August 18, 2024 -- John 8:12 -- Jesus the Light of the World. Is He light in your life?

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

This contrast between light and darkness is a common motif in the Gospel of John. The very first chapter introduces this contrast between light and darkness. In Him, that is in Jesus, was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:4-5). Darkness is the state of the heart and mind that does not know or obey Jesus. Many people know about Jesus. Many people claim to be followers of Jesus. Look at the fruit of their lives. Is there a change in their behavior, their words, their attitude? Can you tell by what they are devoting themselves to if they are truly walking in the light as Jesus is light?

According to Revelation 22 the New Heavens and the New Earth will not have sun or lamps because the Lord God is the light. There will be no more night, for the works of darkness and death are done. Jesus Who in the Gospel of John made the claim He is the Light of Life will in the New Heavens and New Earth by the Light and Glory of His presence be fully revealed and proven true and accurate and faithful through-out all of eternity.

Those who both know Jesus as their salvation and walk in the light, that is bring their lives into obedient submission to Him are described as having the light of life. The light and blessing of Jesus shines out from the words and actions of their life. People around them know they are Christians because the light and life of Jesus is evident in the believer’s confident trust in Jesus. Non-Christians howl at the claims of Jesus, like those whose eyes adjusted to deep darkness suddenly have bright light shining into them. The light is something they shield their eyes and faces against. They do not want the pain of the light.

Believers in Jesus Christ experience what is promised in Psalm 37. The presence of Jesus within them is the like the light of dawn that breaks and increases in their life until it is like the noon day sun (Psalm 37:6). Until Jesus returns at the Day of Judgment believers will wrestle the darkness that still lingers within them. They will face challenges, like getting themself to go to church, or spending time worshiping God. It is common. So, fight the darkness that is within. Pray for the Spirit of God to dispel the darkness so that the joy of Christ and His light will shine out in every area of your life. Encourage those around you who are struggling. Jesus, only Jesus, has the light of life. Seek Him.

O LORD You are my Light and my Salvation. Oh LORD, You are the stronghold of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid? One thing I ask of You, O LORD, and it is what I will chase after with all my strength, that I may spend my life in the Presence of the LORD all the days of my life. With the psalmist David, Whom You called a man after Your Own heart, I want to gaze on Your beauty my LORD and spend my life inquiring of You so that Your Spirit will lead me into ever fuller light for the rest of my days. Though I face troubles and enemies within me and around me, I believe I will glimpse at and with increasing frequency will see Your goodness, LORD, shining as light into every area of my life. Amen.
Prayer is based on Psalm 27

https://youtu.be/e2qzxY5a37o?si=R2RRnH2OUrP7qtJf “In the Light”

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

August 17, 2024 -- I Corinthians 15:58 -- Confident in Jesus and His resurrection power

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58 ESV

There is a pithy phrase related to the word therefore. Here is it. Whenever you read a therefore in the Bible you have to ask what was written there before. Okay, here is what was written there before this morning's text. Paul had just given the Corinthians a lengthy explanation that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ death no longer has any power over the believer. The Christian who lives has been clothed with the strength of Christ and the Christian who dies puts off what is perishable, what can die, and puts on that which is imperishable, a body that is glorious and will never die. Believers have the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. That is victory over sin, having been united with Christ in a death like His, united with Jesus through baptism. Victory over fear, because the Spirit of God lives in all believers. Victory over sin, because the Spirit of God gives everything needed for life and godliness.

So, believers are steadfast, that is steady, firm in their life's purpose, which is to obey Jesus. Immoveable, can’t be shaken from the confidence that is theirs in Christ. His work at the cross means sins have been punished on the Person of Jesus and His perfect righteousness is credited to believers. Though the whole world is increasingly godless, the Christian does not despair, for the eyes of faith see Jesus, enthroned in glory, He Who having opened up the way to Himself through suffering, death and the grave will bring His people to Himself in glory. Believers will rise with Him. So, what can people or governments do to harm the Christian or what person or circumstance could knock him from the grip of God’s grace? (Nothing. No one!)

Christians do not compromise their work or try to fit in with the world. Why? Well, whatever the world might do in response to the bold witness of the Christian: jail, beating, financial costs, mocking, or anything else you can think of, pales in comparison to the glorious future that is in store for believers. For the believer the attachment is not to the world, that is, to success according to its standards, power, money, big houses, or a trophy wife or husband nor anything else. The highest devotion of the Christian is fixed onto, anchored in Jesus Christ and the fullness of life and purpose that can only be found in Him. He is the deepest desire of the Christian heart.

Even if all your efforts seem, in the eyes of the world to fail and fall to the ground, the Lord sees. Even if you are deemed a failure according to the moving-target of a standard of the world (where what is right one day is ridiculed as wrong the next and forgotten the day after) the Lord’s holy purposes are accomplished whenever a believer serves God. Now, go and serve Jesus, no matter the cost here, for your reward is in heaven, guarded and kept safe for you by the power of the Spirit Who lives in you.

Father in heaven by the power of Your Spirit open our eyes so that by faith we see all that is ours in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, tear down every fear of man that grips us so that in strength of the new life and gift of godliness that You bring we can serve Jesus steadfast, immovable, abounding in hope as we serve Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Z32HiCoFzlU?si=Wlr8DPASriRgUizX “Build My Life” Pat Barrett

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

August 15, 2024 -- I Thessalonians 4:1-8 -- What is God's Will for your life? Your holiness.

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 ESV

Though these words were written almost two thousand years ago, they are as relevant today as they were the moment they were penned. The world around us is sex-saturated. Invitations to lustful thoughts are splashed across magazines at store check-out counters. Even the recently held Olympics have very fit, very scantily clad people, parading across the screen completing in their sport. It is impossible to spend time on the internet and not be faced with all kinds of lurid ads. Even news programs focus on the outrageous sexual exploits of our society.

What is the will of God for those who live in a sex-soaked culture? For the answer, look at verse 3: your sanctification. While the world is getting more and more corrupted and plunges deeper into sexual perversity, the follower of Jesus Christ stands out because of his, or her, deep dedication to the will of God. The Spirit of God lives in the heart of every Christ-follower, revealing the ugliness of sin and contrasting it with the incomparable splendid beauty of life which is in step with the commands of God.

The Christian abstains from sex before marriage, not because God wants to steal the joy of His people, but He has decreed the proper boundaries for healthy sexual expression. A Christian can not see any point in beginning a dating relationship with anyone other than a fellow Christian. To join oneself to a non-believer is a deep rejection of the Father’s will for you, namely, your holiness. The follower of Jesus Christ yields his mind and his heart, his actions and his body to Jesus. To engage in any sexual promiscuity is to defy the will of God for you, namely, your sanctification. How can one grow in holiness if one is actively running far from God and defiantly engaging in sin? The pleasures of sin are quickly over. The consequences of sin linger and bite and wound. The pleasures of holiness increase in the life of one who practices the will of God. The disciple of holiness yields rich fruit.

For the sinner the hot passion of lust fills the senses and leads him away in uncontrolled sexual immorality. For the follower of Jesus Christ, the fiery zeal that fills his senses leads him away from uncontrolled sexual immortality because he knows this will pollute the prized possession of his life: knowing and walking ever more closely with Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ is the highest prize, then all other areas of life are willingly and joyfully submitted to Him. Single or married, rich or poor, healthy or sick, struggling or at ease, every situation of life is found to be an occasion for the very holiness which is God’s desire for you. The disciple of Jesus restrains himself from sexual immorality (really, from any sin) with the joyful anticipation that whatever the Lord has in store is most perfectly enjoyed within the proper boundaries which He has established.

Oh God, our Father, and Jesus our Lord, direct us in Your way. Make us increase and abound in holy love for You and for one another. Spirit of God, establish our hearts blameless in holiness such that when Jesus returns with all His holy ones we can rejoice before the throne of God. Amen.

Prayer is based on I Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV

https://youtu.be/lQ93HVuYd5Y?si=GNDDX4HK0wcRUUsT “Take My Life and Let It Be”

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

August 14, 2024 -- Hebrews 10:23-25 -- There are so many reasons to be confident, assured in your faith

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

In the verses preceding today's text the reasons for holding on tightly to your confession of faith were spelled out this way: Jesus’ blood was spilled, so you know your sins are forgiven. Whereas Old Testament priests entered the Holy of Holies only once a year, Jesus took His sacrifice into heaven itself. He is the perfect sacrifice Who is ever in the Presence of the Father. Be assured believers, your sins are forgiven. Jesus Himself is the great high priest of His people—He lives forever defeating all enemies and praying that His victory over sin, death and grave becomes more fully yours by the powerful presence of His Spirit within you.

So, hold those promises tightly. When you struggle against sin, know that Jesus is praying. Confess your sins with the full confidence you will be forgiven. When you feel all alone in your walk with God, look for a fellow believer whom you can encourage. You know that a trouble-maker stirs people up and makes them argue and doubt the sincerity of the people around them. In grace-filled contrast to trouble-makers, the Christian stirs up people to consider the promises of God. A Christian thinks of ways to direct conversations towards the goodness of God and all the riches that have been given in Jesus Christ. A Christian who is gripped by the Spirit of God wants to see others succeed and grow in their walk with God.

Meeting together is the duty of Christians. Meet for times of prayer. Meet to talk about Jesus. Meet on Sundays—both worship services—like the pattern of the Old Testament, where there were morning and evening sacrifices, so as New Testament take time for morning and evening worship which set the pattern for the week. Day and night be filled with the praise and worship of God. Christians meet together and in so doing are stirred up by the Word of God so that wherever the Holy Spirit sends them, they go in the power of Jesus Christ. Where meeting on Sundays is impossible, those who are in hospitals, prisons, hospice care and so on, seek contact with other Christians. Look for Christians around you and encourage each other in this precious faith.

Faithful Father thank You for the great love You have poured out on Your people through the gift of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance that His blood is the great sacrifice to which all the Old Testament sacrifices pointed so that by the blood of Jesus Your people are cleansed once for all. Thank You, glorious God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who testifies to the power of Jesus which overcomes the world. Send Your people out so that by the witness of the Word and the power of the Spirit they may stir up other Christians to love and good works and by their testimony lead many to the presence of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/0xEL0tM2U9Q?si=NQ1r1p2MQuaC80Dn “Behold the Lamb” Getty Music

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

August 13, 2024 -- Luke 14:15-24 -- There's a banquet, you coming to it?

16 … he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”
Luke 14:15-24 ESV

Okay, be serious, who buys five yoke of oxen before examining them? No way! That’s a load of dung. It’d be like trusting a used car salesman to give you a good deal on five expensive cars. He claims they are 'gently used' (wait till you see them, you’ll be shocked). So you buy them without driving them, without inspecting them. I don’t think so! Seriously, no one would buy a field sight unseen. What if it is full of rocks? What if it is in the middle of a busy area and people walk all over it? What if it is sand and not soil? The marriage one, well, that is a crazy excuse. He is going to enjoy connubial bliss rather than attend his friend’s banquet? That same friend probably attended the wedding so the seven days of the nuptials are passed. Though acquainted with the banquet giver he is still living in foolishness.

That is the point. Jesus is explaining Proverbs 9. Wisdom has built her house, she has prepared a great feast and sent out her young women to go and gather the guests. Folly, that is the foolish, godless woman, has prepared a table of wickedness and also invites guests. Who will attend which feast?

In Jesus’ parable it is the most unexpected persons who will attend the banquet of the wise. If the Master of the Banquet, Jesus, did not pursue His guests and bring them in, they would still lounge in the vileness of their sins. People are fools. Original sin, that is, the sin of Adam and all his descendants, blind people to the goodness of God and the majesty of His salvation. Unless one, like the poor, the lame, the crippled and the blind, and the homeless—these are all descriptions of one’s spiritual state before God—are drawn to Jesus by the Holy Spirit, their spiritual poverty would keep them bound down in sin and despair. The rich in Jesus’ parable are trusting their possessions, their finances, their good marriage and so cling to their spiritual blindness and death.

Today the Holy Spirit is calling you. Read the Word. Accept the invitation to walk in the wisdom of Jesus Christ and receive life that is full and free now and stretches into eternity in the glorious presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Speak to coworkers and friends, family members and neighbours, tell them about the goodness of God.

I waited patiently for the LORD
He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
   out of the miry bog,
   and set my feet upon a rock,
   making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
   a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
   and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man, the woman, the child,
   who makes the LORD his trust,
   who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
   Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us;
   none can compare with You!
I will proclaim and tell tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
Prayer: Psalm 40:1-5 Based on the ESV

https://youtu.be/BE4DDB5whyk?si=2N4KCyA46mBsCvvI Jesus Shall Reign

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

August 11, 2024 -- II Timothy 2:22 --The marathon run of Christian faith.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
II Timothy 2:22 ESV

This past summer I met a colleague from Australia. He and his son are distance runners. A few weeks after the church meeting we were attending, he was going to run 25 miles. The problem was his knee was tender because he’d strained it. Despite this, he worked on it every day. Massaging it as necessary. Instead of 10 mile training runs, he cut that down to seven or five. Also, he was consistently jogging a slower than normal pace runs so that his knee would get strengthened to bear the punishment of long runs.

Why mention all this about running? Paul was writing to Timothy. This is likely Paul’s last New Testament letter. Timothy was in Ephesus and he was combatting false teaching there. He needed to confront the heresy with the same vigorous focus a runner uses when his running is hindered by an impediment. Paul used the metaphor of a runner. It is a useful one.

Youthful passions and lusts easily entangle Christians. Unless one’s former sins are decisively attacked and put down they will continually pop up and interfere with the Christian’s marathon for Jesus. So, Christians are to flee their old lusts and passions, that is, to acknowledge their past sinful ways and run away from them. They are to head off in a completely different direction. They are to pursue godliness.

The word pursue has as its first meaning in the original Greek the sense of persecuting. It is used of the authorities when they persecute (pursue, chase down) Christians. To pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, in community with other believers, requires a Christian to persecute, chase down and incapacitate all distractions. To persecute righteousness and faith and love and peace with other Christians is to chase after them, overtake them, and wholly master them in one’s life.

Recently friends of mine have been interviewing for jobs. One of the questions that gets asked is: “what are your faults or flaws”? It is a stumper for many people. Interestingly enough, a spouse or a friend can easily name his flaws. But what is glaringly obvious to others is often something hard to find in oneself. Your hold on Jesus Christ and following Him requires a sharp eye and piercing self-examination and, as Paul noted, this must happen in community—along with those who call on the Lord. The Biblical Christianity expects and requires men and women to run the race of faith in Christ with other believers who can help them uncover all the impediments which would keep them from running for Jesus. Just like my friend from Australia who because he runs with his son has accountability and encouragement. BTW, he nailed the 25 mile run, hitting his stride with a strengthened knee, running alongside his son, achieved the hoped for pace.

O God, the Protector of all who trust in You, without Whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us Your mercy; that, You being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: grant this, O Heavenly Father, for Jesus' Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.

BCP for the Dominion of Canada

https://youtu.be/LtW8OlUDTkE?si=T0tBENmnyqmuM0e8 “Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult”

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

August 10, 2024 -- Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 -- A Good and Proper Fear

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 ESV

In his teaching series “The Fear of the Lord” (offered through Ligonier) Michael Reeves explores this important biblical concept. Think of all the things people are afraid of: financial ruin, being mocked, being exposed for some sin or other, death, climate change, the government and so on. The list is nearly endless.

The passage todays shows the difference between a healthy fear of God and an unhealthy fear of God. An unhealthy fear of God is to act as if He doesn’t exist. It is written in Romans 1 that the wicked suppress the knowledge of God. They know He exists. Creation makes it plain there is a Creator. The wicked refuse to acknowledge His existence. In suppressing such knowledge the wicked become fearful of everything.

The believer has an appropriate fear which governs all other fears. The believer knows the Father in heaven has punished his sins on the Person of Jesus Christ. No man needs to be afraid of God, but to fear Him means to walk in His will; to govern one’s life according to the commands of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit so fills a believing man that all other fears are put into their proper place.

Climate change: mankind is given stewardship of the planet. It is important that under the Sovereign control of God people care for the planet God has given. However, the Christian believer knows God will bring history to its rightful conclusion when Jesus returns. 

Governments: so many people are anxious about who rules the US, Canada, or who might be the secret, powerful people nefariously working behind the obvious world leaders. There are so many conspiracy theories, so many people peering worriedly into various books, nooks and social media crannies, hoping to uncover the secret dealings. Christians know the human heart is wicked. Believers are to fear God, that is, to conform their minds and their actions according to the law of God. Believers pray for whomever is in government (think of it, much of the New Testament was written during the time of evil Roman Caesars). Believers know God rules all the kings and princes, despots and tyrants of the world. They will die. God exercises His rule over the nations through the Son, Jesus, Who is forever the King of kings and LORD of lords.

Death has no fear for the Christian, for Jesus has opened the way through the grave and death by His resurrection.

Financial losses do not make the Christian afraid; Jesus walked the earth in poverty, confident that all He needed would be supplied by the Father in heaven.

Dear family in Christ, examine your life. Are you afraid of many things? Put your confidence in God. Fear the LORD and keep His commandments. He has already acted in love, saving you through Jesus Christ and guarding your salvation by the Holy Spirit Who lives in you, sealing into you the blessings of God. Confess your unfounded fears. Trust in God. Walk in obedience to His commands and know that this life, however long or short it is, will give way to life eternal in the glorious presence of Him Who is all your heart’s desire.

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

https://youtu.be/LOuw3rLY7Zg?si=oz3wA_fdvZn3Ig4D Blessed Assurance

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

August 9, 2024 -- II Corinthians 13:5 -- A repeat from New Year, how are you doing in this regard?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/tstRfOGGgpQ?si=E4prexCYI4QHCxcY Lead On O King Eternal

August 8, 2024 -- Proverbs 8:13a -- The Fear of the LORD and the protection of God's children

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
Proverbs 8:13a ESV

That phrase the fear of the LORD is a critically important one in the Scriptures. The background information on this phrase is found in Deuteronomy. “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long” Deuteronomy 6:1-2 ESV. Notice what happens before the fear of the LORD. It is the rescue of God. He has saved Israel His people from slavery in Egypt. He has brought them through the wilderness. He is bringing them to the Promised Land.

As New Testament Christians we understand that the LORD our God has rescued His people from sin and death through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Your sins were punished on the Person of Jesus and you are dressed in His righteousness. Now the Spirit of God, in light of this great salvation, helps believers to walk in the ways of the LORD. Your expression of thanksgiving to God is based on keeping His ways. The fear of the LORD is expressed as obedience to His commands.

The fear of the LORD has another layer, as is expressed in the text today: hatred of evil. The believer does not toy with evil, does not cherish it, does not lovingly remember past deeds of evil because all these are routes right back to the septic tanks of your old ways of living. No, the believer looks back and sees the Father’s love expressed perfectly in Jesus Christ. Believers in their present, daily walk with God the gracious Father, fear straying from this great salvation; fear insulting the great majesty enthroned in heaven, so they walk in the ways of God. Believers looks forward to the New Heavens and the New Earth and by the Spirit’s power walk according to the commands of the Scriptures as carefully as one who is lost drives his car following the directions of his car’s navigation system.

The fear of the LORD is a bright light which reveals the sinfulness of sin and warns believers against the pitfalls of wickedness and traps of perversion which constantly ensnare the foolish. The fear of the LORD is based on the absolute standard of God’s holy, perfect, and just character. His Word, decrees and laws do not shift with the according to these evil times. No. Believers know Jesus Christ as the Rock of stability. Though the world is awash in pride, arrogance and perverted speech believers are lifted above the maelstrom, safe in the arms of Jesus. Believers, glancing at the world and the chaotic consequences of walking in the ways of injustice, foolishness and evil, fix their eyes on Jesus and rejoice to keep on learning wisdom, walking in the way of His salvation.

Blessed Father, thank You for the great gift of wisdom given to believers through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for leading people to Jesus and causing believers to grow in holy wisdom through the reading and study of the Word. Triune God, grant that Your children should walk in the fear of the LORD, for such wisdom is better than gold and jewels. Faithful High Priest, as believers pray at Your throne of grace help them to desire You, Jesus, more and more, so that no matter the circumstances of each one's life, all Your faithful ones walk in the fullness of joy and faith which are the hallmarks of those captivated by Your goodness. Amen.

https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=pBLLcgt1Kjb5E_58 Whate’er My God Ordains

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

August 4, 2024 -- Proverbs 4:24 - 27 -- What's the matter? Your words matter. Ponder them.

Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:24-27 ESV

Earlier this week I became angry and even as I recall what happened I am easily angered all over again. While visiting one of the prisons, having taught Bible Study, one of the men referred to the guards as “keepers”. It was an odd reference. Then another one referred to lunch as “feeding time”. These men were quoting the very words which the prison officers use in reference to the men and their situation. Perhaps you have already understood the implications. According to many of the guards the prison is a zoo. The prison officers also refer to their charges as “animals”. My stomach boils as I write this. The men on the inside are demeaned by these words. They know many of the guards considered them no better than animals. Their lives are on exhibit for the guards and social workers. To add greater insult to this injury, they are at the mercy of these “keepers” who provoke them at will and write them up when the defenseless prisoner reacts against such vile treatment.

Words matter. What I’ve just described is an example of crooked speech and devious talk. Though it is a terrible example, if you are honest, ponder how often do you use crooked speech and devious talk to slander someone you’re angry with? Or to mock the government which God has put into power—perhaps putting such men and women into power because of the sins of His people. Men and women who need the prayers of the Christians more than ever. Maybe your crooked speech and devious talk relates to gossip. Maybe you use your words to manipulate others?

Today is Sunday. Examine your own heart. Your example is Jesus Christ. If you have deviated from any standard, do not compare your walk with someone other than Jesus. He is the measure of holiness you are to use. When the Spirit of God uses the Word to convict you, then do not look to the right or to the left for excuses. Confess your sins. The Father is faithful and just and will forgive you based on the accomplished work of Jesus. Jesus was crushed for your sinful words.

Pray for those who are in prison, and do so today with greater understanding of their plight.

Pray for prison guards and those who work in prison settings that vile words and crooked speech will be exposed there will be a changed atmosphere such that guards will deal kindly with those in their care. The Father in heaven will not spare the wicked on the Day of Judgment.

Pray for yourself that you will be restored to the way of salvation and keep your feet in right paths so that your head (intentions) and feet (actions) go towards Jesus.

Father in heaven, we confess we have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. We confess our sins and plead that You will forgive us in Jesus’ Name. By Your Holy Spirit direct us in right paths and so declare Your Holiness and by such words and deeds draw others to the light of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Vs39C1-T4BE?si=cMmHccvDI7-yBPph “May the Word of My Mouth”

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

August 2, 2024 -- Luke 10:16 -- Do you have ears?

The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Luke 10:16 ESV

An expression that is regularly used through-out the Bible is alluded to here in Jesus' words “the one who hears you hears me”. The underlying expression is “he who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Recently I asked this question as I preached, "How many of you have no ears, hands up?" One smart aleck pointed to his wife but there were no waving hands otherwise. Everyone has ears. Two ears. As natural as it is to hear, so natural should it be to hear and obey Jesus.

Each one of us has received the Good News about Jesus Christ from a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a brave street evangelist, a minister, or a friend. The Good News is spoken from person to person. It is the Father’s chosen means of bringing the grace of Jesus Christ to all. In view of this, how shall we live?

Fill yourself with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Know Him. Know His Word. Discern those who preach Him versus those who proclaim a false message about Jesus.

Speak of Jesus in all your daily conversation. He sends you. And He has equipped you. All who profess Jesus Christ do so in the power of the Holy Spirit. You are given all you need so that Jesus’ Name can be carried far and wide.

Expect people to reject you. The message of Jesus Christ is direct and He is the only way to the Father. Contrary to the false message of this world, there are not many roads that lead to the Father. He has appointed One Way of salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ. The very exclusivity of Jesus is an offense in every age. People do not want to submit their will and offer obedience to the True King of heaven and earth. Do not let the rejection you fear you'll experience, or have experienced stop you.

The more you speak of and proclaim Jesus, the deeper the truth of His glory and blessedness of His salvation works into your own heart, mind and soul. What ancient prophets, like Moses and Abraham, and kings, like King David, longed to see and hear, we have seen and heard through the testimony of the Word and the Spirit. What privilege is ours!

Father in heaven, thank You for the great privilege You have given us to live in such a time as this, where the accomplished work of Jesus Christ is recorded in Scripture. The testimony of the Holy Spirit has been declared through-out the generations and we can see how You, Mighty God, preserve Your people and cause the tide of believers to flow through the nations. Triune God, thank You for the people who You raised up who spoke to each of us the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation. Spirit of God send us out, near and far, to declare the rule of the Father through the Kingship of Jesus. Help us to speak with the Holy Spirit's clarity and boldness until all who have ears hear the greatest message of all and in joyful obedience submit their lives wholly to Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/NwqTvmpnKeE?si=gXXB18LnQsgJGp0_ This is My Father’s World

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

August 1, 2024 -- Proverbs 1:32-33 -- What are you humming?

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

There are two paths: the way of fools (the simple) and the way of wisdom. The fool ignores the Word of God, mocking it. He does whatever seems right in his own eyes, following the rebellious fashions of the world. The fool will in the end exhaust himself in his sinfulness and by his folly lose his life.

The man who takes hold of wisdom takes hold of life. There is no fear of disaster. The fool and the wise will both face good and bad governments. Both will experience sickness and health. Both will experience riches and poverty. So, what is better about the way of the wise?

The man who walks in the way of wisdom finds it to be the path that leads a man to know Jesus Christ. The path of wisdom raises a man’s understanding so that he knows this life is not all there is. The Father in heaven has provided Jesus, Who is wisdom and Whose walk in wisdom brings life to all who obediently follow to Him. The Spirit of God leads a man in wisdom’s way, at ease no matter the circumstances because the he knows his life is guarded by God. However long or short he lives, whatever trials or joys, all of these he knows are used by God to shape him for God’s holy purposes so that even death itself, the great dread of the fool, is rendered toothless and without a sting, because it is the entrance to eternal life in the wondrous presence of God.

How does one obtain wisdom? Read the word of God. Apply it to your daily life. Ask friends who are Christians to help you and advise you in the way of wisdom when you are not sure what to do next. Confess your sins and the times you have wandered down wrong paths. Talk to God, throughout the day. Pray to Him. Sing Psalms to Him.

Alistair Begg noted when facing suffering or joy, there is a distinguishing mark between the Christian and the non-Christian. It is music. When a non-Christian is happy, he’ll sing a ditty, pointless, pagan paeans. However, the happy Christian sings and recites the Word of God back to God. The rich Word of God gives formfulness to the Christian's day. The Psalms of God express the depth and breadth of human emotions and lead one to greater joy and security in the Presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.
    Listen, O God of Jacob. 

9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
    Show favor to the one you have anointed.

10 A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you.
Psalm 84:8-12 New Living Translation

https://youtu.be/8RzGnpvUFFw?si=MjvM7TrwIQ-bQjeP Psalm 23

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

July 30, 2024 -- Hebrews 5:11 -- How's your hearing? What?

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain,
since you have become dull of hearing.
Hebrews 5:11 ESV

Perhaps you know the hymn: “The Love of God”? Listen to the words of the final stanza and the refrain that follows.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
     Refrain
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

I wonder, have we grown so familiar with the amazing salvation of Jesus Christ that we grow cold in the telling of it? We are dull of hearing, precisely because of familiarity. The breathless recounting of Jesus’ salvation fills the pages of Hebrews. The epistle is marked with wonder and praise to God. That is why there are so many warnings against apostacy found in Hebrews. Apostacy is when one appears to be a child of God, though his heart is cold and his actions argue against his salvation.

Preach to your soul, every day, the marvelous love of God. Declare the rich salvation of Jesus Christ, which has lifted you from death life. Cry out to the Spirit so that your ears will hear the blessed truths of Scripture and your heart will rejoice in all you hear.

Spirit of God, we confess that all too often we are dull of hearing. The blessed truth of Scripture, so rich and deep that it will take eternity to comprehend, is regularly brushed aside for vain and useless pursuits. Spirit of the Living God, revive us again, so that the great and glorious salvation that is ours in Christ will be for us new every morning, filling our thoughts with excited anticipation for all that is yet to be. Assist us, Spirit of God, by Your divine power, so that we will live as soldiers of the cross. Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in our lives be glorified. Amen.

https://youtu.be/NafJoD8Mt94?si=0QACR9-CwABakFsy “The Love of God”

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July 28, 2024 -- Matthew 6:19-21 -- What, or whom, do you treasure?

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

This past week was my reading week. I focused on educational reading that is helpful in building up my skills for the work God has given me to do. It has been a pleasure. One expression has been playing around in my mind. It is a quotation from John Piper, “when sin becomes bitter, marriage becomes sweet”. In the context of the reading today that expression could be altered to something like this: when sin becomes bitter then following Jesus, Who is the treasure in heaven, becomes sweet.

You know what people value by the amount of time they spend talking about it, or showing pictures of it, or teaching others how to do what they love. A Christian, who treasures Jesus in his heart, will find following Jesus and serving Him to be sweet. The Spirit of God, Who lives in the heart of the believer changes his tastes and attitudes. The Spirit of God, Who lives in the heart of believers changes her values and her desires. A believer will talk about Jesus. Express hope in Jesus that is unwavering. Fill their conversations with the hope that anchors their souls, the love of God the Father revealed in Jesus Christ, Who is sealed to the heart of believers by the presence of the Spirit.

What are you treasuring? What readjustment needs to take place so that you are not rolling and turning like tumbleweed to hell, but are instead, living with eyes fixed on Jesus and with steady pace and sure steps journeying toward Him in every thought, word and deed. When sin has become bitter, then following Jesus, Who is our treasure in heaven, becomes sweet.

Father in heaven, at the start of this day, by Your Word and Spirit expose sin for the bitterness and wretchedness it truly is. By the same Word and Spirit reveal Jesus as the sweetest gift of heaven, our highest treasure, Whom we then will follow no matter the cost. Amen.

https://youtu.be/y0ac4sT-4-o?si=2Z2oNmGenUH7GKlp “When We See Your Face”

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

July 27, 2024 -- Psalm 98:4-6 -- What songs are running through your mind?

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Psalm 98:4-6 ESV

Whenever I’m out walking, or riding my bike, I see many people have earbuds in. They’re listening to music. When I’m standing in line at the grocery store, sometimes I’ll notice someone is bebopping to music. Once in a while I’m around people who are humming or singing a fav songs. Music gets past our defenses. Musical scores plant words and ideas into our heads and hearts so that with the slightest encouragement, such songs can pour out from us. The critical question one must be asking is this; what are you listening to? What is going so deep into you that it influences you, shapes you, and flows from you?

Consider carefully these words attributed to Andrew Fletcher (1653-1716, a Scottish writer and politician).
     …if a man were permitted to make all the ballads he
    need not care who should make the laws of a nation,
    and we find that most of the ancient legislators
    thought that they could not well reform the manners
    of any city without the help of a lyric, and
    sometimes of a dramatic poet.
Basically the songs of a nation, the words of a nation’s popular music have more direct impact on a nation than do all the laws and courts. It makes sense. Music is the catechism of every age. It is the instruction in worldly ways of thinking. Ballad-makers capture what is going on and by their tunes teach others to see the world the way they do. Such poets are not teaching the laws of God. Be careful, most of the music of this world is schooling you in the ways of hell.

So, that are you putting into your heart and mind? What is influencing far more than you even realize? Even Christian music must be discerned so that one can distinguish between what is almost right and what is right and true. This is one of the reasons many denominations used to sing the Psalms. Exclusively sing Psalms, so that the words God gave to His people by the inspiration of the Spirit should fill the hearts and minds of His people. 

The passage today teaches the believer that Jesus Christ is the King, He is the LORD. He, the One long foretold in the Old Testament, Who is perfectly revealed in the New Testament. He is worthy of praise and honour because by Him the steadfast love of the Father in heaven has been revealed. In Jesus Christ first Israel, and then the ends of the earth, have seen the salvation of our God .

O LORD our God, You answered Moses and Aaron ; You were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger to their wrongdoings. Spirit of God, guide us in all Truth so that we confess our sins and hate all evil practices, thus conforming our minds and lives to the will of Jesus, our King and Lord. Spirit, with hymns and psalms, and the music of spiritual songs, help us to exalt the LORD our God, worshiping Him alone, knowing He alone is holy and worthy of all praise and adoration and consideration. Amen.
(Prayer is based on Psalm 99:8-9)

https://youtu.be/hALYEEznXFQ?si=XOedO0XvCN2MgGJp Psalm 98

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July 26, 2024 -- Mark 14:37-38 -- Prayer and Spiritual Battle

And he came to them and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:37-38 ESV

Jesus was facing the greatest trial of His life. He was wrestling in prayer with God the Father, preparing for the foaming cup of God’s wrath against sin which soon would be poured out on Him, Jesus. Jesus had asked His disciples, Peter, James, and John, to go with Him and pray. They fell asleep. If you know the story well, Peter had just declared to Jesus something to the effect that even if all the others fell away, he’d stay true to God. Jesus prophesied that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster had crowed twice.

By the light of this context, the failure of Peter is shown in even greater contrast to Jesus’ faithfulness. Peter having been warned by Jesus slept. He did not engage in prayer to prepare himself for the spiritual warfare that he’d been warned he’d be up against. No wonder he failed. Greater is the grace and the love of Jesus—Who had prayed for Peter, that though he be sifted like wheat, he would not ultimately fall into the hands of Satan. What mercy Jesus showed, even in His worst and darkest hours, He prayed for and shepherded His followers.

I wonder, how often is it we fall into temptation and sinful ways precisely because, like Peter, we are asleep, or are distracted, or are prayerless. It is easy to condemn Peter, but in doing so, we condemn ourselves also. What a warning is set before us today. What a wonderful Savior we serve! Blessed be the Captain of Salvation, our King, for His faithful prayers and His protecting grace.

Blessed Jesus, thank You for Your prayers for Your people. Spirit of the Living God, awaken our souls, revivify our minds so that we will by prayer and Scripture reading prepare to engage in the spiritual battles all around us. Thank You, Father in heaven, for choosing us in love. Thank You that You have, indeed, provided all things necessary for our salvation and for the guarding of our souls in the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Cr6vMGPxYjI?si=h41h1CWY2ds-8xqp Arise, My Soul, Arise (the song begins at the 1 minute 43 second mark. So, if you want to skip the history of it, just slide the cursor to that point.

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

July 24, 2024 -- Mark 10:51-52 -- Having been given sight, do you still act blindly?

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:51-52 ESV

What happens when a man truly encounters Jesus? Like the formerly blind man, Bartimaeus, having been healed by Jesus he follows Jesus. To follow Jesus is to be trained by Him. To follow Jesus is to allow His Word to change your thinking. To follow Jesus is to take His commandments as your rule for life and obey them. Sinclair Ferguson uses this expression, “the grammar of grace”. What he means by it is expressed in the passage before you today. God acts first. Jesus healed Bartimaeus. This man was both blind spiritually and blind physically. He called to Jesus for mercy. And Jesus responded. Having received the grace of Jesus, Bartimaeus then follows Jesus, obeying Him in view of Jesus’ great salvation.

There are many instances where people are healed and then they just leave Jesus’ presence. Think of the Ten Lepers who were healed, Luke 17:11-19. Only one returned to thank Jesus for His healing; and the one who returned was not even a Jewish man, he was a foreigner. Jesus draws the reader-listener’s attention to this fact it is a non-Jewish man who returned to thank Him. He asked, were not all ten cleansed, where are the other nine? Yes, all were healed, but not all turned to Him in obedience, prepared to be trained by Him, obedient to Him.

Scripture warns you, “Do not be envious of evil men nor desire to be with, for their hearts devise violence and their lips talk of trouble” Proverbs 24:1-2. Remember this is in the Bible, it is written to men and women who read the Word and hear it preached. Men and women who are supposed to be followers of Jesus, trained by Him, who instead are prepared to forego His great grace and His tender love because they are tempted by the evil people around them. They see the things they do. They desire to do them. They are then led away from Jesus, acting on the things they constantly see. That is the descent from temptation to sin. To see, then to have an over-riding desire that causes one to abandon what is right, and then to take--these are the steps from temptation to engaging in sin.

Follow Jesus. Get close to Him by prayer. Shun the words and ways of evil doers. Call on the Holy Spirit to teach you the Word so that reading the Bible is not a chore, but a blessing. Trust the grammar of grace, that He Who saved you, has in store for you a life of adventure, challenge and vitality.
 

King Jesus, in You, and only You, can a seeker find wisdom. Following You is the adventure of a life-time. By Your Spirit’s work deep within the heart and mind, make all the things that used to charm to be exposed as circus mirrors and seem sillier than a grown man drinking formula from a baby’s bottle. Jesus, Captain of Salvation, make Your people wise, full of strength, adding to wisdom knowledge which enhances strength and gives victory over temptation and sin. Amen.
     (the concluding sentence of this prayer is adapted from Proverbs 24:5-6).

https://youtu.be/wF1cFxJ2Yhw?si=lwTWZ-OHTe9hgLXF “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”

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

July 23, 2024 -- II Timothy 2:1-4 -- Am I A Soldier of the Cross?

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

What a joyful encouragement it is to read biographies of Christians through-out the ages. And a challenge that encourages one to keep pushing forward with the goal of making the most of every opportunity to share Jesus Christ. The most recent biography I’ve read is of William Chalmers Burns. Born in Scotland, (April 1, 1815), one of ten children where many of his sisters married ministers. Brothers were involved in publishing and ministry as well. To my surprise Burns briefly preached a mission tour in Canada (including the Sarnia, ON area) before being sent to the place he longed to go to, namely, China.

His biographer noted that a phrase which stayed with him throughout his life was miles expeditus. It is a phrase from classical Latin meaning a soldier unchained, or unencumbered. The point is a soldier is always prepared for the duties his captain sets out for him to do, such as march, train, or engage in battle. That fits with what Paul wrote to Timothy, instructing him to be a soldier ready for battle who does not get entangled in pursuits which would distract him from his committed, faithful duty to Jesus.

The soldier of Christ knows the day is filled with distractions of the enemy. The soldier of Christ knows preparation for the war can involve many, long hours of boring duties, cleaning the rifles, learning battle strategies, getting into formation marching and learning how to fight as a unit. When the battle comes, the soldier who diligently prepared is one who can fight putting into practice all that was learned. The lazy soldier, the soldier who was entangled in other pursuits will get knocked about and need to be saved by his fellow soldiers. He is a liability.

Somehow Burns’ life and his unofficial motto, miles expeditus, when matched with this text from II Timothy inspires me and makes me want to recommit to share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. The phrase reminds me to be prepared at every moment for the guerilla warfare of the Devil, and even to fight my own inertia and laziness, knowing the long hours of preparation—bible reading, prayer, encouraging fellow believers, preaching or hearing sermons, worship—all these will be suddenly put into use on the day of battle.

O God, our heavenly Father, thank You for the great gift of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. In Him the way of salvation is opened by His atoning blood. In view of Your steadfast love, Father in heaven, we rededicate ourselves to following Jesus the Captain of Salvation. Spirit of the Living God help us to stay sharp, ever on call for Jesus. Forgive us for the times of laziness and inattention. Direct us so that by the eyes of faith, made sharp through Bible reading, see the splendour of our King, robed in majesty, Who leads us. Triune God, lead us, as soldiers unencumbered, ready for each duty, mundane or glorious, which You have prepared for us, so that we please You, Who have enlisted us, and are fit to teach others also. This we pray for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KU5ct0iY-Ds?si=lfCqEZV0882H_IKI “Am I A Soldier of the Cross?”

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July 22, 2024 -- Mark 6:30-31 -- What does real refreshment and rest look like?

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:30-31 ESV

Two important pieces are information are necessary in order for you to understand this brief passage. First, Jesus had sent out His disciples, two by two, and gave them authority over demons and illnesses. They were sent to prepare the various towns and villages for Jesus’ arrival. The disciples would be overwhelmed by all that happened, the things the Spirit had empowered them to do and the response of the people, hungry for the Gospel. Jesus Second, Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, was beheaded by the wicked King Herod. Jesus, Who is a truly human man, is grieved at the death of His cousin.

When you are overwhelmed, grieved, overtired, what is it you turn to? Do you mindlessly watch TV, or scroll through short videos to recover? Do you figure you need to self-soothe in some way, like eating a bucket of ice cream? Notice carefully what Jesus did, how He modeled the pathway to true, life-giving refreshment. He called His disciples away to a desolate place. The same expression is used of Jesus in Mark 1:35. Jesus went to a desolate place to pray. This is the clue to what Jesus is modeling and teaching His disciples then, and through out the generations to follow.

What is restorative to the weary soul of the Christian believer? What is restorative to the grieving soul? It is time spent alone with the Father in heaven. Those who feel themselves stretched beyond their limits don’t need food or more sleep, movies or video games, the deepest longings of one’s soul are answered when the believer shuts off all the world’s distractions and finds rest for his soul in prayer with the Heavenly Father. If you struggle to know how to pray, find a Psalm that matches your emotional state and pray it. 

Feeling cut-loose from God, that He is far away? Psalm 13
Feeling hopeless and surrounded by hard circumstances? Psalm 61
Feeling depressed and all alone? Psalm 42-43
Feeling like the godless are all around you? Psalm 73
Longing to learn to obey God, but not sure how? Psalm 119 (any one of the twenty-two stanzas that are eight verses each)
Wanting to remember His blessings, His great forgiveness, and so be lifted up? Psalm 103

HEAVENLY Father, we give thee praise and thanks that upon us, the unworthy, thou dost confer so rich a benefit as to bring us into the communion of thy Son Jesus Christ; whom, having delivered up to death, thou hast given for our nourishment unto eternal life. Now also grant us grace, that we may never be unmindful of these things; but bearing them about, engraved on our hearts, may advance and grow in that faith which is effectual unto every good work; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 64

https://youtu.be/IyCfVKAe_lA?si=8rL3rovnmN0gZw8a Psalm 91: Word for Word (Sung Scripture)

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July 20, 2024 -- Nehemiah 2:19-20 -- Following Jesus in the face of great opposition

But when Sanballet the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and built, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 2:19-20 ESV

Nehemiah was a servant of King Artaxerxes, the ruler of all the region where the Kingdoms of Judah and Jerusalem formerly had power. He had granted permission for Nehemiah to begin rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Artaxerxes’ predecessor had granted permission to an earlier leader, Ezra, to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Ezra, and then his compatriot Nehemiah who joined him, had formidable opponents.

Sanballet was a regional governor, likely of the Moabites, who was opposing the rebuilding. Tobiah had married into one of the priestly families of the Levites. This was expressly forbidden. It shows how far God’s people had gone in straying from the LORD, allowing a non-believer to marry into the family of priests. The Ammonites were, like the Moabites, also descendants of Lot (Abraham’s nephew in the distant past). And Geshem completed the trio of governors who rose up, with real political clout, working to stop the building of the walls of Jerusalem.

Dear fellow Christians—when you engage in the work God has called you to do, you will face opposition. Those who know about God, but suppress the knowledge of His glory and His right to rule, will howl at your obedience. Jesus, our One, True King, sends you out to do His work. When you do so, you as His followers will face haters and mockers. In fact, there will be times you will begin to doubt your own ability to carry out the task you have in front of you.

Look at the words of Nehemiah. The God of Heaven will make us prosper. What is impossible, humanly speaking, what can not be carried out in human strength is possible because of the blessing of God the Father. What He sends His people to do, will be accomplished, based on the atoning blood of Jesus and His intercession, His prayers, on behalf of His people. It may be that you yourself, as you seek to do what you know is right, will begin to doubt your calling, or doubting your ability to carry it out. It is the God of heaven Who commands You. His Spirit will equip you with everything you need for doing this work. Your every task, your every activity carried out in Jesus’ Name is bigger and harder than what you can do. That is why the Spirit is given—so that you will bless Jesus for the gift of the Spirit. So that you realize through every step of the work you are doing, all your boasting is in God alone. You did not work in your own strength, but whatever it is you accomplished, you have completed it because God has given you everything you needed for godliness in order to carry out His work.

Finally, there are people who have no portion in Jerusalem. Their hatred of God is so evident, so persistent, they move from the category of people to be witnessed to into the category of enemies of God. The LORD has power over them. However, as long as they actively oppose the work of God, they are to be treated as those who have no part in Jerusalem, no part in the family of God. Through-out the rest of the book, Nehemiah patiently, and persistently, upholds the claim of God on Jerusalem, and does the work given to him. But he does not back down before the credible, powerful threat of this trio of men. He will persist in doing the work of the LORD. If the LORD puts a stop to the work before it is completed, but His servants remained faithful, well, blessed be the Name of the LORD. If the LORD allows victory to come despite great opposition, then the LORD adds greater condemnation to His enemies, proves His gracious power to equip His saints and so causes His saints to declare with even more enthusiasm “Blessed be the Name of the LORD”.

Glorious, All-Powerful Father in heaven, we confess how often we have started a project but looking at the suffering that might be attached to ourselves because we are involved with it and then consider the real (or imagined) opposition of the enemy our strength has faltered and our courage fled from us. Thank You, Father for the gift of Jesus—the suffering servant, Your Son, our Savior. Thank You that He learned obedience through all He suffered. Thank You that in His powerful Name there is salvation, full and free. Faithful Father, blessed Son, thank You for the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. Lead us, Spirit of God, into all the victory already given us in Jesus Christ. Steady our hands so that they will be folded in prayer when are starting to fill up with self-doubt. Put steel in our spines after such praying so that when we see the enemy we will know the victory is already won in Jesus and all our work is evidence that the King of Glory is claiming the kingdom of the world in the Majestic Name of the Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=vkJBD8Y0g9KUBj4L Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right

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