March 19, 2024 -- Hebrews 5:11-14 -- Why are so many Christians wandering away?

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV

What is apostasy? It is someone who seems to be a Christian, acts like a Christian, perhaps even for a long time, and then rejects Jesus and proves by the fruit of his life he is not a Christian at all. Such a man, such a woman are those against whom Paul is warning the Hebrews.

Look at the obvious signs of someone who is going astray. They are dull of hearing (verse 11). They are lazy listeners who merely want to be entertained. Amused. We live in an age of “meh”. Okay, next topic, next thing to grab me.

Someone on the downward slope to apostasy has heard many sermons, read many Bible passages, but is forgetful. They are big babies, at 40 years old still wanting to be bottle fed with formula.

Those slip sliding into ruin are those who are unskilled in the word of righteousness, that is, the Bible. They may have several copies, various translations, a leather-bound copy of the Bible handed down from one generation to the next, but they are less and less likely able to explain what is written in it to others.

Finally, damningly, they are unwilling to be trained. They are like patients who go to a doctor and say, give me this medication or that new treatment, I have spent some time on the internet, diagnosed myself and I know what I need. The doctor has had 4 years premedical training, four years of medical training, and 2 to 7 years of residency in practical application of all this training, but you believe your three minutes of on-line research trumps what your doctor knows. So many people who think they are Christians are as self-deceived as the one who is self-diagnosing.

The book of Hebrews has many warnings to keep Christians walking in the way of Jesus. It is a hard road, requiring intentional commitment to the ways of Jesus and a willingness to listen to the Spirit of God. Read your bible. Attend a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church. Find strong Christians whose walk with God you admire, and learn.

Man's Great End

Lord of all being,
There is one thing that deserves my greatest care,
that calls forth my ardent desires,
That is, that I may answer the great end for which I am made –to glorify thee
who hast given me being,
and to do all the good I can for my fellow men;
Verily, life is not worth having if it be not improved for this noble purpose.
Yet, Lord, how little is this the thought of mankind!
Most men seem to live for themselves,
without much or any regard for thy glory, or for the good of others;
They earnestly desire and eagerly pursue the riches, honours,
pleasures of this life, as if they supposed that wealth, greatness,
merriment, could make their immortal souls happy;
But, alas, what false delusive dreams are these!
And how miserable ere long will those be that sleep in them,
for all our happiness consists in loving thee,
and being holy as thou art holy.
O may I never fall into the tempers and vanities,
the sensuality and folly of the present world!
It is a place of inexpressible sorrow, a vast empty nothingness;
Time is a moment, a vapour, and all its enjoyments are empty bubbles,
fleeting blasts of wind, from which nothing satisfactory can be derived;
Give me grace always to keep in covenant with thee,
and to reject as delusion a great name here or hereafter,
together with all sinful pleasures or profits.
Help me to know continually that there can be no true happiness, 
no fulfilling of thy purpose for me,
apart from a life lived in and for
the Son of thy love.

https://youtu.be/X5_PjnrSwLQ?si=KNGTOBQSyGjDnm94 “There is a Redeemer”

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March 18, 2024 -- Psalm 27:1-3 -- Three sure pillars for the Christian

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me
    to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.
Psalm 27:1-3 ESV

There are three pillars to this Psalm. The first is the Light of the LORD—in the New Testament we know Him to be Jesus. He illuminates our broken, sinful condition. He Himself is the Light that leads us, cleansed by His blood, to the Father. He is light, so powerful enemies scatter before Him--like insects and bugs under a rock when exposed to the light--so the once fearsome seeming hosts will take off.

The second pillar is knowing our God as our Stronghold. There are so many forces arrayed against the Christian. It is like an army mounting attack after attack. The stronghold in the life of the Christian is the knowledge that in life and in death, in riches or in poverty, in sickness and in health, in joyful circumstances and under tremendous pressures, God Himself is the the strength of His people. Our circumstances don’t dictate our level of joy or sorrow, our connection with the Living God is our life-line. Our stronghold will never crumble in the face of enemy attack. Jesus has won the victory. He is the Captain of Salvation—those who follow Him know the Victory-Day is near.

The final pillar is the confidence that believers will see the goodness of the LORD. Such confidence is based on the fact that in Christ we have a new family—stronger than the bonds of blood relatives—we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have our back. In fact, Psalm 27 ends with these words: “I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the Living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14).

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, in Whom we live and move and have our being, Who has created us for Yourself, so that we can find rest only in You; grant to us such purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing Your will, no weakness from doing it; but in Your light may we see light clearly, and in Your service find perfect freedom; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

“For all Occasions” from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950

https://youtu.be/uBLp_M5FfbI?si=pExtmgwa-x1m0iuL “Man of Sorrows” Celtic Worship

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March 17, 2024 -- Acts 5:33-42 -- Persecuted, bowed down, but not defeated

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Acts 5:33-42 ESV

Peter and the apostles were put in prison for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders are incensed at Jesus, fighting against Jesus by fighting against His disciples. The words of Jesus are proven true “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” John 15:20. Believers should expect to face persecution for the Name of Jesus. Believers live in a way that contradicts the values of the world, their dedication to Jesus reveals the lawlessness of the human heart and shows the need each man, woman and child has for the rescuing work of Jesus.

In every age there will be false teachers. Then in the New Testament era there were Theudas and his four hundred. They amounted to nothing. Judas the Galilean, plus many others in the New Testament some named, many not named are exposed as false. Some teachers, in their pride and lack of Bible knowledge, tried to bring Christians back to the Old Testament system of sacrifices and festivals, or they sought to institute new, heretical (that is, any teaching opposed to God the Father, God the Son, and God and the Holy Spirit) practices. This is the wickedness of the Free Masons who mix Old and New practices and paganism with no regard for the Word of God. In every era and age there will be false prophets and teachers.

Know the Bible. Read it. Memorize it. Listen to godly preaching. So that you will be able to discern the wicked, gross lies from the glorious, beautiful Truth that is found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone. As you grow in your knowledge of the Word you will grow in your ability to spot a liar and a false teacher.

It is Sunday. Get to a Bible-believing church. Know the blessedness of walking in obedience to Jesus Christ and sharing in His sufferings and His glory.

Father in heaven blessed be Your Name, now and forever more. Thank You for the love You demonstrated to Your people in Jesus Christ, through Whom sinners are brought from death to life. Spirit of the Living God, help the followers of Jesus Christ to delight in the Word, to study it and through it to know the Savior Jesus Christ ever more fully and perfectly. By this, Counselor-Spirit, help the true children of the Father to discern what is true and to distinguish it from what is false. Enable believers to stand firm in the the battle, taking up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Triune God, give to Your people the ability to patiently explain the glories of the Gospel to those who are hungry; give the fortitude needed to call out every false way and divergent path that would lead people further and further away from Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/cY6k2QhdCn0?si=mVLb59j6OGvI6c4O “How Firm A Foundation”

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March 15, 2024 -- Proverbs 15:33 -- Strength for today's battle

The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33 ESV

Do you know that really good feeling you get after a dental hygienist has cleaned your teeth? You realize water can swish in between teeth you never realized had a space. Sternly your dentist warns you to floss after every meal. You listen, for a few days and then, well, life intervenes and you realize you are too lazy to keep at it. Your chiropractor adjusts your back. Finally you have freedom of movement and relief. What a great feeling it is. You are given a list of exercises, morning and evening routines to get your back limbered up and freely moving. Since you already feel good, you put the list in a safe place, in case you need it. And very soon afterwards, your back is as crooked as ever. There is no fear of your dentist. There is no fear of your chiropractor. You just want relief, right now. As soon as you have it, you walk away completely forgetful of your former aches and pains.

The fear of the LORD is similar. The one who truly fears the LORD not only listens, he receives the instruction necessary to change his life. The one who fears the LORD puts into practice what the LORD has commanded. For His commandments are life and health and blessing. Whatever it is the LORD has given His people to do is life for them--here on earth and life that stretches in the glory of His presence through all eternity.

Humility is immediately appended to this Proverb. Unless one is humble enough to see his error and know his need for the instruction of Jesus—Who is for us wisdom incarnate—a man will stay bound up in his pride and so, he will not be honoured by the LORD. Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18a). The Father in heaven Who has given life and all blessing in Jesus will not allow His Son to be scorned or mocked. The man who is humble of heart learns from Jesus (Who is gentle and lowly of heart—Matthew 11:29) and in the way of Jesus finds rest for his soul and joy in obedience.

Dedication to Duty

(This is from the R.C.A.F. the chaplain makes the affirmation and the service men and women invoke God’s will in fulfilment. This part is in italics)

We, who have heard the call to service, shall learn the lore of our calling, follow its precepts and walk earnestly in its ways.

God, make us earnest in our task.

We shall keep our hearts true, our minds alert, and our bodies sound, and we shall be diligent in the study of our craft.

God, make us diligent in our craft.

Acknowledging God’s gift in all our powers, we shall be proud of the manifold mysteries of our craft, the intricate contrivances of hand and brain, the dominion over great forces.

God give us the proper pride in our craft.

We shall be members one of another and we shall love the fellowship of our craft.

God make us good comrades.

At all times of trial and adversity, in hunger or thirst, in heart or cold, in rain or storm, seeking our strength from God, we shall endure cheerfully in the way of our duty.

God make us cheerful in adversity.

Proud of our craft and giving in all things of our best each aiding the other and blending our gifts in loyal harmony we shall devote our hearts and minds to the honour and advancement of our Service, to the glory of God, and to the safety and welfare of our Nation.

God, give us strength and purpose so to do.

from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, Canada 1950, page 40

https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=-4kx58vqUhNa-vvR Phil Wickham “The Battle Belongs”

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March 13, 2024 -- Philippians 1:9a -- A prayer for transforming love

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more…
Philippians 1:9a ESV

Paul, while he was in prayer, wrote the believers in Philippi. Though he chained to prison guards 24/7 he expresses his concern and his love for the believers who have just sent him a financial gift. A few verses earlier he expressed thanks to God for every remembrance of this people and now he prays that this people will grow in love. It is the love and affection of Christ Jesus that prompts Paul to pray in this way.

It is the love of God that has been demonstrated in Jesus Christ which moves believers to love. Love is the evidence of the Spirit’s work. Think of Galatians, where the first evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is love. To this most basic work of the Spirit then adds joy and peace, patience and kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

He prays that the love of these believers, and by the Spirit’s design all subsequent believers who read this letter, will abound. That is, such love will fill up and then overflow through-out the life of believers. Love is truly one of the most defining characteristics of the believer. Jesus told His followers, “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:23). It is His prior love for His people which moves and motivates His people to respond to Him in obedient love, as joy-filled servants of Jesus.

Love covers a multitude of sins—so Peter wrote (I Peter 4:8). Think about the man who wrote that. He is famous, or infamously known as the man who denied Jesus three times right after having pledged fealty to Jesus and expressing his willingness to die for Him. What did Jesus do? He loved Peter. He went to the cross, bearing the sin of all the world and being punished in the place of wicked men so that all who believe in Jesus would be declared beloved sons and daughters of God.

Love is one of the great evidences that Jesus has taken hold of the heart of a believer. One who is loved by God through Jesus will be empowered by the Spirit to love deeply, forgivingly, unsparingly.

O GOD, our heavenly Father, who hast set the solitary in families: look in favour, we beseech thee, upon the homes of thy people. Defend them against all evil, and supply all their needs according to the riches of thy grace. Make them sanctuaries of purity and peace, love and joy. Bless all dear to us wheresoever they are, and grant that they and we may follow thee at every step of our daily life, that, though our paths may lead us far from one another, we may all abide within the safe shelter of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Home and Loved Ones from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 32

https://youtu.be/U8zWzw_Cc2o?si=LirIQpHtWSr1yNE- “Take Shelter” Getty Music

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March 11, 2024 -- Psalm 73:23-28 -- How are you training your thoughts?

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73 ESV

After almost twenty where the Psalmist complains about the wicked, the prideful, the rich, and those who seem to sin with no consequences, it is as if he suddenly shakes himself awake. He goes in to God’s sanctuary and realizes the they will all be swept away in God’s judgment. Now in these concluding verses the Psalmist rejoices in the hope he has in God His strength.

The world congratulates itself with vacuous events celebrating forgettable achievements. Contrast this with those who declare what the Lord their God is doing. They focus their attention on His works that will last forever. His rewards are sure in the heavens for all those who trust in Him.

What are you rehearsing in your thoughts? Is it resentment? Is it anxiety? Is it covetous thought about what others have and you seem to lack? Such thoughts are fed and trained by the world. Think about commercials which create a sense you are failing in some way and how this (miracle) product will fix you—something which until you saw the commercial you didn’t realize needed fixing.

Look at the passage, how the Psalmist is training his thoughts in righteousness. God is his refuge. In Jesus Christ believers run from the silliness of the world and find the Captain of Salvation. In Jesus you find Him Who despised the things of the world, in loving obedience to His Father walking in deep communion with Him, He became the perfect Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. In Jesus you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. In Jesus believers have the forgiveness of sins and access to the Father. In Jesus you have the gift of the Holy Spirit Who counsels you so that your thoughts are fixed on all that is noble, excellent, lasting and True.

GOD THE ALL

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

https://youtu.be/zhMFifugZ8o?si=XeyNoIddMzQndY2q "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

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March 10, 2024 -- Proverbs 10:23 -- Fully Exposed

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
Proverbs 10:23 ESV

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”
Proverbs 26:18-19 ESV

“I am only joking”. What a feeble line for the man who is trying to wriggle off a hook. When a man’s ways catch him out of step with peers, or with the sensitivities of the people around him, and when his ways reveal his rebellion against God, resorting to feeble humour is a lazy way out. However, the Proverbs expose the sins and their deeper motivation. A man who can’t be serious is a fool. That is, he lives as if God doesn’t exist. He knows God exists. He knows the tooth fairy doesn’t exist—but he doesn’t have to make proclamation about it. So a fool knows God does exist. But he is protesting the Mighty Power and Nearness of God. His light-hearted wrong-doing is actually more malicious and motivated by evil than he allows himself to see. He is glaringly self-deceived.

Proverbs 26 uncovers the perverse nature of the man masquerading as a mere jokester. He is concealing the fact that his heart is a writhing, slithering, ball of viperous evil intentions. The surface life seeks to be funny all the while it is concealing an inner life that is constantly stirring up evil. It will be exposed.

The Bible exposes the contradictions of a man’s life with the sole purpose of giving him every opportunity to turn from his wicked ways, to confess them to Jesus and to seek to live by faith. Sin exposed has the brief opportunity to either recoil and find new disguises in mocking laughter, or to finally shake free of the ignorance that chained it and walk in the wisdom of Jesus Christ.

MOST HOLY and merciful Father; We acknowledge and confess in thy presence, our sinful nature prone to evil and slothful in good. And all our shortcomings and offences against thee. Thou alone knowest how often we have sinned, in wandering from thy ways, in wasting thy gifts, in forgetting thy love, but thou, O Lord, have pity upon us, who are ashamed and sorry. For all where in we have displeased thee, teach us to hate our errors; cleanse us from our secret faults; and forgive our sins; for the sake of thy dear Son our Savior. And O most holy and loving Father send thy purifying grace into our hearts, we beseech thee; that we may henceforth live in thy light and walk in thy ways; according to the commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confessions 2.Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces. 1950. page 5

https://youtu.be/px-eU1QjQiU?si=Sgh7JhNwNZQ1v9OG Psalm 51 Shane and Shane

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March 8, 2024 -- Proverbs 8:13 -- The fear of the LORD which instructs a man in right pathways

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
Proverbs 8:13 ESV

There is no such thing as good enough with the LORD our God. How many people save for retirement, but do not bank on eternity? How many people watch their diet and faithfully exercise without realizing the end of their life is near and they will face eternity under the hatred of God Who is Holy beyond comprehension?

Those who claim to love God hate evil. That is the simplest definition of a Christian: one who hates evil. The Christian humbles himself before Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life—in sharp contrast to way of the world which Proverbs describes as the way of evil. The Christian asks, are my feet pointing in the direction of all that is right and good and holy? He keeps to the path Jesus sets before him.

The fear of the LORD is that fierce dedication to Him which exposes temptations to lust, to anger, to getting high, to starting on any evil pathway as empty and vile. The fear of the LORD instructs the man in the way that he should choose (Psalm 25:12). The fear of the LORD is his guide. The fear of the LORD is the humility which is anchored in Jesus Christ. When a man sins, he knows he has an advocate-mediator, Jesus Christ. When a man sins he doesn’t justify it, he repents, turning to Jesus and hating this sin more and more. The fear of the LORD is that devoted loyalty and love for Jesus prompting a man to forsake all other loyalties and loves that would interfere with his deep commitment to Jesus, Who, having left the throne of heaven, became a man, dying in our place, bearing God’s wrath against sin so that the believer would forever be right with God. Ah, such love fills a man and motivates him to respond in love.

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.

Prayer of Confession from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 5

https://youtu.be/HSmQpDtTVl0?si=i7aB4emREjZYdQBm All Sufficient Merit//Shane and Shane

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March 4, 2024 -- Psalm 118:1-4 -- The call to arms: Praise the LORD!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1-4 ESV

Yesterday Psalm 117 was the focus text. In that reading the people of the earth, all nations, were summoned to praise the LORD and extol Him. Then, the question lingers on the air, once that command has gone out into the earth, will anyone respond? Today, in our reading, there are three shouts of response issued forth from those who will take up the call to arms and praise the LORD.

The nation of Israel responds. Her king will lead the people in this act of faithfulness and obedience to the Living God. It is his appointed role and he will take it up (Deuteronomy 17:14ff). Then the priests respond, represented by the house of Aaron. The house of Aaron are the descendants of the first man appointed to be priest in Israel. He and his sons know the cost of the priesthood. When two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), went ahead and decided to worship God in a way not prescribed by the LORD, they were struck down and killed. So all the priesthood of Aaron know the weight of the call to praise the LORD.

Finally individual households and families respond. Those who fear the LORD—that is, those who know the LORD He alone is worthy of all honour, all service, and all devotion. The fear of the LORD puts all other fears into their proper place. Climate change? Wars? Earthquakes? Financial fears? All of these tumble and lose their grip on the heart of the man who fears the LORD. When one has taken hold of the Living God through the grace of Jesus Christ, then all of life and all of death are put into perspective. A Christian is bold and joyful because to live is Christ and to die is gain. This world holds no real terrors for the man or woman who believes in the LORD.

It is important as well that the Psalmist declares the LORD’s steadfast love. Notice the intentional use of the Name LORD, which is the covenant Name of God. He makes firm and lasting promises and seals them with His Name and reputation: LORD. In the New Testament, Jesus is called, Lord (Philippians 2:11), He is the fulfilment of all the LORD’s promises. The Holy Spirit is called Lord (II Corinthians 3:17). So, it is by the power of the LORD God Himself that the people can respond in praise to the Living God.

To what power or thing or person are you giving your praise? The call to arms is issued. Bring to the LORD all your praise, for His steadfast love endures forever. Whatever earthly thing you cling to, whatever lesser thing you trust will be thrown down and destroyed. Only the LORD endures forever. The only worthy objective of your life is to bring praise to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever.

O LORD JESUS CHRIST, our King in heaven, help us now and evermore to be thy true and faithful followers. May we be ready at all times to carry out thy commands and conquer every enemy by thy power. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

“Ascension” from THE DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 45

https://youtu.be/FkRiYsTN7KY?si=hJU8vZAYQ1xvZO-b “Is He Worthy” Chris Tomlin

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March 4, 2024 -- Psalm 117 -- The Beacon fires are lit. Will you respond?

Praise the LORD, all nations!
    Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 117 ESV

Fans of the trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” will remember the dramatic moment when Minas Tirith was under a dire threat of war. Enemies of the great kingdom were gathering and had gathered, ready to make war. Then beacon fires are lit. These summon allies to battle. The chain of beacon fires are set ablaze, one after another, until the distant Kingdom of Edoras can see the final one nearest them. One of the heroes of the trilogy, Aragorn, seeing the bright beacon, runs from the guard tower, into the hall of King Théoden, he shouts: “The beacons are lit. Gondor calls for aid!” It is a dramatic moment. The question is this: will the king summon his people to go to war?

Psalm 117 is a beacon fire. The Name of the LORD is to be praised. It is a command that runs to all the nations of the earth. Enemies oppose the LORD. Those who hate the LORD are arrayed against His people. Prophets, Kings, and Priests have through-out the centuries faithfully summoned the people of God to divert their gaze from the gathering hosts of wickedness to behold instead the LORD of Glory. The reasons are given. The LORD has great, steadfast love. While evil will tear at and ultimately devour its own leaders and champions, the LORD will bless His people. Those who respond to the call to praise Him are named sons and daughters through the work of Jesus Christ. Second, the faithfulness of the LORD is never-ending. He Who begins a good work in you will see it through to completion. He is no fair-weather LORD and King.

The cross of Jesus Christ stands as the proof that the LORD and His redeeming love have won the day. It is the D-Day—the Designated Day, like June 6, 1944, when the troops took the beaches of Normandy. The tide of the war was turned. It was then just a few months until V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) May 8, 1945. Thereafter the final combatant, Japan, signed its full surrender on September 2, 1945.

We live as Christians between D-Day and September 2, final victory. The LORD is near. Therefore the people are summoned to praise the LORD. Such praise drives away the Devil, that roaring lion, diverting him from the attack. Christians extol the LORD-that is to glorify God. To glorify means: to serve Him. To renounce wicked and sinful ways. To remove from themselves anything in their minds, or in their hands, which are of enemy origin. To prepare the heart and head for victory in Jesus. The beacon fires are lit. Praise the LORD!

FOR COURAGE

O SAVIOUR, who didst set thy face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem to thy Cross and passion: help us, thy weak and wavering disciples, to be firm and resolute in doing those things that lie before us. Help us to overcome difficulties and to persevere in spite of failures. When we are weary and disheartened and ready to give in, do thou fill us with fresh courage and strength, and keep us faithful to our work; for thy name’s sake. Amen.

DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 34

https://youtu.be/LgybEBy3rlM?si=cXHQus4m7lBXHf8U “Onward Christian Soldiers”

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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

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

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"

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