April 4, 2024 -- Psalm 122:2 -- In What Direction are Your Feet Pointing?

Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
Psalm 122:2 ESV

Rather a strange snippet of Scripture to be examining today, isn't it? It is part of the 15-Psalm subset of the whole 150 Psalms of the Bible. This subset is called the Psalms of Ascent. They were recited, or perhaps sung, as men traveled from all across Israel three times a year, so they could go to Jerusalem and offer sacrifices and tithes and bring worship to the Living God.

There is a sense of joy, of wonder, and thanksgiving that the people who have completed the journey are now standing within the city. That has been their goal—to get to the place where they will meet with God, their LORD and King. It is a great picture of the Christian life. All of life is a journey toward the New Jerusalem. There will be hardships, long travel, frustrations and detours along the way. But our goal is to be with Jesus in the New Jerusalem, which Revelation describes with just enough detail to whet our appetites and fill the soul with hope. It is the place where sin will be no more. It is the place where God Himself is with His people. In the New Jerusalem, there is no need for sun or moon or stars, for the glory of God Himself will be all the light that shines in that place.

These words today are an encouragement. Do not give up. The LORD our God will bring you to His holy city. The Spirit of God will guard you in Christ Jesus so that sin will be defeated ever more fully in your life. It is a process. It is exhausting. It is the complete destruction of your old nature and sinful desires and the bringing to life of the new creation you are in Jesus. One day, sooner than you realize now, you’ll be standing in that New Jerusalem, exclaiming like pilgrims of Israel, our feet have been standing within Your gates, O new Jerusalem, city of our God, where Christ is fully revealed and the Spirit of God continually deepens our ability to comprehend God and delight in Him. Then all tears and frustrations will end. There eternity will unfold in the light of risen Lamb--ah, what glory and wonder.

Faithful Father in heaven, blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore. Thank You for the rich history of Your glorious safe-keeping work which can be read in Scriptures pages. Thank You for Jesus Christ, upon Whom all our hope is anchored securely. Spirit of God, encourage the hearts of Your people this day, keep us from weariness that might cause us to stumble or become lax in our journey. Spirit of God show us the people in our lives who need to be strengthened along the way and revived by the fellowship of Christian friends. In all things, thank You, Triune God, that You will not abandon the work of Your hands, what You have begun in us, bring to full perfection for the sake of Jesus and His glory. Amen.

https://youtu.be/xDZZ0-F5EKk?si=hyXJX2PiibQs4Viv “You are my all in all” Gaither Vocal Band

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

March 30, 2024 -- Luke 24:15-27 -- It is all true or none of it is true at all.

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:15-27 ESV

A few things to notice in the passage today. Jesus had risen from the dead. He was the only one in all Jerusalem, in fact, in all the world, who knew exactly what had happened in those days! Cleopas and his companion were prevented from recognizing Jesus. Unless the Spirit of God reveals Jesus to the hearts and minds of inquirers, they will not know Him or understand the Scriptures. These things are written so that believers will discern the Lord and stay true to Him and His Word.

Second, note that all the Old Testament is about Jesus—Moses and the Prophets, is a shorthand for saying it is all about Jesus, from start to finish. That means the Old Testament is important for our fullest understanding of Who Jesus Is.

In 2022 the Barna Group in the US (a non-partisan Christian polling organization) posted the results of a survey stating that only 37% of pastors have a Biblical Worldview. Yes, that is staggering. It means 63% of pastors are foolish and slow of heart to believe ALL that the prophets have spoken (verse 25). Consider the implications, among other things:

1. Such pastors do not believe all the Bible as true. Do they deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the grave? Maybe. Or it might be that they do not believe the first part of Genesis as real history.

2. Such pastors do not know how to defend basic truth, like the historicity of Adam and Eve, the coexistence of humans and dinosaurs, and the worldwide flood described in Genesis 6 - 9.

3. Such pastors then do not know how to defend the faith against abortion, medical assistance in dying, or how to explain marriage as God’s institution, one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

4. Such pastors are leading their congregations away from Jesus, into the path of sin, unbelief, death and hell.
    

Why does this matter? Well, from start to finish the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself. Believers do not get to pick and choose what they consider to be true. It is all true or none of it is true at all. The LORD of Heaven and Earth declared: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-8).

The LORD of Glory is splendid, wondrous beyond description. He has chosen to stoop to your and my weakness and reveal Himself. Do not mistake His pity on our condition as weakness or slackness. What He reveals, He commands His people to believe—from start to finish it is all about Jesus. From start to finish the renown and fame of the Righteous Father is to be held in high esteem, for Jesus reveals His love and greatness. From Moses to the Prophets, it is the Holy Spirit Who opens eyes and softens hearts to receive. Pray to understand what is written and believe not the things of this world, but the things that are out of this world.

Almighty Father in heaven, this weekend we remember and celebrate the wonders of Your love, demonstrated so clearly in Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection seal to us Your extravagant forgiveness. By Your Holy Spirit puncture our world’s highly inflated self-congratulatory view of itself and teach us to see ALL Scripture is about Jesus. Humble us now so that we may be exalted with Him in Your presence, and this, by the glorious work of the Holy Spirit Who enables the eyes of faith to see and believe. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kQFLOCoYaPI?si=yb2qvqf-w1vj1bOy O Jesus, I Have Promised

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

March 29, 2024 -- Proverb 29:23 -- Humbled for a Season and then Highly Exalted

One's pride will bring him low,
    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23 ESV

You are likely familiar with the expression: “Pride goes before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Its variant is echoed here. The second phrase introduces something new, an opposite. Look at the opposite, and you’ll know something about Jesus. He left the splendours of heaven, crowned with glory and honour, eternally delighted in the Father and Spirit, Who both delighted in Him and One another, and He became a man. He started from the place of glory and plunged Himself so low. He embraced humility. He obeyed every law and regulation set by the Father in heaven. He lived in poverty. He was homeless. He even, at the end of His life, washed His disciples’ feet, a task so lowly that no Jewish servant would be asked to perform it, only foreign slaves could be required to do this task. Yet Jesus took the lowest place in obedient love for His Father and for those He came to save.

At the cross, punished in the place of the very people who rejected Him, Jesus prayed for His Father to forgive them—His persecutors, His betrayers, His enemies, you and me. The world sees this as the moment of His greatest humiliation—yet it is also the start of His glorification. Jesus was being lifted up, literally and figuratively, as the Savior of the World. All who look to Him find salvation.

Steven Lawson, in preaching on Philippians 2, no one ever started from a more lofty position and became lowly. Only Jesus. No one ever took such humility and abasement. Only Jesus. No one has ever been lifted to a higher place. Only Jesus. And, when the end of history collides with Jesus’ return in glory, then every eye will see Him, every knee bend, and every heart confess Him the Lord, to the glory of the Father.

This is what it celebrated on Good Friday. It is Good precisely because the Scripture is fulfilled. It is Good because the Father in heaven is glorified in Jesus. It is Good because the Spirit of God convinces men of their sin and their need for this glorious Savior. It is Good because through it we see Jesus glorified and realize in Him, all who believe share His humiliation and His glory.

For the Clergy and People

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Giver of all spiritual gifts: Send down upon thy clergy and all Congregations committed to their charge the healthful spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

from: DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 25.

Today’s hymn has a long introduction; you can listen to it and learn about its history, or go right to the 2:32 second mark and just listen.

https://youtu.be/_oHlAoxMXI4?si=WsLdWn5cPY5V1f1u “Ah, Holy Jesus”

March 28, 2024 -- Proverbs 27:20 -- Hey, what are you staring at?

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
Proverbs 27:20 ESV

Sheol is a Hebrew word meaning the grave and hell. Abaddon means destruction and ruin. Hell and the grave are never full. There is always room for more. In the same way, the capacity people have to commit evil is never satisfied. Consider how a start with some little innocuous seeming evil, or toying with wrong-doing leads to all kinds of wickedness. It started out so small, a few sparks or a lit candle and next thing you know there is a huge fire. Sin is like that.

Now the comparison—the eyes of man are never satisfied. It means full, or sated, or stuffed—how appropriate. When your eyes are greedy for sin, they keep looking at it. Think about a shopaholic, once the item is seen, lusted over and purchased, before it is even delivered, there is a desire for more. The eye is already roving to the next thing. True also with the lusts of pornography. The eye is never satisfied. The angry man constantly looks at the thing on which is rage is focused. The looks, the more his attention is riveted and the fires of his fury stoked. The drunkard looks longingly at the beer commercial. 

No wonder David, who formerly, famously, lusted after Bathsheba, later wrote these beautiful words:

One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that I will seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4 ESV

To stare longingly at the Word of God and training your eyes to look to Jesus, this is all your work. The eyes formerly not satisfied with evil, will now penetratingly stare at the wonders of Jesus and the splendors of the Word. Ask for the Spirit's help, so that you can be staring, looking intently, and gazing with the insatiable appetites of the eyes to know God as fully as He can be known here on earth. That is the highest and best activity. Learning to gaze longingly at Jesus now here on earth suits you for eternity in His magnificent, glorious presence.

Our Father in heaven, thank You for the love with which You loved Your elect. So incomprehensible and true is Your declaration of love that You spared not Your Only Son, but gave Him as the ransom for our souls. Blessed Jesus, we confess our eyes have wandered. We have turned our gaze to worthless things, to empty things, to things that are passing away and are in fact dragging up to destruction and the pit of hell. When we really examine ourselves are too ashamed to look intently at You. The paradox is so full on. Jesus, You left the throne of infinite power and grace to rescue ruined, self-destructive sinners, the very ones who ignoring You are tangled up by the devil’s lies and are thinking if I just purify myself or do better from now on, then I can come to Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, capture our hearts and conquer every rebellious thought so that Jesus and His reconciling blood will be for us, all in all. We confess our roving eyes and wandering hearts. We confess our vision is blurred with desires and rage. Spirit of God, be our vision. Renew us for Christ. Spirit of Wisdom, train our eyes and our wisdom so that we will look to Jesus in every hour of every day. Amen.

https://youtu.be/WTalmqydV2w?si=T_F-PYHxcK06cDs- My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

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

March 26, 2024 -- Luke 23:34 -- How often should I forgive my brother?

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34 ESV

As Jesus was nailed to that cross, His words were not cursing, not condemning, but they were full of grace and truth. He prayed to His Father that those crucifying Him would be forgiven. Those reviling Him would be forgiven. Those gambling for His clothing would be forgiven. Those disciples who fled the scene at Gethsemane would be forgiven. They know they are putting a criminal to death. But the fact of the matter is that Jesus is wholly innocent. He alone is truly the only man Who never sinned, never lied, never cheated, never disobeyed and therefore is the only man Who did not deserve to die. With His dying breath He proved He is accomplishing what He came to earth to do, to atone for sin so that by His reconciling blood man can approach God.

Earlier in His earthly ministry, Jesus’s disciples asked Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21). It is an interesting question from Peter, who, like the rest of us had already countless times asked forgiveness from God. Often for the same offense, over and over again, looking to heaven and hoping for grace. Grace that is granted.

Now, tangibly, memorably, showing Himself truly divine and truly human, Jesus prays to His Father for the forgiveness of those who are putting Him to death. In response to Peter’s question, Jesus had answered “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). As often as your brother needs forgiveness, give it to him. This teaching Jesus demonstrated. Under unimaginably harsh circumstances and great torture, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not even seek it. This demonstration of His infinite love gives us confidence to boldly approach the throne of grace because we go to Him who is full of compassion, rich in mercy, and both able and ready to forgive.

Truly Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. By His reconciling blood all who approach Him, turning away from their sins and confessing them, find forgiveness full and free. Hallelujah, what a Savior.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

O Mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made; who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully forgive our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it ^appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare, O Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgement with thy servants, who truly repent us of our faults, but so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^appertaineth, to belong to by right, nature

From: the Book of Common Prayer, page 613

https://youtu.be/wcrS8rFWMXQ?si=zlFuJZ2vzIHhjFeQ “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”

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

March 25, 2024 -- Genesis 11:4-8 and Luke 9:51-53 -- God investigated before He punished

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.
Genesis 11:4-8 EV

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51-53 ESV

In the first passage, believers are taught that God the Glorious Who knows all things, stepped down into history to investigate the great sinfulness of the people. Thereby showing His people, when He punishes them, it is not arbitrary or random actions of the LORD, but a measured, appropriate response to the people who owe Him everything. The previous chapter of Genesis lists the table of nations, all the descendants of Noah’s three sons—the point is the family of nations, all of them, exist by the mercy of God. All of them are descendants of the eight people rescued from the Flood waters. With awe and rejoicing they should have offered their lives in service to the High King of Heaven. They did not. They were chasing their own fame and glory.

Back to Genesis 11. The LORD’s judgment of confusing language and dispersing the people is merciful—the LORD our God would be fully justified to say to the people of the earth, “You have violated My direct commands and decrees—to be fruitful and multiply and spread through the whole earth—therefore I will wipe you off the face of the earth”. He does not. He confuses their language. By doing this, He restrains them so that they cannot be cooperative in greater and worse sins. Then He disperses them across the globe. It is foreshadowing.

Now to Luke. Jesus came as the prophet of God—Who saw the great sinfulness of the people firsthand. As in Genesis 11, and as is evidenced through-out the Bible, the punishment of God is not arbitrary. Through-out His 30 plus years of life on this earth, Jesus saw how great the wickedness of humanity was. Once again, the judgment of God is mixed with mercy. Jesus bore on His Person the anger of God against sin. He was punished in the place of sinners so that their sins would be fully punished by the wrath of God and those who take refuge in Him would be fully freed from the anger of God. Those who refuse Jesus, who refuse to acknowledge their sin, their need of such a Savior, face an eternity in hell, bearing the punishment on themselves for their own sins.

Christians rejoice at the goodness of God. He decreed, from before the creation of the world, to choose His people in Christ, the Beloved One. He does not punish innocent people, He fully repays the treachery and vileness of human sin. He gives mercy to those who cry for mercy. Today is the day of salvation. Today, if you are aware of your sinfulness—the fact that your words don’t match your deeds, your deeds don’t match the values by which you know you ought to live, then there is hope. Confess your sins to Jesus. Declare God is in the right in punishing sins, and He is merciful in putting your sins on Jesus and giving to You Jesus’ purity, that is His sinlessness.

Such is the wonder and blessedness of Easter. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, taking our punishment. He went to the grave, so that believers are united with Him in His punishment and His death. Then, those who believe in Jesus rise with Jesus to newness of life, as Jesus rose that first Easter Sunday. In Jesus there is newness of life. What a Savior!

Easter

O HEAVENLY FATHER who hast made us glad this day because thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ has triumphed over sin and death; Grant that we who are members of him may also triumph over every evil thing by his power, and having worked for him in this life may live with him, where he lives and reigns with thee forever. Amen.

from “Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces” 1950, page 44

https://youtu.be/0arouoCJ8es?si=JYGQamGEzM_BxK7g “Christ Arose, Low in the Grave He Lay”

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

March 23, 2024 -- Colossians 3:5 -- Mortification of the flesh, in simpler terms, that is putting to death ungodly desires

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5 ESV

Whenever you see a therefore in Scripture you have to ask yourself, what went there before? Well, Paul had set before the Colossians the glorious Truth that in Christ believers are raised from death to life. Believers are to focus on what Jesus has done—being punished in the place of believers, so that believers no longer bear the wrath of God against their sin. Believers are commanded to focus on Jesus’ return—it is the inspiration of believers, knowing sin and death will be no more and Jesus Himself, the Great High Priest, will present Holy Spirit perfected believers to the Father.

The question is this: why would you go back to sin? Why would you, being purified and made holy, rush back to sexual immorality? Why would you covet, that is, desire what others have, resenting what others have, when you have all things in Christ Jesus?! John Owen (1616-1683) a puritan, a theologian, an author and academic administrator in Oxford, wrote: “The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh”. Basically, if you want to be a strong Christian, a lively Christian, a man or woman who finds great comfort in God, then stop turning to sex, to empty things like money, or worldly fame, or popularity. Find in God your deepest and truest joy.

It is work putting to death the deeds of the flesh. It is work turning away from pornography. or from video gaming which is pornographic violence. It is constant effort to stop obscene joking and gossipy talk. But it is also, contrary to all expectation, life-giving to turn from away from any sin that is holding you down and then turning to Jesus. He is life. Jesus is hope—in Him there is freedom from the powers of sin. He is joy. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire, and ask about this. Get to a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church tomorrow so that you can grow in your understanding of what it means to be raised with Christ.

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.

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

https://youtu.be/FgLt7jyBhc8?si=n4m5WUcFB_eDBbgI “All Glory, Laud and Honor”

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

Knowing the time wasting thieves in your life so you can fight them

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV

Yesterday two different podcasts referred to Richard Baxter and his writing “Time Wasting Thieves”. The repetition of it inspired me to quote it here today. Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was a puritan, a church leader, a theologian and writer. In his reflection on Colossians 3:17 he listed twelve time wasting thieves. They are as relevant today as when he wrote them. The single word or phrase after each number is Baxter, my comment follows the period. Of course, some things are so obvious, no comment is needed.

1. Idleness. That is being lazy. Not looking for useful things to do.

2. Excessive sleep.

3. Body focus. Being overly interested in health and nutrition and overly interested in sculpting one’s body to the detriment of one’s spiritual life or walk with God.

4. Pompous house decorations. Spending time and money in constantly redoing one’s house, always seeking the latest of everything.

5. Needless feasting. Are you always focused on food, the best, the costliest, the exotic. Or, are you a glutton not guarding your in-take of food?

6. Idle talk. That is gossip, or constant conversations about all kinds of things, but not honing one’s heart and head to be focused on the things of God.

7. Vain or sinful company. The word vain can mean empty, as Ecclesiastes puts it, a chasing after the wind. Are the people in your life building you up in Christ or are they pulling you away from your devotion to Him?

8. Needless sports. Amazing that was already a problem in the 1600’s, how much more so today. There are dozens of channels dedicated to nothing but sports. Is you life focused on Jesus Christ and in all things bringing honour to His Name?

9. Excess of cares. Worry is a time waster. Our lives are in God’s hands, however long or short the number of our days, let us use our time wisely and not let anxiety and worry and fear dominate us. Just one verse earlier Paul admonished the Colossians to let the Word of Christ live in the people. The Word of God drives out the fears of this world.

10. Sinful thoughts. Are you plotting evil? Are you spending much time binge-watching movies or engaged in watching pornography? Such things entertain sinful thought which drive out contemplation of Jesus.

11. Reading of worthless books and prideful studies.

12. The master thief is an unsanctified heart. At the end of John 2 it is recorded that many put their faith in Jesus but He did not put His confidence or faith in man because he knows what’s in a man’s heart. The heart of the unbeliever is always pulling away from God, resisting His glory and refusing to bow before Him. Oh sure, a prideful heart will make a god that is acceptable so that he will bow before that puny idol. But one who has met Jesus and loves Him will be motivated to live for Jesus, on fire with zeal for Him, 24/7.

FOR PARDON

ALMIGHTY GOD, who freely pardons all who repent and turn to You; Now fulfil in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; ^remitting all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience through the perfect sacrifice of Christ our Lord; and keep us evermore in the peace and joy of a holy life; that we may love and serve You always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^remitting: canceling a debt or setting aside punishment

from: DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 11

https://youtu.be/oEUskp1e2bg?si=81oiUWjB50YUKoZZ “By Faith”

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

March 21, 2024 -- Hebrews 10:23-25 -- Stirred up to live out loud for our Glorious God

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

More than thirty years ago, when Carolyn and I lived in California for a one-year internship, a friend and I committed to memorizing some Scripture. The verses 24 & 25 of this passage were among the first we tackled. Interesting how this passage keeps showing up in my life. It was part of last night's chapel group study in Hebrews.

As people who hold fast to Jesus Christ first evidence of this clinging tightly to Him is expressed in having pure theology. That is, taking seriously what the Bible teaches—we study it with the intention of ever staying true to what it teaches, rather than what we think it says. So many well-intentioned people drift (Hebrews 2:1ff).

Next in view of the Truth of the Word—the Bible and the Living Word Jesus—we hold fast to Jesus by continually conforming our living to what He commands. Believers walk together in love. In fact, it is a defining characteristic of believers, that they stir one another up to love which is based on the prior love of Jesus within them. Such believers actively seek opportunities to demonstrate their love for Jesus by good works.

Yesterday I heard a man being interviewed on the radio who described the previous eclipses he’d seen and his words made it seem as if it were a spiritual experience. He spoke rapturously, “It was a pure moment. It was a all senses alert moment.” Interesting that a once-every-seven-years or so experience can evoke such passion. Now, fellow believers, consider Him Who made the starry hosts. Consider the God of Heaven and Earth Who set the sun, moon, earth and stars on their courses—how glorious He is. Jesus Christ has, as a once-in-eternity event, bore all the sins of man and made propitiation for our sins. That is, He turned away God’s anger and punishment of our sins—that is what it is to propitiate. Believers live in a state of reverent awe at the purity of that moment. Jesus’ glorious work fills the heavens so that all our senses are alert and tender to His goodness.

Believers worship God—in fact, believers hold each other accountable to love, to do good, to gather with fellow believers for worship, and to do so in view that one day soon heaven and earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where God will live with His people forever. The preacher Sinclair Ferguson describes this as living back from the future. Our faith has seen Jesus Christ seated on the throne of power in heaven. Our hope, fixed on Him, then moves back to where we are right now, and by the Spirit’s power in us we live for Jesus and that future moment when our own eyes will see Him. There we will worship Him, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord, and this to the glory of the Father.

Our Father in heaven, how great and glorious is Your plan of salvation. Faithful Savior, how extravagant is Your love, by which Your reconciling blood was poured out for the complete salvation of the elect. Spirit of the Living God, stir up our hearts so that we will, as taught by these words of Hebrews, live according to that almost incomprehensibly magnificent moment when Jesus will be fully revealed to all people who have ever lived, are alive, and will be alive at His return. Renew in us, Triune God, the joy of your salvation and guided by Your Truth, may we live as bold ambassadors calling others to the hope, the wonder and the joy that is ours in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/PS3QinSmPHI?si=rGWmIaPadUr15jdP “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

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

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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