August 31, 2021 -- II Corinthians 1:1-2 -- Who has the right to mentor you?

Children loved by the Father, in the power of the Spirit: sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
   To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 1:1-2 ESV

Who has the right to comment into your life? If a perfect stranger says to you “Your hair, ugh!”. Will that ruin your day? Or would you be able to say to yourself, that person is a stranger, with a right to her opinion, but that opinion will not bring me down? What if it is your husband who says, “My dear, I think the hair stylist missed on that cut”? Would you be able to process this, saying to yourself, "I know my husband loves me enough to comment and is prepared to take a risk of expressing his opinion for my good. Would you listen to him, accepting his correction as spoken by one who loves you?

Consider the fact that the apostle Paul was always mentoring others. His high calling is to comment into the lives of others. Here he is writing to the people of the church at Corinth and by God’s appointment he has the right to comment into their lives, to correct, encourage, teach and cast vision. As he does so, he is mentoring Timothy in the calling of pastoral leadership. Timothy, as he is mentored in leadership in the household of God, is learning how to speak the truth in love, to endure reproach and push-back from the very people one is serving and in spite of negative feedback or withstanding flattery to remain faithful to God and faithful to one’s calling.

Who has the right to mentor you? Who has the right to comment on your faith in Jesus Christ as by the Spirit’s power you seek to be faithful to our God and Father? Do you live under the tyranny of many opinions, or has God, by the grace given you one or two strong leaders, faithful to God, who have the right to encourage you in your spiritual life? Who are you mentoring? Are you consistent? Are you seeking their good? Are you praying for this person so that he will experience spiritual growth into maturity?

Thank You, Faithful God, for those whom You have appointed to be spiritual mentors in our lives. Thank You, Spirit of Truth, for their leadership in taking the Word and showing us its vital importance, relevance, and through it ever-revealing to us the beauty of Christ our Redeemer-King. Father in heaven, in obedience to Jesus’ great commission, may we take to heart and put into practice the high calling of being mentors to others in our precious faith. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ubRlJj8xkds

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

August 30, 2021 --Deuteronomy 6:4-9 -- Commanded Obedience

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

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV

Dear family in Christ, verses 4 and 5 of our reading today are the “Shema” (or Sh’ma). It is where I get the name for my ministry “Sh’ma Christian Ministries”. This ministry hosts my regular devotions, is a platform for some of my sermons, and raises money for a cause you can read about. The word “sh’ma” means — “hear” or “listen” and carries the sense of hear and obey, put it into practice.

To love God with all we have and all we are and love our neighbour as we love ourselves, this is the summary of the law which we are called to obey each and every day. Based on verse 8, devout Jewish men will bind a leather strap to their hand and arm to remind them not to sin, but instead to obey God, using their hand for good. Recently I noticed a younger man, who I have the privilege of mentoring, had a strange tattoo on the back of his hand. I asked him about it. He smiled wryly and noted it is the hazard symbol. You know, like you’d see on a warning label. He put it on the back of his dominant hand to remind him not to go back to drugs. He had decided his hand needs to be observed doing what is right and good. What an extreme illustration of this principle, to make sure his hand is not doing something outside of or contrary to the Law of God.

I encourage you this day, consider what obvious signs or symbols can you put around you, so that you will be reminded to obey the law of God. The purpose of this encouragement is not to earn God’s favour, but to remind you, He has already rescued you in Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God will take the Word planted in your heart to guard you in holiness. You and I are commanded then to act in accordance with the knowledge we have, the knowledge to act for good and not evil. Let your life be pleasing to God.

Lord our God, You are forever faithful to Your promises! Thank You, Father, for receiving us as Your children because of the accomplished work of Christ, our Savior. By Your Spirit’s presence in us, give us wisdom and the necessary will and motivation to hear and obey all You call us to do. Help us, O God, to see Your Fatherly goodness, which surrounds us all, and enable us to respond to such goodness in faith to Jesus Christ, Who is our Chief Teacher, Eternal King, and only High Priest. Give us strength to fight sin and endure trials. When Christ returns, let us all celebrate with all the people of God, Your greatness and goodness forever and ever in the joy of the new creation. Amen.

(Prayer is adapted from the Christian Reformed Church post baptism prayer)

https://youtu.be/9speOjVQ3ZA

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

August 28, 2021 -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- Directed by the Word

How can a young man keep his way pure?
   By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
   let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
   that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD;
   teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
   all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
   as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
   and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
   I will not forget your word.
Psalm 119:9-16 ESV

This is the second octet (verse verse stanza) of Psalm 119. It asks, and answers, the question: how can a young man (any person really, but a young man is setting the course for his whole life) keep his way pure. The young struggle with sexual sins because their bodies are changing from youth to adulthood and hormones are surging. The young struggle with many life choices. I have read that our brains are not fully formed until we are about 26 years old, meaning decision-making is more challenging for the young and habits inculcated in one’s youth will form hardened habits—either for good or patterns of sinfulness that will require a life-time to fight. Notice how the "I will" statements of the last two verses. These are a vow, making a commitment to the King of Glory.

The Psalmist notes the word of God is the gold standard of our lives. By it we guard our lives, by the the word we determine whether or not to pursue an action.

Memorization of the word is another key component to a life kept pure for Jesus Christ. When a situation arises that tests our faithfulness to God, the Spirit takes the sword, the Word of God, and divides truth from lies, holiness from hellishness.

Look over those verses again. What are two or more ways in which the psalm writer has answered his own question—how can a young man keep his way pure? Write these out. Let the word of God be used by the Spirit to direct your living in holy obedience to Jesus Christ.

You are blessed, O LORD of heaven and earth. All Your ways are right and all Your instruction pure and lovely. Spirit of the Living God, as I continue to study the Bible, may the wonderous knowledge of Who Jesus Is and the matchless gift of His sacrificial love be made ever more clear to my heart and mind. Spirit of God, by Your presence in me, and your work in me, help me to love Jesus more truly and guard my life for His glory to the praise and honour of the Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/S7AYnyPRgOg

August 25, 2021 -- Hosea 10:12-13 -- Break up your hard heart

12 Sow for yourselves righteousness;
    reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

13 You have plowed iniquity;
    you have reaped injustice;
    you have eaten the fruit of lies.

Hosea 10:12-13 ESV

There is a warning and an invitation in these two short verses. The warning in found in verse 13. This is how the people have lived—they have been working hard at iniquity (that is immoral and grossly unfair behavior). The people acted as if they were not under God’s scrutiny and have been gathering up injustice—plundering the poor, taking advantage of the simple, profiting off the marginalized. Such wicked behaviour has not gone unnoticed—the LORD sees everything, what is done publicly and what is done in secret, what is unacknowledged shame and what is cruel and maliciousness enacted against others, His children. All that happens under heaven will not go unpunished.

The invitation is verse 12. Sow, or plant, seeds of righteousness. Do the good you know the LORD is calling you to do. In response to the Word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, let your life reflect the splendour of Jesus Christ. The crusty places of your hardened heart, the places where you have closed yourself off to good and holy ways, plow that, so that your heart is receptive to the things of God. Seek the LORD. With the same effort that used to be employed in sinful pursuits, go after God and the things you know are excellent, good, holy, pure, and true. Notice what God’s response will be—He will rain righteousness on you. You will receive the soul-refreshment required to continue such activities.

King of Glory, Father of All-Mercy, forgive me for the times I have been working so hard at sinful activities and sowing seeds of wickedness. It is madness to go after such things. I confess this. Spirit of the Living God, reveal to me the radiance of Jesus and give me an urgent desire to follow Him, no matter what. Spirit of God, add to this desire the energy to work at holiness with my mind and body so that in all things, Jesus Christ is praised, to the glory of the Father. Thank You, glorious God, for the twin promises of Your presence and the refreshing rain of righteousness which You will pour out. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ELi8hN0PYBU

August 24, 2021 -- Romans 6:20-23 -- To Whom or What are you a slave?

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:20-23 ESV

It is easy to be a sinner. That is a comment I heard recently. This comment was rattling around in the back of my mind as I read this passage as part of my morning devotions. I appreciate how Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God, makes this comparison between two types of slavery.

All of us are slaves. Some of us are slaves to sin—where there can be no consideration for the righteousness of God or His holiness. Those bound up by sin will have the fruit, or the result, of this slavery which is death. Conversely, those who are slaves to God will have the fruit, or the result, which is greater obedience to God (which is what sanctification is) and the final fruit which is eternal life.

What is the difference between these two types of slavery? Slaves to sin live their lives in reference to hell and under bondage to their Master, the Devil. Sin becomes ever greater, more encompassing, more daring and more deadly because sin conceives in a person more sin and raises up in a person greater sins and lusts. The LORD of Heaven and Earth confirms their destruction and at the final judgment will give them the reward of their wickedness and rebellion against Him.

Those who are slaves of God have become such by the gift of God given in Jesus Christ. What Christ has done is broken the claim of Satan over sinners. Satan used to be able to say: “That person is a slave to sin and in rebellion against You, O God”. Now, because of His sacrifice at the cross, Jesus our Priest replies, “That one is Mine. The wrath of God is ended because his sins have been atoned for.” Slaves of God are not free from sin in this life, they have become adept at recognizing sin at earlier and earlier stages. It is the work of the Spirit in them, helping them root sin out at more tender stages so that their lives are constantly being weeded from sins. The Spirit of God applies the blessing of the Word and the awakening of the conscience in order to bring ever greater sanctification in the lives of believers.

All people are slaves. The question is, whose slave are you?

O Heavenly Father,
Teach me to see
   that if Christ has pacified thee and
       satisfied divine justice
  he can also deliver me from my sins;
that Christ does not desire me, now justified,
  to live in self-confidence in my own strength,
  but gives me the law of the Spirit of life
  to enable me to obey thee;
that the Spirit and his power are mine
  by resting on Christ’s death;
that the Spirit of life within answers to
   the law without;
that if I sin not I should thank thee for it;
that if I sin I should be humbled daily under it;
that I should mourn for sin more than other men do,
  for when I see I shall die because of sin,
  that makes me mourn;
when I see how sin strikes at thee,
  that makes me mourn;
when I see that sin caused Christ’s death,
  that makes me mourn;
that sanctification is the evidence of reconciliation,
  proving that faith has truly apprehended Christ;
Thou hast taught me
   that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness;
   that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him,
   love clinging to him as a branch to the tree,
   to seek life and vigour from him.

I thank thee for showing me the vast difference
  between knowing things by reason,
  and knowing them by the spirit of faith.
"Belonging to Jesus." The Valley of Vision. ed: Arthur Bennett. Carlisle: Banner of Truth Trust 2020, page 102

https://youtu.be/jMvnEazZdQ8

August 23, 2021 -- Daniel 10:16-19 -- Are you greatly loved? (Hint--yes you are!)

And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:16-19 ESV

Daniel had received a terrifying vision. He ate bread and water for three weeks, did not wash, while he urgently prayed to understand what the LORD had previously showed him. When the LORD’s angel appeared, Daniel’s three companions ran away. They were terrified. They could not perceive what Daniel saw. Understand this, spiritual things are weighty matters. The awe-inspiring majesty of the LORD of Hosts Who is Holy is so great even His messengers give us a glimpse of heaven. No wonder Daniel fell to the ground, he fainted away (Daniel 10:9). A hand touched him, raised him to his knees and said to him “O Daniel, man greatly loved”. Again in our passage this morning Daniel is called: “O man, greatly loved”. Intense, isn’t it?

Daniel is much loved by God his Father, yet a vision drains him of all energy. Why?

The weight of the holiness of God is something we humans barely comprehend. The angels cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God Almighty” declaring this night and day. And it is not something we can contemplate for even an hour. It is too wonderful for us.

The truth of God’s revelation removes from us all distractions and all pollution of the world. The revelation of the LORD is costly physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Notice how gentle He Who Lives in Splendour and Unapproachable Light is in delegating an angel to address Daniel. The angel visitor twice repeats Daniel is greatly loved, GREATLY LOVED. It is tempting, in our humanity, to think, if I were greatly loved, I wouldn’t be thrown to the ground in awe. If it is true that nothing can compare to adoring God and He reigns forever in glory that fills the heavens and the earth, no wonder Daniel is driven to the ground. Yet, what blessedness it is to hear God’s messenger declare: “You are greatly loved”. What blessedness it is to be in the presence of God’s fellow servants worshiping God Who is worthy of all praise and honour. Though it might cost me all my strength, where would I rather be found than in His presence?

Mighty God, the long ago written words of David are so appropriate for Daniel and for us—”Who am I, LORD God…that You have brought me so far?” [II Samuel 7:18] Thank You for the grace, the loving-kindness and the extravagant mercy You have shown us in Jesus Christ. Father in heaven, thank You for the Spirit, living in us, Who declares we are greatly loved by You, our Father. Teach us, O God, to forsake the distractions of the world and to long for more and more of Your presence, wisdom and love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yOzf0VrDNGU

August 20, 2021 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Hear the Tenderness of the Savior

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 English Standard Version

Martha had the gift of hospitality. She could make Jesus feel welcome in the family home. She also had a gift of serving, making sure needs were supplied. She became distracted—pulled in too many directions—trying to do too much rather than doing just what was needful for the circumstance. Notice how Jesus chides her. This was brought to my attention yesterday by a member of the audience while I was teaching on this passage. Jesus said Martha’s name twice. Imagine Him, with tenderness and a smile, with just the right amount of force saying her name twice. It is evidence of compassion. Martha, it seems, was exasperated. Her body language and tone may well have been forceful when she confronted Jesus. Jesus, with greatest mercy, replies and instructs.

Much-loved fellow Christian—consider how deeply Jesus loves you. He has laid down His life for you. He has put up with your sins, your anger, your habitual wrong-doing and corrects you with just the right amount of love and justice, so that you will walk in the path of righteousness. Imagine, this morning, His Shepherd’s voice calling your name, twice, with love and gentleness so that you may be drawn from wrong paths and joyfully run toward Him Who loves you.

Mighty King, Jesus, thank You for the tenderness You showed to Martha. Thank You for the great love You have for Your wandering, restless, bickering sheep. Shepherd of my soul, help me to hear Your voice this morning and respond with love to Your correction and so to walk, once again, in the way of holiness which You opened to me by Your precious blood. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BKHg7apuZso

August 19, 2021 -- Proverbs 9:7-10 -- Hmm, I stand corrected

Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 9:7- 10 English Standard Version

If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face;
confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.
So don’t waste your time on a scoffer;
all you’ll get for your pains is abuse.
But if you correct those who care about life,
that’s different—they’ll love you for it!
Save your breath for the wise—they’ll be wiser for it;
tell good people what you know—they’ll profit from it.
Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God,
insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
Proverbs 9:7-10 The Message

It is easy to apply these verses to other people. Of course, I think my opinion is right (usually, often, okay a lot of the time—though probably far less often than I’d like to admit). However, it is critical for us to note, when we speak with someone, showing them their faults or inquiring about their actions—the real possibility is that you will get a rebuke in return. And likely that rebuke or correction or criticism is warranted. How will you handle this?

Jesus Christ alone is the Perfect One. He is the One Who lived a Holy Life, walking in the Fear of the LORD in such a way that the glory of God was always evident in His life. When we receive instruction, rebuke, or criticism, ask yourself, what is true in this—no matter how it is delivered to you—examine your words, thoughts and actions in humility before Christ your King.

As Canada is racing through the campaignings of an election that was snapped into action just a few days ago, no doubt, there will be much opportunity for criticism, rebuke, correction and teaching. I wonder, how will we, as Christians, honorably contribute to these discussions? We have the sure confidence Christ is the Ruler above all, here and now, and into eternity.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and Redeemer.” Amen
Psalm 19:14 ESV

https://youtu.be/hiW3Fi2PJrY

August 8, 2021 -- Isaiah 60:1-4 -- Light and Life in Christ

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
3 And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;
    they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from afar,
    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

Isaiah 60:1-4 ESV

What a stirring picture is given to us here in the Old Testament. The Old Testament clearly shows (here and in many other places) that the LORD on High calls His sons and daughters from many tribes and nations and places. The Gospel call resounds across the globe.

It is too easy to get caught up in the crisis of the hour. A few years ago it was all “climate change”. Now it is all Covid variants. Soon it may be, in the next 100 to 10,000 years the planet may be destroyed by an asteroid. Or the Mid Atlantic Current might be slowing down and people need to be prevent that…as if. All of these things, all of them, are shouting against the wind. What matters is what is depicted in Isaiah—the glory that radiantly arises, shining over the sons and daughters of the Father in heaven—the rich mercies of Jesus. When the perspective of our heart is aligned with the purposes of our High King of Heaven, then the agenda He has for this earth will be fulfilled in and among us.

Today is Sunday. If you are allowed to worship in person with a congregation, do it. The focus of our life and mind is lifted from the cares of this world and the tyranny of agendas which are earth-bound and not those which originate in heaven. Pray for those people in your life who do not yet know Jesus Christ. Pray earnestly that the people of God will bless Him and grow in love and justice, witnessing to the world around us—the Light of LORD rises above us.

The conclusion of Isaiah 60 is the prayer for today. It is the soul’s yearning for the fulfilment of the LORD’s promises, there will be a new heaven and a new earth; Revelation picks this up as well.

The sun shall be no more
your light by day,
nor for brightness shall the moon
give you light;
but the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
20 Your sun shall no more go down,
nor your moon withdraw itself;
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of mourning shall be ended.
21 Your people shall all be righteous;
they shall possess the land forever,
the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,
that I might be glorified.
22 The least one shall become a clan,
and the smallest one a mighty nation;
I am the LORD;
in its time I will hasten it.
Isaiah 60:19-22 ESV

https://youtu.be/on7VPe_SG7s

August 7, 2021 -- Jeremiah 39:15-18 -- Known to God our Father

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the guard: 16 “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. 17 But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. 18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the LORD.’”
Jeremiah 39:15-18 ESV

Ebed-Melech—his name means: servant of the king--was a eunuch in the household of King Zedekiah. The king acted wickedly against the Living God and against His servant, the prophet, Jeremiah. In reaction to all of this, Ebed-Melech interceded for the life of Jeremiah, rescuing him from the bottom of a muddy, deep well, where the son of King Zedekiah had disrespectfully thrown him. For a servant to speak in this way to the king was a great risk. Jerusalem was about to be overthrown and her King and his family put to death or sent to exile. Jerusalem would be in upheaval, the spoils of war, a prize for the Babylonians. In all that chaos, the LORD would spare Ebed-melech giving him his life as prize of war for the glory of God.

While reading these verses in my devotions this morning, I couldn’t help but stop and give praise to God, in humble wonder, for all His glory, greatness, kindness and mercy. The prairies of Canada are staggering from drought. Fires are racing through BC. The media is already hyping the possibilities of Delta variant problems regarding Covid. Businesses are opening up and finding it hard to recruit workers and the economy is tanking. It would be easy to be distressed. The take-away from our verses today is this: The LORD knows each of us by name. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. And not one of us will fall outside of His great love and grace. While the people of the world are running headlong into destruction, the people who are faithful to Him continue to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

Because of the cross of Jesus Christ our lives are kept safe. Sins have been punished upon the person of Jesus Christ. In our newfound freedom, we act and live and serve our Great King, God the Most Blessed of Heaven, without reference to all the machinations of the world. He gives us our lives as a prize of war, because we have put our trust in Him. In view of His great love, what can we say to all of this, but to sing or pray back to Him, the great praise of Psalm 100?!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

https://youtu.be/3rT8Re1EIQc

August 1, 2021 -- Colossians 4:2-4 -- Please! Pray for your pastor!

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2-4 ESV

Dearly loved people of God—pray for your preacher. If you desire to gain much from the preaching of the word, pray for the preacher, that the Spirit of God will give words to speak and the preaching is delivered with clarity. If you would have the service filled with conversions and saints who are built up in our precious faith, pray for the glory of Christ to rise among you and that Christ will receive the trophies of His grace—that is, people forsaking the world and turning to Him.

For the Word of God with its glorious truth of the reconciliation that is ours in Christ, for this to roll across our land believers must be in prayer. Pray that God will open doors for the Word and pray for the Spirit to soften hearts, making them ready to receive all that God has in store.

When you are in prayer, you will find yourself drinking in the richness of the Word. It will not depend on the power of (or lack of skills of) the preacher—the treasures of the Word will be opened to you because the Spirit attends the preaching of the Word.

Faithful God, our Father, thank You for preachers and evangelists, missionaries and chaplains. As the Word is proclaimed, so that the glory of Your Son is made known, we ask You, send Your Spirit so that the Word has an open door—open to people and prisoners, open to military and peace officers, open to various wards and institutions. May Your appointed servants proclaim the Word with boldness and joy. Thank You, Triune God, for those who preached the Word to us, so that the Good News of Jesus, took hold of our hearts and led us to everlasting salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/jrwRS1h-rmY

July 31, 2021 -- Isaiah 65:17-18 -- Creation Beauty and Re-creation Transcendent Splendor

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
   or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
   in that which I create;
for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,
   and her people to be gladness.”
Isaiah 65:17-18 ESV

This morning, while I was taking a lovely walk in the cool of the morning and mists were rising from the fields of corn and soy beans leaves were outlined in dew droplets, the magnificence of creation struck me again. The clouds were fantastic shapes and the sun danced between the billows, sending out dazzling rays in many directions. What beauty is contained in this world. Then as I approached my end point of the walk, I realized I’d be speaking with people experiencing brokenness. The conversations, each of them painful reminders of ruination, point out how far we are from the perfections which God intended for us. Sin has taken hold and tainted all that our LORD of Majesty has created.

Thanks be to God that our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered sin, hell and the grave. Thanks be to God that the former things He will remember no more because He Who created is now recreating and bringing us to the place of joy and gladness. When we catch glimpses of all that is exquisite here, we are reminded how much more is yet in store for us who believe. The new heavens and the new earth will be resplendent and beyond our current capabilities to describe them because the LORD has sought out sinners, the Savior has purchased by His blood and the Spirit has captured us for the blessedness of God which is planted in us now and is germinating so that new, eternal life will grow, unstoppably, into every area of our being and into every area of the redeemed people.

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin
I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
Thy life in my death, that every good work or thought
found in me thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty thy glory in my valley.
"Valley of Vision" Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Page 1

https://youtu.be/47gTydwGSv4

July 27, 2021 -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Covid-wrought sins exposed

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 3:1-11 ESV

Hmm, I wonder, what sin has Covid reignited in your life? There were so many lockdowns and so much more time spent at home, perhaps you got your Covid-20, you know, 20 extra pounds from sitting at home. Perhaps you started watching more TV and then binge-watching shows you know are not wholesome or healthy for you. Maybe you got into pornography, again, allowing former old sinful habits which had been put to death, to reemerge. I wonder how many have become gossips. Since getting together in person is not allowed, and loneliness has been exacerbated, slowly it happened that talking changed to malicious talk and gossip evolved. You can fill in the blank and acknowledge before the LORD what your sin (or tangled web of sins one which led to another) is and how you have stepped back from setting your heart and your commitment fully on Christ.

Take one look at me and you’ll know that I have Covid-20. That’s right, I’ve gained weight and not disciplined myself to deny myself and find Christ my all in all. This morning, having renewed my commitment to honour God with my body and honour Him by watching what I eat, I took a good walk. It is a small start. But my life is now hidden with Christ and it will take His Spirit in me to defeat this old, sinful nemesis.

No doubt that is true for us all. As we begin to emerge from our Covid hibernation, the passage before us calls us to renew our commitment to Jesus. Read the Bible; it is the Word of God that will show you your sin and convict you of your wrong-doing. Pray—that the Spirit would show you what needs to change and where you have compromised and lead you to repentance. Repentance is turning from sin and walking in a new direction—towards Jesus Christ. Be prepared for the Christian friend who loves you enough to broach the hard subject with you and call you to change your behavior for the sake of Christ. Ask a Christian friend to hold you accountable and help you in your march towards greater. When someone asks you for help, be honoured and be prepared to invest times of prayer on behalf of that person, times of prayer with person and offer rebuke where sin creeps up again and offer encouragement where victories in Christ are becoming evident.

Father, You call us to be holy as You are holy. It is a standard of impossible, unscalable heights. Blessed are You, Jesus, for You have taken our many sins upon Yourself at the cross and having taken away God’s reproach, given to us Your righteousness. Spirit of God, renew in us a desire for and commitment to walk in the holiness given us in Christ. Spirit of God, as others seek to walk in true community, asking our help in the pathways to holiness, help us to be prepared to be concise in rebukes and extravagant in encouragements. Triune God, Who is there in all the cosmos like You? You are rich in mercy. You are steadfastly holding out to Your people compassion. Your covenant faithfulness upholds us. Let us offer ourselves up, our words, thoughts and actions, as a fragrant offering of praise to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/I1GiZL60c80

July 25, 2021 -- Colossians 1:3-4 -- Powerful Prayer

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints…
Colossians 1:3-4 English Standard Version

Dear Christian friend—I wonder who Jesus directed to pray for you, so that the Spirit of God stirred up your soul and you found and continue to find delight in the things of God? In Colossians it is Epaphras who was the faithful prayer warrior so that the Good News of Jesus Christ would reach the Colossian Christians.

Those of you, dear readers, who do not call yourselves Christians yet, but are now interested in the things of God and curious, you may well ask who is praying for you that your interest in Jesus is so stimulated? Paul writes to the believers, teaching them and us, it is fervent prayer that extents the reach of the Gospel. God has chosen to work through the prayers of His people.

Believer, if the LORD has put it on your heart to pray for someone, do it. Take a moment right now and pray. Trust that your inclination to pray has been directed by Jesus. However stumbling your praying might be, it will be made strong and effective by the Spirit of God Who lives in you. Trust that the one you are praying for is appointed by the Father to receive life and that person will take hold of the Good News of Jesus.

It may not be immediate. The person for whom you are praying may be years away from believing. It may be decades in the making, but the prayers of a righteous man, the prayers of a righteous woman, are powerful and effective. It is so because believers are made righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, thank You for Your great love and covenant faithfulness by which You draw men and women, boys and girls to Yourself through the work of Jesus Christ. Beautiful Savior, we bless You, for the cross by which You have glorified the Father and made open to us the way to our Father's love. Spirit of Truth, thank You for directing us as believers to dig deeper into the Word and mine precious truth from its pages. Spirit of All Comfort, thank You for directing us to pray for those around us. Forgive us, Mighty God, for the times we have ignored these promptings and denied ourselves the joy of sweeter fellowship with Yourself. Move us, this Sunday, to drink deeply from the wells of salvation and follow Your prompting and instruction. Amen.

https://youtu.be/TKE4zYT-q6E

July 22, 2021 -- Isaiah 30:15 -- Rest and peace

For thus said the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel,
   “In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 English Standard Version

Notice the name God reveals to His people. He is the LORD GOD—the second part of His Name is capitalized as well. It is LORD—the God Who Was, Is and Is to Come—and GOD—the Sovereign. That is, the Only One Who is Supreme, the Highest in power. He is the Holy One—by that title His own people had said “let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 30:11). Those who scoff at Him, He has declared are like a bulging wall about to collapse or a clay pot smashed to smithereens. Turning towards those longing to hear from Him, the LORD declares His great and glorious welcome. Inviting even those who had jeered Him, He speaks.

Ah, how lovely are His words. In times when we are all Covid-weary. In days when the we feel like if we hear one more word about one more variant we will burst! Suddenly, our Father, the Source of every good gift, promises in returning to Him and resting in Him you shall be saved. This word “returning” means retirement from war. It is coming home and not fighting useless battles against the very God Who seeks to bless and build His people up. Rest is one word used two ways. In the word “rest” it means rest from external conflicts and quietness is rest which is withdrawing from all the storms and conflicts which rage within our own head and heart. The focus self-consciously shifts from our world and our ourselves to God Who is strong and great.

Where do you place your trust? Is your trust in yourself? Is it in your government? Is it in your family? Is it in your resources and retirement savings? The LORD GOD is the best and sole Person in Whom we can trust. In sickness in health, in war or in peace, in riches or poverty, in youth and old age He is the sure foundation for our times (Isaiah 33:6).

O LORD, You are exalted, You live up in the highest heavens;
   Yet You fill Zion, that is the place where Your people live,
   with justice and righteousness,
You are the stability for our troubled times.
You bring to Your people the abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge,
   and the key to this treasure is reverent fear and obedience to Jesus Christ.
Spirit of God, bring us to the place of repentance and rest,
   quiet and whole-hearted trust.
Amen
(The prayer is based on Isaiah 33:5-6 and Isaiah 30:15)

https://youtu.be/0actASvQUCg

July 21, 2021 -- John 6:66-67 -- Who else can we run to, who else but Jesus?!

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-67 ESV

Interesting how Peter answered the question. It is almost the response of a lawyer! He didn’t actually say, “No, we don’t want to leave you Jesus”. Nor did Peter say, “Yes, we want to stay with You.” Basically Peter realized, as he spoke for the rest of the disciples, that there was no where else to go. No one else is reputable. No one else is true. No one else is God, the Holy One, Who has the power of life and the power of death.

Why did the others leave off of following Jesus? It was because his words were hard. It would require the Spirit of God to transform a believer completely—all the old would be torn down and would pass away and the new would be brought in by the Spirit as the Word of Jesus is applied to every area of life. Unless Jesus, by His Spirit increases my will and my capacity for obedience, I too would turn away.

Jesus continued, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve?” As those chosen by the love of the Father from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to be in Christ Jesus, work out your salvation with joy and hope. Push past the days of “I don’t feel like it” by asking the Spirit for all help necessary. I often don’t feel like doing laundry, or dishes, or mowing the lawn…you get the point. We do many things we don’t feel like doing. What is so amazing is the satisfaction God gives us when a task is done. A mown lawn smells so good and looks good. Laundry cleaned and folded adds pleasure to a day—once it is done.

We have no where else to go, no one else to go to. Yet, where else would we ever want to go? Jesus is sent by the Father to give life, hope, joy, truth, peace. As we believe in Him, so He confirms in us His goodness and blessedness. It is work to follow Jesus. He claimed us as His Own—and our lives are then lived out in response, working out our salvation with fear and trembling awe!

THE THRONE

O God of My Delight,
 
Thy throne of grace
   is the pleasure ground of my soul.
Here I obtain mercy in time of need,
   here see the smile of thy reconciled face,
   here joy pleads the name of Jesus,
   here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit,
   anoint the shield of faith,
   put on the helmet of salvation,
   gather manna from thy Word,
   am strengthened for each conflict,
   nerved for the upward race,
   empowered to conquer every foe;
Help me to come to Christ
   as the fountain head of descending blessings,
   as a wide open flood-gate of mercy.
Prayer from: The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions "The Throne", opening sentences of the prayer. Page 272.

https://youtu.be/rwGW8qRqz4I

July 19, 2021 -- Proverbs 25:15 -- How long is your nose?

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue will break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15 English Standard Version

In the Hebrew language “long of nose” expresses our word patience. When you have a long nose, even simple daily task become complicated. Think of a cartoonish exaggeration, like Pinocchio, who after telling a lie tries pulling on a sweater. If he is not careful, his long nose would get all tangled up in it. Or think of Pinocchio in a big crowd of people if he turns his head sharply or quickly, he’d poke someone in the eye. To be long of nose requires someone to be patient at a task or activity.

We also read: “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle” Proverbs 18:19 ESV. A ruler and an offended brother—both require great patience in order to pave the way for conversation and healing.

What can open the heart? The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—you can see how the Spirit of God prompts a Christian man to become long of nose. When an intractable ruler or an offended brother is before you, the correct response is not to dig in and perpetuate the quarrel, it is to answer with a soft tongue, healing words, finding opportunities for reconciliation and peace-making.

Notice that a soft tongue—one which carries kind words, humility and love—can break a bone. Literally it means can break strength. The strength of a quarrel and the barred castle of a man’s heart, these can be broken by the person who wields kind words. How is this even possible? It is Jesus Christ Who brings us from hard-heartedness to the foot of the cross, where our great sins are set alongside the great sins of those who have offended and wounded us. And there at the cross, upon the person of Jesus Christ, all our sins and all our shame and all our wickedness is punished. Jesus bore it all. The path of peace is found through the broken body of our Savior.

This is why His Name is forever blessed. This is why a brother can be firm and hardened against sin, while at the same time being long of nose with those who would oppose. It is interesting, God Himself is described as “long of nose” in Exodus 34:6. He is slow to anger—that is how He deals with us. Blessed be His Name—for where would we be if His anger burned in an instant? Blessed be God our Father—that His word and Spirit broke the strength of our stubborn rebellion against His Name and gave to us the blessedness of peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Who is a God like You, O LORD our God?! You pardon our iniquity and pass over our transgressions; You restrained Your anger until it was fully vented against our sins upon the Person of Jesus! Blessed Jesus, thank You for the wonderful reconciliation You brought about by Your sacrifice at the cross. Spirit of God, in view of the work of Jesus Christ, make each one of us long of nose and filled with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Let the Word, the Living Word and the written word, take up residence in us and never leave. Amen.

https://youtu.be/QEF7IoQ3eUk

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

July 18, 2021 -- Isaiah 12 -- Reverberating praise

In that day you will sing:
    “I will praise you, O Lord!
You were angry with me, but not any more.
    Now you comfort me.
2 See, God has come to save me.
    I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.”

3 With joy you will drink deeply
    from the fountain of salvation!
4 In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.
6 Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy!
    For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Isaiah 12 English Standard Version

What is worship? Consider the beautiful expression of verse 3—it is, with joy, drinking deeply of from the fountain of salvation! What a description. Christians gather to worship and in praising God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the thirst of our souls is assuaged. Worship lifts our eyes so that in faith we see all the LORD has done, is doing, and will do. It is the LORD Who saves a person, and a church full of people. It was the work of Jesus Christ at the cross to stand in our place and take our punishment. Then is it is the Spirit of God Who shows us all the wonderful things the LORD has done for us as individuals, as believers across the globe and across time. The people of God will never die out and there will be faithful witness to our King of Glory that will reverberate across the continents until the day when Jesus returns.

Join the faithful choruses of praise. Get to church if you are able to do so. Join in via whatever livestream platform you can if going to church is not possible for you. Let the praises of the LORD be on your lips and celebration of His majestic glory fill your heart and imagination. Invite a friend to join you. Faith stirs faith and rejoicing is contagious. If your heart is heavy, reach out and ask a brother or sister in Christ to pray with you so that your faith may be encouraged. Consider this as fuel for the fires of praise today: “Great is the Holy One of Israel—that is Jesus—Who lives among you!

https://youtu.be/Q1Gd-FoNLuI

July 17, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- Why do you have devotional times?

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

While driving from Moncton to Ontario, there were many opportunities to listen to wonderful teaching sermons and interviews. An example: C.J. Mahaney hosted an interview, he asked wonderful questions of Sinclair Ferguson. In one reply Ferguson reflected on the purpose of our devotional times. Are these times 1. so that we can get our verse for the day and show God we have done what we are supposed to do? Or 2. For the purpose of learning about God and knowing better how to serve Him with our lives and honour Him?

Ferguson paused. He let the leading questions sink in. In the context of the story he’d been asking a friend, an accomplished student of the Bible, these two questions. The friend replied I must confess to 1 while realizing I should be aiming for 2. Yes. We are to read the Bible to know God. To love Him more. To understand the depths and the riches of Who He is and so rejoice in the salvation He brings to us, unworthy though we are.

Look at Psalm 18, what is teaches us about Who God Is. He is the strength of His people. When all our strength has failed, the infinite, unstoppable power of God, which every nanosecond upholds all the universe and everything in it, sustains and revives His people. By His strength poured out into your life and mine, His power is not diminished in least part.

As the believer reflects on Who God is, inevitably praise will follow. The LORD is the source of blessing. He is the Only God, LORD of heaven and earth, to Whom all praise belongs. The more His people discover Him, think on Him, read of Him, know Him, the greater is their increase of praise, delight, blessing and love directed to Him Who is our shield and salvation.

Spirit of the Living God, increase our desire to know Jesus--Who reveals the Father. Spirit increase our desire and capacity to praise God the Triune! Spirit of God, by Your presence in us and Your vivification of the Word to us, magnify in us a longing to give our lives in whole-hearted service to the LORD, our strength and song. Amen.

https://youtu.be/bOKaL3bee6I

July 10, 2021 -- Proverbs 18:1 -- Isolating or seeking community?

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
Proverbs 18:1 ESV

Such a simple proverb. Yet profound. I know I have examined this verse before, but it is one that keeps popping up again in practical, daily situations. When someone knows he is about to go and do something wrong he isolates himself. An adulterer isolates himself from his wife, hiding his intentions to visit his mistress. A thief hides isolates himself from others, looking left and right in order to steal. A child looking to pilfer a cookie from grandma’s cookie jar sneaks away from grandma and quietly reaches in to take his prize. You get the point. Formulating the plan while starting to pull away from people should be a warning signal in your own brain—there is evil intent here.

Friends, dear family in Christ, when you see a sister pulling away and isolating herself, ask yourself, why? If you see a brother suddenly withdrawing from activities he once enjoyed, warning bells should sound. Christian, when you see your family in Jesus becoming less frequent or attentive in worship, pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to go and seek that person out in kindness.

You and I both know that “deer in the highlight” look we can give when we are caught out in our wrong-headed intentions. We might lash out, say angry words—even as we are simultaneously experiencing relief that our wicked desires are not allowed to go unchecked. This is also why Proverbs declares: “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). A true, Christian friend, will endure the backlash in order to bring back a wandering brother or wayward sister from his or her folly. This is the gift of fellowship and dearest friendship in Christ.

Tomorrow is Sunday Invite your friend to church. Be prepared yourself to go to church to be warmed by the Gospel and the light of Christ’s salvation. Invite your friends, frequently, persistently, as you would convince them to join you in other activities, doing so without remorse or reluctance. Worship is the great privilege and abiding joy of the Christian.

Thank You, Jesus for those who, by Your Spirit, questioned my actions. Thank You, Spirit of God, for placing us in true community, where we can go and grow in open, honest, desire to hate evil. As the Puritan so aptly said it, “I must not only labor to overcome sin, but must invite Christ to abide in the place of it, and He must become to me more than vile lust had been”. My Savior, draw me nearer to Yourself, that the beauty and the healing of the Father’s love, which You have gained for me by Your cross and resurrection, will shine brightly from my life, encouraging and blessing those around me. Amen.

https://youtu.be/O5lgwI6Z8G4