May 29, 2025 -- Philippians 4:21-23 -- Not merely a formulaic ending

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

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Philippians 4:21-23 ESV
 
Into a few verses (which are easily dismissed as a formulaic ending) Paul concludes the letter to the Philippians with a powerful set of greetings and the benediction. The first greeting is to go out to every saint in Christ Jesus. Remember that some of the saints were fighting (Euodia and Syntyche), some are party to one side or the other. Paul is greeting all with the holy expectation that healing will come. The second greeting is from Timothy and Epaphroditus (and any other believers from among the Christian community where Paul is). There is a great unity that believers have which is given through Jesus Christ. It is His Spirit who unites us. His Spirit gives us the ability to say, “Jesus Christ is Lord”. His Spirit who leads us in humility, restoration and service. His Spirit who lifts our life from self-directed to instead having the goal of pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (3:14).
 
Read on as Sinclair Ferguson explains the next greeting,
Final greetings are also passed on by Paul from those of Caesar’s household (v.22).
These were probably slaves or freedmen who worked in the Roman civil service. It
is thrilling to think that already the gospel had penetrated the machinery of
government and that some of the power-brokers in the ancient world were coming
into contact with humble Christians shining like lights in the world (2:15).
Sinclair Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians. page 116
Add to this the fact that “the whole imperial guard” has learned Paul’s imprisonment is for Christ (1:13). What an impact one man is having on a huge empire.
 
Dear fellow readers, your life lived for Jesus Christ has an impact beyond what you can possibly imagine. The Spirit of God brings you to people and places ripe for the gospel. Sometimes, like is the case with Paul, you can see the impact you have for Jesus. Most times, you will need to cling to Paul’s Spirit-inspired assurance that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (1:6). Completion in your life so that you will receive the crown of glory. Completion for those who by the work of the Spirit you were meant to impact for Jesus. To this day I remember one senior couple in the church of my early youth, who every Sunday faithfully attended church, morning and evening. They had lots of adult children, but not one of them came to church. But this couple’s steadfast attendance in church shone out as a beacon testifying to their commitment to Jesus; that deeply affected me. They probably had no idea that some little kid, seventy years younger than they were at the time, was so impacted by their example of godly living.
 
Greet each other in Christ Jesus. Make sure your conversation, your emails, all your interactions with others are seasoned with the awareness of Jesus. When people meet you, know you, spend time with you at school, or work, or in sports, they will know by your words and actions Christ has made you His own and you seek to make Christ and His blessings your own (3:12).
 
Father in heaven thank You that from before the creation of the world, You chose for Yourself people to be Your sons and daughters through the work of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit Who subdues the rebellion of our hearts by transforming our mind and lives in conformity with Christ, who is the prize of life. As Christ has made us His own, Spirit of God direct us to aspire to make Christ our own so that the things of this world fade away and the ravenous temptations of this world are revealed to be as hideous as they truly are. Father in heaven, thank You for the rich grace with which You have covered every part of our life in Christ. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/8wfhhFHMgxY?si=NbzKJGAoctgZIJE0 Jesus Is Mine
 

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May 27, 2025 -- Philippians 4:20 -- Parking on the glory of God

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

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Philippians 4:20 ESV
 
I wonder, as he composed this, with prison guards right beside him, if they were startled by an audible outburst of Paul’s praise to God; or if they were used to it by now. It is common for Paul to break out into words of praise.  Paul’s circumstances (two quick examples, his being in prison and knowing others are preaching Christ in rivalry to him) can not keep Paul from reviewing things from a heavenly perspective.
 
God is in charge. He Who started a good work in Paul will bring it to completion (1:6). Opponents of God will be destroyed while the faithful, who suffer now already now have salvation and suffering for Christ confirms their faith in Him (1:28,29). This is the benefit of memorizing Philippians. When you read a portion, you can recall earlier sections of the letter, or later passages, where a theme is expanded. As you read you realize the glorious work of God among His people.
 
God is our Father. What a precious concept that is. God is not just out there, somewhere in the cosmos. He is better than any earthly father ever could be. He is wiser, more gracious. He is our Father Who unites in Christ and leads us into greater intimacy with Himself through the Holy Spirit.
 
When Paul ascribes glory to the Father, he is expressing the fact that the weight of knowing God changes everything in his life. God the Father is so magnificent, so beyond comprehension, and yet so tender in revealing Himself to His people, that Paul’s whole life is oriented to Him. The Father is the sun in the solar system of Paul’s life. The gravity of His glory orients everything to orbit around Him. Paul can not help but contemplate God. Worship God. Bless God. His circumstances, harsh as they are, fade to insignificance in view of the weight of God’s majesty.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150 ESV
https://youtu.be/o-ImfnUqWxg?si=vxhLaD7OvXUIO_DN All Praise to Him
 

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May 26, 2025 -- Philippians 4:18-20 -- Sacrificial Giving

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

 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:18-20 ESV
 
Sometimes someone else expresses the meaning of a passage so clearly, I can’t help but quote him. That is why I am quoting Sinclair Ferguson on this passage.
This, then, for Paul is the wonderful thing about the Philippians’ gifts (v.18):
they reflect the ministry of all believers as priests before the Lord. Not only
have they exercised the priesthood of all believers in praying for Paul; their
gifts have been like thank-offerings to the Lord, with which he has been
pleased. What a delight it was to the apostle to think that these Christians he
had nurtured were also doing things that were a delight to the Lord!
     To give sacrificially, as the Philippians did, means that we may be in
danger of impoverishing ourselves (cf. 2 Cor. 11;8). Paul has some words of
encouragement: their needs will be supplied, in turn, by the Lord, according to
his riches in glory (v. 19). He is reminding them of the principle, illustrated
frequently through-out Scripture, but powerfully enunciated by Jesus himself:
whatever we yield up to him we will regain again and again (Luke 18:28-30).
Sinclair Ferguson: Let’s Study Ephesians, page 112.
 
He then asks three penetrating questions:

1. Am I really concerned for the welfare of the Lord’s servants?

2. Do I regard my Christian stewardship, particularly although not exclusively of money, as a partnership?

3. Do I really believe God will supply what I need if I give sacrificially?

Ibid, page 113.
 
Grant us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, without stumbling and without stain; that reaching the eventide victorious over all temptation, we may praise thee, the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern all things, world without end. Amen.
Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces, “IN THE MORNING'“, 1950, page 32
 
https://youtu.be/9rZ8k9m2hwo?si=Uzx9_hojrmnzt--O Give Me Jesus
 

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May 23, 2025 -- Philippians 4:15-17 -- Thankful for the support

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

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
Philippians 4:15-17 ESV
 
Of these verses Sinclair Ferguson writes:
It was a partnership, each partner contributing something different to the other.
Thus viewed, the Philippians would never become jealous of Paul’s status or
gifts, nor would Paul complain that he alone bore the burden of Christian
ministry. It is an ideal description of the relationship we ought to foster among
ourselves. Ministers and people, missionaries and their supporting
congregations alike should learn from Paul’s example that there is no such
thing as a one-man ministry or missionary.
Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 111
 
The words of Paul and the explanation of Ferguson are so wonderfully humbling. It is easy for any Christian to have the feeling he is off on his own, serving Jesus with no other help. For my part I am reminded to be so thankful to God for the tremendous support I receive in ministry. There are incarcerated men who are faithful in their prayers for me. Even in a place of hardship, they are expressing to me their commitment to prayer. What a huge blessing that is. Many people make donations to Redemption Prison Ministry. Others volunteer at the thrift stores so that funds are raised. Through this passage, I realize once again that as a prison-visiting pastor God has raised up a huge community of supporters. His Spirit leads many to pray, to give, to encourage, and serve so that the work I do is possible.
 
Bring that home to yourself. Do you realize that the Holy Spirit of God has stirred fellow believers to pray for you, to encourage you, or to visit you so that you are encouraged in your walk with God? You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Many times you won’t be able to see who they are; but heaven will be a wonder and a time of overwhelming gratitude to God for the followers of Jesus Christ. By the gift of heavenly hindsight, you’ll be able to see the great support and help He had arranged for your darkest hours, when you might have thought you were all alone.
 
Blessed Father in heaven, gracious and faithful to Your people, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. Thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit, through whom gifts are distributed among believers so that Your grace is administered among the whole family of God. As recipients of Your great grace and lovingkindness, we bless You and sing out Your goodness. As those privileged to serve others (doing so knowing it is Christ Himself whom we honour through our sacrificial giving) increase our zeal and willingness to bless others. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/slQ6MTJLU4I?si=aNUDRTrpVIdguZXg Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
 

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May 21, 2025 -- I Timothy 6:20-21 -- Grace be with you. What is that?

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

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
I Timothy 6:20-21 ESV
 
Paul is writing to his dear son in the faith. There is a depth of emotion conveyed in the exclamation “o” before Timothy’s name. It is endearment. It is expressing longing to be with him in person sharing the grace of God. It also carries the weight of the command that follows, that he guard the deposit. That is, the truth of the Christian faith as it has been expressed in this letter to Timothy. The world will tear at the faith. Even some members of the church will prove themselves irreverent babblers and get so involved in the world that their passions are directed at people and things. Paul is urging believers, inviting them in the grace of God to dedicate themselves solely, exclusively, joyfully to the Living God.
 
The benediction, that is the good word from God, that concludes this letter is not a throw away line. “Grace be with you” is a sorely needed blessing to a young pastor. It is a blessing for all who read this letter. Grace is God’s decision to deal favourably with His people. The grace of God draws people back from their waywardness into relationship with Himself. Grace is the beauty of God which arrests our attention. Whereas the idols of this world and our own sinful cravings would cause us to stare at screens or engage in wicked behaviour, it is the grace of God which is so compelling that we can’t avert our eyes from Him. His grace is so irresistible that it captures our attention and stirs in us a holy desire to guard the deposit of Jesus and the testimony of His love given to us.
 
The grace of God is a shield that puts a barrier between the fiery darts of temptation this world aims at believers. The grace of God is also a reference to the Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10). The Holy Spirit reveals what is irreverent, what are lies and false knowledge. Perhaps you have experienced something like this before. You have eaten sweets, cakes and candies. You are sort of full, but you are longing for something else. You realize you want nourishment, protein. Something hearty. The Spirit of grace takes you from the sweet-seeming things of this world, which are sweet-poison to the soul. The Spirit of grace feeds you with all that is good and glorious.
 
Grace is the outworking of God’s covenant love.
 
O Holy One, Eternal God Most High, by Your Spirit of Grace arrest our attention so that our eyes are lifted from the irreverent things of this world so that we gaze on the beauty of Jesus. Jesus, Who is the outworking of the Father’s Old Testament covenant love. Jesus, Who is the King, defending His people and defeating all Your enemies and ours. Jesus Who is full of grace and truth, given to Your people. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/bcIA8nC39o4?si=6QmB_fMwRvQyMcDx The King in All His Beauty
 

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May 20, 2025 -- Philippians 4:14 -- Sharing in troubles

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

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Philippians 4:14 ESV
 
In the verses 10 to 13 it almost sounded as if Paul were saying to the Philippians something along the lines of, I didn’t really need your gift, because I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances and I alone can do all things through Him Who strengthens me. It is helpful to know that Paul did what Paul always does, he gives priority to thanking God and recognizing God’s gracious provision.
 
Second, he is now commending the Philippians, who are a channel of God’s grace to him. The translation here is rather bland. The Greek is certainly more vibrant and emotive. A possible translation would be: Yet you have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction. The Philippians didn’t just send a gift to Paul; they have beautifully showed their solidarity with him. More than sharing his burdens, they are declaring before God their willingness to be partners with Paul in all his suffering (this is an echo of “for you are partakers with me of grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” 1:7).
 
It raises the question, dear reader, what Christian do you support so deeply and truly that you are willing to endure hardship to support them? Perhaps it is a missionary for whom you give sacrificially? Perhaps it is a brother or a sister enduring very hard times, and you alter your schedule to spend time and listen. Paul is noting that this band of believers has gone above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. They do so out of love. They do so in devotion to Jesus as they bless a fellow servant of Christ.
 
It often seems to me that folks who sit in the pews are very ready to respond to a fellow Christian’s need they’ve just been made aware of by saying, “I hope you’ll be okay.” The problem is that’s where it seems to end. No wallet opens. No knees get calloused imploring God for His help. No prayers are immediately offered or Scripture shared with the wounded one. No schedules are changed to sit with the hurting person. There’s a simple pat on the back. Then the Christian moves on and leaves the other alone to face affliction. I wonder, to whom would you, before God, be able to speak saying: “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?” Or, if you are in a time of strength, who would say of you, “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?”
 
It can be profoundly lonely being a Christian. I urge you, turn to Jesus. Pour out your heart to Him. Trust that the Father is strengthening you by His Spirit so that you will know how wide and long and high and broad the love of Christ for you is. Next, ask the Spirit, who are You putting in my life, someone who might need me to walk with him? The passage today certainly is a call to deeper fellowship.
 
God of splendour and glory, heaven is Your throne and earth is Your footstool, what could any small creature such as we are, ever offer to You? Your word promises “this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word”. LORD GOD I renew my submission to You. Make me aware of the needs of those around me. Prepare me to give sacrificially. Equip Your servant with Your Spirit so that trembling at Your Word I may serve others and so share in the sufferings of Jesus even as I live in His resurrection power. Amen.
Today's prayer is based on Isaiah 66:1-2

https://youtu.be/FAK2SaKQ1NQ?si=uY6A6q49HD9N35CA A Christian’s Daily Prayer
 

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May 19, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10-13 -- Resiliency

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

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
 
The buzz word at last week’s prison chaplain conference was “resiliency”. A person can endure a lot if he knows why he is doing it. Several times and in several ways it was stated, “If you know your why you can endure whatever comes at you”. It makes sense. Look at the example of Paul. His “why”, his keen awareness of his life’s purpose, is the fact that he can do all things through Jesus Who strengthens him.
 
Look at the hardships he endured. He is writing from prison. He had been in need financially and in need of human companionship. He had been brought low—if you know much about Paul’s life, you’ll know how true that is. He has been beaten, often. He was shipwrecked. An angry mob threw stones at him till they thought he was dead. Yet at verse 10 he can write that he rejoices in the Lord greatly! The reason he can endure all of that, and more, is his confidence and strength come from his relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Jesus has endured all things, willingly, perfectly, so that all who believe in Him will be saved from the wrath of God which is poured out against sinners. Jesus endured the punishment of God’s wrath against sin so that all who believe in Jesus no longer face God’s punishment. Those who believe in Jesus will, as He did, suffer. It is part of the Christian life. Believers do not suffer in order to be saved. No. They believe. They are saved in Christ Jesus and rejoicing in their connection with the Most High God, obey Him out of reverent joy. Believers in Jesus Christ know their citizenship is in heaven—whatever happens here on earth, those who are in Christ know the Savior will transform their lowly, sin-racked bodies to be like His glorious body. Through-out eternity any possibility of sinning has been vanquished, and those in Christ will be capable of Spirit-empowered ever-increasing delight in His presence.
 
Do you know your why? What sustains you through your worst day or your hardest fight? I urge you to reach out to a Christian friend when you find your resiliency is low, or faltering, and ask “What keeping you going when the going is tough?” Ask her “What helps to you to stand when so many others have been knocked down?” Believers know their why, their purpose in Christ, so they can endure all things, hope all things, believe all things. Jesus’ love for them never fails. In response, those deeply loved, declare “I can do all things through Him strengthens me”.
 
Father in heaven I know that I have not already obtained the fullness of resurrection life in Jesus, nor am I already perfect; but I know this, Jesus has made me His own. As such I know I am Your beloved child. What privilege and blessing You have given me. Spirit of God, deepen my conviction and faith-filled confidence that I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me, and this to the honour and glory of Your Name. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/fYqo54MBxdc?si=Brq9KgOS2KiTtydd My Worth is Not in What I Own
 

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May 18, 2025 -- Join us for prayer -- various passage of Scripture

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

Greetings in the powerful Name of Jesus. Today our little house church is meeting, having been rocked by events of the last week which have effected the members of our fellowship. Instead of a regular chapel, today I'll lead our little fellowship in a prayer gathering. We are guided by A.C.T.S.s. praying--as you read through, you'll understand what that means. In the spaces between each section, you can add your own prayers and call out to God.

May 18, 2025, Conviction Chapel. Prayer Gathering
 

1. Adoration: speaking out to God His greatness, His attributes, His Names.

 
Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.
I Chronicles 16:22-27 ESV
 
 

1. Confession: con means with, fess is to say, so this literally means I say with God He is right, and I speak where I am wrong, sinful, needing the healing of Jesus

27 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, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 
Philippians 1:27-28 ESV
 
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 
Philippians 2:12-16
 
 
 

1. Thanksgiving: it is intentionally looking at your life, the events of your life, and telling God, “Thank You”

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3; 23-26 ESV
 
 

1. Supplication: this is bringing to God the needs of others and making your own needs known to God. He knows everything, but He commands us to bring our prayer and supplication so that we are reminded He is the source of all our help; our strength is not sufficient and by our own efforts we can’t do anything for ourselves.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
 
 
 

1. Submission: it is declaring to God that we will trample down our pride and all our hideous, misguided self-sufficiency and in obedience to Him dedicate our mind, words and actions to Him.

Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
    and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
    and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
    he who is humble and contrite in spirit
    and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:1-2 ESV

 

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May 16, 2025 -- Deuteronomy 33:12 -- Safe in the Father's arms

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

Of Benjamin he said,
May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him,
Who shields him all the day,
And he dwells between His shoulders.
Deuteronomy 33:12 NAS
 
It is my go-to verse when lots is going on in my life. Sometimes, when tears well up and my heart is so hurt, I go to this text. What blessedness and security are pictured there.
Benjamin was the smallest tribe, sort of the least and most easily forgotten. God has not forgotten them! Look what Moses the prophet of the LORD says about Benjamin. God remembers them and claims them in love. They are dearly loved.
 
In an age of warfare, of tribal divisions, of internal strife they dwell safely. Why? Because God has set His love on them. To be loved by God means in life and even in death one is His. To be loved by God means that the world may kill the body, but in eternity there will be a new body, a new life where there is no possibility of sin, of harm, or of death. This is the security we, as New Testament Christians, read in this passage. Our live now, however long or short it is, is a dress rehearsal for eternity in His presence.
 
The final two phrases, look at them closely. The LORD surrounds His people. The LORD embraces His beloved one so that he dwells between his shoulders. Reading this I recall the passage “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18). Older translations noted that Jesus, Who was in the bosom of His Father, He has made God known.
 

• An infant suckles at the breast of the mother between her shoulders, that is the bosom.

• A weaned child, secure and remembering the former comforts of nursing, nestles close to the mother resting content.

• A child with a skinned knee or a hurt heart runs to his father and is caught up in his arms and embraced. He is in the strong, protective bosom of his father. What security and comfort are found there.

• When John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, had a question at the supper table, he leaned back. It is important to know that in those days people leaned on the armrest of open backed couches to eat a meal. The armrest of the couch was next to the table. When John had a question for Jesus he leaned backwards, leaning into Jesus’ personal space, leaning into His bosom. It is the picture of Deuteronomy 33.

 
Believers are secure, embraced by God because of Jesus. He left the bosom of His Father in heaven. He walked this earth. He lived a life completely obedient to the Father, though He was tested and tried in every way humanly possible. He never sinned. As the sinless One, He gave Himself up to death, even death on a cross, so that you and I would know the height and depth and breadth and length of forgiveness that covers all our sin. As those set free from the curse of sin, we are the people who nestle into the embrace of God as beloved sons and daughters.
 
Oh, High GOD, Who stoops down to embrace believers, thank You for the comforts of nestling into Your embrace. Thank You for the picture of intimacy and even more, thank You that this is real and true for us through the accomplished work of Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, when troubles, alarms, enemies, and the brokenness of sin wash up against the shores of our hearts with the regularity of waves, dear Spirit, remind us that we are caught up in the arms of our Father Who loves us. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/HcpeLDp0Foo?si=HJtQ4KOiHhMyKDdu Run to the Father
 

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May 15, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10 -- Your reasons for rejoicing

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

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
Philippians 4:10 ESV
 
Paul, who has been urging and inviting the Philippians to rejoice now gives one of his own reasons for rejoicing. Some background. He loves these people (1:7,8) and they love him and have supported him. He has with him Epaphroditus, whom they sent to Paul and he brought to him their financial gift. Epaphroditus was described by Paul as a fellow worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need (2:25). What Paul is doing is modeling his rejoicing as he writes to the Philippian people.
 
Here it is, the current reason he has for rejoicing: they have revived their concern for him. Revive has the sense of persistent growth. It shows up again and again. Their concern, a word used twice, means to think of with respect and compassion. More than mere sympathy, the Philippians have empathy for Paul. They are prepared to consider his hardship and ask themselves, what would be helpful in his circumstances? No wonder Paul wrote “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly”—the care and love and practical gifts of the Philippian congregation were tremendous blessings to him.
 
What reasons do you have for rejoicing? No doubt your circumstances can highlight many reasons for grumbling. There are plenty of reasons for discontent. But where do you see the powerful love of God expressed through people or circumstances or recent events in your life? For me, two men who I care about deeply, have just been reconciled. What a sweet moment to be there with them when God brought them together! It is my reason this morning to rejoice in the Lord greatly. Come on dear reader, list five evidences of God’s goodness, the reasons you rejoice greatly in the Lord.
 
Now, offer those reasons up to God as you rejoice greatly before Him.
 
Our loving Father in heaven, we bless You and praise Your Name. How sweepingly vast is the love You have shown Your people in the gift of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior-King. Hear now the sentences of praise and rejoicing we offer up to You. Let these be a sacrifice of praise to Your glorious Name.
(Speak them out here, your own reasons for rejoicing greatly…)
To You, Triune God, belong all glory and praise and adoration and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM?si=gVa3eKO7QCx2Imv- 10,000 Reasons
 

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

Draining cesspools of the mind: revised and reprinted from May 14, 2024

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

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
II Timothy 1:7 ESV
 
Paul was writing to Timothy, his true son in the faith, reminding him of the faith that had taken hold of him through the faithful teaching of his mother and grandmother. Who influenced your faith? Who taught you the way of God? Memory is so important. A good, godly memory of God’s faithfulness in your life keeps you from being distracted. You will be focused, staying on the pathway of God. Wary of and setting aside whatever might keep you from following Jesus.
 
One of my favorite quotes is: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” This is a quotation from G. K. Chesterton. It describes why self-control is so rare. Christianity is hard. It requires a man to completely master his mind and his actions. The self-control that Paul was speaking of when he was writing Timothy is that strong, fierce, ruthless work of avoiding any sin, any wayward thought or any temptation that would douse the fire of devotion to God.
 
Look at the resources God the Father has given you in Christ. You have the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. When you name Jesus Christ as Lord, you are claiming the power of His Holy Spirit. You have all you need for fullness of godly life by His presence in you. The one who is walking in the love of Jesus Christ walks knowing He is loved. The Father in heaven has given the greatest treasure of heaven—His Son Jesus. The love of Jesus is such that He stood up in God’s courtroom and said, “Father, I’ll be punished for his sins, for her sins, for their sins.” The love of the Spirit is so great that one filled with the Spirit will have his conscience awakened to hate sin, knowing that sin is a baited hook used by the Devil to lure you from all that wholesome, helpful and healing. Once hooked, you’ll know the hatred of the Devil, self-loathing, and anger against those who joined forces with evil to lure you in.
 
Fan into flame the gift of God. Spend time with Christians whose walk with God you admire. Spend time reading the Bible. Listen to the Bible through apps so that you will hear the beauty of what God will speak to you. Sing hymns and songs and psalms in praise to God. Confess your sin and admit to God how much you need His Spirit to drain from your mind and heart the cesspools of filthy words, thoughts, and deeds. Pray that the Spirit will pile on your spirit dry kindling so that your passion for God will burn brightly, consuming any sinful temptation.
 
Thank You, O God my Father, for the blessing of a clear conscience and a soul made right with You by the accomplished work of Jesus. Thank You, mighty God, for those in Christ who lead us to the joy of the Lord and inspire us to fight sin, battle addictions, hate old patterns. Thank You Faithful Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, by Whom fearfulness is torn out of us and is replaced with spiritual power, heaven-sent love and that blessed, new-life-in-Jesus affirming fruit of the Spirit—self-control. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-44GH3NhdIA?si=nvhWAVeDPlFdrnex I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow
 

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

May 13, 2025 -- Philippians 4:8-9 -- Defeating Debilitating Brain Worms

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

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
 
If you remember, two women in the church in Philippi had been very public in their disagreement, Euodia and Syntyche (4:2). That would be a source of gossip and conflict in the wider church as well. There’d be people who just keep thinking about it, talking about it and anxious about it. The constant focus on it magnifies the discord.
 
What is endlessly rattling around in your brain? Is it your financial woes? Perhaps it is a question about retirement. Maybe you are at odds with your children? The Bible is so true to life. That should not be surprising, it is written by the Author of Life, the Holy Spirit. Instead of focusing on your troubles and your woes set your mind of whatever is true. Jesus Himself is the Truth. Look at the list of virtues Paul spelled out for his readers. Any one of those virtues should, by itself, be enough to re-orient your thinking so that you are firmly anchored on Jesus Christ. The list taken all-together should bring your soul to rapturous praise of God.
 
Then Paul moves on. Find a man or a woman whose walk with God you admire. Practice the godly way of life you see in him. Remembering, of course, that even the best and brightest Christian you know is flawed and like you, in need of the grace of God. As you spend time focused on God meditating on His virtues and imitating Christians who are honourable in their walk with God you will find your problems shrink into proper perspective.
 
God Who is faithful and just uses all your circumstances to shape you according to His purposes. A bar of iron must be heated up so that it can be bent according to the will of the craftsman. For God, the Master Craftsman, to shape you according to His purposes, you must be softened up by circumstances so that you will be malleable according to His will. Knowing this, believing this, will bring you great peace as by the power of the Holy Spirit you trust in God’s good purposes for you which are always “yes” and “amen” in Jesus Christ.
    
Lord Jesus Christ,
Fill me with thy Spirit that I may be occupied with his presence.
I am blind – send him to make me see;
dark – let him say, ‘Let there be light’!
May he give me faith to behold my name engraved in thy hand,
my soul and body redeemed by thy blood,
my sinfulness covered by the life of pure obedience.
Replenish me by his revealing grace,
that I may realise my indissoluble union with thee;
that I may know thou hast espoused me to thyself for ever,
in righteousness, love, mercy, faithfulness;
that I am one with thee, as a branch with its stock,
as a building with its foundation.
May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
his strength sustain me in my trials,
his blessings revive me in my weariness,
his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
his might establish me in peace and joy,
his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer,
his animation kindle in me undying devotion.
Send him as the searcher of my heart,
to show me more of my corruptions and helplessness
that I may flee to thee, cling to thee, rest on thee,
as the beginning and end of my salvation.
May I never vex him by my indifference and waywardness,
grieve him by my cold welcome, resist him by my hard rebellion.
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for thy great name’s sake.
“The Spirit of Jesus” from The Valley of Vision
 
https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=HekaCKpoSOPx0E8G Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right
 

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

May 11, 2025 -- Philippians 3:16 -- Hold True

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

Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:16 ESV

In the original language to hold true means to walk in rows. That sounds weird until you realize it is military imagery. Soldiers walk together in rows. They guard one another. They hold one another accountable as each one is alert, scanning for any signs of the enemy. The enemy can be lurking nearby, ready to attack guerilla warfare style, so soldiers, together, keep their eyes open. They rely on one another, guarding each other from surprise attacks. Their greater confidence is always in the Captain of Salvation, Jesus, Who has made Paul, and all of us, His own. God has appointed us for life. God has given to us our Warrior-King, Jesus, the Captain of Salvation. This Captain will not lose even one of those entrusted to His care by the Father (John 6:39).

Soldiers fight a common enemy. They have been trained hard to know the tactics of the enemy. Think of how the devil works. He misquotes scripture so that most of what he says is true, but there is a twist in it which makes the soldier question the goodness of God. Or makes the soldier question if maybe God is withholding something good and pleasurable from him. Soldiers who stand together can defend one another, pointing out the Devil’s wicked schemes. One soldier who may be enticed by a lie will be quickly awakened from the spell of the Devil by another soldier who is not tempted in the same way.

Soldiers hold the ground they have already won in battle. They stand row upon row, in rank, following the orders of the captain of salvation and do not yield what has already been taken. This is the point that Paul made earlier he presses on. He sees the goal, which is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, and he refuses to back down. He is in prison for his faith. He would not compromise his faith. To the eyes of the world it might seem like a defeat, a warrior in the enemy’s prison. But Paul is standing firm in the faith and look what is happening: “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 1:13). What a glorious testimony. What assurance. He is spending time under arrest and by the grace of God fellow soldiers are with him: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Under those circumstances Paul will not let himself be defeated, nor will he lose hope, even under these dire circumstances. The enemy can not break him.

The fruit of righteousness, named in Philippians 1:11, is modeled here as well. As Paul stands true for Jesus, he is not compromising. He will not let himself get twisted by his circumstances. Epaphroditus nearly died for the work of the gospel (2:30). Timothy must soon depart in order to give the Philippians an update. But the three soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ did not despair. They did not give up on our precious faith. The fruit of righteousness matured within them as they faced tremendous hardship in the strength of Jesus Christ. Again, it is critical that you see the verses 12-16 together. Jesus has made Paul His own. Because these men belong to Jesus, He, the Captain of Salvation, knows them, guards them, using their gifts and skills for His holy purposes. The Captain of Salvation, having rescued them from the clutches of the enemy will not let them fall away. He, the Father, Who began a good work in these men (1:6) by the accomplished work of Jesus, will guard these men, giving them the help of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of righteousness enables believers to remain confident in God’s good purposes, even in the hardest and darkest days of battle. The fierce dedication of the Warrior-King inspires the men to dedicated allegiance to Him and a willingness to die for Him. The Warrior-King will guard His people in life, in battle, and through the final battle of death and bring them triumphant, into the presence of God, our glorious and great Father.

O LORD GOD, of infinite mercy, we beseech thee to look in compassion upon Christ’s church now involved in war. Pardon our offenses, our pride and arrogance, our self-sufficiency and forgetfulness of thee. Give wisdom to our counsellors, skill to our officers, courage and endurance to our sailors, soldiers, and airmen, and all who guard our shores. Look in mercy on those immediately exposed to peril, to conflict, sickness, and death. Be with the dying; give to them true repentance and unfeigned trust in thee; and in the day of judgment, good Lord, deliver them. Finally, we beseech thee to remove in they good providence all causes and occasions of war; to dispose our hearts and the hearts of our enemies to moderation; and of they great goodness to restore peace among the nations; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“A PRAYER IN TIME OF WAR” Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces, page 31, 1950. Where this prayer has Christ’s church, the original wording was “our nation”

https://youtu.be/_jjCdKey4zg?si=hu312fLxzt93VQfA Reformation Song

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

May 9, 2025 -- Galatians 1:3-5 -- Rescue from the present evil age

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

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 1:3-5 ESV
 
Breathlessly the news was announced “There is a new pope!” And newscasters were tumbling over themselves to note he was an American Cardinal. It is grievous, but important,  to note a few things.

• First, he is not the catholic pope—catholic is a technical word that describes all  those people who belong to the church of Jesus, people from the beginning of time to Jesus’s return. So, he is the Roman Catholic Pope. The leader of a denomination which is headquartered out of the Vatican, in Rome.

• Second, he has titles which are blasphemous. One of his titles is the Vicar of Jesus Christ. That is so profoundly blasphemous because it claims this man is the minister to Jesus. This is in direction violation of the Word of God which teaches the Holy Spirit alone is the vicar of Jesus Christ.

• Third, the Roman Catholic Church teaches heretical doctrines. An example is the belief there are men and women who are so good in their obedience to God their works exceed what God requires. This is called supererogation. Roman Catholic Church dogma teaches that the Pope holds those extra credits and can apply them to people who need extra grace. Which points to another heretical teaching. Roman Catholics believe that after death, punishment is still required in purgatory. No such teaching exists in the Bible. Added to this, Roman Catholics believe indulgences (that is, the extra credits earned by saints) are applied to persons at the discretion of the Pope which shorten a person’s time in purgatory. It is beyond nonsense. This teaching denies the fully accomplished work of Jesus as our Savior, Who delivers us from the present evil age.

• Fourth, the disputed title of Mary as the co-mediatrix of grace and blessing has not been explicitly renounced. There are prominent Roman Catholics who attribute to Mary some of the mediatorial, that is, prayer-work, of Jesus. She, like you and me, needs the saving work of Jesus Christ. In no sense whatsoever can she share in any of Jesus’ work. It is beyond description vile to attribute to Mary what belongs to Jesus alone. In Scripture, Mary is appropriately honoured. Roman Catholic believers place Mary on a pedestal and so give to her glory which belongs to God alone.

 
Why mention such things? Jesus has come to rescue us from the present evil age. The present evil age includes media, and social influencers who were all excited about a pope who leads millions away from the truth of Jesus Christ.
 
This present evil age includes individual Christians who need to repent of their sins. Church leaders of every denomination, and Christians in the pews, must continually reform their minds in the light of the Bible and renew obedience to Jesus Christ as He truly is. That means believers constantly resist forming a caricature of Jesus or of his teachings. It is easier to serve a Jesus Who is not so holy, or perfect. The Spirit leads believers to know Him and worship Him as He is.
 
This present evil age includes the corruption that infects people at all levels of governments, and bureaucrats in every place. Christians are not to be dismissive of political leaders and governments. No! In obedience to the word, go to God in prayer for their leaders and members of government. Those appointed to rule are given such positions at God’s command. Some leaders are appointed to punish wicked nations for their sinfulness, some leaders to bless those who are faithful—all men and women in leadership are imperfect and urgently in need of our prayers.
 
The point is believers from every church group and denomination and in every place are by their words, life, and worship to bring glory to God forever. Our lives are not our own. Christians are named followers of Jesus Christ. As such, we do not pick and choose what to believe, our orthodox belief must lead to orthopraxy (actions which flow from correct belief).
 
Mighty God of wisdom and glory, keep us from distorting the gospel or deserting Jesus in favor of a different gospel. By the powerful work of Your Spirit within us, lead us to know Jesus as He is revealed in the Bible. Spirit of the Living God, conform our thoughts and direct our actions to be fully in line with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus, Who is the radiance of the Father’s glory and the Father’s final prophet, priest, and king leading us into all wholeness and holiness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/8wfhhFHMgxY?si=t9iXJMwX5AphIP8y Jesus is Mine
 

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

May 7, 2025 -- Psalm 133 -- Tourist or Citizen?

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

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
    life forevermore.
Psalm 133 ESV
 
To dwell in unity means to live together, sit together, spend time together. It is a wonderful expression; I am not sure it captures what is going on in our churches today. Listen to the musings of Elyse Fitzpatrick on this very topic:
A number of years ago, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to
vacation in Europe. In about three and a half weeks we visited thirteen
different nations. When we’d enter a country, we’d get our passports stamped,
exchange currencies, learn a few key phrases, and then off we’d go to visit
the natives. We’d wander through outdoor markets, peruse museums, sample
the cuisine. We’d exchange a few niceties with the locals, sit on the steps of
cathedrals, watch the life of the town go by, take a picture or two, and
purchase a little something to remind us of our time there, and then we were
off. We had a wonderful vacation. Our hearts weren’t changed in any
significant ways by our little visits, but then they weren’t meant to be. We
were tourists. It seems to me that what I’ve just described is very close to many
people’s understanding of the congregational life of the local church. On any
given Sunday, or better yet, Saturday night, many tourists can be found in
church. They pop in for forty-five minutes or an hour, sing a chorus or two,
exchange niceties with the locals: “Hi! How are you?” “Fine! How are you?
Fine! Nice fellowshipping with you!” They sample some of the local cuisine,
 they might purchase a book or CD to remind them of their visit, and then they
race to their cars to get to their favorite restaurant before the rush or home
before the game. For many people, church is simply a place to go once a week.
It is about being a tourist, and our land is filled with tourist-friendly churches.
Pop in, pop out, do your religious thing, catch ya later!
E. Fitzpatrick as quoted in B. Bigney “Gospel Treason:
Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols” page 189
 
Strikes a chord, doesn’t it? For us to be transformed by the Gospel we must be prepared to listen to Bible-based preaching. Meet with brothers and sisters through-out the week for prayer, for encouragement, for debriefing on how we are walking out the talk of our faith. We can’t be tourists. We must be citizens of the new kingdom that is ours in Christ.
 
Father in heaven I confess how often I am a church tourist, rather than a citizen in the Kingdom of Your Son. I admit how often I deflect well-meaning questions of fellow Christians, so that I can skim the surface of my faith. Spirit of the Living God, direct me more deeply into intentional community, where Jesus is adored, honoured in the lives of His people. Bring me into the fellowship of those who long to know Jesus and humbly serve Him.  Among such help us to remove hindrances to such deep relationship with Him. Expose our idols and all false concepts of Christianity, so they can be expelled from our lives. Blessed Jesus, cause me to be one who invites brothers and sisters to dwell in sweet and pleasant unity. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/kOQ9FM5gtjU?si=21NL4hL73arVx-Lu Psalm 133 Song
 

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

May 6, 2025 -- Philippians 4:5b-7 -- What true peace is based upon

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

The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5b-7 ESV
 
Well, memorization is, um, a fail at this point. I mark it down on my schedule, every day, but don’t actually do it. No excuses. It is hard work to fight my flesh and push against the inertia of it. Why confess it? Because I haven’t forgotten it. I need to rouse my conscience and get at it again. I want to put the word of God into my heart that I might not sin against God (as Psalm 119:11).
 
If you are keeping track, this is the third time we’re looking at this passage. First, we noted the Lord, Jesus, is at hand. He is returning soon to bring His just judgment on all the earth, and He is near to us in proximity. Next, we looked at the need we have for urgent, daily prayer. Now, having recalled the context, we’ll look at verse 7.
 
It is easy to cherry-pick the Bible (by the way, I’d use the expression to peach-pick, because I like those way, totally more, than cherries, ahem, back to the point). Cherry-picking is to choose a verse here and another verse there, as if the Bible were a huge smorgasbord of tastes and flavours. The fact is, the Bible hangs together. The peace of God that we long for is not something separate from the nearness of Jesus Christ. If the presence of Jesus is not sweet to you, then the peace of Christ cannot be dear to you. Peace is not some free-floating experience to be enjoyed away from God. Peace is anchored in the awareness of the glorious nearness of God.
 
His peace, that is calm in the face of life’s storm, wholeness within oneself not dependent on the approval of others but granted by the knowledge of God’s love given to you, His peace is granted to you by the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. His peace is granted to you as you pray, urgently pleading with God, to know Him, to walk in step with Him. Peace is granted when the things of this world are counted as rubbish for the sake of knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection. Remember Paul is writing to encourage the Philippians while he himself is in prison! He is filled with peace, though he dislikes his circumstances, he has the great assurance God is working in and through his incarceration to bring blessing to others.
 
Faithful Father, I confess I don’t know the peace I could because I am not urgently pleading to know You as I should. Spirit of God, help me to lay aside every weight and burden of sin, to toss off anything that would hinder my fuller, deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. Knowing Him I can face the sorrows and joys, the plenty and lean times, the ease and persecution times fully aware that I am precious to You, God, in Whom is all my treasure. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/oxpPIa-BskY?si=R08CyeVU6RXz3iw4 All I Once Held Dear
 

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

May 5, 2025 -- John 9:35-41 -- Spiritual blindness and spiritual sight

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

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”
Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
John 9:35-41 ESV
 
Jesus healed a born who’d been born blind. The religious leaders of the day questioned the man and threw him out of the temple. The formerly blind man did not know who had healed him. When Jesus revealed Himself to him, as you read, the now seeing man worshiped Jesus. The miracle highlighted something important: the difference between spiritual sight and spiritual blindness.
 
Read on and see what J. Beeke writes about spiritual sight and blindness:
        Have you ever felt so spiritually blind that you could not see the danger
     you were in? Did you cry to God for spiritual sight? Are you still
     spiritually blind today? How can you know for sure?
        God offers us great realities in his Word. He offers us the realities of
     Himself, sin, heaven, hell, and eternity. By nature, we are blind to those.
     We are blind to the threats of God against the heinousness of sin. We are
     blind when the curses of the broken law do not terrify us, when the
     promises of the gospel do not touch us, and when we see no beauty in
     Christ to long for him. We are blind when we see no glory in the gospel,
     no value in salvation, and no beauty in holiness.
          In spirit of all our material goods, we are spiritually poor when we are
     spiritually blind. Too often, however, we don’t realize that.
     Joel R. Beeke, “Contagious Christian Living” page 36
 
O Fountain of all good,
Destroy in me every lofty thought,
Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds,
Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,
Implant in me true lowliness of spirit,
Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence,
Open in me a fount of penitential tears,
Break me, then bind me up;
Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;
Then can the Father take up his abode in me,
Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in his touch,
Then can the Holy Spirit descend in sanctifying grace;
O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God,
inhabit me, a temple consecrated to thy glory.
When thou art present, evil cannot abide;
In thy fellowship is fullness of joy,
Beneath thy smile is peace of conscience,
By thy side no fears disturb, no apprehensions banish rest of mind,
With thee my heart shall bloom with fragrance;
Make me meet, through repentance, for thine indwelling.
Nothing exceeds thy power,
Nothing is too great for thee to do,
Nothing too good for thee to give.
Infinite is thy might, boundless thy love, limitless thy grace,
glorious thy saving name.
Let angels sing for sinners repenting, prodigals restored,
backsliders reclaimed, Satan’s captives released,
blind eyes opened, broken hearts bound up,
the despondent cheered, the self-righteous stripped,
the formalist driven from a refuge of lies,
the ignorant enlightened,
and saints built up in their holy faith.
I ask great things of a great God.
Valley of Vision: “The Great God”
 
https://youtu.be/clqdCXxqYvI?si=ZaG0mK7GEGSEawch Be Thou My Vision
 

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

May 4, 2025 -- Philippians 5b-7 -- Knowing the nearness of the Lord

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

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5b-7 ESV
 
Because the Lord is near—physically and Jesus’s return is nearing in time—we do not need to be anxious about anything. Our lives are anchored in Jesus Christ. When something comes up in our lives and we find ourselves struggling in some way or another, we go to Jesus in prayer. There is in fact a double emphasis here, as believers are commanded to pray and then to pray with urgency asking from God the supply necessary help to face whatever hardship, challenge or persecutions are enveloping them.
 
Believers will suffer for the sake of knowing Jesus and His righteousness. In the previous chapter Paul noted that by any means possible he would attain the resurrection from the dead. He would have to put off his old nature. He would have to deny the lusts of his flesh. He would have to fight the temptations the world presents to him. He will have to remain steadfast and true, even when fellow believers lose their enthusiasm and refuse to engage wholeheartedly in the walk with Jesus. All of that is in addition to the fact that the world hates Jesus and refuses to walk with Him with integrity and truth. Living as a believer who has attained the resurrection from the dead requires holy vigilance over your life.
 
Dear friends, we need fellow believers. The predominant picture that Jesus paints of our new life in Him is that of family. When believers are united to Jesus by the Holy Spirit, we become brothers and sisters. Our biological ties are far less significant than the unity which is ours through the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we encounter brutal and bitter hardship because of our union with Jesus, that supplication becomes something which draws believers together. The hardship brings the fellowship of urgent, pleading prayer to God. Rising from those times of prayer, believers know a deeper unity. Rising from those times of prayer believers have a greater, Spirit-fueled confidence in the on-going work of Jesus.
 
Get to a Bible-believing, preaching, and engaging gathering of believers. Fight the inclination to stay home. Fight the urge to remain isolated or alone. The Lord is at hand—as you rejoice in this knowledge share such joy with others. The Lord is at hand—if you are wrestling to experience this, get to church and supplicate with fellow believers for the awareness of His nearness.
 
Father in heaven, thank You that by the work of Jesus Christ we are Your beloved sons and daughters. Thank You for the unity which is preserved in us by the Holy Spirit. Teach us to pray. Deepen our prayer life so that the urgency matches the need, and the leisure prayers stretch out to delight in Your goodness and find true times of refreshing in Your presence. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY?si=H8fcFi_oTyPnYGJi Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near
 

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

May 2, 2025 -- Philippians 4:5b-7 -- In what sense is the Lord near?

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

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5b-7 ESV
 
That first sentence can also read, the Lord is near, physically. His Spirit lives in you. As was promised in John 14, where Jesus told His disciples when He ascended to heaven He’d give His followers the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Helper. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit teaches believers all things. The Holy Spirit, Who lived in Jesus’s humanity without measure, is the same Holy Spirit living in you. Always directing you to Jesus.
 
Then there is also the sense the Lord is near, that is, He is about to return to judge the living and the dead. Believers live with the glorious awareness that Jesus Christ is ready to return. He will judge the nations. He will execute His Father’s justice with such precision that every wrong will be set right. He is close, the trumpet will soon sound, and the Lord will descend. At that moment all battle weary soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ will know the war against the sins of our own flesh, the battle against the enemy, and fighting the wicked cravings of the world and its rebellion against God will be terminated. Jesus will even put an end to death itself, the final enemy. Then all the wicked will be cast into hell. Their endless torments there will be fitting, suited to their venomous hatred of God in this life. Believers, those who rejoice in the Lord’s nearness, will be brought to the new heavens and the new earth to live in the glorious presence of radiant Savior.
 
It is the nearness of the Lord, in both senses, which keeps us from anxiety. We are not fearful about mending fences with those who are fellow Christians, but are prepared, in so much as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). We are not worried; will Jesus love me? Our citizenship is already in heaven, and we await the Savior from there (Phil. 3:20). Whoever is in government, no matter how close or far from our values that government is, our confidence is not in human institutions, we know Jesus is the ruler (Psalm 2). Whatever might lead us to fearfulness is plunged beneath the assurance that Jesus is at hand.
 
Speak to Him. Share with Him all your fears. Preach to your soul your complete confidence in Him. Read the word so that your faith in Him grows commensurate with your Bible-fed knowledge of Him. Dear fellow believer, in this world you will have trouble, or persecution, in John 16:33 Jesus told His followers as much. The verses set before you today are not to be pulled out when you can’t find a parking space at near the entrance of the mall, or your online ordered product isn’t delivered on the exact day we demanded it; no! When your life is squeezed because you are holding onto Jesus with all your strength and the world despises your for it, know He is near. All wrongs, all sin, and all wickedness will be perfectly, eternally, answered by Christ the King. Now, go and serve Jesus.
 
Father in heaven I confess how unwillingly I suffer for the Name of Jesus. I hesitate to confess my sins. I dodge the compunction of the Holy Spirit, far more prepared to see the sins of others and thus obscuring my own reckless, faithless behavior. I am unwilling to own my part in conflicts with others, disobedient to the command in so much as it depends on me to be living at peace with all men. I avoid suffering for Jesus at work, or school, or in the public forums, not speaking up and confessing His Name. Father, forgive me. Lead me in the paths of righteousness and as You have promised, strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit so that in all my words, my deeds, and my associations I shine brightly for Christ my King. Spirit of Truth, remind me that the Lord is at hand and in such deep assurance help me to be renewed in my obedient walk with Jesus as I live, declaring His Name. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/tveOMT65mO8?si=d3HWYFofMlljQZkW Close to Thee
 

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April 30, 2025 -- Philippians 4:5 -- Reasonableness--what is that?

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

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
Philippians 4:5 ESV
 
Odd word reasonableness. In I Timothy 3:3 it is translated as gentle. That is helpful. It can be translated as equitable, or fairness. What is the point? Life is filled with controversy, with differing opinions, and conflict. Even dear friends can get engaged in hard battles. Sometimes when reconciled, the friends will look back and examine what happened, somewhat embarrassed, shake their heads and say, “Is that little thing the matter that divided us?” In our life together with others, how often we seek to bully our way forward. It is easier than kind words. It is faster than patiently working with others. But that is not the way of those who rejoice in Jesus Christ.
 
Gentleness is having power to act, even overwhelm an opponent, but to restrain oneself so that exactly the right force and energy are used to suit each situation and bring reconciliation or expose the matter which might properly divide people. Consider the reasonableness of Omnipotent God. He could crush you just with His gaze. Instead, He applies precisely the right circumstances, hardships, discipline and suffering so that His child will be broken of his addiction to sin and made vulnerable enough to receive His grace. Yet, God’s reasonableness also exposes recalcitrant sinners, who buck against Him and refuse to yield. There are people who will fight the revealed grace and mercy of God all the way to hell.
 
In fact, one’s reasonableness would, for the original readers, likely draw them back to Philippians 2, where believers are urged to humbly count one another as more significant than themselves. It is the attitude of Jesus Christ. He by His reasonableness, won unruly disciples to Himself. However, there are people in Scripture who encountered Jesus’s reasonableness, but refused Him and turned away (the Rich Young Ruler is one example, Matthew 19:16-30). By His patient gentleness, Jesus answered crowds trying to trick Him and get Him to betray the faith. In every instance, Jesus astonished people by His powerful preaching and His ability to address hard truth, doing so not to overwhelm or bully them.
 
O Saviour of sinners,
You name is excellent, Your glory high,
Your compassions unfailing, Your condescension wonderful, Your mercy tender.
I bless You for the discoveries, invitations, promises of the gospel
for in them is pardon for rebels, liberty for captives,
health for the sick, salvation for the lost.
I come to You in Your beloved name of Jesus;
re-impress Your image upon my soul;
Raise me above the smiles and frowns of the world,
regarding it as a light thing to be judged by men;
May Your ^approbation be my only aim,
Your Word my one rule.
Make me to abhor that which grieves Your Holy Spirit,
to suspect consolations of a worldly nature,
to shun a careless way of life, to reprove evil,
to instruct with meekness those who oppose me,
to be gentle and patient towards all men,
to be not only a professor but an example of the gospel,
displaying in every relation, office, and condition its excellency,
loveliness and advantages.
How little have I illustrated my principles and improved my privileges!
How seldom I served my generation!
How often have I injured and not recommended my Redeemer!
How few are those blessed through me!
In many things I have offended, in all come short of Your glory;
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Amen
“Living for Jesus” Valley of Vision
 
^approbation is approval or praise
 
https://youtu.be/Ty8tw7ydxB4?si=erMzwJuHQmB5KaRg My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
 

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