all we are and with all our mind.

Mighty God, Who brings peace to His people through Jesus Christ—the Great Shepherd of the sheep—equip us by Your Spirit so that we can respond to Your steadfast love. Work in us what is pleasing to You, so that we can offer to You acceptable worship, with reverence and awe that never grows old, or boring, or cold. Amen.

https://youtu.be/u0a1Pq9avbg?si=X3dmj5lOHq0hEMq_ O Worship the King

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