February 8, 2025 -- Isaiah 42:5-8 -- The Great Glory of God and the rebellious desire of a person's heart

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

Thus says God, the LORD,
   who created the heaven and stretched them out,
   who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
   who gives breath to the people on it
   and spirit to those who walk in it:
 “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;
     I will take you by the hand and keep you;
     I will give you as a covenant for the people,
     a light for the nations,
    to open eyes that are blind,
    to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
    from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
Isaiah 42:5-8 ESV
 
The Westminster Shorter Catechism opens with this question and answer:
     1. What is the chief end of man?
         Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
You can see how this question and answer are drawn directly from the Scriptures. God has called His people from the nations. God has drawn people to Himself from the idolatry and perversions, wickedness and darkness to which they had once been devoted. The temptation Christians always face is to go back to old patterns and sinful habits. Life used to consist in the worship of things, or animals, or stars, or mighty men, or self, or money. When the LORD takes His people by the hand He leads them in righteousness, He leads them away from all that and gives them a new identity. They belong to Him. They are made to praise Him. Their new life and new patterns of behavior are to be a light to the nations who are walking in deep darkness.
 
Isn’t that egotistical of God? To demand that His people worship Him? John Piper has, for more than four decades, taught using the expression “Christian Hedonism.” Here is how he defines it:
Christian Hedonism is the conviction that God’s ultimate goal in the
world (his glory) and our deepest desire (to be happy) are one and
the same, because God is most glorified in us when we are most
satisfied in him. Not only is God the supreme source of satisfaction
for the human soul, but God himself is glorified by our being
satisfied in him. Therefore, our pursuit of joy in him is essential.
https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/christian-hedonism
 
Now, dearly loved brothers and sisters, let’s look at some of the things that are being planned for tomorrow. It is the Superbowl. Many call it “Superbowl Sunday”. It is repugnant because God does not share His glory with any other. It is sad to read of churches that convert their sanctuaries (which are designed for the worship of God) so that the big screens are used watch the game. That is clear violation of the purpose for which the church building. That amounts to scorning God.
 
Why is it a violation?

1. God is to be worshiped in His sanctuary. No one and nothing is to share His space. A church building is dedicated to the worship of God—football (already an idol in this culture) so distracts people from their real purpose that to put it front and centre in a church is to command God to share His glory.

2. The practice of morning and evening worship services models the Old Testament practice of morning and evening sacrifices (Exodus 29:38 et al). Many churches have abandoned such practices because people are too self-absorbed to go to church. Filling a church time slot with something that for this culture is already an idol takes people even farther from their commitment to God. Congregations that do this are training their people in patterns that lead away from God, not toward Him.

3. In the best traditions of Christian worship, believers met in the morning to learn about the Word of God and in the afternoon or evening to learn to defend the faith through catechetical preaching. Catechetical preaching instructs the worshipers on the basics of the faith so that they can in turn raise them in the knowledge of God. It is teaching that helps believers defend their faith against all skeptics and critics. Catechetical preaching is foundational to  help Christians evangelize the lost.

4. To host a Superbowl party in the church building is to “bait and switch”. You have a big event that is out of character, which appeals to the basest instincts of the non-believer. If that non-believer should return, he will be taught that God is to be honoured above all things (which is precisely what did not happen the week before). The message is confusion and compromise.

 
God of all glory teach me to love You first, best, and above all other things. By Your Holy Spirit lead me to Jesus, through Whom I am reconciled to You. Triune God, the Scriptures promise ‘in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore’ led me in such paths of gladness. Amen.
(quotation is from Psalm 16:11b)
 
https://youtu.be/R8mLTdQQXg4?si=3pThs3p6SjdE3WZ2 Psalm 16 Shane and Shane
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 7, 2025 -- Philippians 1:27 -- Living a life worthy of the gospel

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

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…
Philippians 1:27 ESV
 
Yesterday I informed my dear friend that in the devotion’s discussion about accountability I was referring to him. His reply was right in line with the message of today’s passage. He noted, “There have been many many times that the mere thought of you holding me accountable and praying for me has stopped me from sinning.” That is exactly what happens when brothers and sisters are in a good accountability relationship. They lead one another to Christ. They strive individually and together, to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. The life of one Christian can either discourage or inspire another Christian.
 
Whenever I keep my commitment to exercise, I use an app that records it. This connects me to friends near and far who use the same app. On the days I exercise, friends can see that I have done so, and many will comment. Their comments are so encouraging. One friend will note if it has been a while since I’ve exercised. He will send a quick message encouraging me to get out there once again. He is helping me to let my life conform to the commitment I’ve made.
 
As Christians we have a strong duty to exercise our faith. It is hard work. We are, in our old sinful nature, lazy. We are excuse factories. We are filled with good intentions that lead to half-completed projects. The Spirit of God works in us so that our manner of life is worthy of the Gospel. Look at the various ways the Spirit works:

• The Spirit of God gives Christian leaders in our life who preach the Word, instructing us how to live for Jesus.

• The Spirit of God gives to Christians brothers who can openly inquire as to how you are living and ask if you are staying true to your commitments.

• The Spirit of God leads believers to pray together, confessing sins, and finding together the real joy of knowing that our sins are forgiveness.

• The Spirit of God gives people the gift of deep and true community, so that neglecting to gather with God’s people leads to emptiness, but gathering with His people for worship is a rich blessing.

 
Father in heaven thank You for the grace and peace You give to Your people through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who seals into us Your blessings. Thank You for the Spirit Who us spreads among us these blessings so that believers live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/rpYM6Et_hVY?si=TP8XjlJQWp6bt-Ss He Leadeth Me
 

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February 6, 2025 -- Philippians 1:25-26 -- Brothers and sisters in Jesus who lead us to glory in Christ Jesus

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

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:25-26 ESV
 
Reflecting on the words of this text, Sinclair Ferguson writes:
If the Lord continues to keep us in this life, he means our lives to encourage
others to grow as Christians and to bring joy to them. That is part of the
answer to the question, What is my life really for? It helps us to see what is
really important in God’s perspective. This is a good question to ask
ourselves: Does my life encourage others to grow and to rejoice?
Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 32
 
No wonder then, that the Philippians will glory in Christ Jesus when Paul visits them again. They are encouraged in their faith by Paul. They are sharpened in their walk with Jesus. They see the vitality and power of a life connected with Jesus whenever they hear from or meet with Paul.
 
When my accountability partner calls me or texts me, his words always give me reason to glory in Christ Jesus.

• Sometimes he confesses his sin. Then we glory in the grace given to us in Christ, His rich forgiveness.

• Sometimes he sends a text, sharing with me a portion of Scripture that as inspired him and that causes us both to glory in Christ Jesus—that the Spirit of Jesus can take the word of God and make it living and fresh.

• Sometimes he calls and we pray. What a blessing it is to pray openly, concretely and expectantly, with a dear brother in the Lord.

• Sometimes I glory in Christ Jesus because there is a brother out there who faithfully and regularly prays for me, knowing my strengths and my weaknesses, my joys and my sorrows.

 
Father in heaven thank You for appointing brothers and sisters in Christ who give us ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit Who unites us and sanctifies us. Father, guide us by Your Holy Spirit so that we will be more and more like Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-44GH3NhdIA?si=7424XXGSsKWqplxI I Asked the Lord
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 5, 2025 -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 -- Laziness versus self motivation

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

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV
 
Many of you know that I fill in a Daily Character Inspection chart. There are twenty-four-character traits listed. Each one has an appropriate Bible verse as the source for both understanding the character trait and to help direct one in his introspection. Why mention it? For me, memorization is linked with self-motivation (the eighth of these twenty-four).
 
I have been stumbling in my goal of memorization. I have taken a day off, for legitimate reasons, but that one day has become three. Self-motivation is completing the tasks for you are responsible and doing so without having to be prompted by others. It is what is described in Ecclesiastes, what your hand finds to do, doing it all your might. While you live (because Sheol can mean death or the grave) you stick to your commitments and carry them out. Whenever self-motivation is lacking, one tends to laziness and being unproductive. Laziness breeds more inactivity and excuses.
 
I have often encouraged those who are memorizing to find an accountability partner. When you are strong in your commitments you can encourage your brother who is struggling. When you are struggling, your brother can encourage you so that together you keep your commitments to the Lord and to one another.
 
Why is memorization so important?

• Jesus was tempted by the devil and He quoted Scripture to turn away the temptation.

• Scripture hidden within the heart leads the believer in righteousness.

• Memorization is a command with a promised blessing of fruitfulness (Psalm 1).

• To love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength requires that you know God and memorization of His Word is part of the process.

 
Prayer
 
I have been greatly distressed of soul
because I did not suitable come to the fountain
   that purges away all sin;
I have labored too much for spiritual life,
   peace of conscience, progressive holiness,
   in my own strength.
I beg thee, show me the arm of all might;
Give me to believe
   that thou canst do for me more than
   I ask or think,
   and that, though I backslide,
   thy love will never let me go,
   but will draw me back to thee
   with everlasting cords;
that thou dost provide grace in the wilderness,
and canst bring me out,
leaning on the arms of my Beloved…
Part of the prayer: “Backsliding” Valley of Vision, page 157
 
https://youtu.be/90b2nXE_b3o?si=HuTXq69ENmCRmzK3 “O The Blood”
 
 

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Feb. 4 2025, Philippians 1:12-14 -- Changed by Jesus and by Him changing others

I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14 ESV

This is a bit of a review for us today. I am leading a house church, called: Conviction Chapel. We are systematically learning from the Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The verses today were the focus of this past Sunday’s sermon. The application is this passage, are these points:

1.     Trust in God. We often don’t know why our circumstances have brought us to this place or that, but God does. He uses all you are going through for the spread of the gospel.

2.     Memorize. Take a verse a day, or a few verses a week and commit them to memory. Then wherever you find yourself, the Word of God is with you. To comfort you. Guide. Instruct. And it is available for you to teach others.

3.     Be accountable to others. Paul wrote the Philippians, telling them how he is doing, what he is doing. He was even more closely accountable to Timothy and Epaphroditus who were with him. They saw his courageous faith close-up.

4.     Trust that the gospel, the good news about Jesus, is as powerful today as it was then in Paul’s day. People are changed by hearing of Jesus.

5.     Trust that the work of Jesus continues to impact you as well. He is, by His Spirit, changing you for His holy purposes, for the glory of the Father.

Thank You, God, that You began a good work in us and that You will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Prayer is basically Phil. 1:6)

https://youtu.be/ILpLIcuWwPA?si=J0Kc1BUuL8V6-PBl Your Grace Still Amazes Me

February 1, 2025 -- Philippians 1:22-25 -- Ambassadors of the King

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

If I am to live in the flesh that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which shall I choose, I can not tell. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith...    Philippians 1:22-25 ESV
 
What glorious confidence Paul has in Jesus. Life, even life as a man who is wrongly incarcerated but serving this time so that Jesus will be made known to people who otherwise couldn’t be reached, is fruitful labor for him. He is writing to people who need his counsel, prayers, and encouragement. So, he knows for now God will keep him alive.
 
What is striking is the repetition of the theme found one verse before, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (verse 21). In fact, the prospect of death is not fearful or loathsome to him because he knows Jesus is present while he lives and when he dies faith will become seeing. He will be in the blessed presence of Jesus. What joy fills Paul at contemplating this glorious truth.
 
My question for you today is this: do you see your life as filled with opportunities for serving Jesus at every moment, day and night? Do you live with the great awareness He is near, in fact, it is His Spirit Who fills you? Perhaps the Christian’s contemplation of his own death is so fearsome among believers because there is not, right now, a living knowledge of Jesus?
 
Perhaps, my dear fellow Christian, you are drifting aimlessly because there is no clear sense of the person, or people God, is calling on you to minister to. No sense that there are people who now, in this life, long for Jesus, even though they have not yet met Him, He has planted this desire in them. He has appointed you as His ambassador. Show them Jesus. An ambassador loves his country, delights in the king of the land. At the command of the king, he goes to others as the representative of the crown, proclaiming the wonders of citizenship in that Promised Land. He defends that beautiful land from the scoffing ignorance of those not yet familiar with it. He speaks, glowingly, of the king and his beauty. He serves willingly as an ambassador, but longs for the day when he will be recalled to that beautiful land so that he himself, having completed his abroad, can be with the king.
 
Father in heaven, by Your Spirit, show me Jesus as the King of Peace, splendid in beauty. At the mention of His Name stir within my soul, Spirit of Jesus, instilling in me a holy longing to know Him far better. Help me, as one who has a profound, lively connection with Him, to be an ambassador for Christ. Amen.
https://youtu.be/odKxftGhVRE?si=frbZ-LFr4apo6EOf The King in All His Beauty
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 31, 2025 -- Deuteronomy 6:4,5 -- Hear and Obey

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

Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is One. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ESV
 
The very first word “hear” in today’s passage is a translation of the Hebrew word “shema” (or as I have it sh’ma). That word means hear and it carries with it the implication hear and obey or hear these words and put them into practice in your life.
 
The Sh’ma (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) is the prayer a devout Jewish man or woman will recite each day. It is the reminder that the LORD, the Covenant-Keeping God is ultimate in glory. He is to be ultimate in your life and in all your devotion. Serving Him in all aspects of your life is the single most important reason you have for being alive.
 
Israel. In the Old Testament Israel, the nations, was the 12 tribes who were called to be His people. At His pleasure, God added to that nation other people, those He’d chosen in His love, to be part of His family. From the time of Jesus, until now, and stretching to the return of Jesus, Israel consists of the people who belong to God through Jesus Christ. Those who are “grafted into Him” as John 15 puts it, are grafted into the Vine called “True Israel”.
 
Now Israel is a reference to the people of God who belong to Him through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ and are kept faithful to Him through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit living in them. We are united to the Old Testament people of God through the sacrifice. In the Old Testament the sacrifices of bulls and lambs and doves pointed to the final sacrifice Jesus. Israelites who believed in Him looked to Him through faith as they believed in the promises which were given through the system of sacrifices. We are the true Israelites, who believe in Jesus Christ, the one sacrifice of God. We believe in One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We hear His word and obey it. We serve Him with all our heart, soul, and might/strength.
 
Israel. The word means “he who strives with God”. It is wrestling with God to subdue ourselves to Him. It is striving with God in prayer to will and to work for His good pleasure. Striving with God means we are in a constant battle between our old nature, our old desires and the new life that is ours through Jesus Christ. Israel. It is a reminder that believers to do not fight for the faith by their own strength. The Holy Spirit fills each believer. Each believer is united to others by the Holy Spirit, so that covered by the sacrificial blood of Jesus, we are taken from our old life of sin and death and are called beloved sons and daughters of God.
 
Faithful Father, by Your Spirit, help us to live for Jesus, by Whose sacrifice we have access to You as beloved sons and daughters. O LORD our God, enable us to put to death all that is untrue, all that sin which is still lingering within us, so that with greater love and deeper devotion we will love You with all our heart, soul, and strength. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/tQUTvMtUhw4?si=_M4X7_u4XyLo0pkg The Doxology
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 30, 2025 -- Philippians 1:21 -- When You Really Begin to Live?

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

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 ESV
 
Early on in my ministry I served as a volunteer chaplain. In that role I was called out to the hospital. A man, newly retired, had a widow-maker heart attack and died. His bewildered family (and friends who mere days before were co-workers) gathering at the hospital were shocked, angry and vocal. His widow cried out something to the effect of, but he’s just retired. He was finally, really going to live. We had plans.
 
While Paul is in prison, he is writing, “for to me to live is Christ”. He did not expect that his useful life would begin after his incarceration ended. He wasn’t making plans to do this and that after he got out of jail. While he lived, he knew his life meant fruitful labor (verse 21). No matter where God placed him, he was prepared to serve God. Paul was fully confident that God had His purposes for placing him in whatever circumstances he’d found himself.
 
Paul’s joy and confidence had as their strong foundation Jesus Christ and His salvific work. Life such as it is, filled with hardships and joys, freedom and bondage to various sins, riches and poverty, consequences to our sin and Spirit-guided repentance, all is meaningful and necessary because Jesus is at the centre of our lives. As our King He directs the Holy Spirit to use whatever means are necessary so that believers will be sanctified, made holy as dearly loved sons and daughters of God.
 
To die is gain. When the believer dies, he will see Jesus Christ. His faith becomes sight. Paul is instructing his readers, then and us now, that the greatest tragedy is not to lose one’s life, but to lose one’s life without knowing Jesus Christ. Death is, in fact, gain.
 

• Believers finish their battle against internal sins, the pressures of worldliness and the assaults of the Devil and gain the blessed, victorious rest of God that stretches through all eternity.

• Believers lose their sin-limited existence and for eternity gain the life for which God created people: to glorify Him and delight in Him forever.

• Believers lose their earthly life and gain life that never-ends. Filled with purpose, wonder, joy, and love. God is infinite. It is sure and true that eternity will be exciting because God is limitlessly perfect, good, loving.

 
Honestly, I hesitated a full day and a bit before even attempting to share a reflection on this text. It is so well-known and so deep. It is so comprehensive. I am so small. Narrow-minded in my thinking. I was afraid there is no way to do this text justice. The passage challenges me. Too often I think of my life as gain and death as loss. While God our gracious Father, by the words of His servant Paul, is turning all my expectations upside-down and showing me that Jesus is all my life, now and forever. There is nothing more of pleasure that this life can hold out to me other than Jesus and knowing Him. There can’t be anything more, because the Name of Jesus is above all Names. It is the Spirit of God Who can slow me down, and you as well, enough so that we don’t live as if true life, the good life, the retired life is just around the corner and that will be what makes this existence sweet. No, now, the Spirit shows us to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Faithful Father, the vast storehouse of riches You have for me in Christ is so hard to understand. By Your Spirit’s powerful presence in my life, help me to meditate on, to probe the depths of, and to mine the meaning of living for Jesus now with the expectation that my death really will be inestimable gain. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/N-Y4BmnpEQo?si=BFqjpnQrn-fOCQ6O His Robes for Mine
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 28, 2025 -- Proverbs 28:8, 27 -- Hearing the cry of the poor

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

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
 
Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
Proverbs 28:8, 27 ESV
 
It is the love of money that is the root of all evil whereby righteous men and women pierce themselves with sorrows because they profess God but love money. John Wesley wrote: ‘The last part of a man to be converted is his wallet.’ Look at today’s verses, taking special note of the love and compassion God our Father has for the poor. Why is this the Father’s attitude towards the poor?
 
You were poor, spiritually dead, morally bankrupt and all you had was invested in the Bank of the Kingdom of Darkness. No one has cause to boast in his riches. No one is a “self-made man”. Is there anything you have that has not been given to you by Christ our King?
 
God sent Jesus, Your rescue story so that in Christ you were made alive. All you have now is entrusted to you, a gift from God.
 
When believers in the Old Testament came to believe in the One True God, they needed help from the people of Israel. Think of Ruth who was as a widow was committed to caring for her mother-in-law and was lifted from poverty by a kinsman-redeemer. Think of the Gibeonites, that people who were put under the protection of Israel, they were slaves in Israel, woodcutters and watercarriers But their financial poverty was more than generously compensated by the fact that they were covered under the care of God through His people.
 
When at the Day of Pentecost believers from 15 nations and regions came to Jerusalem and by the power of the Spirit were saved and about 3,000 souls were saved, then locals supported the foreigners out of their own means.
 
Ask yourself this, aware of the fact I can’t take my money with me when I die, aware of the fact that all I have belongs to Jesus Christ, am I generous when hearing the cry of the poor, or am I tight-fisted? I encourage you to contemplate today’s verses and the quotation from Wesley while you ask the Spirit of God to lead you with regards to your finances.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the riches that are mine in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the splendour of eternity the riches of which are already tasted by the powerful presence of Your Spirit living in me. I confess there are so many worldly (and even Christian) financial planners and advisers who recommend this and that in view of retirement and saving for needs. I confess as their advice thunders in my ears I am tempted to hold my wallet tighter to myself. I pray, in view of Your Kingdom, guided by Your Spirit and instructed by Your Word, show me and embolden me to be faithful to You with all the resources You have given me so how I handle my money brings honour to Jesus Christ, Who has rescued me from the dominion of darkness. Jesus, Captain of Salvation, lead me in Your righteousness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/cO725In6VT8?si=R5VrbbRvK5SzTxPp We Give Thee but Thine Own
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 27, 2025 -- Philippians 1:18b-20 -- What difference does it make if I write, visit, or pray

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

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:18b-20 ESV
 
What an intimate glimpse into Paul’s situation. He will rejoice; it is a decision and an on-going resolution he is reiterating in view of his hard circumstances. He knows it is quite possible this imprisonment will result in his death. But his hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, and he rejoices also in the prayers of the Philippians. Paul had been writing and encouraging them, and now he notes the impact of their prayers on him. God the Father is responding to the prayers of the Philippians so that Paul’s confidence in the work of the Spirit of Jesus remains as solid as ever. He finds himself facing death, knowing that will take courage and he does not want to be ashamed of his own behavior at the moment of death, nor does he want his friends to be despairing of the news of his death. If it comes to that. 
 
Dear friends, do not ever think that your prayers are unimportant. The LORD our God has chosen to work in response to the prayers of His people. The people at Philippi are a strong support to Paul. They have given financial gifts. They have also sent to Paul the man Epaphroditus (whom Paul later refers to as their messenger and minister to his need, 2:25).
It is too easy to think a card of encouragement (wow, you can tell I’m from a different generation as most of you would send a text or an email), or a visit, or a prayer really, in the grand scheme of things doesn’t matter. You’d be entirely wrong. Paul wrote this brief letter to the Philippians and 1950 years later it is still encouraging many. Epaphroditus’ visit was concrete evidence of love. The prayers of the Philippians gave Paul such encouragement that he earlier called them partakers with him of grace both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel (Phil. 1:7). What is the Spirit of God leading you to do today?

• Pray for someone? Do it right now.

• Visit—put it on the schedule right now.

• Write someone—make it a priority as something the Spirit is prompting you to do.

• Do an act of kindness?

• Give a financial gift?

Whatever it is the Spirit is prompting you to do, I encourage you, do it.
 
Father in heaven, I confess how easy it is for me to get tangled up in my day with various priorities and many tasks that compete for my attention. At the start of this day, I’m asking You to soften my heart so that I will allow myself to be open to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit. As I have been so richly blessed in Jesus Christ, let my words or deeds as they are directed by Your Spirit, have an impact on others and this to Your glory and praise, O God. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/PNww8F6G9U8?si=n1VaaeN6V_Cfr9-z Make My Life a Prayer to You
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 26, 2025 -- Philippians 1:9 -- The Wondrous Love of God

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

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,
with knowledge and all discernment…
Philippians 1:9 ESV
 
Each Sunday a small group of people, some formerly incarcerated, others recovered addicts, and two Christian couples gather. The little group is called Conviction Chapel. The name is drawn from Scripture “For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our Gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (I Thessalonians 1:4-5a). It is an odd jumble of people who can only meet because of the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
 
This little group is being challenged to memorize the letter of Paul to the Philippians. (For those who didn’t realize this, it explains why these devotions focus on Philippians.) Today the text for chapel is Philippians 1:9-11. But for the purposes of this devotion, I just want to focus on one thing—the interplay between love and knowledge.
 
Love is, first of all, bound up with knowledge. We are aware of Who God is. Knowing God transforms all our lives. We can not remain the same. On Thursday evening, when I was in Dorchester Minimum, I met a man who is coming to know Jesus. He was at the chapel service led by the institutional Chaplain Gordon. (If Gordon is not present, I can not attend chapel, or lead a Bible Study, or visit one-on-one with inmates.) After the chapel, this man had a question or two about the forgiveness that is ours in Christ. He approached me and asked me about it. I explained, at the cross, Jesus was punished in our place. He took on all our sins. All our guilt. All our shame. The furious anger of God against sin was vented on Jesus. He in our place. Jesus had been sinless. All His life completely without any sin. That sinlessness is credited to believers. The man interjected: “But who could love us so much?!” (He was shocked into questioning: Who would die in my place?) That is exactly the appropriate response. He knew his own sin so well, so fully, so truly, that he didn’t consider anyone else’s sin. He could hardly catch his breath for the wonder of knowing his sins are forgiveness.
 
This is the reason, beloved, that we worship God. This is conviction! What wondrous love is this?! That man at the Minimum didn’t consider the sins of others. He didn’t look over the fence and ask, what about him, or that man? He knew it was a demonstration of extravagant mercy and love that God should make this great exchange, the sinless Son punished so that sinful men and women could be called children of God.
 
Get yourself to church or chapel today. Praise the God of wondrous love!
 
The prayer today is from the Old Testament prophet Micah
 
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7:18-20 ESV)
 
https://youtu.be/ohxSXsVgV-A?si=4M5xvIb8_v25vRIj What Wondrous Love is This?
 

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January 25, 2025 -- Philippians 1:15-18a -- Examining the Motives underlying good deeds

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

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I will rejoice.
Philippians 1:15-18a ESV
 
Yesterday I met with a man who I am mentoring. We were just sitting down to lunch, when unexpectedly he began reciting the first six verses of Philippians. I was so surprised. So pleased. So grateful to God that he’d taken up the challenge of memorization and there in a public restaurant so easily and correctly recited those verses. I think he was amazed himself, that he could do and he could recite it in front of me (he can find me intimidating). Dear readers, keep at it, even a word a day will get you 365 words further into memorizing the Bible.
 
Today’s passage is strange. Are the others who are preaching Jesus false teachers? Again, like yesterday, I deeply appreciate Sinclair Ferguson’s take on this.
     It is possible to preach the gospel with false motives, just as it seems
     possible to ‘prophesy’ and ‘cast out demons and do mighty works’ in
     Jesus’ name from false motives (Matt. 7:22). Perhaps, for example,
     some were preaching in the hope that they would be able to usurp
     Paul’s authority and gain positions of influence in the church in his
     absence.
     Sinclair Ferguson. Let’s Study Philippians. 2010 reprint. page 22.
 
A passage like this one requires the believer to examine his own heart. What are your motives for serving Jesus? For giving to the church? For correcting other believers? Surely it is true that Christians spend time thinking about their sinful impulses and temptations. I wonder how often you (and I) examine our good deeds? It is clear Christians can act in the right ways for all the wrong reasons.
 
Father in heaven, let Your Spirit light the lamp of the Word and search my heart so that all my activities but also their underlying motives will be exposed and all that is wrong be rooted out by confession. Thank You for the reconciling work of Jesus, through Whom whatever is exposed and confessed is also already atoned for and therefore adds to the great store of reasons I have to bring thanks and praises to You, The Triune God of glory. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/c8K2V9xXVW8?si=pcSOQGV4XSV_zzbP Abide with Me
 

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January 24, 2025 -- Philippians 1:14 -- The vicissitudes of Providence and Faith

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

And most of the brothers having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:14 ESV
 
In his wonderful study guide on Philippians, Sinclair Ferguson notes at this verse:
     God’s logic is very different from ours. We assume that circumstances must
     be right is we are to be really effective Christians. But God is not waiting for
     the circumstances to be right; he is committed to producing really effective
     Christians, whatever their circumstances may be. Does that teach us some-
     thing about our own circumstances?
     S. Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 20
 
For many Christians the most shocking thing might be for someone they know to be sentenced to prison. No doubt they have forgotten how gross are their own sins are and how deeply the churning waters of total depravity still run through their own human nature. Paul is noting the most shocking thing is to deny Christ. God the Father has placed His children wherever they are, for the working out of their faith all the while He is undeterred by their human weaknesses. The result is His great Name will be proclaimed. All credit for anyone's salvation is wholly His. The most shocking thing for a Christian, no matter what his circumstances might be, is to live or speak in such a way that Christ is dishonoured.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the wondrous salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your holy purposes which are being worked out in our lives. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who holds us together when the stormy seas of providence are made more agitated by our own failings and the roller coaster nature of our believing. Patient Father, You have led us to Christ, the towering rock of safety upon Whom we can be sheltered. You comfort Your people by Your Spirit Who will refresh us so that we will be equipped and fortified once again to face whatever the vicissitudes of Your providence should be. Only let our manner of life be worthy of the Gospel at every moment and in every place. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/3CRTY1xb0NE?si=m8I9c5oWAkoB-PWa Psalm 61:1-4 Song
 

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January 23, 2025 -- Philippians 1:12-13 -- Memorization and Cornbread

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

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13 ESV
 
Have you ever eaten cornbread? It has so little structure that if you don’t hold it right, it crumbles to little pieces…well, I am sad to report my memorization was like that cornbread. I had a tenuous hold on chapter one and much of chapter two. When it came time to repeat it with my accountability partner, I was too ashamed to try. It seemed as if all the words, like unstructured cornbread, had just crumbled and tumbled together. You may have noticed there were no devotional emails in the last 10 days or so. I was on vacation with my wife, in Jamaica. It was lovely. The goal (besides the obvious ones of time away with my wife, sun, sand etc.) was to spend the week reviewing the memory work so that chapters one and two would be locked into memory. I have a bible memorization app, according to it, my memorization went from 55% percent to 93%. It feels good. If you’re struggling, keep going. Review regularly. Stop pressing ahead and get really secure in the memorization you’ve already been working on.
 
Today’s passage is beautiful. It is a reminder that wherever you are and whatever your circumstances God is in charge. Paul was in prison—and rather than lament and wail about his circumstances, he shared the Gospel—the Good News that our sins, great as they are, have been atoned for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. In Him we are a new creation, the old, sinful nature is replaced with His righteousness. As His children, followers of Jesus Christ, we are prepared both to believe in Him and suffer for His Name’s sake.
 
Nursing home or cancer ward, godless workplace or school, coffee klatch with friends, prison, hospice, good times, hard times, employed or homeless, all our lives and all our times are in His hand. He is using every moment of your life to shape you for His good purposes, extend the reach of the Gospel, and most importantly through all of this He will make His glory known in you. If God can use people, broken, confused, challenged and needy as we are, pause and reflect on how great His power is, how vast His mercy, and limitless His patient-kindness. Be warned also, those who encounter Jesus must not wear Him like a decorated cross on a chain, a talisman to be called on once in a while as if He served us. Let that never be! He is to be feared and obeyed every moment of every day.
 
As Paul will later write to those who know they belong to God by the grace and peace of Jesus: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (2:12). The salvation of God is given and continuously applied to you and must, like deep-healing cream be applied and then vigorously spread over every part of your life. That ‘working out your own salvation’ happens in real life, in unexpected circumstances, when things are very hard and what you say or think will come rushing out of you. You realize all over again, Jesus, I need Your Spirit to work out this salvation into every aspect of my life: renewal of core-beliefs, governing my thought-life, guarding every word I speak so that every deed is done for Your glory.
 
Faithful Father in heaven, thank You for the rich salvation given in Jesus Christ. Thank You that when You, by Your holy decree made before the creation of the world, decided to save sinners, it would be a salvation that is completely Yours. The gift of salvation given to those who could not earn it, work for it, or ever deserve it. From start to finish, You are the God of mercy and love. By Your Spirit, help me today, in whatever circumstance I find myself, to be open to Your leading, humble to receive correction, and ready to live so that whoever meets me will know that I live for Christ. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY?si=uIjFx5AaelPsUqBl “Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near”
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 11, 2025 -- Exodus 14:10-11 -- When facing the old enemy of temptation to past sin

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

When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us out into the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?”
Exodus 14:10-11 ESV

The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt. They had the mentality of slaves. Though the LORD their God had rescued them from Egypt and even more than that, God broke the Egyptians will. When Pharaoh, defeated by the Glory of God sent the Israelites out of his lands, Egyptians gave to the Israelites gold and silver and jewels and rich clothing, practically throwing it at them telling them to leave. The Bible says the Israelites plundered the land!

Now the harsh reality of life out of Egypt was dawning on the Israelites. They were utterly dependent on God. Face it. The people were always utterly dependent on God as their Provider. They did not realize it nor see He great provision for them. Some examples: the people of Israel multiplied under harsh conditions. That is the blessing of God. The male children of the people of Israel were supposed to be drowned at birth—the midwives feared God more than they feared Pharaoh and they disobeyed so that many, many of the male children lived.

Now, freed from slavery, like any addict, the people were, at the first sign of trouble, prepared to submit to slavery once again. It is too hard to go forward. The enemy is too strong. Face it, the power of Egypt had been broken. The council of God behind all of this was this word of God “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and his host” (Exodus 14:4 ESV). The problem is that the ordinary Israelite doesn't know the purposes of God.

Dear fellow believers, the faithfulness of our God is the same then as it is now. We don't know the purposes of God. All we know is that He is our Rescue Story. He is our salvation. When some stronghold of sin has been broken in our lives, it is not uncommon for that temptation to return to it suddenly appears. An addict is offered the drug of choice. The fresh bandages of forgiveness are suddenly torn off and the wound reopened. The lusts of the flesh, having been repented of and confessed suddenly rush upon you again. The vows you made for good are tested, wither and fail.

It is the LORD of Hosts Who has rescued you. He has laid hold of your life through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. Old sins, old temptations, old patterns and old sins, so familiar and so long having held power in your life, will not lay down and die easily. Yet, He Who rescued You is the same Mighty One Who has given you the Holy Spirit to face every temptation, every enemy in the strength of the Name of Jesus.

When you feel the old familiar pull of sin and panic:

• cry out to God. He will show you once again His limitless grace and power to help you.

• Cry out to trusted fellow believers. It is the pattern of the Bible for Jesus, the Captain of Salvation, to bring into your life and mine fellow Christians who are able to point out the help of God at the exact moment the eyes of faith fail to see His deliverance.

• Cry out in praise to God. II Chronicles 20, when a massive army was invading the territory belonging to the people of God, ahead of the army musicians and singers were sent out to meet the enemy. Praise of the Holy One breaks the power of sin and darkness. (Not sure about that? Read of Paul and Silas when they were chained and in prison, they prayed and sang hymns to God and were freed—Acts 16:25ff).

• Cry out, using the words of the Bible. For example, use Psalm 13 to guide your prayers.

• Prepare also to meet with God’s people on Sunday. In fellowship with other believers you will find hope and peace that are the direct blessing of God poured out into your life.

Father in heaven, with the Psalmist of many generations ago, I cry out:
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
from the end of earth I call to You when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,
Jesus Who is my Refuge and strong tower against the enemy.
Amen.

Second half of the prayer is based on Psalm 61:1-3

https://youtu.be/a91_3VYRiZo?si=lyj6SzZzR2PnoScZ Fill Thou My Life

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 10, 2025 -- Philippians 1:12-13 -- Suffering and the reputation of Jesus and memorization

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

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13 ESV
 
When Paul was confronted by Jesus on the Road to Damascus and converted, before he received back his sight something was foretold that is quite striking. Ananias, the servant of the Lord who was to pray for Paul so that his eyes would be opened, was told “For I will show him (Paul) how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name” (Acts 9:16 ESV). Today’s verses bear out the suffering of Paul, but also show that suffering is for Jesus Name’s sake.
 
Look how these two brief verses capture both Paul’s willing obedience to suffering for Jesus’s Name sake and how such suffering is used for good. He had been arrested on trumped up charges. He was sent from Caesarea to Rome—shipwrecked along the way not to mention other sufferings—yet at every moment of his life and through whatever was happening to him all these things became a testimony to the grace of God. Even as he is suffering many were converted. They see Paul’s steadfast commitment to Jesus. This is still happening. Through his imprisonment the soldiers of Caesar’s own household are becoming Christians. While he was a prisoner, Paul could still preach the Gospel and welcome those who brought food and gifts to supply his needs. All these events become times where the guards heard the Gospel. They saw how believers’ commitment to Jesus prompted them to go to prison and care for Paul. The impact on the imperial guard is huge. In fact, at the end of this letter, Paul will write “all the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22 ESV).
 
The message of these verses ought to encourage your heart. The strength of the Good News of the Gospel proves to be greater than suffering, chains, and prison. You can see why Bible memorization is important. You might wonder, as you suffer, does God really see me now? Does what I’m going through matter to Him? Yes, it does! God knew of all of Paul’s suffering and used it for His glory. In the same way, God uses every moment of your suffering for His glory, as you rely on the Spirit He is increasing your progress in holiness, and through it all Jesus is more real to you and Jesus is, through the way in which you endure suffering, becoming more real  to all who meet you.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit, Who sustains me when I suffer. Thank You for the glory of Jesus, in Whom is life, life which is proved ever more glorious through suffering. Holy Spirit, help me to memorize so that the truth of Who Jesus Is and how He helps His weary children when they suffer will carry me through all my troubles. As with Paul, so now today, let whatever suffering I am going through be used to bring others to Jesus. Amen.
https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY?si=_neOwgmJru1wakg- Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 7, 2025 -- Philippians 1:9-11 -- Help! Memorization is so hard

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

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment so that you may approve what is excellent and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
 
When you begin memorizing Scripture, you’ll have to repeat it over and over again. (And then when it is memorized, review it regularly to keep it lodged in memory). This act of repetition plants Scripture deep into your heart. You’ll find yourself rehearsing it. Thinking about it. You might also, however, find yourself resisting it and fighting against memorization. Our sinful nature is strong and pushes against any increase in holiness.
 
I’ve heard people say, “I just want what I want”. Such people communicate that they are helpless, whatever it is they think they do. I know that is a crock of hooey. When the same people are in a courtroom, before the judge, suddenly their language changes, their desires change and their hope for a better outcome change. It is the fear of the judge. On a greater scale, the Day of Christ is the Day of Judgment for all the people of the earth. When He returns everyone who ever lived and whoever is then currently living will stand before the judgment throne of God. How you live now matters. Live with a reverent fear of Jesus.
 
Memorizing Scripture is one proven way to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. As you memorize, you realize the great gifts and blessings that are already yours in Jesus Christ and you choose to receive them, choose to live your life in accordance with those blessings. Jesus Who is the Judge, is also He Who became a man, lived out every command of God perfectly so that by His righteousness we are called righteous. This is granted to those who believe. Guarded in the heart of those who leave wicked ways and choose to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.
 
I have set before my Sunday Chapel group the challenge of memorizing Philippians. I know how hard this is. If you are discouraged by your poor memorization skills, if you have stopped, start again, let me encourage you to pick up from wherever it is you left off. Begin from that point and start memorizing again. Put one or two verses on a recipe card. Carry them with you. When you eat, review the texts. When you wait in line at the drive-through, review them. You will find the more you practice, the greater will be your capacity to learn the Word. Even if you memorize one or two verses a week, you are far ahead of what you’ve been doing before. Okay, go on, get memorizing.
 
Father in heaven, with the Psalmist we declare “^Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You”. By Your Spirit Who lives in us, help us to memorize the Word, to be directed by the Word and to have it change our thought patterns. As the Word reveals wicked attitudes, thought patterns, and actions, we humbly ask You to remove these and plant in us all that which is consistent with our confession of Jesus Christ. Thank You, Mighty Father, for the gift of Jesus Christ and His righteousness. Amen.
^Psalm 119:11
 
https://youtu.be/PNww8F6G9U8?si=5wW22X4h2voPQ9y7 Make My Life a Prayer to You
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 6, 2025 -- Philippians 1:9-10 -- Approving what is excellent

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

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…
Philippians 1:9-10 ESV
 
Sinclair Ferguson notes “Almost two thousand years after they were written these pages continue to speak with a freshness and power. Our situation and circumstances differ from those of these early Christians; but in the message they received we hear the voice of the Spirit of God addressing us still today” (Sinclair Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians. 2010 reprint, page xvi). That is so true. The prayer Paul prayed for those dear to him Philippians really does resonate still today.
 
What is he praying for? That the people’s love abounds in these ways: love for God. Love for one another. That love is not reckless but corrected on the one side by knowledge and on the other side by discernment. Love with no definition or guidance is not love, it is excess and leaves a trail of brokenness in its wake. Knowledge of God and of His people directs love towards those who are willing to receive it without being manipulative or using it for gain. Love with all discernment means that love is spoken in both affection and correction. Love includes both discipling and discipline.
 
Knowledge and discernment both help the believer follow Jesus Christ in what is excellent. There are many good things to do. Social justice. Feeding the hungry. Housing the homeless. Care for the addicts. Extending hospitality. Going to church. What is excellent though? It is not doing things for their own purposes but living with the clear, Christ-centred view that one day Jesus will return and anything that was done for self-purposes, for humanistic purposes, for virtue-signaling will be worthless. When Jesus returns those who are pure and blameless are the ones who have served others knowing they served Jesus Himself. Guided by the knowledge and discernment of His Spirit they carry out their acts of love both within the fellowship of God and then outward to the world in need working in partnership for the Gospel (cf v.5 & 6).
 
How is memorization going for you? Are you setting a goal? I am, two months in, struggling to be accurate, to achieve a 90%+ accuracy in reciting chapters 1 & 2 of Philippians. My memorization buddy was so encouraging. He is done Philippians, and he is now working on memorizing I Timothy. (And he started after I did!) Why am I not discouraged? Because of the love that abounds between brothers in the faith. He encourages me and I encourage him to keep this up. Second, I have memorized more than if I’d just given up. Third, I can see the practical benefits of memorization. It is a good use of my time. The word is more alive. I can see connections between various books of the Bible that I’d not seen before I started memorizing. Keep going. Memorize as you’re able to do so.
 
God our Father thank You for Your Word. Thank You that the Spirit has preserved it through all these centuries so that it is as fresh and applicable today as the first moment it was written down. Spirit, help us to gain a fuller knowledge of the word and greater discernment in applying it. Let the Word be so living and powerful that we desire to know and memorize it with the full confidence that in so doing, we will grow in our fellowship with and obedience to Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClVpKTBCk8k&list=PLRzXk0dA1rXoRemTv1nLXlzJ0GG9kZbsl Phil. 1:1-11 Song
 

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January 5, 2025 -- Philippians 1:8 -- The Love of Jesus and Participation in Church

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

For God is my witness how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:8 ESV
 
What is the most important indicator of a growing and vital Christian? According to David Guretzki, President of Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, “Personal prayer and Bible reading are vital, but the top predictor of growth in the faith is…regular church attendance.” He goes on to explain “Going to church requires an intentional act of leaving home in anticipation of hearing from God’s Word. It’s praying and hearing others pray, even if we’ve neglected to do so in days prior…going to church is a way to walk against the grain of society. A way to do something different from what everyone else is doing” (Faith Today, January/February 2025, Volume 43, No. 1, page 16).
 
Paul’s word to the Philippians shows that being part of a congregation makes you part of a people who love one another so deeply that missing them creates a longing to see those people again. Gathering with God’s people deepens our love for Jesus and that in turn deepens our love for the people who also love Him. It is the affection of Christ Jesus that governs all our interactions as we gather with God’s people.
 
Today is Sunday. If you haven’t already decided to do so, I urge you to go to church. Meet with God and meet with His people. Be prepared for the Spirit of God to increase your connection with Jesus Christ. Be open to the fact that the Body of Believers will awaken in you a holy desire to know God better.
 
O God our Father, ever so faithful in love toward Your people; by Your Spirit stir us up so that we are prepared to go to church. With the affection of Jesus Christ increase our love for You. Strengthen among us the love that comes from Jesus Christ and is directed outward to other believers. Jesus demonstrated His love toward You, Father by His obedience in His earthly life, and His love was approved effective for us by His cleansing His sacrifice on the cross. Love that is guarded in us by His Spirit. Love that is kept secure for us in heaven because of Jesus’ resurrection and then His ascension to the place of power at the right hand of our Glorious Father. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ojHxW3zMGyU?si=4awCj9dRo_c2kNOg Behold, What Manner of Love
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

January 4, 2025 -- Philippians 1:7 -- Memorization: Keep Going!

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

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart for you are all partakers with me of grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.
Philippians 1:7 ESV
 
Perhaps, if you are starting this year off by joining me in memorization, you are finding yourself getting stuck. You are pushing against the laziness of the flesh...or maybe you aren’t and memorization is undone. Or, you are fighting against the desires to do something, anything really, rather than memorize. Boy, oh boy, do I get it. However, putting the word of God into your heart helps you:

• to fight temptation. Jesus quoted scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11)

• to guide you in the purity that is yours in Christ (Psalm 119:9)

• to teach you the way you should go (Psalm 119:33-35)

• to direct you decision-making (Psalm 119:105)

• to keep you following Jesus when hard trials come to you (Psalm 119:86-88)

 
Note in today’s brief text how Paul emphasizes the deep connection between believers. Even though he is in prison, he writes the Philippians, emphasizing the partnership they have in Christ. He tells them how they share in grace. When one part of the body (that is the imagery the Bible uses to describe the people who make up community of believers) suffers, everyone suffers. When one part of the body rejoices, the whole body rejoices.
 
Paul’s imprisonment is a reminder to the church at Philippi that there is a cost to believing. They are reminded that their prayers and financial support mean they are bound up with Paul. You know the expression “guilt by association”, right? Paul is facing serious charges. The people of Philippi could be implicated and themselves investigated. But they pray for Paul. They provide financial support. As the letter progresses you learn how their support has impacted Paul so that he was able to continue in his missionary work, even from his imprisonment. They are partakers of grace; they are united with Paul in suffering and in the defense of the Gospel. They will soon hear that though Paul is in chains for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Good News of Jesus and His salvation is reaching into previously unreachable places.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the beauty of Your Word and the effectiveness of it. You promised that Your Word goes out with power and accomplishes all You intend for it. By Your Spirit’s blessed presence in our lives, help us to memorize Your Word so that we will be stronger in our service to You and more equipped to fight every temptation while standing firm for Jesus in every trial. Thank You, Jesus, that wherever You call us to follow You, You will always supply our needs so that the Gospel will go out with power and Your people will be built up, prepared for eternity in Your presence. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ClVpKTBCk8k?si=OdzWY2CTrwiSBu8X Philippians 1:1-11 Memorization Song
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.