July 9, 2021 -- Ephesians 1:3-6 -- Rescue cats

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV

What a soaring passage of praise this is. What deep and high and wide blessings flow to us by the decree of our Father Who has elected us in His love through Jesus Christ sealing this decree in us by the Spirit so that we are made fit for eternal life.

A dear friend and I were speaking yesterday on the significance of our election. Consider what we are like before the Spirit of God broke down our stubborn resistance. Here is the word picture we came up with as we spoke. We were like drowning cats before the kindness of the LORD took hold of us. When He reached down and rescued us we didn’t purr and thank Him in gratitude. We bit. We fought. We scratched. Not until we were fully rescued. Dried. Restored. Calmed. Fed. Safe. Did we ever think of praising Him and blessing Him for our great salvation.

In fact, even as those who are saved and rescued from the whirlpools, raging falls and fast undertows, we are just as likely to jump right back into our folly. We need the restraining hand of the Beloved, Who seals us with His Spirit, so that the things of our past are not back-lit with hazy, fond memories as if drowning were pleasant. By His great grace and steadfast love, the more we reflect on our rescue and the greater our songs to and meditations on the Rescuer, the deeper will be our life-long gratitude. Times of rebellion will be foreshortened because to our hearts and minds it is grace that is backlit and precious in our memories.

Great Shepherd of souls, blessed are You, Beloved and Dear Rescuer. Thank You for Your restraining love that seals us by Your Spirit so that we are prepared for Your courts above. Our Father in heaven, Who is like You—the false narratives of this world and the trite lies of those who hate You are blasphemies too great! How tender You are. How infinite You are in Your patience toward us. Let our lives and our lips, our thoughts and our tasks ever bless You until all wandering and even the potential for wandering is ended and Your presence will be fullness of joy and peace, contentment and exuberance which stretches to all eternity. Amen.

https://youtu.be/UiJiDphZvbs

July 7, 2021 -- Proverbs 4:18-19 -- JOY, DELIGHT, PLEASURE IN GOD

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
   which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
   they do not know over what they stumble.
Proverbs 4:18-19 ESV

Certainly one of the great joys of teaching new believers is catching their excitement as they see for themselves the fact that Word of God is true. A young believer will examine his past and realize how much stumbling and falling took place because their lives were filled with darkness.

How are you being renewed in your zeal for God? How are you giving thanks to Jesus Christ, awed by His faithfulness and goodness to you? This morning as I was up early I saw the oranges and pinks in the sky which reflected off the edges of clouds and as the sun rose higher the clouds shone with a golden halo of light. The beauty of the dawn contributed to the pleasure of listening to this passage as I walked. (I have a Bible App that allows me to hear Scripture read, and it is a delightful to walk and hear the Word).

JOY
O Christ!
All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in
my delight,
Thou didst weep, sorrow,
suffer that I might rejoice.
For my joy Thou hast sent the Comforter,
   multiplied thy promises,
   shown me my future happiness,
   given me a living fountain.
Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy;
I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy;
   give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of.
Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy,
   at my work, business, duties.
If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning.
Let me rest in the thought of thy love,
  pardon for sin, my title to heaven,
   my future unspotted state.
I am an unworthy recipient of Thy grace.
I often disesteem thy blood and slight thy love,
but can in repentance draw water
   from the wells of Thy joyous forgiveness.
Let my heart leap towards the eternal sabbath,
   where the work of redemption, sanctification,
   preservation, glorification is finished
   and perfected for ever,
   where thou wilt rejoice over me with joy.
There is no joy like the joy of heaven,
   for in that state are no sad divisions,
   unchristian quarrels,
   contentions, evil designs,
   weariness, hunger, cold, sadness, sin, suffering,
   persecutions, toils of duty.
O healthful place where none are sick!
O happy land where all are kings!
O holy assembly where all are priests!
How free a state where none are servants
   except to thee!
Bring me speedily to the land of joy.
"JOY". The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions
page 292

https://youtu.be/l_baJyIQp_w

July 6, 2021 -- Acts 17:10-12 -- Jesus nerds!

Much loved children of God, by the Spirit's power: sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
Acts 17:10-12 ESV

Yesterday I was at the shop and the salesman was tugging on his shirt to cover his tattoo. I asked him about it. He broke into a smile and noted that he had characters from Star Wars on his wrist all the way up to his shoulder. He smiled and noted since his youth he has been a Star Wars nerd. The tattoos, well, these are the “misunderstood” characters, like Darth Maul. Hmm. Okay, as we chatted further, I learned he grew up as a Christian. I wondered, do you spend the same amount of time and give such intensity to the study of the Bible? His mumbled reply made it clear he did not. I invited him to come to church with me this coming Sunday. We will see if he does.

Christian friends post on social media they are going to review all the Harry Potter books this summer—for the however-manyeth-time. Hmm. H.P. nerds.

The noble Bereans heard Paul and Silas preach. When they heard the Gospel message, they examined the Old Testament, compared the prophesies of the Messiah to the word spoken about Jesus and His life. Many of them believed because of this intense study and as a result of their eagerness to know. Perhaps the Word is not powerful and engaging and fresh for so many drifting Christians because they do not investigate, study, ask questions and dig to find out. Fantasy novels and fictional characters fill their brains and the clutter the corners of their lives to the extent that belief in Jesus gets buried.

Yesterday I spoke with a man who encountered Jesus this past Friday. I knew him before he knew Jesus. He would politely listen to “stories” (as he called them) about Jesus. Then he would go back to his exercise routines and exhaust himself in his passion for fitness. On Friday, at a gathering of believers which my friend attended, he realized the Bible Person of Jesus is a real, flesh and blood man. He is personal, He is greater than any other experience that life offers. Now my friend, still interested in fitness, speaks with eyes alight about the power of Jesus and blessing of knowing Him. He has Bible passages he wants to find and study. Those who suggest other passages to read spark in him new areas of interest and anticipation about what he’ll learn.

Dear reader, if you got this far in today’s devotional, I encourage you, no, I challenge you, to study your Bible this summer. Find out answers to questions that bother you. Dig deep to learn more. Pray—urgently and constantly—asking God to stir His Spirit within you so that Jesus will be greater, more radiant, more charismatic to you than any fictional character. I challenge you, proudly be a Jesus-nerd.

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
    and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
    This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 149 ESV

https://youtu.be/rChnJ15-mj0

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 5, 2021 -- Matthew 13:41-43 -- Perfect rest in Jesus

“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:41-43) ESV

One of the tests army recruits must endure is sleep deprivation. Most of us know what it is like to have a terrible night’s sleep and how foggy and cranky we can feel the next day. But when sleep deprivation stretches past 30 hours or more then there can be hallucinations and great mental anguish which accompanies this. Hell is a place of endless torments, endless grinding of teeth and endless wakefulness of fresh horrors.

Why speak of such a thing? Because today is the day of salvation. Today Jesus calls out: whoever has ears, let them hear the good news of the Gospel. The righteous are those who have found shelter in Jesus Christ, knowing He was punished in our place and our sins are forgiven. Those who run to His kingdom for refuge find rest for their souls, and delight which flows from a life of obedience to Him.

Today is the day of salvation. Today you have the opportunity to obey Him and walk in fellowship with Him that is sweet and filled with His steadfast love.

https://youtu.be/GyRIVbdsi4c

July 2, 2021 -- Psalm 135:13-14 -- His Renown! His Fame! His Glory!

Your Name, O LORD, endures forever,
   Your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
For the LORD will vindicate He people
   and have compassion on His servants.
Psalm 135:13-14 ESV

What a stirring refrain! Kingdoms and tyrants, depots and princes rise and fall and fade into obscurity such that archeologists must debate and argue about the inscriptions and meaning of scratches on walls trying to determine what this or that tomb drawing meant. No such issue with the LORD our God. His renown—His prominence, His actions, His reputation, and His fame is recounted generation after generation. Even the cynics who claimed “god is dead” are now forgotten and the Splendor of the LORD increases.

There will be a day when all nations and all people, all rich and poor, will stand before Jesus Christ and those who served Him, obeying His decrees and commands, despite the prevailing godless of the ages they lived in, will be proven and declared approved servants of the Most High. Do not despair in these Covid times. Read the Word. Pray with fellow Christians. Attend church where you are able to attend church or live stream if it attendance is not possible.

Understand that all our righteousness comes from Jesus Christ All our standing before God is not based on our response to Covid. Know that the LORD has compassion on His servants. Where the LORD gives opportunity, act justly and love kindness showing mercy to those around you and walk humbly with God.

Self-Knowledge

SEARCHER OF HEARTS,
It is a good day to me when thou givest me
a glimpse of myself;
Sin is my greatest evil,
but thou art my greatest good;
I have cause to loathe myself,
and not to seek self-honour,
for no one desires to commend his own dunghill.
My country, family, church
fare worse because of my sins,
for sinners bring judgment in thinking
sins are small,
or that God is not angry with them.
Let me not take other good men as my example,
and think I am good because I am like them,
For all good men are not so good as thou desirest,
are not always consistent,
do not always follow holiness,
do not feel eternal good in sore affliction.
Show me how to know when a thing is evil
which I think is right and good,
how to know when what is lawful
comes from an evil principle,
such as desire for reputation or wealth by usury.
Give me grace to recall my needs,
my lack of knowing thy will in Scripture,
of wisdom to guide others,
of daily repentance, want of which keeps thee at bay,
of the spirit of prayer, having words without love,
of zeal for thy glory, seeking my own ends,
of joy in thee and thy will,
of love to others.
And let me not lay my pipe
too short of the fountain,
never touching the eternal spring,
never drawing down water from above.
"Self-Knowledge". Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Page 122

https://youtu.be/dk7llf2LkKc

July 1, 2021 -- Acts 17:29-31 -- Hymn to the Ruler Supreme

Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:29-31 ESV

Happy Canada Day! It almost feels like I am not allowed to declare this. On the one hand, the bodies of so many residential school children have been recovered and there are municipalities and towns which are ‘shutting down Canada Day’. On the other hand, the fact those bodies were in the ground is something that has been known, it was not publicly acknowledged. This atrocity needed to be publicly acknowledged.

It is appropriate to grieve. It is appropriate to celebrate Canada with the knowledge it will take the will of a nation and all her people to set things right. Sorrow and hope can be celebrated on the same day. Love for a country and the blessings God has given her and grief over sins can exist side by each. This is appropriate.

The passage from Acts is very hopeful for us today. All people, from conception to death, are precious in the sight of the LORD. All are His offspring. All the deeds of all people, through all the ages, will one day be judged by the LORD Jesus Christ. He is the One Man Who lived and was completely without sin. At the cross He was punished for the sins of all. All Who repent and believe in Him know sin has been fully and finally punished. Those who stand before Him at the last judgment will face His judgment and His justice. There is no escape from this. His righteousness and His punishments are exact, perfect and will set all things right.

Once the flags have been repositioned from the half-mast of mourning to full mast, it is time for all Canadians to roll up our collective sleeves. Get clean water running on the 50+ reservations which still have boil water advisories—some of these advisories are decades old! It will take the will and finances of a united Canada. Get justice for the children of First Nations children who are caught up in the foster care system. It will take the will and finances of a united Canada. It will take the will of a nation and united efforts of the government and opposition leaders to bring these things about and to stop the tide of missing First Nations men and women, making sure every life of every person in this land matters. That is the work of all Canadians.

Happy Canada Day. May we all use our freedom to work for justice and reconciliation. May we all work in the sure hope that our God and King has not overlooked even one life—all are known to Him. Our prayer today is the fourth stanza of our national anthem.

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion within thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

https://youtu.be/MV5x6M38ea8

June 30, 2021 -- Psalm 115:9-11 -- The LORD is our Trust! Our Help! Our Shield!

O Israel, trust in the LORD!
   He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD!
   He is their help and shield.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!
   He is their help and their shield.
Psalm 115:9-11 ESV

The Covenant Name, that is the Name by which God revealed Himself to His people as the God Who both promises and keeps His promises, is used four times. It is emphatic and those who believe in Him can fully put all their hope and confidence in Him. This repetition of His Name undergirds, or supports all His promises, because He alone has the powerful to fulfil what He promises and He alone loves His people so that their salvation is assured.

The word “trust” is used three times. This word trust includes the sense of being fully secure or feeling safe. Notice how the names for the people of God change with each stanza. Israel, which refers to Jacob the deceiver who wrestled with God and therefore was renamed “Israel” saw the goodness of God. His descendants are called Israel—they wrestle in prayer—wrestle to believe, to trust and to put to death their old nature and longings. The House of Aaron are those who are priests, who bring good news of the Living God, the LORD, to the people. Sometimes the people listen and rejoice. Sometimes the people refuse God. But the messengers of Good News trust in the LORD and feel secure not in the response of the people, but in the goodness of God, Who promises and brings about His great salvation. Those who fear the LORD are commanded to trust in Him. It is an effort. The chaos of the times we live in may seek to undercut your confidence in Him.

Finally, the word shield is used three times. All who trust in the LORD are shielded by His grace When the LORD made promises to Abraham, to bless all the people of the earth through his seed Jesus Christ, the LORD promised He is Abraham’s ‘shield’. The exact word is used there as is used in our passage today. Though troubles fly to the left and to the right, though the path of salvation is difficult and marked with suffering, the LORD is the shield—the guardian, the protector and the One Who brings His people to victory. Notice accompanying this word "shield" is the word "help". Not only does the LORD our God protect His people, He is the only source of help to this great salvation. He Is the One Who promises salvation, Who protects His people along the way and who fulfills His promises by giving all the resources needed for our salvation. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father in heaven, thank You for all Your promises which are “yes” and “amen” in Jesus our Savior. Father in heaven, thank You that You are the shield of salvation to all who trust in You. Jesus, we believe, help us overcome our unbelief. Spirit of the Living God, as we read the Bible and worship God, increase our trust and our joyful security in the LORD, our shield and very great reward. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ocmCTU_rEeI

June 27, 2021 -- Psalm 106:48 -- Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Strong and Kind

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
   from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
   Praise the LORD!
Psalm 106:48 English Standard Version

The Book of Psalms are divided into 5 sections. Today’s text is the final verse of Psalm 106 and the last verse of the fourth book of the Psalms. It is the highpoint of a Psalm that celebrated the salvation of the LORD, Who rescued His people from slavery in Egypt.

We read this as New Testament Christians and realize how much we are like the people of Israel. Jesus has rescued us from our former slavery to sin. He set us free to serve Him. By the strength of His Spirit we are on our way to the promised land, the place where Jesus will be our light day and night and we shall live with our Father in heaven with no possibility of sinning—and we murmur along the way. We complain about the difficulties on the journey.

But that is not the end of the Psalm. It ends with a ringing summons to praise! We are not rescued because we are worthy. We are rescued because the LORD is great. We are rescued precisely because we are unable to save ourselves. The glory of the LORD shines in us and through us because without Him we would still be enslaved, lost and helpless.

If you are free to get together with other believers today, do it! Meet. Praise God Stir the embers of your faith. If you have to livestream a worship service, do it. Meet with others online until you can meet in person and bring unchained praises and blessings to the Name of God. He is our Light, He is our Salvation, He is our Joy, He is our Peace. Amen.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
   and all that is within me, 
   bless His holy Name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
   and forget not His benefits,
Who forgives all your iniquity,
   Who heals all your diseases,
   Who redeems your life from the pit,
   Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
   Who satisfies your soul with good,
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5 English Standard Version

https://youtu.be/D4fqAzldxHQ

June 25, 2021 -- Psalm 91:14 -- Holding Fast to God the Father

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
   I will protect him, because he knows my name.
Psalm 91:14 English Standard Version

When our four-month-old grandson visited, we as grandparents had the pleasure of spending time with him and watching our daughter interact with him. At one point he started crying. So our daughter went through all the usual list of questions in order to determine what might be causing outburst. His diaper was clean. Check. He had just been fed. Check. He is not crying sharply as if in pain. Check. He is not tired. Check. He might be teething? Perhaps. He might just be restless. Maybe.

It is interesting though, when this little guy was picked up by his mamma, he was comforted. When she smiles at him he reacts. He wiggles. His eyes follow her. No matter the troubles bothering him, the bond of love brings great comfort to this little one.

What a beautiful image that is for us as Christians. We are like tiny babies in the presence of the Father Who is mighty, glorious, great, perfect, wise, righteous and loving. We squirm and fuss, we barely know what troubles our souls and we cry out, but He hears. He answers. In fact, unlike an earthly parent, He knows absolutely what is wrong even before a word is on our tongue or our minds know how to formulate what we want to say.

We hold fast to Him in love. We know He is the source of every good in our lives. Christ has been given so that we have a flesh and blood elder brother Who brings us into the presence of our beloved Father. The Father and the Son give us the Spirit Who lives in us so that the deepest needs of our heart, mind and souls are fully and deeply known by the Spirit. It is the Spirit Who prays deep within us, making even our most unformulated thoughts and needs known to our Father in heaven. Yet, what we realize by the powerful presence of the Spirit of God is that it is He, the Triune God, Who holds us fast—tightly to Himself

Sheltering LORD, the Refuge and Fortress of all who believe, with the writer of the Psalm we confess, “You are my God, in whom I trust”. Thank You that we live our lives under the shadow of Your wings and surrounded by Your guardian angels. Spirit of the Living God, increase our capacity to love Jesus Christ, so that we may hold ever more dearly and tightly to our Father in heaven until we are ultimately rescued from this life and world and in His presence, in the Light of His glory and that radiance of the Son we are satisfied with long life, salvation joy which stretches through eternity. Amen.
Today's prayer is composed using various phrases and expressions from Psalm 91

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

June 23, 2021 -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 & Romans 12:11 -- Throwing Down Procrastination

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

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Romans 12:11 ESV

Putting things off. Procrastinating. Avoiding. Finding other (sort of) worthwhile things to do instead of the very thing that keeps staring up at me from my desk. Perhaps you are just as familiar with this ability to evade specific, distasteful duties as I am? Seriously, sometimes I think if there were a prize for dodging certain duties I’d win it…but find several other things to do before I ever picked it up.

Ecclesiastes is blunt, while you live, do what is useful and necessary and do it with all focus and strength and perseverance until the task is completed. The reason appended to this is once you hit the grave, Sheol, there is no more work, no more second chances.

Romans picks this theme up and reinforces it with positive imperatives, commands. Our lives belong to the LORD. We are called to serve Him heart, soul, mind (using our imagination and our mental energies). Be zealous for good in the service of the LORD. Do not put off serving God as you do not know how long your life will be and what can overtake you in an instant. With your eye focused on the glory of God, your heart thankful for the work of Jesus Christ Who has set you free from the powers of hell, your hands and minds engaged by the powerful Spirit Who is present in you—serve the LORD. What you’d been dragging your feet about may, instead, be something quickly accomplished and set to right so that your time and your desk, your heart and your hands are freed for greater, zealous service to our King.

TRUE RELIGION

Lord God Almighty, 
I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich,
but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed.
Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern
   to obtain those blessings which are
   spiritual in their nature,
   eternal in their continuance,
   satisfying in their possession.
Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole
   or a part of my character;
May I pay regard to
   my principles as well as my conduct,
   my motives as well as my actions.
Help me
   never to mistake the excitement of my passions
   for the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
   never to judge my religion by occasional
   impressions and impulses, but by my
   constant and prevailing disposition.
May my heart be right with thee,
   and my life as becometh the gospel.
May I maintain a supreme regard to another
   and better world,
   and feel and confess myself a stranger
   and a pilgrim here.
Afford me all the direction, defence, support,
   and consolation my journey hence requires,
   and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.
Give me large abundance of the supply of
   the Spirit of Jesus,
   that I may be prepared for every duty,
   love thee in all my mercies,
   submit to thee in every trial,
   trust thee when walking in darkness,
   have peace in thee amidst life’s changes.
Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief
   and uncertainties.
"TRUE RELIGION" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, page 118

https://youtu.be/cxsPnNvRrQM

June 22, 2021 -- Isaiah 46:3-4 -- Sustained and Carried by Great Grace

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
carried from the womb;
4 even to your old age I am he,
and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.
Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV

It was a delightful, after church conversation. A young teenager chatting with a middle-aged man. She was complaining of the challenges of school math and fractions. The conversation suddenly switched to a light-hearted comparison of how old each person in this conversation was, and unfairly, the older gentleman asked the teen-ager, “Hm, how old do you think I am?” You could see her consider this question for a moment and she grasped for an age that seemed very mature, very old to her and she blurted out: “Thirty, at least!” He smiled and responded, “Bless you”. He is (nearly) 52.

Notice that the LORD of Heaven and Earth calls His people “Jacob” which means “he deceives” and “Israel” which means “he struggles, wrestles with God” The God of Mercy full-well knows our frailty and failings and from conception to the final breath we draw, He knows us, and carries us. In fact, “I will bear” refers to the carrying of a heavy load or burden”. Yet, for the LORD, we are not heavy nor burdensome. He declared the fact that He is ready, in every moment and every circumstance of our lives, to bring us to the fullness of His salvation. We can not accomplish this on our own. It is His work to save to the uttermost. Blessed be His glorious Name.

The 'Nevers' of the Gospel

O LORD,

May I never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth,
never rest in a system of doctrine, however
   scriptural, that does not bring or further salvation,
   or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts,
   or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly;
never rely on my own convictions and resolutions,
   but be strong in thee and in thy might;
never cease to find thy grace sufficient
   in all my duties, trials, and conflicts;
never forget to repair to thee
   in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles,
   in all the dissatisfactions experienced in creature comforts;
never fail to retreat to him who is full of grace
   and truth, the friend that loveth at all times,
   who is touched with feelings of my infirmities,
   and can do exceeding abundantly for me;
never confine my religion to extraordinary occasions,
   but acknowledge thee in all my ways;
never limit my devotions to particular seasons
   but be in thy fear all the day long;
never be godly only on the Sabbath
   or in thy house, but on every day abroad
   and at home;
never make piety a dress but a habit,
   not only a habit but a nature,
   not only a nature but a life.
Do good to me by all thy dispensations,
   by all means of grace,
   by worship, prayers, praises,
And at last let me enter that world where is
   no temple, but only thy glory
and the Lamb’s.
THE 'NEVERS' OF THE GOSPEL,
The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, page 116

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

June 19, 2021 -- Psalm 63:1-4 -- Breaking the hold of spiritual lethargy

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:1-4 English Standard Version

Consider these words. They were written by the righteous King David, a man after God’s own heart. He was the king of the land, the Land of Milk and Honey, the Land of Promise. Here is a man at the pinnacle of human power who is longing for the Living Water only Jesus can provide. He knows only the LORD can break through the ^ennui and groundless uneasy feelings of the mind.

Yesterday I was reading an article about harmful side effects of the vaccines. Then I saw government articles promoting vaccinations. Amid the cacophony were posts of those who celebrated having their second dose. Recently a young-in-the-faith Christian expressed a goal-less restlessness and undirected energy mixed with lethargy. Some Covid restrictions have been significantly relaxed and many people celebrate. Others chide the government for inciting fears and then bribing citizens with their own charter rights and freedoms. Part of my summer reading included a book on a Hasidic Jewish man who chronicles the ebbing away and finally the loss of his faith.

Psalm 63 is a necessary reminder that no matter what government rules the land at any particular moment in history—the human heart can be discontented and parched. It is worship that leads the soul-dry Christian to Jesus, the Living Water.

No matter the upheavals in a land—peace or war, famine or prosperity, riches or poverty, sickness or health, corporate greed or social activisms or ascendant church movements—God the Glorious He alone is great and He alone can fill our thoughts and vision and souls with such satisfaction that we have great peace no matter what the circumstances of our lives.

Our spiritual lives and hope-filled courage in God does not depend on who is in government or what policies are being enacted. Sure, these various things impact our physical well-being and our economic standing. The anchoring hope of our hearts and the refreshment of our souls is found when we look to God, by faith looking at and considering His power and glory.

^ennui: soul listlessness, dissatisfaction

O God, You are my God~So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

Today’s prayer is Psalm 63:1a, 2-4 The Message translation

The music is a contemplative version of the triumphant hymn “Thine Be the Glory”. Usually this is with organ and trumpets and choirs. This quieter version seems to fit today’s meditation.

https://youtu.be/jItTCHchMkk

June 17, 2021 -- Psalm 51:17 & Mark 7:24-30 -- A broken and contrite heart

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart you, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 ESV

And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Mark 7:24-30 ESV

Wait, can Jesus speak to this woman like that? Isn’t He being offensive? The story of the Gospel is powerfully carried forward by such questions which believers use to examine Scripture in order to gain understanding.

Note where Jesus is—He is far outside of the territory that belonged to Israel. He is the Son of God, Who created all things and had been sent by the Father to claim all His people. Jesus is the descendant of Abraham—the Covenant Promise of Genesis 12 is that those who bless Abraham will themselves be blessed. Jesus is the Son of Promise, the descendant of Abraham through Whom all the nations will be blessed. In order to receive this blessing the people of the nations must acknowledge Him.

Now, back to the Syrophoenician woman. She was part of a proud people and territory. The city of Tyre was a rich trading port with a proud tradition, defiant. When she went to Jesus she believed He could heal her daughter. Jesus’ words to her were to evoke the sacrifice of a broken spirit and a contrite heart—a heart that relied on Him for salvation.

Jarring is the expression Jesus used speaking of taking the food of the household and giving it to the dogs of the house. Pet owners will immediately respond, but the dogs are part of the family. A dog allowed near the table where everyone eats is a dog that is loved and spoiled. What Jesus is noting that salvation comes from Jesus Himself, a Jew, and He is sent first to the Jewish people and then to the world. The fact that He speaks these words, outside of the historic lands of Israel, in the region of Tyre proves He is the Savior of the World.

She humbles herself, gladly, before Jesus. She gladly notes the mercy of God, shown in Jesus Christ is more than sufficient for the people of Israel and for the world. The footnote provided by the Reformation Study Bible I use adds this wonderful observation about the mercy of God to His covenant community which will “spill out to meet Gentiles’ needs as well—another anticipation of the church’s global mission following Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and outpouring of the Spirit.” The promise of God was given to the Jewish people, through Abraham, all the other nations are Gentiles. All those who believe in Jesus Christ are a sign of the abundant mercy of God overflowing the table of the children and are more than sufficient for the salvation of all who humble themselves before Jesus, serving Him with all they are and all they have.

Faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, thank You for Your suffering, obedient love to the Father, by which all who believe in You are saved. Move us, by Your Spirit, to carry the Good News of Salvation far and wide. Give us, O Spirit, holy boldness to speak with co-workers and friends of the glorious mercy of Jesus Christ which overspills the table to the feeding of the people of the world. By our words and effervescent service to Jesus may many near and far be drawn to Your love, justice and faithfulness God our Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/WGPM0nDEDfQ

June 16, 2021 -- Proverbs 31:10-12 -- pursuing lady wisdom

Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus

An excellent wife who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV

While in day-whatever-it-is now of my most recent quarantine, I have been listening to Bible podcasts to feed my faith and continue to be encouraged in the Lord. A number of months ago a friend introduced me to “The Glory-Cloud” podcasts. The two men who host it reflect on themes of the books of the Bible and in their reflections they integrate the insights of Meredith Kline, the late American, Old Testament scholar.

This passage from Proverbs 31, as explained by Kline via the men of the Glory-Cloud podcast, is not about a particular wife who is the standard to which all other women must aspire. In that sense this passage has caused many a woman to feel guilty and inadequate. Instead, the key is found in Proverbs 7 and 8. In Proverbs 7 the adulteress is a woman who leads men to their destruction. In Proverbs 8 wisdom is a woman who leads men in godliness and wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a lady who leads men to God. Wisdom is to be a desire of all. Therefore, the woman wisdom, is the great desire of all who seek to follow Jesus.

What a glorious change this perspective brings to the passage. Married or single. Young or old. Man or woman. Suddenly Proverbs 31:10ff is not a standard so high that it is used as a measuring rod to make people feel guilty. Instead, it is a glorious passage that stirs in our souls, creating in us all a greater desire to be wise. To pursue wisdom as a young man might pursue a woman. The attributes of wisdom are evident and many.

I encourage you, if you have 5 minutes, look up Proverbs 31:10-31 and read it from the perspective of the woman described there as Lady Wisdom. Think of yourself as the one who is desiring wisdom. Finally, understand that this metaphor is the desire for Jesus Himself, Who is wisdom from on high.

King Jesus, with the psalmist, I confess, I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, those who follow the adulterous woman of the world. Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Truly You set the wicked in slippery places, You make them fall to ruin. Nevertheless, Father in heaven, I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand by the glorious work of Jesus Christ. You guide me with Your wise counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire beside You. Triune God, how vibrant and true, standing the test of time and generations, are Your words: “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Amen.

Today’s prayer is drawn from various verses of Psalm 73 and the final sentence is Proverbs 1:7.

https://youtu.be/a1YYMSP5clM

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 15, 2021 -- Philippians 2:4-11 -- Honour His Name

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:4-11 ESV

Yesterday, when considering this passage the thought that of all of life and worship is a drill for the sure event of Jesus’ return was in focus. Today, look at verse 9. Read it again. I’ll wait. How precious Jesus’ Name is to the Father in heaven. The Father has raised up Jesus and given Him the one Name that is more precious, more beautiful than any Name.

When you are in a taxi cab, or at work, is Jesus’ Name honoured? Or, at least, when someone uses His precious Name as a curse word, do you comment and tell them how precious He is to You? It is an opportunity for witness—you can, with gentleness, explain why for you and all Christian believers His Name is great.

Is your life consistent with your confession of Jesus Christ? When someone points out to you the disparity of what you say you believe and then shows you your inconsistent actions, do you repent?

Today is the day of salvation. Now is the opportunity to praise God and honour the Name of Jesus—the Name that is above every other name. The great kindness of God our Father is shown in this, He has poured out His Spirit so that we can read the Word, learn, grow in understanding and in joy-filled obedience.

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
   and forgive us our debts,
   as we have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and glory,
   both now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Xm19p9Nd-20

June 14, 2021 -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- To Whom or what do you bend your knee?

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 ESV

Last week I was able to attend the several-days-long meeting of our denomination's synod. I participated from my home via Zoom. Each sitting of Synod began with a sermon. What a treat to hear so many of my colleagues offer up this means of grace. Rob Patrick preached on this passage, today’s text written out above. Here is a brief summary of his wonderful sermon.

Many of us have participated in fire drills—for a fire that likely will never come. Patrick noted he grew up on an army base on a Japanese Island during one of the Asian -American conflicts of the mid 1900’s. At the army base school he attended students had bomb drills. All those drills were in preparation for an event which was highly unlikely to ever take place.

Christians in contrast, have drills, preparing for something that is sure to happen. Jesus will return. Therefore Christians gather and worship. Therefore Christians receive the means of grace which His has provided for His people. Therefore Christians teach neighbours and the evangelize the world, warning friends and leaders alike to serve the LORD with fear. When He returns everyone will bow the knee before His awesome, majestic presence. Those who rejected Him and refused to consider His return will face the punishment of hell. Those who exercised the drills for His return, spending time in prayer, Scripture, planning for His return shall rejoice in His presence through-out eternity. Are you spending time in prayer, planning, evangelizing and thinking with longing hope about Jesus’ return?

The Great Discovery

Glorious God,
I  bless thee that I know thee.
I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its Creator,
   was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the Provider,
   was blind while enjoying the sunlight,
   was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me,
understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways,
   saw the world, but did not see Jesus only.
O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty
   thou didst look on me, and call me by grace.
Then did the dead heart begin to beat,
   the darkened eye glimmer with light,
   the dull ear catch thy echo,
   and I turned to thee and found thee,
   a God ready to hear, willing to save.
Then did I find my heart at enmity to thee,
   vexing thy Spirit;
Then did I fall at thy feet and hear thee thunder,
   ‘The soul that sinneth, it must die’,
But when grace made me to know thee,
   and admire a God who hated sin,
   thy terrible justice held my will submissive.
My thoughts were then as knives cutting my head.
Then didst thou come to me in silken robes of love,
   and I saw thy Son dying that I might live,
   and in that death I found my all.
My soul doth sing at the remembrance of that peace;
The gospel cornet brought a sound unknown
   to me before that reached my heart – and I lived –
   never to lose my hold on Christ or his hold on me.
Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found,
   and tell to others as long as I live,
that thou art a sin-pardoning God,
taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly,
and washing them from their deepest stain.

Today's prayer is from:
"The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions" page 112

https://youtu.be/gNN0FSLwLc8

June 13, 2021 -- Psalm 31:23-24 -- Called to Worship

Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Love the LORD, all you his saints!
   The LORD preserves the faithful
   but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
   all you who wait for the LORD!
Psalm 31:23-24 ESV

Those who have reached verses 23 and 24 of Psalm 31 have scaled a mountain. The verse before it are filled with ascriptions of praise spoken by one who experiences tremendous hardship and troubles. Yet, he brings his heart, distressed as it is, to the LORD, Who alone can help. Hope that is genuine and true is hope that has been tested and refined. The expression “all you wait for the LORD” can also be rendered “all you who hope in the LORD”.

It is the LORD Who preserves our hope and enables us to wait for Him, even when circumstances and the floods of troubles threaten to overwhelm us

It is the LORD Who first loved us. it has always been so. In worship our eyes are opened to the fact that the LORD has been at work for us and in us, long before we ever knew it.

Let your courage rise when dangers threatened you. The LORD has proven Himself faithful, near and victorious.

Today is Sunday. Whether or not you can go in person and attend church services, plan on meeting via whatever media platform you can. Weak and weary Christian, be fully recharged and restored in your hope.

Those who wait for the LORD have their faith affirmed. He has rescued His people through Jesus Christ. We have been brought from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son He loves. The Father has decreed it, the Son accomplished our redemption and the Spirit has applied it.

Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
   make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
For the word of the LORD is upright,
   and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
   the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 33:1-5 ESV

https://youtu.be/936BapRFHaQ

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 11, 2021 -- Isaiah 6:1-5 -- Truly Cleansed

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV

How clean is clean? Yesterday my wife received a cleaning product. The instructions are clear, soak fabric in this cleaner and the dirt trapped in the fibers, hid from sight on fabrics that appear clean, will be released. So, the tea towels used for dishes were soaked in this liquid soluble solution. Note, these towels had been washed already in the laundry. These tea towels are used exclusively to dry dishes that have already been washed. So it was surprising to see how the soaking waters became gross with all the released dirt.

Isn’t that the case with us? We are sure “we’re fine” or “we’re good”. At least, we are to all outward appearances clean and upright. We even believe it ourselves. Surely, if we compare our lives and actions to others, we come away from the comparison thinking we’re fine. That is, until we are in the presence of true purity and cleanness.

Isaiah was a prophet of the LORD. He had already prophesied to the people of the LORD the Word of the Living God. Yet, this same prophet, when confronted with the holiness of the LORD, was profoundly aware how impure, unclean, and defiled he actually was. People of the Living God, confronted by His Word and Spirit we realize how much sin and stain clings to us.

Thanks be to God for the healing Isaiah experienced—”your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). As New Testament Christians, we read this and know this is the work of Jesus Christ at the cross—our defilements and impurities, our sin both known and all that is hidden to us are all cleansed and we are made holy. Blessed is the LORD our God. In view of the purification received in Christ—go and serve the King of Glory fearlessly and with all the strength you have and all the giftedness He has put at your disposal.

With the Apostle Paul, having examined our lives and actions in the light of Scripture, we declare “What a wretch I am! Who will deliver us from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Blessed are You, LORD our Father, for the cleansing You have given us in Jesus Christ. Spirit of the Living God, renew in us a fresh and holy zeal to serve our God this day and always. Amen.

The quotation marks in this prayer set apart Romans 7:24-25a

https://youtu.be/sI6ZkTbUgW4

June 9, 2021 -- Luke 9:61-62 -- Hand to the plow

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:61-62 ESV

This week I am in Synod Meetings—granted I am zooming in on the meetings from my imposed quarantine. (Yes, Carolyn and I are healthy and fine, it is an overabundance of caution imposed on us by an overzealous health official.) The new moderator, Patrick Malphrus, gave his address to the assembly and his challenge. It was awesome. It stood out for me particularly because I recently preached on this passage. Malphrus’ clarity and succinct challenge are worth repeating. This is my summary of what he preached.

Malphrus noted, when a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he finishes what he starts.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he farms with all strength as long as the weather is favorable.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he does not get into other people’s business, otherwise the furrows will go sideways.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he works hard and fixes whatever needs to be fixed in order that the work can be done.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he is doing what he loves and hard work is a pleasure.

Mighty God of planting and harvest, blessed is Your great Name. Thank You for the kingdom work You give us to do. Thank You for the hard, but joy-filled, work of declaring Jesus’ Name in all we say and do. Spirit of the Living God, renew in us a holy zeal to put our hands to the plow and so work out our faith with fear and trembling until that great day when Jesus Christ is revealed with all His holy ones. Triune God, as You empower us for the faithful service to which you call us, and we do as You command, may many friends and neighbours, co-workers and family members be brought into a living relationship with You. Destroy the work of the devil. May the knowledge of the glory of God and the radiance of Christ fill this land. Amen.

https://youtu.be/LlD3CtJb7Qg

June 7, 2021 -- Proverbs 3:7-8 -- Christian life on Monday

Be not wise in your own eyes;
   fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
   and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV

It is Monday morning. Sunday with its activity dedicated to the LORD is now behind you. The question is: how will you live? This passage reminds us of the refreshment and glory which are granted to those who dress themselves in the riches of knowing God and applying His word to every part of the week.

How will you speak to your irritating coworker? Will you have yet another argument about the origins of COVID with your fanatic friend and leave irritated? That neighbour who is always trimming his lawn while he casts aspersions on you judging you because your lawn doesn’t meet his standards.

Dear family in Christ, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ. The old nature with its sinful lusts and diabolical urges has been put to death. Let what is holy and new take hold of you. As you read the Bible, delight in the goodness of the LORD. As you pray, ask the Spirit of God to cause the new life which is yours in Christ to well up and take down the old man and strangle his inclination to evil and sin. Trust the promises of God that humble service offered in Jesus’ Name and turning from the evil you know can easily entangle you will result in healing of your heart. Resentments will fade. Old scores will no longer need to be settled, instead, the grace of our God and King will bring relief.

A Christian's Prayer

Blessed God,
Ten thousand snares are mine without and within,
   defend thou me;
When sloth and indolence seize me,
   give me views of heaven;
When sinners entice me,
   give me disrelish of their ways;
When sensual pleasures tempt me,
   purify and refine me;
When I desire worldly possessions,
   help me to be rich toward thee;
When the vanities of the world ensnare me,
   let me not plunge into new guilt and ruin.
May I remember the dignity of my spiritual release,
   never be too busy to attend to my soul,
   never be so engrossed with time
      that I neglect the things of eternity;
   thus may I not only live, but grow towards thee.
Form my mind to right notions of religion,
that I may not judge of grace by wrong conceptions,
  nor measure my spiritual advances by the efforts of my natural being.
May I seek after an increase of divine love to thee,
   after unreserved resignation to thy will,
   after extensive benevolence to my fellow creatures,
   after patience and fortitude of soul,
   after a heavenly disposition after a concern that I may please thee in public
      and private.
Draw on my soul the ^lineaments of Christ,
   in every trace and feature of which thou wilt take delight,
for I am thy workmanship, created in Christ Jesus,
   thy letter written with the Holy Spirit’s pen,
   thy tilled soil ready for the sowing, then harvest.
The Valley of Vision; editor Arthur Bennett, page 108

^lineaments: distinctive features, especially of the face

https://youtu.be/QdKj1-piYSg