September 30, 2021 -- Leviticus 9:7-9 -- Understanding the Horn of Salvation

Then Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and for the people, and bring the offering of the people and make atonement for them, as the Lord has commanded.”
8 So Aaron drew near to the altar and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 And the sons of Aaron presented the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar and poured out the blood at the base of the altar.
Leviticus 9:7-9 ESV

The horns of the altar are the projections at the four corners of the altar. When someone, afraid for his life, takes hold of the horns of the altar, he is granted sanctuary until a decision could be made about his case. Think of I Kings 1:50-53 where Adonijah, the brother of King Solomon rose up in rebellion against Solomon to name himself king. When caught out he took hold of the horns of the altar. Solomon then considered his case and dealt mercifully with him.

This directly links us to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. In Zechariah’s prophecy the prophet Zechariah rejoices that the LORD God of Israel “has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:68-69). See the beautiful link between the Old Testament and the New.

As Christians we know the blood of Jesus Christ, given when He voluntarily laid down His life at the cross, gives us sanctuary with God. The blood of Jesus Christ makes propitiation for us—the rightful anger of God against our sin has been spent on the Person of Jesus and we are declared righteous through the obedience of Jesus Christ. God the Father has dealt mercifully with us! Jesus is for us, the horn of salvation, our sanctuary and our song.

When the Holy Spirit makes you aware of your sin, turn away from sinning. Confess it. Pray to the Father on the basis of Jesus’ accomplished work. Ask the Spirit to strengthen you for holy obedience, which is fueled by the joy of knowing Jesus, in Whom you are guarded in the love of God by the Spirit’s power.

With believers through-out the ages we praise You, O God, declaring:
I love You, O LORD, my strength.
You, LORD, are our Rock and our Fortress and our Deliverer,
   Our God in Whom we take refuge.
   The Shield of our Faith and the Horn of our Salvation,
   Our Stronghold forever. 
The LORD lives, and blessed be the Rock of our Salvation.
Amen.

(Prayer based on Psalm 18:1-2, 46)

https://youtu.be/VGAaRtkovZQ

September 28, 2021 -- Titus 3:14 -- Devoted to Good Works

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

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works,
so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
Titus 3:14 ESV

Free time. That seems to be the great idol of our age. If I only had free time, then I’d do this or that. Ironically, with the pandemic, many people have been shut up in their homes, and been given a huge blocks of free time. Rather than accomplish all those great dreams and plans—many folks binge-watched TV shows and voraciously consumed movies seeking more and more ideas. The sin of our hearts was plainly exposed. 

The words of Paul to his true son in the faith (Titus 1:4) are particularly appropriate to this generation. In view of the great salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ, we are commanded to devote ourselves to good works. Consider these opportunities for fruitful work.

In view of the great increase in domestic violence which has surged through our land as people, not used to so much time together, are thrust together for extended times, the need for foster care parents has surged. Be a foster parent. 

Be a big brother or a big sister. Volunteer because the need is urgent.

Look into safe families Canada—Safe Families for Children is a family preservation movement motivated by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion to keep children safe and families together facing crisis. We bring church and community together. (This is from Home - Safe Families for Children (safe-families.org).

Become systematic in prayer. Go through the various levels of government, praying for leaders and advisors and committees. The need is urgent.

Use your hobby as a platform for fundraising so that you can sell what you make in order to give generously to the urgent needs around us.

Write your missionaries notes and letters of encouragement. Learn how to pray specifically for their fields of service.

Ask the Spirit of God—what is it I can do, what practical ways can I use my gifts so that others will know the love of God which has been given us in Christ Jesus? (This is a disruptive prayer--you will find your priorities change and your time dedicated to holy pursuits!)

Father of the fatherless and Hope of the hopeless, let us as those redeemed in Jesus Christ rise up and bless You as we by the Spirit’s power give our lives in sacred service. Forgive us, Triune God, for our laziness, self-indulgence and pursuit of worldly pleasures rather than engaging in the most blessed and joyous pursuit of all: serving Christ our King here and now. Thank You, Spirit of all Wisdom and Truth for the rich example of brothers and sisters You have put in our lives whose faithful service inspires us to greater acts of love and obedience. Amen.

https://youtu.be/hhycL4h64_s

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

September 27, 2021 -- Philippians 3:20 -- The Soul's Homesickness Soothed

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 ESV

Recently a senior couple joined our church. Both of them understand Dutch, but it is the man who speaks Dutch. I cannot tell you how that makes my heart jump with enthusiasm. I had a vague, unexpressed homesickness. Growing up as I did in S-W Ontario, I was always surrounded by people who speak Dutch. It was part of the air I breathed. Moving to Moncton has been a blessing for Carolyn and myself, let us make that clear. However, two plus years without hearing Dutch didn’t seem to matter to us much until I spoke with someone who both speaks and understands Dutch. I had this deep sense of ‘my people’.

It is that kind of joy we have when we know our citizenship is in heaven. Remember how many of us wept with joy at the first post-Covid lockdown worship service we attended? It was so good to be with the people of God. When another Christian speaks with me about King Jesus—the soul’s homesickness is soothed as together we eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ, the King Who is coming to His own.

King of kings and LORD of Lords, the Bible teaches us, You are coming soon. You, Holy Spirt, living within us and the Bride of Jesus, all His people, cry out “LORD Jesus come for Your Bride!” Father, the invitation You have given in the Bible is this: “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price”. Triune God, may many hear this invitation and by our lives and ardent witness may homesick souls by grace become fellow citizens of heaven and who join us in our eager expectation of Jesus’ return. Glory be to Your Name, O God, forever and ever! Amen!

https://youtu.be/4s0Zb189Sco

September 25, 2021 -- I Timothy 5:1-2 -- Re-learning Purity

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

I Timothy 5:1-2 ESV

Dear people of God, in the last two weeks, several people have mentioned their struggled with pornography. Others have recently expressed their challenges in staying honourable while dating. The whole issue of “how far is too far” was part of the conversations. As Paul writes to Timothy, offering pastoral advice, today’s passage really stood out for me as significant.

Consider how a man or a woman who claims relationship with the Living God is instructed to behave. Women are to treat men as brothers. Men are to act honourably toward women as sisters. The interactions we have in all relationships must take place as we are aware together we are the Body of Jesus Christ. Purity and respect first of all for Christ, Whose people we are, and then purity and respect towards one another. Constantly choosing to see others in this light tames our lusts and shames our baser instincts.

People are not objects for our gratification. People are men and women made in the image of God and therefore stamped with the glory of the LORD of Glory. How we treat one another is a direct reflection of how we honour Christ.

Father in heaven, thank You for the great gift of Jesus Christ through Whom we are cleansed and in Whom we are called sons and daughters of the Most High God. Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of the Spirit, living in us, Who guides us into ever greater holiness. We confess our sinfulness, and admit to You the generous allowances we make for our baser nature, rather than acknowledging we have been made holy in Christ the Lamb Who takes away the sin of the world. Spirit of Wisdom, renew in us a desire for obedience and also provide the strength we need to carry this out in the joy that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

https://youtu.be/eSDNwuAcrpE

September 22, 2021 -- Hebrews 10:24-25 -- Shine!

Beloved of the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Does it make a difference whether or not you go to church? So what if I’m not there for a Sunday or two. These are sentiments I often hear expressed, and these thoughts lead to the action of non-attendance. The bible is clear. We are commanded to worship. We are commanded to meet together and in so doing we stir one another up to love and good works in the mighty Name of Jesus. Yesterday I read this story. It really brought home to me the point home of the passage.

“Several centuries ago…a wealthy nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave his townspeople…he decided to build them a church…everything had been thought of and included. It was a masterpiece. But then someone said, ‘Wait a minute! Where are the lamps? It is really quite dark in here. How will the church be lighted?’

“The nobleman pointed to some brackets on the walls and then he gave each family a lamp, which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship. ‘Each time you are here,’ the nobleman said, ‘the place where you are seated will be lighted. Each time you are not here, that place will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God’s house will be dark’.”^

Just think of it, your presence in your church’s worship service brings honour to Jesus Christ our King. Your presence in worship services blesses others in this glorious faith. Your presence in worship services encourages others to remain faithful in keeping the light of Christ shining.

Lord, You are my Light and my Salvation~whom shall I fear? You, LORD, are the Stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? One thing I’m asking of You, LORD, this is what my heart and imagination long for, to think about You, by faith gazing on Your beauty, as by Your Word and Spirit I learn more and more of Your excellencies. Amen

Today’s prayer is based on Psalm 27:1 & 4

https://youtu.be/LOuw3rLY7Zg

“How will the church be lighted”. from the magazine Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Vol: 33 No.1, Summer 2021.

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

September 21, 2021 -- I Thessalonians 2:19-20 -- Set a Worthy Goal

Beloved of the Father, by the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV

What is your goal? What do you spend your life pursuing? Can you hold it up to Jesus on the day of His return? If not, cast it aside. Our life’s goal is to know Jesus Christ. ~Albert Martin

Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,
Thou hast opened a new and living way
by which a fallen creature can approach thee with acceptance.
Help me to contemplate the dignity of thy Person,
the perfectness of your sacrifice, 
the effectiveness of your intercession.
O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
the cares that corrode me, the fears
that disturb me,
the infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to you in my need and feel peace beyond understanding!
The grace that restores is necessary to preserve,
lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here your saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich,
bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.
Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess,
but not more than is found in thee,
the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.
To thee I repair for grace upon grace,
until every void made by sin be replenished
and I am filled with all thy fullness.
May my desires be enlarged and my hopes be emboldened,
that I may honor you by my entire dependency and the greatness of my expectation.
Do thou be with me, and prepare me for all
the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance, the death of friends,
the days of darkness, the changes of life,
and the last great change of all.
May I find your grace
sufficient for all my needs.

"Grace Active". They Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed A. Bennett. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2020. page 215

https://youtu.be/XKOoeTbjSeI

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

September 19, 2021 -- I Thessalonians 2:19-20 -- Trophies of Grace

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

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV

Ask yourself this question: “Who shared with me the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation?” If you think of a person, or people, perhaps you receive a warm feeling of thankfulness at the mention of their names. Such people were persistent in their faith in Jesus Christ and persistent in their love for you. Paul is speaking from the point of view of being the one who brought the message of salvation to the Thessalonian Christians. Notice the staccato beats of joy sounding one after another.

The Thessalonians are a sign of Paul’s hope. If you tell others about Jesus, you do so from the overflow of your heart. Sharing the Gospel is a sign that the love of the Father has taken hold of your heart. The message of Who Jesus is in your life is a message of joy! Look at what I once was and see what I am now. It is pure joy. As we share this joy, we realize we are midwives at the new birth of Christians, those birthed by the Spirit into new life in Christ, what joy is ours.

The Thessalonian Christians are for Paul a crown of boasting before our Lord. In Greek culture the marathon runners received a laurel wreath, a crown as the sign of their victorious run. One sure sign that Christians are victorious in this marathon of faith is the men and women who believe in Jesus Christ because of our testimony about Jesus. Yet that boast takes place before the Lord, in a sense we are kneeling in our boast and joy, bringing credit to Jesus uplifting our hands as we honour the Father. This because the Father had in love, sent the Spirit Who directed others to teach us first of Jesus and His love so that we in turn could be equipped to teach others.

Mighty God, clothed in glory and splendour, blessed and great are You in all Your ways. Thank You for those who instructed us in the Good News of Jesus, Your Beloved Son, our Savior. Blessed God, thank You for the glory and joy of sharing our knowledge of and life in Jesus with others. Through our witness, bring many sons and daughters from the ruins of sinfulness into the well-ordered new life and glory that is ours in Christ. Such sinners, now redeemed, are trophies of grace in Jesus Christ. Let our lives be lined with such trophies as we kneel before Jesus, the Captain of Salvation May the knowledge of Your greatness cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

https://youtu.be/vHwF5a9MSe4

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

September 16, 2021 -- Ephesians 1:1-2 -- Kept Faithful in Christ

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
   To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2 ESV

Listening to this opening greeting can be discouraging. Let me explain. It might be tempting to say, those saints in Ephesus they may have been faithful to Christ Jesus, but I look at my own life and know I am not faithful. There are so many sins that creep in. There are so many faults which erupt from deep within and spill over into my words, my actions and my writings that it is evident I am a sinner. Can the grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ truly referred to really be for me?

Notice that Paul—himself formerly a great sinner, a murderer of Christians— has been called by the will of God, and sent out as an ambassador for Jesus’ reconciling work. In Romans 7 Paul makes it clear sin still threatens to overpower him. How it is even possible Christians can be called saints? It is not because of work we have done. In these two verse Jesus’ name is written three times. He is our reconciliation. He is our peace. He is the One by Whose blood our sins have been washed away and in Whom we have right standing with God. This is grace.

How is it that the Ephesians then and Christians through-out all ages are called faithful? It is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are sealed by the Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13)—we cannot even contain the grace and peace from God which has been given us in Christ Jesus unless the Holy Spirit nanosecond by nanosecond held us in this great blessed state. It is by the Spirit we have access to this One Father through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:18).

We live in a world of great upheaval. Canada is changing before our eyes. Our hope is not found in this election or the next. Our great hope is fixed on this great truth, God our Father has sent the anointed One, Jesus, and by the Holy Spirit those who believe in Him are kept, guarded in the grace and peace of God no matter what happens in this life or this world.

God our Father how varied, beautiful and vast are the blessings You have poured out on us through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Savior and King. Words fail as we think how such blessings would just run over us and through us and past us, except that You have given Your Spirit so that we should be sustained by Him in Your never-ending faithfulness. Truly, You are beautiful, My God and King! Amen.

https://youtu.be/tqEa1Uo9UZc

September 15, 2021 -- Galatians 6:18 -- Precious Unity

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Galatians 6:18 ESV

Have you ever flipped through the letters of the New Testament to see how each of them end? There is a strong farewell—in the purest sense of that old word. When a New Testament writer finishes a letter, there is a blessing which is spoken. As here in Galatians. It was a strongly worded letter with some harsh and true criticism of the antics of the Galatians. It ends with a blessing.

Think about how you end your conversations. See ya later. Maybe you end your texts ttyl. Maybe you end a phone call by mumbling “I gotta go now”. As Christians I wonder if we might not learn from the way New Testament letters end. Perhaps we can integrate this concept into our conversations and texts and messages. Consider ending with a blessing from God.

Many of you know I use the word “shalom” to end emails and conversations. It is the word which means: “The peace of God” and the sense is “the peace of God be with you”. Ending our conversations and letters, texts and messages with something like: “the grace of God be with you” or “God bless you” or “Shalom” indicates you are a Christian. It lets your listener know you wish them the very best which is ours in Christ.

So many of our conversations are harsh. So many of our posts are defiant—myself included, I’ve been very guilty of this as well. But our call is to represent Christ in our words and deeds. How are you doing in this regard? Shalom.

Faithful Father in heaven, by Your Spirit You prompted the writer of the psalm to declare “^Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Father in heaven, You have given us such unbreakable unity through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Help us, Your children, to serve You and honour You in the way in which we communicate with those around us. Forgive us the times we have stirred up anger and dissension. Enable us by Your Spirit to walk in the newness of life and the depth of community that is ours through Jesus Christ. Amen.

^Psalm 133:1 ESV

https://youtu.be/_jg1Rm0Ig5o

September 13, 2021 -- II Corinthians 1:3-4 -- Comforting others as we have been comforted

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
II Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

Question for you. Do you tell people about the secret sins and deepest struggles of your heart? Let me qualify this, perhaps not broadcasting such things to the whole world, but certainly in the context of Christian fellowship, where a brother or sister is struggling with a sin and you have gained victory, do you share this?

It has been my general experience that members in the churches I have attended will avoid such open discussions. Sin, other people’s sin, is a big topic of discussion. But the open admission of one’s own failure and struggles are often buried deep. Even where such conversation would be a great mercy and help to others. It seems church-raised Christian have calcified in this area. 

In contrast, working with Christians in the prison context, or in the context of drug and alcohol recovery centres are far more open with their struggles and sins. The words of today’s text ring true. When we have been comforted from the greatest affliction we can suffer—which is the fight against our sinful nature and old patterns of behaviour which threaten like a rip tide, to pull us back into oceans of sin and desperation—what a blessing it is in humility to share that victory with others who need such hope and encouragement.

What mercy is found in true community where a brother who has overcome sin can reach out to another who is struggling to find the Father’s mercy which has been given us in Jesus Christ and sealed in us by the Holy Spirit. Tell others around you who seem to be drowning in the miry pit of hopelessness of the help that Christ, by His Spirit has given you so that the God of All Comfort may by your testimony comfort others in their affliction and suffering.

O Lover of the loveless,
It is thy will that I should love thee
with heart, soul, mind, strength,
and my neighbour as myself.
But I am not sufficient for these things.
There is by nature no pure love in my soul;
Every affection in me is turned from thee;
I am bound, as slave to lust,
I cannot love thee, lovely as thou art,
until thou dost set me free.
By grace I am thy freeman and would serve thee,
for I believe thou art my God in Jesus,
and that through him I am redeemed,
and my sins are forgiven.
With this freedom I would always obey thee,
but I cannot walk in liberty,
any more than I could first attain it, of myself.
May thy Spirit draw me nearer
to thee and thy ways.
Thou art the end of all means,
for if they lead me not to thee,
I go away empty.
Order all my ways by thy holy Word
and make thy commandments the joy of my heart,
that by them I may have happy converse with thee.
May I grow in thy love and manifest it to mankind.
Spirit of love, make me like the loving Jesus;
give me his benevolent temper,
his beneficent actions,
that I may shine before men to thy glory.
The more thou doest in love in me and by me,
humble me the more;
keep me meek, lowly,
and always ready to give thee honour.
"Christian Love". The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. A. Bennett. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2020, page 250.

https://youtu.be/jvYSoGP7pwM

September 11, 2021 -- Romans 7:18-19 -- Driven to Prayer

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Romans 7:18-19 ESV

Yesterday I listened to a brief sermon excerpt of a Paul Washer sermon “God is creating weakness in your life”. The point of the sermon was to teach that our very point of weakness is the place where God is teaching us to turn to Him, rely on Him, so that we urgently and persistently pray to Him. All of our lives are utterly and wholly dependent on Him—but it is the place of weakness where we are most keenly driven to prayer. Such sustained prayer in turn teaches us urgent, God-focused prayer in every other area of our lives as well.

The Apostle Paul knew his sinfulness. In fact, at the end of this passage in Romans he is finally driven to declare, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25). The fact that our sins are hateful to us and grievous to us is the very sign the Spirit of God is working in us and through us, driving us into the arms of our Saviour Who has rescued us from the wrath of God which is set against all sin.

Are you despairing over your sin? That is an appropriate response...but it should not end there. Go to prayer—persistent, urgent, Spirit-fueled prayer which takes the promises of God that are “Yes” and “Amen” in Jesus Christ and plead for the strength to fight such sin and gain the victory in Jesus. Jesus our King declared to us “take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This is good news indeed. Tomorrow is Sunday. Prepare to gather with the people of God and bless the Lord for His rich salvation, sealed in us by the Spirit of God.

The Broken Heart

O LORD,,
No day of my life has passed that has not
proved me guilty in thy sight.
Prayers have been uttered
from a prayerless heart.
Praise has been often praiseless sound;
My best services are filthy rags.
Blessed Jesus, let me find a covert in thy appeasing wounds.
Though my sins rise to heaven, thy merits soar above them;
Though unrighteousness weighs me down to hell,
thy righteousness exalts me to the throne.
All things in me call for my rejection,
All things in thee plead for my acceptance.
I appeal from the throne of perfect justice
to thy throne of boundless grace.
Grant me to hear thy voice assuring me:
that by thy stripes I am healed,
that thou wast bruised for my iniquities,
that thou hast been made sin for me,
that I might be righteous in thee,
that my grievous sins, my manifold sins,
are all forgiven,
buried in the ocean of thy concealing blood.
I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning,but cleansed.
Give me perpetual broken-heartedness,
Keep me always clinging to thy cross,
Flood me every moment with descending grace,
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal, flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life.
"The Broken Heart" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayer and Devotion. Ed: A. Bennett. Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, page 150

https://youtu.be/Tmp6oLceDZA

September 9, 2021 -- II Corinthians 6:16b-71 - - Taking hold of the promises of God

For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
    and I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst,
    and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
    then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you,
    and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the LORD Almighty.”

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

II Corinthians 6:16-7:1 ESV

Pause after what you’ve just read. Now ask yourself, what are the promises we have in Christ? As you think of that question re-read the passage again and name the promises of God which are yours in Christ. Go ahead. List these promises off, out loud.

The Spirit of the LORD will take these promises and by them show you what lingering sin is interfering with your walk with God. It is the work of Spirit the Counselor to show you whatever uncleanness is still within you. Confess these sins. Admit your need for the cleansing work of Jesus. Such cleansing honours God. By it you are declaring to your mind and your heart you are submitting yourself wholly to the truth of God’s word. By confession you are honouring the work of Jesus. By renewing your commitment to live in the Presence of Him Who is Holy, you are rightly understanding the “fear of God”.

Spirit of the Living God, thank You for the beauty of the Word and by it, revealing to us the tremendous promises the Father gives to us in Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, cleanse our hearts and minds of all sin. Let radiance of Christ, Who is the “Yes” and “Amen” of every promise of our Father, convict us in the areas of our lives where such renewal in holiness is greatly needed. Blessed are You, Triune God—You are God, our God living among us. Glorious are You, LORD God Almighty, gathering all Your children in, close to Yourself. Empower us, Spirit of God, so that our lives and actions bring with them the fragrance of Christ into every place and every situation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/JwuDSw-9cUQ

September 8, 2021 -- I Corinthians 16:58 -- Everything is changed. Completely

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 16:58 ESV

All that went there before our verse today describes the great victory which is Jesus Christ’s. Because He died and rose again, all who believe in Him are given the Spirit. The Father in heaven, along with Jesus at His right hand, pour out the Spirit of God on all who believe—the same Spirit Who worked in the man Jesus without measure.

This is why we can be steadfast and immoveable. It is the Spirit living in us, always pointing out to us the victory of Jesus, it is His power which keeps us living for Jesus without swerving to the right or to the left. It is the victory of Jesus Christ which helps us to focus our living in such a way that even mundane tasks, like laundry or vacuuming, weeding the gravel driveway, are changed. Of course, we are emboldened for witness, to friends and neighbours, because Jesus lives in us. Our every activity is filled with the knowledge we belong to Jesus and darkness’ hold is broken. No matter where we are, what we are doing, we are aware it is filled with holiness, because we are filled with the Spirit of Holiness and our lives and thoughts, our hearts and our hands, proclaim the glory of Jesus until He returns.

Great are You, Father in heaven, extravagant in Your loving-mercy, by which You have brought us such a rich salvation in the victory of Jesus Christ. King Jesus, seated at our Father’s right hand, by Your Spirit, help us be abounding in Your will and work. Let our ordinary work be for us a platform which declares Your majesty so obviously that co-workers, family and friends notice—Your glory has taken hold of us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/InsifiZxVXU

September 7, 2021 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Dry Bones LIVE

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LOrD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. 2 And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O LORD God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5 Thus says the LORD God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the LORD God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the LORD God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. 14 And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.”
Ezekiel 37:1-14 English Standard Version

Where in your life do you feel as if every sign of life has been squeezed out of you? Where do you feel like, dead, sun-bleached, dry bones?

Is there a habitual sin that is knocking the daylight out of you—again. Again. A.G.A.I.N.?

Do you feel like God has left the room, the building, the city, the municipality, the province, the country?

Have you cried out in the darkness until you were hoarse and all that happened was blacker night, inky darkness settled around you, darkness that could be felt?

Elijah is commanded to speak to dry, dead, bones. He is the foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. In Christ, every single sin, brokenness, anguish that separated us from God and in fact, all the wickedness we ourselves have committed thereby earning for us the just-deserved wrath of God—all of these have been defeated at the cross and buried at the tomb of Jesus. Jesus rose in triumph and He is the first-fruits of the grave—He is the sign of the great orchard of people, the fruit of His victory which signals the harvest of God. We shall rise again, because of Jesus Christ. Sins are thrown down. Hope is restored. Not because of anything I have done. Hope is restored and it is all Jesus. He prophesied and our dead, dry, bones, came rattling together! He has put us together. He holds us together. He is our life.

Today's prayer is from Psalm 80. This prayer is for us. As the people who believe in Jesus, we are grafted into Him, True Israel. We take on the names of His people. Joseph who seemed to be forgotten by God. Ephraim and Manasseh--powerful tribes and mighty in battle and Benjamin--smallest of the tribes. All of them, as all of us, are completely indebted to the LORD God, without Whom, all of us together would just be a valley full of dry bones. 

 Listen, Shepherd, Israel’s Shepherd—
    get all your Joseph sheep together.
Throw beams of light
    from your dazzling throne
So Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh
    can see where they’re going.
Get out of bed—you’ve slept long enough!
    Come on the run before it’s too late.

3     God, come back!
    Smile your blessing smile:
    That will be our salvation.

4-6 God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies,
    how long will you smolder like a sleeping volcano
    while your people call for fire and brimstone?
You put us on a diet of tears,
    bucket after bucket of salty tears to drink.
You make us look ridiculous to our friends;
    our enemies poke fun day after day.

7     God-of-the-Angel-Armies, come back!
    Smile your blessing smile:
    That will be our salvation.

Psalm 80:1-7 The Message

https://youtu.be/wQIaEairJ-Q

September 6, 2021 - - Genesis 23:19-20 -- Tender love and faith

After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.

Genesis 23:19-20 ESV

Why is the name of the place, the field of Machpelah east of Mamre, included in this narrative of Sarah’s burial? Recently I have made a commitment to listen my way through the bible—I use biblegateway.com which has a free audio tab for the bible. It is interesting to hear what is emphasized when someone else reads the Bible aloud.

Mamre was the place where Abraham lived as a sojourner, a foreigner, among the Hittites. He did not own the land. Yet he was willing to pay an exorbitant price for the land as a burial site for his wife. I wonder why? As I listened to the bible being read aloud, I heard Mamre as the place where Abraham and Sarah lived (Genesis 14). It was the place where Abraham met the King of Salem and gave to him a tenth portion of his spoils of war (Genesis 14:20). It was where Abraham was blessed by the King of Salem, Melchizedek (Genesis 14:19-20).. It was the place were Isaac’s birth was foretold by the God, and Abraham fell to the ground laughing (Genesis 17:17). It was the place where the LORD appeared to Abraham and confirmed the promised birth of Isaac, and the place where Sarah laughed (Genesis 18:12). It was the place where Abraham learned of God’s decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham interceded urgently with the LORD, for it was the place where his nephew, Lot, lived (Genesis 18:22-33).

Mamre was the place of meeting with the LORD. When Sarah died, I believe Abraham’s decision to buy land there and bury Sarah in that place was a decision to bury her near the place where all these meetings took place with the LORD of Heaven and Earth. The reason for this? At her death, Sarah had her final, glorious meeting with the LORD of Heaven and Earth. This is the promise of the New Testament. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is effective so that all who believe (in the Old Testament in the promises of God, in the New Testament in Christ, the fulfilment of the promises of God) will be saved. Mamre was the beautiful choice for a burial site in faith before God and as a final act of tender devotion to his much loved wife.

God Most High, blessed be Your Name. In Your great love You have opened the way to Yourself through the body of Jesus Christ. Blessed are You, Spirit of God, Who takes the Word and reveals to us Jesus. Thank You Spirit of God, that You take the beautiful truths of the Word and are sealed up in us so that we know and are assured at our death we shall see Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KLTu1xv2-Us

September 5, 2021 -- John 4:23-26 -- I will call on the LORD

Dearly loved children of the Father, by the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
John 4:23-26 English Standard Version

Today is Sunday. Today we have the privilege of going to our local church and worshiping the Father in spirit and in truth. We do not have to travel to Jerusalem, to go to the one place which was designated in the Old Testament as the place of God’s dwelling. Because Jesus Christ has come, He has opened the way to the Father and believers can gather and know the presence of God.

What blessing God has given us. We are invited to gather with the people of God in local house churches and church buildings, open air services and wherever we can gather and praise the Father Who has given us Jesus Christ—through Whom we have access to the Father. Thanks be to the Father and the Son for the gift of the Holy Spirit—Who makes the Bible clear to us. The Spirit Who lives in us and prompts us to holiness.

Get to church today. Invite a friend. Stir yourself up, so that you get past your lethargy and overcome all the lame excuses you can generate. Decide now you will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Now is the day of salvation. Now the way is open.
 

I love You, O LORD, my Strength.

The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, my God in Whom I take refuge, my Shield and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold. I call on the LORD, Who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 ESV

https://youtu.be/zoCUUCyv5gE

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

September 4, 2021 -- Genesis 8:20-22 -- Extravagant Giving

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Genesis 8:20-22 English Standard Version

Think of it, Noah and his family had just stepped off the ark after all the people of the earth and all the animals of the earth had been blotted out. Only seven pairs of clean animals, and one pair of unclean animals, were spared and kept alive along with Noah and Mrs. Noah, Ham, Shem and Japheth and the spouse of each of the sons. Now Noah builds an altar and sacrifices some of every clean animal. It almost seems extravagant, doesn’t it? We think of genetic diversity which is destroyed. We think of how few are left to repopulate the earth.

There are a number of things Noah believed. He believed, the earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof. Noah knew his righteousness is not his own, it is faith in God and ultimately in Jesus Christ. Noah understood blood needed to be spilled in order to atone for sin. The fragrance of the offering is a reference the New Testament picks up. We, as believers, are the fragrance of Christ. His blood was spilled so that all who lived in the Old Testament times and believed in Him would be saved. All who lived in the New Testament times and believed in Him, would be saved. All who believe in Jesus Christ, believing that His blood makes propitiation, takes away God’s wrath against our sin and makes us right with God, are saved in Christ. This is the fragrance which rises up.

Precious as those clean animals were which were offered at the time of Noah, so much greater, infinitely more extravagant, is the sacrifice of Jesus’ life and blood given that all who believe on Him might be saved and called beloved daughters and sons of God. Tomorrow is Sunday. We are called to go to church and celebrate the greatest gift of love ever given—the Father’s gift of Christ, the willing sacrifice of Jesus, giving Himself up for the world, the willing work of the Holy Spirit to fill the Man Jesus and dwell in Him without measure and the work of the Spirit Who lives in us, binding believers to Jesus.

We praise You, O God. Our short lives are a mist and quickly passing shadow, yet as long as You give us breath in our lungs we offer to You, Triune God, praise and thanksgiving for the great gift of Your love. We anticipate the wonders and splendours of eternity, where Your beauty and brilliance, the awesome majesty of Your terrible power will be ever better known and increasingly precious to us. In our lives, Your Church and in Your world, LORD of Wondrous Love and Justice, be glorified.

https://youtu.be/nXHmt85mbcQ

September 3, 2021 -- Luke 10:1-3 -- Filled and Fueled for Holy Service

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Luke 10:1-3 English Standard Version

Dearly loved friends, it is exciting to know Jesus sends us ahead. We bear His Spirit. We carry the truth of the Gospel. The disciples who go, prepared to speak of Jesus, will always find opportunities to speak. The fields are filled with those prepared by God to be gathered in. Jesus sends us two-by-two so that we will keep our feet pointed in the direction of the harvest. When two are sent by Jesus, they hold each other accountable to speak and talk and declare Jesus’ glory.

Perhaps we do not speak much of Jesus because we fail to recognize His Spirit’s powerful presence in us. Perhaps we do not witness because we are overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of the harvest and we don’t know where to begin. Perhaps we do not speak because we have so long lingered near sinful pursuits that we've started creeping slowly further and further away from the presence of Jesus and the white-hot glory of His presence. If this is the case we have nothing to say to others.

Today, by the Spirit’s power, get plugged into the Word and thereby go deeper in your walk with Jesus. Pray for a fellow disciple who will walk with you, one to walk with you who is appointed by Jesus so that you will prepare the way for His return. Pray that you, renewed in your walk with Jesus, will have the Spirit re-kindling your excitement for the Good News, so that with zeal and integrity you will go with others and speak Jesus’ great Name.

Mighty Jesus, You have the words of life, to Whom else should we go? Rescue me from myself, my waywardness, my inclinations to wander back to old patterns of sin and thereby avoiding what I know is right. Spirit of God, may the word of life be for me refreshment and instruction such that I am irresistibly drawn back to Jesus and made aware of all the spiritual blessings which are mine from the Father through Jesus. The Bible teaches that all things are mine in Christ and I am Christ and Christ is God’s—so that my new life is sealed up in the power of God Himself! What hope You give, what vibrancy and strength You give, Father of every good gift. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, the way of glory and blamelessness in Christ, and filled with the Spirit I will keep it to the end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/SW8EA7DEQ2M

September 2, 2021 -- Luke 10:1-3 -- Strong Accountability for the Faith

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
Luke 10:1-3 ESV

Notice how the reading begins: “after this”. Just prior to our reading today, several people had approached Jesus. Jesus commanded one to follow Him, but the person was focused on family matters. Notice, these were significant family matters, like the burial of a father. Jesus had told him, “leave the dead to bury the dead and follow Me and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (9:60). There were three incidents and three times those who heard Jesus made excuses. After these things, these incidents, while this was fresh on the minds of the readers, we are told Jesus sent men out two by two.

How easy it is to make excuses. How easy it is to say, “tomorrow I’ll do this or that”. How easy it is to falter in devotion to Jesus and look to things (even important things) like family, and then falter in devotion to the task at hand. A disciple sent alone into the mission field to prepare the way for Jesus could be dissuaded from obedient faithfulness, two brothers committed to the LORD and to His work, will convince one another to remain faithful and continue in obedient in proclaiming the kingdom of God.

Who is your partner in Gospel proclaiming work? Who motivates you to stick to the task at hand and not collapse under the weight of family pressures, or work pressures, or former habitual sins? Who has the permission in your life to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ so that in all things you follow Him?

Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world, thank You for the witness of Scripture and the teaching which directs our living today. By the power of Your Spirit within the context of godly community may our lives be found faithful in service to our Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/eERKnxzNzwg

September 1, 2021 -- Luke 10:1-3 -- Sent by Jesus Two-by-Two

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

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
Luke 10:1-3 ESV

Why is Jesus sending out disciples two-by-two into towns and villages that have not yet received Him? Well, Jesus is preparing the way for His coming to them. Jesus is preparing the harvest so that it can be gathered in whenever He visits that town.

Why does Jesus not send disciples one at a time to these villages, but sends them out two-by-two? Ecclesiastes notes: “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12. Two men will be as strong as a rope of three strands because two men call one another in prayer. By prayer two men braid into their lives and their work the very presence of God. That is strength indeed. Two men encourage each other so that they are more than twice as strong as one man alone. Two men can answer questions that they face, one prays and another answers.

Why are so many local churches weak? They are ignoring the principle of discipleship. Men who stand with one or two other men are emboldened to pray, to speak to others of Jesus, to answer questions, to be held accountable for their actions or lack of action. The harvest is plentiful. Jesus does not send out lone-rangers who seek to get credit for their own actions. He sends out ambassadors, who carry His credentials, who when complimented will say, “We are merely servants of the High King of Heaven, to Him goes all the credit and honour and praise.”

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 Ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust. page 118
*This carries the sense: help me, Lord, overcome my unbelief and uncertainties.

https://youtu.be/hVGE2R2wq5w
 

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