December 11, 2021 -- Luke 11:53-54 -- Rescue

As he [Jesus] went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Luke 11:53-54 ESV

Jesus came to rescue us from the present evil age. That is from Galatians 1:4. The people of His day and the people living today do not realize the extent of the evil in which they are drowning. Jesus comes as the Savior. He is our Rescue. Rather than reaching out to Him, the very people He came to save folded their arms and challenged him. It is almost like they are now up to their armpits in the quicksand of evil, completely unaware of their peril.

Our generation today needs the warning as much as that generation which lived in Jesus’ day. He asks: “Why do you call me ‘Lord,’ ‘Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46 ESV). That title Lord could be used sarcastically by those who mock Him. The title Lord might be used with a measure of respect, but no obedience.

The Savior of the World has come. Are you looking for excuses not to believe in Him? Why would you ignore the rescue which our Father in heaven provided?

Spirit of the Living God, open up my eyes and my heart, so that I will both call Jesus Lord and obey Him. Spirit strengthen me for holy obedience to Jesus and this to the honour and praise of the Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/6nJ0PZt05H4

December 10, 2021 -- Luke 2:20 -- Sing out with the shepherds and angels!

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

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:20 ESV

From fearful trembling at the vision of angels who proclaimed Jesus’ birth, to tremulous praising what a transformation had taken place for these shepherds! You had to be a man’s man to face the elements and the wild beasts, the marauders and harshness of that life. They were hardened. They were tough. They were conquered by the love of God which had become incarnate in Jesus Christ.

The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?
    My God, no hymn for Thee?
My soul’s a shepherd too: a flock it feeds
    Of thoughts, and words, and deeds.
The pasture is Thy word; the streams, Thy grace
Enriching all the place.

Shepherd and flock shall sing, and all my powers
    Out-sing the daylight hours.

“Shall Shepherds Sing and I Silent Be?” hymn by G. Herbert

Truly God is good to Israel,
   to those who are pure in heart.
You guide me with your counsel,
   and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
   And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
But for me it is good to be near God;
   I have made the LORD God my refuge,
   that I may tell of all your works.
Today’s prayer is Psalm 73:1,24-26,28

https://youtu.be/tBraI_mU1O4

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

December 8, 2021 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Let Holiness be the Pattern

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

How often have you watched “Elf”? Can you count the number of times you’ve watched “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? No doubt you’re thinking of your favourite Christmas movie, or your favourite genre of Christmas movie—like Hallmark’s series along the lines of “A Prince for Christmas”. Watching those movies often conforms you to this world’s priorities—the Christmas spirit (whatever it is according to the world without Christ at the centre of it). According to these movies cannot be happy without the perfect tree, or the perfect boyfriend, or the perfect gift or whatever is the standard or pattern of the world.

We are called to a different standard reinforced by a holy pattern. The daily reading of Scripture, so that our hearts and minds are loosened from the the grip of greed and surrendered to the grip of grace. Even passages so familiar to the heart can be used to yield fresh insights and work in us its transforming power because of the glorious presence of the Spirit, Who ignites in us an ability to savour the Word and carry it deep into our hearts.

The Word establishes in us a standard of all that is good and acceptable and perfect. Each time we read the Word, and as we memorize the Word, the Spirit stores up the directives of the Word within us, we are more influenced by it, directed by it and unconsciously as well as intentionally shaped by it.

In the morning you won’t miss that first cup of coffee (or tea, or orange juice). You know you need to brush your teeth. You get into the habit of preparing for the day. Do so with the Word. Let it be your holy habit, so ingrained that a day without the word is life a day without coffee.

King of Creation, Who is like You—the LORD God Who approaches His people and makes Himself known?! Blessed are You and great is Your glory. Spirit of the Living God drum into us a deep and steady desire for the Word. Spirit of the Living God from the riches of the Word, help us to see Jesus Christ and perceive His glory, perfections and the more we perceive of His blessedness make ever greater the pull to study the Word and memorize it until holiness becomes the well-loved habit of our heart.

https://youtu.be/aRVs0HikGeM

December 7, 2021 -- Genesis 3:8-10 -- The beauty of the LORD God's reconciling work

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

8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
Genesis 3:8-10 ESV

A wonderful part of my work with Redemption Prison Ministry includes the privilege of teaching Biblical Christian Truths to new Christians. Biblical Christian Truths is part of RPM’s series of correspondence courses. Many of those who show up for the Bible Studies I teach do not take our correspondence courses. It is my joy to teach today as well. Today’s lead question is this: “After man sinned, who made the first move toward reconciliation?”

It is a sad spectacle. Adam and Eve, having rebelled against the command of God, are now hiding, as if the LORD could not see them. As if the eyes of the LORD, which roam over all the earth, had not seen their violent disobedience against His command. The answer helps us to see the LORD God's faithfulness in reconciliation.

The LORD approached Adam and Eve; when they were locked into and lost in their misery He went after them.

The LORD God approached the entire nation of Israel when they were locked into slavery in Egypt and He rescued them.

The LORD God approached His people again and again through prophets, priests and kings.

Finally, the LORD God approached His people by sending His Son—born a child and yet a King! He is our reconciler. He is our peace.

If today you find yourself locked up in misery, wondering, could the LORD God ever love me? You have your answer. He has sought you out, sending Jesus. If the Spirit is stirring your heart now, giving you hope, find a Christian whose walk with God you admire, and ask for help to understand this more. Read the Word. Attend a Bible-believing, Jesus preaching church.

Who, O LORD God, is like You?! There is none in the heavens or on the earth under the earth! You are Majestic in splendour, extravagant in mercy, and perfect in justice, and patient in showing love. Thank You for approaching us in Your great salvific love. This Christmastide may many of our friends and family members turn to You and truly believe. In Jesus’ Name we ask this, to the honour of Your Name, Triune LORD God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/nT-5cP4BeoI

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

December 6, 2021 -- Luke 6:45 -- When circumstances squeeze you what do you produce?

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

45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 ESV

Who is good? According to Genesis 6 the LORD looked on people whom He had created and noted “that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Yet Noah was righteous, Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9). What is the distinction between the wickedness of the generation and the righteousness of Noah? Noah walked with God. A good person, is righteous, walking with God in humble service and obedience. As New Testament Christians we know that a person who is in Jesus Christ is a new creation—the old, sinful self has passed away and the new has come—because the treasure of the Holy Spirit is given to every believer.

Therefore a sinful man, constantly filling his mind and thoughts with evil will overflow with evil words at every trial and frustrating time. When he is squeezed by his circumstances he will produce vile language and words and actions.

Child of God, put into your heart the Word of God so that the treasured Spirit of God within you will use these to teach your soul and by the Word—namely Jesus and all writing and teaching about Him—guard your heart so that the day of trial which squeezes you will produce good. Even your tormentors will be amazed at your Christlikeness. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, has come, to conquer your heart, drawing out the poison of evil and making your completely new.

Come, LORD Jesus, by Your Word and Spirit continue to conquer our hearts and tear out every remnant of the old nature and hateful past. Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us so that from the treasure of Your fullness within our hearts and minds, souls and life, when we are bruised or crushed, the fragrance of Christ will waft from us and our circumstances. This we pray in Jesus’ Name, to the honour and glory of the Father in heaven, the Giver of Every Good Gift. Amen.

https://youtu.be/5Vwu-t7QRaE

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

December 3, 2021 -- Luke 2:52 -- Jesus Perfect Reconciler

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

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52 ESV

Wasn’t Jesus perfect already? He is, after all, the Son of God. True. As the Son of God He was fully perfect and fully in favor with His Father in heaven. As the Son of Man, Jesus truly was human. At every age and every stage of His life, He was confirmed in perfection. Hebrews puts it this way: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him…” Hebrews 5:8,9 ESV. That passive “being made perfect” carries with it the sense that He at every stage of His life was accomplishing the goal for which He was sent—to glorify God and be the Mediator between God and man.

Jesus is the perfect source of life for all who believe.

Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, punished in our place, so that we are the children of God.

Jesus is the perfect Mediator, full-well knowing all our struggles—for in His flesh He was tempted, though He never sinned—He is able to give the grace necessary so that believers should overcome.

Jesus is the perfect Savior, He leads us to our Father in heaven by the power of the Spirit given to us. Yes, the same Spirit Who through-out Jesus’ earthly life was upon Him without measure.

In the strength of Jesus’ reconciling work and by His Spirit poured out on us, we as believers grow in wisdom and in stature, in favor with God and man.

Today’s prayer is a reading of praise, drawn from Isaiah 40.

Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
and because he is strong in power,
not one is missing.

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.

Isaiah 40:21-23; 25-26; 28

https://youtu.be/dCRunZGYBi4

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

December 2, 2021 -- Luke 12:49-53 - - Christmas Division

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

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:49-53 ESV

One of the greatest privileges I have as a prison visiting pastor is to teach the Gospel to believers and to new believers. The Gospel of Luke has been my focus for more than a year now. This passage is particularly difficult for many people. The sentiment goes something like this: “Isn’t Jesus all about love?” So a passage like this is jarring.

Milne, in his helpful study of Luke, notes this is an advent passage. The little phrase “from now on” highlights this for us. Jesus Who has come to the earth and will return, His work and ministry will have a huge impact. Why will families be divided in this way?

     The primary reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world was the salvific one
     of reconciling the world to God (John 3:15-16; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; I Tim. 1:15). But
     because of human freedom to rejoice him, his coming carries another side,
     that is, to judge sinners for their failure to respond favourably to him. This is
     the dark side, inevitable side of the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
     Douglas Milne. Let’s Study Luke. Carlisle, PA:
     THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST; 2020, page 211

Biological families will be disrupted because of Jesus Christ. However, in Christ, we are a new family—this is the privilege of our union with Jesus Christ. God is our Father; Christ our elder brother and Savior; and we are held together by the powerful presence of the Spirit. This is Christmas joy. This is one aspect of the great gift of Jesus Christ for all who believe.

Mighty Father, thank You for Jesus Christ. Thank You for the gift of being called Your children, not by a husband’s will or human descent, but we are Yours because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, this Christmas season we urgently pray for the salvation of our estranged family members. Let the joy of Christ and His reconciling work truly penetrate stubborn hearts and walled minds so that true family ties will be forged and maintained by the gift of the Spirit.

https://youtu.be/wL_llr33ZTs

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

December 1, 2021 -- I John 2:15-17 -- Christmas Victory

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

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

I John 2:15-17 ESV

One of the Bible Study groups I lead has been going through the basics of the Christian faith. We are using a booklet called: “Ultimate Questions” by John Blanchard. Yesterday our group was talking about sin. On the one hand, those who are in Christ are a new creation, on the other hand, we still struggle against sin. In his chapter “Is sin serious” Blanchard writes: “This does not mean that you are as bad as you can possibly be, nor that you are constantly committing every sin. Nor does it mean that you cannot tell right from wrong, or do things that are pleasant and helpful. But it does mean sin has invaded every part of your nature and personality…” (page 16).

Knowing how insidious sin is, the Christian heeds the warning of John given in today’s text. Believers discern, by the powerful presence of the Spirit, what is right and what is wrong and in the strength of the Spirit live for Jesus Christ, even as the world is passing away all around us. The celebration of Christmas fills us with confident hope that the day is near, when every eye shall see Him, Jesus.

Beloved, this is a great reminder as the calendar switches over from November to December and we think of Jesus’ birth. The focus is not just on the fact that Jesus came as a babe in a manger, the focus is centred on the fact that Jesus will return! Sin will be thrown down forever, the defeat of the devil and all his demonic hosts will be final. And those who name the Name of Jesus will know the completion of their salvation—sin will be no more. This is the rescue we celebrate at Christmas. This is the Spirit of Christmas to see Him once a baby and now expect His return as the King Who has conquered and is about to launch the final victory. Listen especially closely to the third stanza of Joy to the World—no more let sin and sorrow grow—Jesus’ victory is being proclaimed.

O Son of God and Son of Man,

Thou wast incarnate, didst suffer, rise, ascend or my sake;
Thy departure was not a token of
Separation but a pledge of return;
Thy Word, promises, sacraments, show thy death until thou come again.
That day is no horror to me,
   for thy death has redeemed me,
   thy Spirit fills me,   
   thy love animates me,
   thy Word governs me.
I have trusted thee and thou hast not betrayed my trust;
  waited for thee, and not waited in vain.
Thou wilt come to raise my body from the dust,
   and re-unite it to my soul,
   by a wonderful work of infinite power and love,
   greater than that which bounds the oceans’ waters,
   ebbs and flows the tides,
   keeps the stars in their courses,
   and gives life to all creatures.
This corruptible shall put on incorruption,
  this mortal, immortality,
   this natural body, a spiritual body,
   this dishonoured body, a glorious body,
   this weak body, a body of power.
I triumph now in thy promises as I shall do in their performance,
   for the head cannot live if the members are dead;
Beyond the grave is resurrection, judgment,
   acquittal, dominion.
Every event and circumstance of my life will be dealt with –
   the sins of my youth,
   my secret sins,
   the sins of abusing thee, of disobeying thy Word,
   the sins of neglecting ministers’ admonitions,
   the sins of violating my conscience –
      all will be judged;
And after judgment, peace and rest, life and service,
   employment and enjoyment, for thine elect.
O God, keep me in this faith,
    and ever looking for Christ’s return.
"The Second Coming" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. ed: Arthur Bennett; Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020, page 48

https://youtu.be/kyciMYZq2-Y

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

November 30, 2021 -- Mark 14:3-7 -- True Poverty and True Help

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

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
Mark 14:3-7 ESV

The sacrifice the woman made in honouring Jesus, the pure nard, was worth a year’s wages. It was an extravagant gift. The response Jesus makes is rather enigmatic. First of all, understand this, Jesus is not expressing approval when He stated the poor you will always have with you. Poverty is a sign of broken covenants. Some are poor because of their sin. Some are poor because of the greed of others. Some are poor because of circumstances and despite their poverty remain faithful to the Living God. Second, the greatest gift one can receive is not the alleviation of their poverty, but the treasure of knowing Jesus. That is riches beyond compare.

I wonder, how much of our charity work is more harmful than good? It is work that inadvertently keeps poor people poor. Soup kitchens for emergencies, yes, these make sense. If soup kitchens become the main source of food, then a man’s dignity is crippled and both his desire and his ability to work are deadened. Robert Lupton, in his book, Charity Detox, notes the three R’s which truly are the most useful to help lift others out of poverty.

Re-neighbouring—that is knowing and living among those who are in need. True fellowship and friendship are the community which Jesus teaches. This means not just occasional visits to those in need, but true friendship and mentoring.

Reconciliation—living in diverse neighbourhoods and learning to be true neighbours, even where there are different politics, different social strata and values. How do we live, truly and deeply with one another?

Redistribution—Lupton is quick to note he is not a socialist. But good neighbours will lend a hedge clipper back and forth. People who are good neighbours can ask for flour if they happen to run short. True communities lend gifts and services, for example—I need a babysitter, you need help mowing the lawn while you’re recovering from a broken leg.

How shall we live? As those dedicated to Jesus Christ—in Whom we experience new life. We are lifted from death and the poverty of our sins and brought into fellowship with our Father in heaven through the powerful work of the Spirit.

Our prayer this day is one of the stanzas of the carol: O Come, O Come, Immanuel.

O Come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Text of this carol is from the 12th century

https://youtu.be/jX3T5sL0pzY

November 29, 2021 -- I Corinthians 15:51-52 -- True Christmas Anticipation

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

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52 ESV

All Friday last week there was a growing sense of urgency and increasing anticipation. The first warnings were sounded that our region was going to have a winter storm. Our focus shifted. Suddenly the whole question of what summer items needed to be cleaned up and put away immediately came to the fore. The BBQ and tank. Yes! These must be put into the shed. The glass top table and chairs have to be removed from the deck and be properly stored for winter.

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, shows the promises of God which give to believers a sense of urgent anticipation. Christmas concentrates this for us. At that first Christmas, Jesus came to this earth as a child; and each successive Christmas celebration reminds us He will one day return as the triumphant King. Reflecting on such things increases our hope and expectation for His return. This fallen sinful world will be swept away in judgment and those who are in Christ will receive new life in the new heaven and new earth. How glorious this is. How does that change your prayer life for family and friends who are not saved? How does this motivate you to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection? How does this change your celebration of Christmas, so that you don’t just look backward, but with hope and joy you anticipate His return in terrible majesty?!

Our prayer this morning is the familiar Christmas Carol, “O Come, O Come, Immanuel. This carol is more than 800 years old.

O Come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
   that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O Come, O King of nations bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
   Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
 

https://youtu.be/_rQYv8EsGSQ

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

November 27, 2021 -- Matthew 1:21 -- What the world needs: A son.

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

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 ESV

Joseph, the man engaged to Mary, has just learned she is pregnant, and he had resolved to divorce her quietly. It would have been within his rights to have the elders of the city throw heavy rocks and have the people stone her to death. This pregnancy is evidence of adultery and Joseph and Mary had been publicly committed to one another for marriage. While thinking of this the angel of the LORD spoke to Joseph and explained she, Mary, is pregnant by the Word of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son. Joseph, in humble obedience to the will of God, took Mary home as his wife, but did not have sexual relations with her. Mary remained a virgin until the birth of Jesus, her son.

Son. That is a strange title for Jesus. Look at all the problems in the world. Poverty. Tyranny. Sickness. Floods. Droughts. War. Calamity. What does this world need? We can think of all kinds of answers. We might believe a particular political party could make all things right. We might think if we just had enough money, we could set things straight. Perhaps the final antidote that could be dispensed for the health of all. What does the world need? The Father in heaven resoundingly answered: A son.

The Son of Abraham—Matt. 1:1—through Whom all the nations will be blessed.

The Son of David—Matthew 1:1—through Whom Jesus has the right to rule.

The Son of God—John 1:49—through Whose life and sacrifice and resurrection we have life.

As Christmas approaches, think of Him, Who came as a child, the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, the Son of God—our Savior. Worship Him.

Blessed are You, God our Father, the Glorious and Holy One, Who has given to this broken and sinful world, a son, Your Son. Jesus, we adore You, born a child and yet a king. Spirit of God, move in our hearts with such power that our brains will comprehend and our hearts will bless and our souls be refreshed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/lLf6QvlE4Ak

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

November 26, 2021 -- I Kings 20:35 -- Anonymous to the world; known by the Father

And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow at the command of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” But the man refused to strike him.
I Kings 20:35 ESV

Here is a nameless prophet. Two chapters back, Obadiah—who the text says feared the LORD greatly (I Kings 18:3)—hid fifty prophets in one cave and fifty in another cave to save them from the wrath of the king and his wife Jezebel, who hated the LORD and His prophets. So, the bible mentions 100 prophets who are nameless and unknown to us. They serve during the time of the famous prophets Elijah and Elisha.

Why mention this? Think about it. How often have you thought, listen to that preacher Alistair Begg, consider everything Tim Keller writes, hmm, that John Piper, I am not like them at all, therefore whatever I contribute to the kingdom of God is not really significant. Think again! Notice how often the Sovereign King of Heaven and Earth uses people who are anonymous in the eyes of the world, but are made in His image, are His workmanship, and are empowered by His Spirit to reveal the glory of Christ. Wherever the LORD has placed you, trust His Spirit is using your life, blessing you so that you are impacting others for the glorious Name of Jesus. This is also a beautiful warning—keep pure, guard your lips and sternly govern your actions so that your witness to Jesus will be consistent.

Purification

Lord Jesus, I sin - Grant that I
    may never cease grieving because of it,
    never be content with myself,
    never think I can reach a point of perfection.
Kill my envy, command my tongue,
   trample down self.
Give me grace to be holy, kind, gentle, pure,
peaceable,
to live for thee and not for self,
to copy thy words, acts, spirit,
to be transformed into thy likeness,
to be consecrated wholly to thee,
to live entirely to thy glory.
       Deliver me from attachment to things unclean,
from wrong associations,
from the predominance of evil passions,
from the sugar of sin as well as its gall,
        that with self-loathing, deep contrition,
            earnest heart searching I may come to thee, cast myself on thee,
             trust in thee, cry to thee,
   be delivered by thee.
       O God, the Eternal All, help me to know that
all things are shadows, but thou art substance,
all things are quicksands, but thou art mountain,
all things are shifting, but thou art anchor,
all things are ignorance, but thou art wisdom.
If my life is to be a crucible amid burning heat,
            so be it,
            but do thou sit at the furnace mouth
            to watch the ore that nothing be lost.
      If I sin wilfully, grievously, tormentedly,
            in grace take away my mourning
               and give me music;
            remove my sackcloth
               and clothe me with beauty;
            still my sighs
            and fill my mouth with song,
then give me summer weather as a Christian.
 
The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions

https://youtu.be/1yBzIt_z8oY

November 25, 2021 -- Proverbs 19:15 -- From sloth to vigor

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,
   and an idle person will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:15 ESV

Covid has gripped our land for almost 20 months now. There have been many lockdowns and circuit breakers, times of enforced idleness and unstructured days when government regulations have restricted normal day to day routines. My question is this: during those days when you were required to stay home, did you complete all your ‘to do’ projects around the house?

In countries like Canada, where a great amount of money was lavished upon the people by the government, there were many opportunities for ordinary citizens to grow in their faith; to catch up on bible reading and memorization; to do many of the things which are otherwise sidelined because of the (mis)perception that we are too busy.

Here are some things to ponder; pointed questions, ones I must continually ask myself as well.

Who is the LORD your God, when things are good and when things are difficult?

What does it look like to serve Him with hands and heart, soul and strength each day?

What goals do you have so that you will wake from your sloth and slumber and rise up with renewed vigor to serve Him?

Can you measure your growth in holiness, mark an increase in your delight in the LORD, what signs of spiritual fruitfulness are becoming more evident in your life?

Spirit of God the Word commands but without Your help we are powerless—
   therefore, empower us for this command and promise:
   'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
         and Christ will shine on you.' Amen.

The quotation is: Ephesians 5:14 ESV

https://youtu.be/ONT5mkXpZ8g

November 22, 2021 -- I Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Childishness or childlikeness

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

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13:11-13 ESV

While traveling for the last 10 days or so I’ve been reading Neil Postman’s “The End of Education”. Yes, the author intentionally used this ambiguity—is education at an end or alternatively what is the end or the goal of education? Postman offers the axiomatic insight that it is not just experts who may speak to issues and topics; it is important to have that insight in mind as much later in his book he notes that teachers must expose human error: “everyone makes errors, including those who write about error. None of us is ever free of it, and we are most seriously endangered when we think we are. That there is an almost infinite supply of error, including our own…” (page 121).

Consider the world we live in now. The powers that be are constantly touting the theme of climate change. It is hammered away at in nature programs and profoundly alters the way politicians form their budgets. Our passage today reminds us: we know in part.

Consider the LGBTQ? narrative. How often do you read of those who have been advised and counseled who later regret the information they received, but find they cannot receive counsel or help to leave the LGBTQ? narrative? How often do Christians misconstrue the word of God and speak as if their own fallen nature has not affected their sexuality and expressions of it? Our passage today reminds us: we know in part.

Consider the lack of nuance in the whole Covid debate. If you believe this or that then you must be a denier or a government groupie. Our passage today reminds us: we know in part.

Everyone makes errors. The fact that all people have sinned, do sin and are going to sin (Romans 3:23) is written large in the pages of our lives. Such infinite supply of error should teach all of us to be far more loving towards one another as we seek to grow in our faith in Jesus Christ. Christians, speak to this culture. Expose error, and be humbly prepared to have your own errors exposed. Do not let that stop you, instead, allow such encounters to help you grow in grace.

Faithful Father, I confess I am a child in so many ways. I am childish in my understanding of so many things. I am childish in my reasoning. I am childishly petulant in my interactions with others—confidently believing my points to be unassailable as I am pointing out the errors of others while at the very same time oblivious to my own tenuous position and unreasonableness. Faithful Father, thank You for the reconciling work of Jesus Christ, in Him, I am Your child. Jesus, thank You for the gift of the Spirit, through Whom I am convinced of my deep-rooted errors and sins and by Whom I am drawn to new humility and growth in child-like awe. Triune God, sanctify me, so that my life and words will serve as an irresistible beacon of hope to all whom You have placed in my life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kg6HedZ4xGs

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

November 20, 2021 -- Mark 4:21-23 -- Living Light

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

And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Mark 4:21-23 ESV

Light cannot help but illuminate and shine. It is in the nature of light to dispel darkness. Those of us who are in Christ are light—we will shine for Him. It is what we have become in Christ. This is the evidence of our new life. This is not something we aspire to, not something we must be trained in, we are the light of the world because the radiance of the Father’s glory, that is Christ Himself, has taken up residence in us by His Holy Spirit.

Our thoughts have changed. Our impulses have changed. Our desires have changed. Our purpose in life is changed from being self-serving to serving Him. Our actions have changed; sins are being restrained as the Spirit continues the work of making us holy.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me
    to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
    it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Psalm 27:1-6 ESV

https://youtu.be/fQOrYs8s_XM

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

November 18, 2021 -- Mark 2:12 -- The Greater Miracle

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

And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so tat they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Mark 2:12 ESV

Jesus was confronted by four friends who had carried a paralyzed man, their friend, into His presence. The crowd was so thick in the house that the men removed a portion of the roof—yes, you read that correctly—and lowered their paralyzed friend through the opening and settled him right at Jesus’ feet. What did Jesus do? Perceiving the man’s greatest need, Jesus forgave the man his sins. Somehow this does not seem as impressive to us as the physical healing which followed. Truth be told, that was in fact, the greater miracle. The miracle of forgiveness comes at the cost of Jesus’ life-long obedience to His Father and His death at the cross. While we were still sinners, utterly rebellious against the grace of God, Jesus died for us. Do not miss the great miracle of His steadfast love demonstrated by this gift of forgiveness.

The physical healing confirms the greater spiritual healing. I am guessing the physical healing had to be preceded by the spiritual healing which the gift of forgiveness brought to him. He was, you could say, paralyzed by his spiritual sickness. No wonder the people said, “we never saw anything like this”! It is the work of God, the Healer, to bring reconciliation through the blood of Jesus Christ and to broadcast this glory by the powerful presence of the Spirit. Is your life a testimony of God’s forgiveness—received into yourself and extended to others?

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

https://youtu.be/Tu2uA6U4Fxg

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

November 17, 2021 -- Mark 1:32-34 -- Spirit directed ever deeper into the holiness of Jesus

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

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Mark 1:32-34 ESV

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
II Peter 1:3-4 ESV

It is easy to quickly read, scanning these verses and thereby miss the revelation of power and glory of Jesus the Christ. Jesus has authority and power over demons. Pause for a second and think about that! Jesus heals the sick. What does that mean for us today? Jesus commanded demons to be quiet, and even these creatures of hell obeyed Him. Ponder that for a moment. Now, what is the sin you wrestle against and wish was thrown down in your life? Do you know it? Read the second passage now.

Jesus Who is powerful over the sins and sicknesses of others, it is He Who has been given to believers by the Father. The Spirit of God lives in us, believers, so that the power of sin is broken in the glorious Name of Jesus. He, Jesus, invites us to know Him. Jesus invites us to escape the corruption of the world and to be freed from our sinful nature. As often as we sin, so often we are invited to know this: He has granted and is granting us all things—all things—that pertain to life and godliness. Think about that. Where do you need Jesus' divine power for life and godliness? Urgently pray for the Spirit of God to act as promised, so that the power and goodness of God will revitalize your prayer life and deepen your walk in holiness.

Spirit of the Living God, thank You for the beauty of Your presence in and among us believers.
Spirit of God, thank You for gift of the Word, by which we can contemplate the splendour and glory of Jesus Christ.
Spirit of All Comfort, help us so that in Christ we will truly become partakers of the divine nature, all this to the praise and glory of our Father in heaven. Amen.

https://youtu.be/9MqSASr_Lqk

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

November 16, 2021 -- Colossians 3:12-14 -- Harmonious Instruments of Praise

Instruments of praise: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:12-14 ESV

When I was young, one annual Christmas time tradition was my parents taking me and my siblings to hear the Messiah, Handel’s famous oratorio. I still love that oratorio and listen to it frequently. How does this memory tie into today’s text? It is that final word “harmony”. Before the formal start of the music, before the conductor would arrive on stage to direct, the various musicians would tune their instruments. It was a cacophony of noise and discord. It seems to me this is what the world is like, before Jesus, the Savior of the World, directs us. His Spirit, living in us, is the Conductor, directing musicians.

Think of it. Unless, once the instruments are tuned, there is a conductor, all the musicians will sound their well-tuned instruments at different times, at different tempos on different pages and even well-tuned instruments would produce clanging and clashing, rather than melodious music. By the Spirit we are conducted in perfect harmony. By the Spirit, we are directed in the love of Jesus Christ so that we can bear with one another and forgive one another. It is the work of our Father, to pour into us the love of Christ, and the love of Jesus is bound into us by the presence of the Spirit Who enables us to be a symphony of praise.

Dear fellow Christian, you are an instrument of God’s holiness. From the place of knowing you are well-loved, you have a rich reservoir of compassion to draw on when others might be testing your patience. The Spirit is directing you to sound the the melody of kindness in every part of your life; at the right time calls on you to add to it the refrain of meekness, by which the strength of God in you is communicated in such a way that it can slip past the defenses of those who might otherwise be hostile to the Song of Songs.

Today’s song includes the prayer.

https://youtu.be/WrvAjQvvvaA

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

November 15, 2021 -- Matthew 27:62-65 -- Jesus, Whose Name is Glorious

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and that last fraud will be worse than the first.”

Matthew 27:62-65 ESV

The chief priests were impostors. They had the authority of office, they had the Torah, the Bible instructions of the coming of the Messiah, but instead of leading the people to their true Savior and Lord, they had Jesus put to death. Pilate is an impostor. He is supposed to be the Justice-bringing. He acknowledged Jesus was without sin, yet Pilate had Jesus put to death. The Pharisees were impostors. They remembered the words Jesus spoke, that He would rise from the dead, but they did not believe what He’d promised. It is all so staggering.

I am an impostor. So often, I know the good I should do, and do not do it. So often I know the wrong that I should not do, and this very thing I do. What a wretched man I am. Thanks be to God that our LORD Jesus Christ is not an impostor. He is exactly Who He claimed to be! He is the Son of Man. He will be revealed before all the earth as the One seated at the Father’s right hand, the One Who returns with great, unimaginable glory and all His holy ones with Him, to judge the nations. He alone is True. Blessed be His Name. Blessed are all Who call on the Name of Jesus, following Him in the power of the Spirit to the praise of the Father in heaven. Amen.

November 8, 2021 -- Ephesians 3:14-19 -- Receiving the Love of God

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV

Yesterday Pastor Michael Jaatinen noted that it is the gift of God the Father to strengthened those who pray, and to strengthen them by the Spirit so that they will comprehend the love of God given us in Christ. Then Jaatinen gave this interesting explanation.

The breadth of Jesus’ love covers all the family of God, in every generation past, present and covers all believers until He returns.

The length of Christ’s love is from eternity to eternity—it is never-ending.

The height of Christ’s love lifts us to heaven, where He is seated as our Intercessor.

The depths of love is evidenced by the fact that Jesus left heaven and took on our flesh.

There is no limit to the love of the Father; we do need the strength of the Holy Spirit living in us to clear away our sin cluttered lives. We need the Spirit to renew us from the inside out so that we can receive this love of Jesus and by it be filled with the fullness of God.

If you are not experiencing the love of God—pray for it. Pray for the Father to give you the Spirit.

If you are not experiencing the love of God—confess you sins. Our sins hinder our walk with God.

If you are not experiencing the love of God—read the Word. He speaks His love to us most clearly in Jesus, and the pages of Scripture are saturated with the presence of Jesus our King.

If you are not experiencing the love of God—tell a fellow Christian whose walk you admire and pray together. Seek this blessing from God!

Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your Love so that I may be wholly subject to you. We believe that when you dwell in us, you also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering. Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying. Lead me by your grace that I may always be pleasing to you. Amen.

Prayer attributed to St. Augustine (354 A.D. - 430 A.D.)

https://youtu.be/IVFJtA0rkU0