September 13, 2022 -- Psalm 4:1-3 -- Prayer, urgent prayer

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

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
    the LORD hears when I call to him.
Psalm 4:1-3 ESV

At the start of my years as a minister I was introduced to E. M. Bounds. Many references to his works and quotations peppered lectures and various sermons that I heard back then. One minister even urged seminary students: “Get your hands on whatever works by E.M. Bounds that you can find.” For years and years I heard nothing more about him. About a week ago, my sister-in-law showed me her new book “The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds”. As I would be traveling by plane a lot in the coming days, she loaned it to me. Today’s meditations are drawn directly from this excellent work. The word “importunate” will be used, it means asking and asking, even to the point of annoyance.

“How glibly we talk of praying without ceasing! Yet we are quite apt to quit, if our prayer remained unanswered but one week or one month! We assume that by a stroke of His arm or an action of His will, God will give us what we ask. It never seems to dawn on us, that He is the Master of nature, as of grace, and that, sometimes He chooses one way, and sometimes another in which to do His work. It takes years, sometimes, to answer a prayer and when it is answered, and we look backward we can see that it did. But God knows all the time, and it is His will that we pray, and pray, and still pray, and so come to know indeed and of a truth, what it is to pray without ceasing. Anonymous.

“The wrestling quality in importunate prayers does not spring from physical vehemence or fleshly energy. It is not an impulse of energy, not a mere earnestness of soul; it is an inwrought force, a faculty implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit. Virtually, it is the intercession of the Spirit of God, in us; it is, moreover, the “effectual, fervent prayer, which availeth much.” The Divine Spirit of God informing every element within us, with the energy of His own striving, is the essence of the importunity which urges our praying at the mercy-seat, to continue until the fire falls and the blessing descends. This wrestling in prayer may not be boisterous nor vehement, but quiet, tenacious and urgent. Silent, it may be, when there are no visible outlets for its mighty forces. Nothing distinguishes the children of God so clearly and strongly as prayer.

The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds. Pantianos Classics. page 22

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September 10, 2022 -- Jude 1 -- Filled to overflowing with the blessings of God

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

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 1 ESV

How challenging it must have been to grow up as a brother of Jesus. Jude calls himself a slave of Jesus (aka a servant) and a brother of James. James and Jude are brothers, therefore, they both are brothers to Jesus. They watched Him. They mocked Him. They were ready to take Him back to Mary because Jesus’ public ministry seemed to them to be crazy and they were ready to just keep Jesus at home (Mark 3:20-21). When Jesus was pursued by the authorities and nearing the time of His death, the brothers mocked Jesus, taunting Him to go to Jerusalem (John 7:1-5).

Jude noted that those who are called are given many blessings by the Father. Called, that is, those who had formerly resisted Jesus, who lived in rebellion against God, but are now drawn near because of the decision of God to bring many sons and daughters to Himself through the reconciling work of Christ Jesus. This is the love of the Father, His decision before the foundation of the world, which designated His children as beloved.

Who keeps you for Jesus? The phrasing is odd in the passage. Those who are called are kept for or kept by Jesus. Jude knew this personally. That is, he knew the role of the Spirit. Without the on-going activity of the Spirit in the heart and mind of the child of God one could not sustain a relationship with the Father Who calls us beloved. Our sinful nature constantly pulls against the Father’s love. Our sin-nature struggles to delight in what is perfect and wholesome and good. This is why the Spirit of God keeps the believer by breaking down every inclination to set up new idols and the Spirit casts out every budding sense of rebellion that stirs up in the heart.

This all may seem too extreme; as if there is too much emphasis on sin and not enough on a person’s desire for good. Ask yourself, when no one is looking, are you inclined to doing good for the glory of God? When you are tired, do you think about activities to “reward yourself”? Are such activities completely holy or good or upbuilding? When you are bored, are you immediately going to God for the next task and opportunity? Thanks be to God, our Father, that His Spirit restrains us and continually brings us back to our merciful Father by the way made open to us in Jesus Christ.

Glorious Father, thank You for Your mercy which rains down on us every day, at every juncture of our life where it is needed. Thank You, mighty God for peace—that steady state of beautiful shalom where there is peace with You through Christ Jesus, peace with other Christians, peace when facing difficult circumstances because the believer knows You are in charge of all things. LORD of heaven and earth, thank You for Your love. Such a measureless ocean of love that surrounds us, overcoming the brokenness of our world, rebuilding the shattered pieces of our lives, and divine love that gives perspective to our circumstances and lifts us to the knowledge that all things are, right now, working together for good for those who love Christ. Blessed are You, Triune God, worthy of all praise and honour and worship. Amen.

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September 9, 2022 -- I Timothy 2:1-6 -- God the Sovereign over the Kings of the Earth

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

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
I Timothy 2:1-6 ESV

No doubt in the coming years people will be able to remember exactly what they were doing the moment they heard the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Seventy years of her tenure as a much respected queen abruptly ended. Then the speculations started about her son, King Charles III. All kinds of discussions about him and opinions offered about him and his fitness to rule. My question, which pierced my own heart this morning, was: “but have you prayed for him?” Indeed, today's Scripture reading reminds us it is the call of Christians to be men and women of prayer. It is our duty and our privilege to pray for those in authority.

The reasons for such prayers are clearly enunciated in our passage:

1. that Christians may lead a peaceful and quiet life. Those leaders who are covered in prayer, may well be led by God to rule in equity and peace. If not, then Christians will be, through these times of prayer, assured of the rule of the Prince of Peace, Jesus our Lord.

2. It pleases God for His people to be obedient to Him as they pray for rulers.

3. This text reveals God as our Savior Who desires for men and women in authority to be saved. So, in obedience to Him, pray for the salvation of those in authority.

4. Leaders who are not Christian cannot understand the world—that God preserves His creation, that God upholds one nation and casts down another and so on. Therefore urgent prayers and intercessions must be made for all in authority that they may discern between what is true and what is false.

5. There will be a terrible judgment imposed on those who reject Jesus as the Mediator between God and man. Prayers for leaders also impacts believers, reminding them that the lives of believers must bear the fruit of righteousness which is consistent with the salvation given them in Christ.

Sovereign LORD GOD it is You Who plants nations at Your pleasure and You Who uproots nations according to Your will. Kings and Prime Ministers, Governors and Presidents are put into positions of power for Your purposes. Thank You, LORD of Hosts, for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, for the faithful way in which she kept her vow to give her life in service to You and the people Who were entrusted into her care. Sovereign above all the kings of the earth, give to King Charles III Christian advisors and counselors, faithful men and women who will help him to see Jesus Christ as the Mediator Who is excellent and worthy of all praise and obedience. Ruler Supreme, Who hears humble prayer, hold our dominion of Canada in Your loving care. Amen.

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September 8, 2022 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Renew me God, renew my heart in Your love

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

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

A dear brother in Christ recently posted a “before and after” photo of himself. The “before” was how he looked before he knew Jesus Christ. The “after” shot showed a man who looked very similar, sure the hair and beard were now trimmed, but those who know him now, know the transformation of his heart. It is bigger and grander than what meets the eye and it is precious to the eyes of faith.

This passage was always daunting to me. It felt like a big commandment which I did not have the power to fulfill. What has changed is how much Jesus Christ has come into the forefront of my heart, my thoughts and my life. I can’t do the renewing work that is required. However, the mercies of God have taken hold of my life. Jesus Christ is the holy and pleasing sacrifice which as been given so that God’s just anger against my sins has been turned away. Jesus Christ intercedes, praying for me so that my life will conform more and more to His perfect life.

In times of worship, I get out of the way. In times of worship, the glory of God and His tremendous goodness fills my heart and mind in such a way that I realize He has done the work, He is providing the strength by the Spirit Who lives in me, and my job it to get out of the way. God the Father sees now the perfections He has in store for me. I confess my sins. I admit all the things which are hindering this transformation with the full confidence that He Who started this good works is going to finish it. He won’t let me go.

So imperfect and unsteady as my own efforts are in the project of renewing my mind, I can be sure of this: God has no unfinished projects in His basement. He is the Master Craftsman and Glorious Perfector of all He has made. In the Light of Scripture I see how He guards His people in peace. By the presence of His Spirit, I know He pursues me and applies His healing work to my soul. In the embrace of Christian fellowship with other believers I can experience the necessary course correction, encouragement and blessing of communion with God and with His people.

Father in heaven, I am prone to zig-zag and all kinds of wandering, inclined to chafe at the cords of kindness with which You bind me to Yourself. Help me, God of my Salvation, to stop fighting Your saving work which You are bringing to fruition in me. Thank You that Your goodness and patient lovingkindness is greater than all my weakness and brokenness. Spirit of the Living God, as I open up my heart to worship God, the LORD of Majesty and Father of all mercies, may my squirming restlessness cease until I finally, fully surrender myself to Your sanctifying work. Like a sated child in his mother's arms, may I rest in You, and then refreshed, may I rise and serve You. Amen.

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September 6, 2022 -- II Peter 2:1 -- Jesus the True Teacher and Master

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
II Peter 2:1 ESV

As one who visits in prison, bringing the Gospel, I can assure you this passage is accurate. There are many false prophets who seek to dissuade the believers from continuing to believe in Jesus Christ—the Master Who bought them. There are many reasons for this.

1. The Devil hates it when a man is captured by Christ, where this man is denying himself in order to follow Jesus. There will be many fierce temptations back to old sins and old slavery.

2. Most of those who are in charge of prison programming and schedules do not believe there is ultimate Truth. Religion—whether it is Wiccan, or Islam, Buddhism or Christianity, Jehovah’s Witnesses or any other group—must conform to the pattern set by the prison without reference to any truth claim.

3. Christians must not proselytize—that is, Christians may not actively seek to make converts out of non-Christians. However, while I am serving in prison, the JW’s have actively pursued newly believing Christians and drawn them away from Christianity—leading such to deny the Master, Jesus, and His deity. In another recent instance, one man who was a Baptist was catechized to believe his faith is wrong and he was later baptized as a Roman Catholic.

4. Presently the lingering effects of Covid has the impact that many prisons have limited access to those who desire to attend chapel or Bible Study Groups. The prison population is divided into cohorts, so there is not a general mixing of the whole population. This means for 6 to 8 weeks Christians in one cohort may not attend, because they are not part of the group that is permitted to attend. 

5. The environment of prison is not conducive to maintaining one’s faith on one’s own. The fact is, Christians no matter where they live, are called to meet together, to look to Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith. Thanks be to God for the privilege I have, along with many, many other Christians, to bring the Gospel to those whose hearts thirst for Christ, the well of salvation.

Ask yourself today, what teachings are you receiving, via podcasts or social media, which are detrimental to your faith. Any teaching which does not proclaim Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine, the One and Only Way to the Father, is not in fact Christian. Ask yourself today, as school begins, what is my teacher or professor’s bias? Is this teacher an opponent to Christian faith? Parents, make sure you are following up with your children on this so that the very things you are seeking to instill in your children are not undermined 40 hours a week by school.

Get to church—one that preaches the whole Bible and God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Stay connected to God as you read your Bible daily.

Pray—have formal times of prayer and informal times during the day so that you recognize the LORD your God hears you, wherever you are. He is as near as a sigh or a prayer. Pray for those who are incarcerated, that God will continue to make a way open for those who are bringing the Gospel.

Encourage other believers. Wherever you are, in prison or at work, in school or at coffee time with friends, proclaim Jesus Christ and Him as Lord to the glory of the Father. The Spirit will lead you to other believers who need Him, who you can encourage and by spending time with them will encourage you.

Worship God. Thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. Confess you sins, including your tendency to wander form Him and acknowledge how often He brings you back to Himself.

Ask your questions. If you are struggling about certain bible issues or questions, find a Christian whose faith you admire and get your questions answered so that you will continue to grow in the glorious knowledge of Jesus Christ—Who by the powerful presence of His Spirit living in you, will one day, present you without spot or blemish before the Father in heaven.

Faithful God, You have promised in Your Word that Your 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. Increase the faith of Your servants by the work of Your Spirit. Let the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His victories roll through our land to the honour and praise our Your Name, Father of Glory. Amen.
(the first sentence of this prayer is based on II Peter 1:3)
 

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September 5, 2022 -- Job 5:7 -- The Suffering Arbiter

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

but man is born to trouble
as the sparks fly upward.
Job 5:7 ESV

Perhaps this brief proverb from the Book of Job is familiar to you? Those who love the movie Anne of Green Gables might recognize this verse because it is quoted there. Just think of roaring campfires, the deep night pierced by the flames which lick up the wood and as the wood is devoured it breaks before the blazing tongues of fire, sending sparks jumping upwards and dancing in the night air. It is beautiful to see.

Why is man born to trouble and suffering? It is Job’s question as he wrestles with God and strives against his friends whose words do not bring him comfort. So, Job longs for a mediator between himself and God. “There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both” (Job 9:33). It is our suffering that drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ—the arbiter between God and man. It is suffering that shows us the ugliness of our sins and the wrong-headedness of our old nature. It is suffering, the path which Jesus endured, which unites us with Christ—for He suffered more than we ever could or will—and His suffering, death and resurrection made us right with God.

When I see sparks fly upward, I am reminded of my desire to fly up to God. But I also recognize how easily my own passion dies out. When I see sparks fly upward, I am reminded that Christ was raised up and His fiery passion never burned out, He endured great agony on the cross so that He might lay a hand on us and a hand on His Father and present us to the Father as blameless and pure. Jesus’ sacrifice has done this for us. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Mighty LORD of Splendor, You, Who alone lives in unapproachable light, blessed are You--for You have ignited in Your people an unstoppable fire stoked by Your Spirit so that our lives are ablaze with the glory of Jesus Christ. When the suffering comes, direct us, God of all Help and Strength, to Jesus, in Whom there is all help. When suffering comes, Faithful Father, send Your Spirit so that we, Your people, know the hand of the Arbiter, Who lays His hand on You and on us--Jesus, Who keeps us in Your reconciling grace and mercy. Amen.

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September 3, 2022 -- Esther 10:3 -- Leading in peace

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

For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
Esther 10:3 ESV

What happens to many people when they gain power? They change. They act as if this power was their right and so begin to speak harshly, act unjustly and show favoritism to others. It is heartening to read of Mordecai who was raised to a very powerful position and yet he kept his humility and he spoke peace to his people.

The Jewish people had faced annihilation by Haman. His earlier rise to power the backlighting to Mordecai’s rise to power. Haman hated the Jewish people—the people of God who were protected by His promises. Therefore, Haman acted in a way that shows his contempt and hatred for God. Mordecai continually showed allegiance to God, no matter the difficult circumstances he faced. And when he came to power, he was still humble and submitted to God.

Mordecai spoke peace to a people who had been in upheaval because of the recent threat to their survival. People who have faced disaster are still facing adrenalin rushes and reactionary thinking. A man who can speak peace to such people is a man who walks in the power of God.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ—in your sphere of influence, how are you speaking peace to the people in your life? How are you keeping your eye on Jesus Christ so that your life is in all things submitted to Him as you exercise whatever influence you have. May God direct you in HIs great love.

Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have put into our lives. Thank You for those who look up to us. Direct us by Your Word and Spirit so that our lives reflect the beauty of Your peace. Faithful Father, give us holy boldness to live for You in such a way that others will see our love for Jesus and commitment to Him and desire to follow Jesus also. Amen.

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September 2, 2022 -- I Peter 5:7 -- Removing the weight of anxiety

…cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you…
I Peter 5:7 ESV

There are so many things which can cause people stress and anxiety. Right now the media is shouting about inflation. Inspectors are at the nuclear power plant in the Ukraine, inspecting damages there while the war rages on. Other stresses can be more personal. Will your children be okay? Will your finances hold up? Can God love me even after all I have done? Does God care about all the things which run through my brain?

Throw all those anxieties up to Him in prayer. He cares for you. The proof is in the prayer Jesus taught His followers to pray. It begins “Our Father”—what a moving expression. The LORD of Heaven and Earth Who by His mere word, formed hurtling galaxies has the power to help you. Because He has revealed Himself as Father, He proves His covenant commitment to help His people in their distress. Jesus, through Whom we are reconciled to God as our Father, taught this prayer to His followers knowing they'd encounter suffering and persecution in the world.

Prayer is not a burden—it is the place where the burdens of our lives are lifted. What a mighty God we serve. How majestic in excellencies and how tender in His great love.

Today’s prayer comes from the Old Testament prophet, Zephaniah. Remember this, in Jesus Christ we are True Israel, all the blessings given to Abraham and his descendants are given in Christ to all Who believe in Jesus for their salvation. It is beautiful.

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:14-17 ESV

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August 31, 2022 -- Nehemiah 9:16-21 -- The power of God revealed in confession

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

“But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt.[c] But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. 18 Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, 19 you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. 21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
Nehemiah 9:16-21 ESV

What a prayer of confession this is! Nehemiah had already led the people in a long time of confession; then for a quarter of the day the whole assembled people listened as the Book of the Law was read. Then for another quarter of the day the people confessed their sins and worshiped God—and then Nehemiah led this large assembly in this public prayer of confession.

The hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” captures the waywardness of the human heart. Though we have been captured by the great love of God, we absolutely need His good Spirit to instruct us and the restrain us. It is a great relief that my sins are not stronger than my Father’s intention to deliver me from all my sins having reconciled me to Himself by the blood of Jesus His Son and sealing His saving work in me by the powerful presence of His good Spirit.

Somewhere along the way it seems to be that the organized church has lost its way with regards to the open, honest confession of sin. Meeting men in prison, hearing confessions and the open admissions they make stating they are afraid their sin and their wretchedness is beyond the grip of God’s gracious work—all these work together to remind me of God’s redeeming work through history—in the Old Testament and in the New. His people are bound in sin and without hope except this: God has determined to bring to Himself the full-number of those He’d chosen before the foundation of the world.

Hallelujah! What a Savior. He works in the hearts of individuals to bring them from death to life; from the dominion of Satan to the Kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of the Son He loves. Our gracious Father has appointed Jesus Head over the Church and the assembly of God's people, imperfect as it is, professes her confidence in the Savior's redeeming work. Our sins, individually, collectively and as an organization--all of these are to be confessed so that God will purify the Bride of Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior. 

Father in heaven, blessed be Your glorious Name! How rich is Your mercy and steadfast is Your loving-kindness toward Your people. Help us to look to You when we confess our sins--not to worry about what others think, or what earthly consequences might follow, instead, with the eyes of faith fixed on You, may we unburden ourselves and trust in Your covenant promises--that You do take us, slaves to sin who are incapable of saving ourselves, and make us to be a kingdom, priests to serve You, our God and King. Bind our wandering hearts to You. Amen.

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August 30, 2022 -- Ephesians 3:13 -- Fighting under the parachute-like blanket of discouragement

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

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:13 ESV

Paul had just written a paragraph explaining God’s multi-coloured work of bringing together His people as Church, a new fellowship of believers, which defies the work of the enemy. However, Paul, the main encourager to this people is himself in prison. It is important for the Ephesians and for us to know suffering is part of God’s plan and design for glory to be fully achieved.

It is easy to get discouraged, thoughts like: my mentor has forgotten me. Or, the minister is not paying attention to me. Can crowd in. Today's verse declares over you: Do not lose heart; God sees you, He knows You; He has placed you in community.

Sometimes our enthusiasm for the things of God leaks out of us and we lose confidence in this work. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, reminds the Ephesians then, and you today, of the Father’s glorious work, started before the foundation of the world—the work to bring you to glory in Christ, the Head of the Church. Preach this to your soul and keep up your hope in Him.

It may be other Christians who are rubbing you the wrong way and you start to think wicked thoughts: “if this is what the church is like, I’m leaving”! Really, where will you go? The Church is the new community forged together by the blood of Christ. It is God’s sign to the Devil that his days are numbered. Do not lose heart. Trust that this brief and momentary suffering has good purpose and a weight of glory attached to it. As much as it depends on you, be reconciled and trust the work of God in bringing you to Himself in a particular people.

God, my heart is near breaking and my mind can’t see the purposes You have. Help me. Thank You for Your beautiful Bible. Thank You for the work of Jesus Christ, in Whose reconciling work I am part of Your family in heaven and part of your family here on earth. Spirit of God, plant deep within me, the glory of the Word of God so that I will endure heart-sickness and these gloomy thoughts will disperse. Thank You for the weight of glory already given to me in Christ and that is in store for me in heaven—which will reflect the greater, most glorious radiance of Christ. Amen.

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August 28, 2022 -- Revelation 2:1-7 -- Remember your first love

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

Revelation 2:1-7 ESV

How condemning these words are, especially at verse 4: “you have abandoned the love you had at first”! Listening to Sinclair Ferguson’s excellent exposition on this passage I was struck by one of his wonderful illustrations. Imagine a man, who claimed to love his fiancé, met her for an hour on a Saturday and he professed his love for her, and then as they were leaving, he said, “this is nice, let’s meet again next week for an hour”! How ridiculous that would be. A man who loves desires to spend as much time as possible with his beloved.

God’s love toward His people is as steady as the pattern of day and night. As surely as the sun rises each day, so surely does He show His love toward His people. We, His people, are ones who are fickle. How much we need words like these, from Jesus, Who walks among His churches—by the way, did you catch that at verse 1? Jesus walks among His people, among His churches?! He is calling you, warning you, to return to the heights of love and the devotion once characterized your dedication to Him.

Today is Sunday. Get to church where the Bible is preached. Open the Bible and delight yourself in the LORD and trust the promise of Psalm 16—”in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (verse 11b ESV). Spend time in praying. You will find as you engage in these things something will happen. Like a man spending time with his beloved, you will be restored in true love and devotion to God.

O LORD,

 Thou knowest my great unfitness for service,

   my present deadness,

   my inability to do anything for thy glory,

   my distressing coldness of heart.

I am weak, ignorant, unprofitable,

   and loathe and abhor myself.

I am at a loss to know what thou wouldest

   have me do,

   for I feel amazingly deserted by thee,

   and sense thy presence so little;

Thou makest me possess the sins of my youth,

   and the dreadful sin of my nature,

   so that I feel all sin,

   I cannot think or act but every motion is sin.

Return again with showers of converting grace

   to a poor gospel-abusing sinner.

Help my soul to breathe after holiness,

   after a constant devotedness to thee,

   after growth in grace more abundantly every day.

O Lord, I am lost in the pursuit of this blessedness,

And am ready to sink because I fall short

   of my desire;

Help me to hold out a little longer,

   until the happy hour of deliverance comes,

   for I cannot lift my soul to thee

   if thou of thy goodness bring me not nigh.

Help me to be diffident, watchful, tender,

   lest I offend my blessed Friend

   in thought and behaviour;

I confide in thee and lean upon thee,

   and need thee at all times to assist and lead me.

O that all my distresses and apprehensions

   might prove but Christ’s school

   to make me fit for greater service

   by teaching me the great lesson of humility.

“Need of Grace” Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed. Arthur Bennett. Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020, page 180.

https://youtu.be/ihJAJA4ibEs

August 27, 2022 -- Hebrews 13:16 -- That which is pleasing to God

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

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Such a simple command. Attached to it is the great promise that doing good to others and sharing—these activities are sacrifices which are pleasing to God. The letter to the Hebrews is heaped full of the blessings of God, given in Jesus, that are poured out on the life of believers. In view of the great riches given us in Christ, we are from this overflow, to bless others.

Sharing what you have keeps you from the sins of greed and hoarding. Sharing what you have requires you to know your neighbours’ needs. Sharing is not indiscriminate, it is based on the awareness of the resources others have and what they lack and helping them in the areas where they are lacking. It requires tack, kindness and humility in giving so the one receiving doesn't feel inferior as if receiving a condescension. We too were beggars, hopeless and helpless until the mercy of God rained down on our lives.

Doing good to others is possible no matter how rich or poor one is. When you are following Jesus, you are following Him Who was an itinerant preacher while He was on earth. He had no home. No where to lay His head. No bank account. You realize this, the same Spirit Who was given to Jesus without measure is the Spirit given to you, His follower. That Spirit Who enabled Jesus to be content in all circumstances and serve God is the same Spirit Who lives in you, Jesus' disciple. Therefore, it is the Spirit within you Who enables you to share: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Tomorrow is Sunday. Prepare for worship by asking God the Father for His Spirit to light up your heart and show you any lingering sins which would hinder your communion with God. Pray for preachers and missionaries who preach the word so that it will go out with power declaring the beautiful Name of Jesus Christ—the Savior and Captain of Salvation. Pray that you will be able to recognize the opportunities which God is giving you to do good and share with others.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for the riches You have given us in Jesus Christ and You have sealed to us by Your Spirit. Show us how to serve the neighbours we have from You. Help us to live in such a way that our lives are pleasing to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/jX3T5sL0pzY

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 26, 2022 -- II Chronicles 36:11-14 -- Clear-sighted, whole-hearted devotion to Jesus

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

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. 12 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord. 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord, the God of Israel. 14 All the officers of the priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations. And they polluted the house of the Lord that he had made holy in Jerusalem.
II Chronicles 36:11-14 ESV

It is so important to read the Bible as a whole book. Today’s reading informs the book of Daniel, giving important context about the situation in Jerusalem before the exile. At the time that Daniel and his three companions were taken into captivity, the people of the whole land of Jerusalem and beyond had become—notice the words used in today’s reading—”exceedingly unfaithful, following the abominations of the nations” (verse 14). It is all the more striking that Daniel and his three companions who were forced into service in the household of the King of Babylon were faithful to the LORD God, the God of their fathers.

Being a strong follower of Jesus Christ will make you an outsider in your secular workplace. That is pretty much expected. An obedient follower of Jesus Christ will also experience hardship in academic settings. What is hard for Christians to grasp is that following Jesus Christ in the context of the church and among fellow Christians, even in that setting you will find resistance. 

Jesus told His followers: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mathew 16:24 ESV). There are many people in the pews who like the promises of God, who want the benefits Jesus brings, but who are unwilling to deny themselves. Those who follow Jesus, as Daniel did and as the apostles did, are rare in the household of God. It is a high calling to set aside one’s lusts, one’s desires, one’s greed, one’s clinging sins and each day anew recommit himself to self-denying-obedience to the Living God. However, there is no other path of blessing except to turn away from the temptations of the devil, and deny the longings of the flesh and refuse the exceedingly wicked counsel of the world. Those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true.

Beautiful Savior, may Your Spirit work in us so that we see You as wholly glorious, worthy of all our life's service. Father in heaven, thank You for the treasure of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice which cleanses us, granting us the holiness without which no one can see You, the God of our fathers and mothers. Triune God of Splendor, renew in us this day a holy zeal to hate the things of the world and the longings of the old nature so that with cheerful heart and clear-sighted focus we may follow Jesus Christ. 

https://youtu.be/yfAvANsCP1c

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 24, 2022 -- Hebrews 10:24 -- Being a Catalyst for Good

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

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…
Hebrews 10:24 ESV

Yesterday, while leading an Overcomers group (that is a Christian 12-step group) one of the men noted when you decide to do good, suddenly it seems things go against you. For example, you decide to quit smoking and people who would in the past never give you a cigarette, even if you paid a buck for it, now are offering you cigarettes for free. There are many forces stacked against the one who desires to do good. Our flesh fights against the ways of God. The devil and his evil hordes howl in protest against any good intentions. Even your peers can be part of the mocking and scoffing group which seeks to pull you down from acting on your good intentions.

Those who follow Jesus Christ have been cleansed by His blood. Those who are saved make a decision to walk in His love and imitate His good works as confirmation of this new life that has taken hold. Fellow Christians, how can you inspire others to do good? Your example of going to church twice on a Sunday inspires others. Your commitment to cleaning up your language even in a foul-mouth work environment is a way of encouraging others. Peers who might be too timid going it alone might join you in such good. Show genuine love to the people around you. Listen to their concerns. Pray. Follow up later, privately ask them about the concern they’d brought up and let them know you are praying. You know your gifts, your talents, your skills and you know how the Spirit of God is moving you to act.

Ask yourself: who can you stir up to love and good works? Who in your life needs to see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life so that fruit of being a Christian is clear to others and they catch an enthusiasm for such living? Recently a friend of mine made a commitment to go to the gym. His decision so blessed me that I recommitted myself to healthier eating. What you do is being observed by the people around you. Live to the glory of the Father by the reconciling work of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessed are You, King Jesus, The Captain of Salvation and the Savior of all Who trust in You. Spirit of the Living God move us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Father in heaven, be glorified in the lives of Your children and among Your people as, in obedience to Your Word, we consider how to stir each other up to love and good works. Amen.

https://youtu.be/htkLbnoWbyg

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 23, 2022 -- Hebrews 9:27-28 -- Death Benefits

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

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV

You know the old saying, the only things you can count on in this life are death and taxes. The government will always tax. Death will always come. Many people speak of death disparagingly, but for the Christian, death—when it comes at God’s appointed time—is a blessing. Death signals the end of sin’s hold on a man. Though in Christ right now a Christian is given the righteousness of Christ, still, in his flesh and body he wrestles against sin and temptation. So, death is a release. Secondly, at death Christians see Jesus Christ and are given the great privilege of spending eternity in the presence of the Living God.

Jesus’ death and resurrection are for Christians a sure sign that He will return as the Just Judge and Savior. We live in submission to Him now because we know He will return. We are eager for His return, because sin will finally be thrown down, the Devil and all his hosts thrown into hell, and the New Heaven and New Earth will be here. What glory is yet in store. So we are not courting death, but we will be bold in our witness and unafraid of what others might do to us. We don’t know our future, but we know Him Who holds the future and when we meet Him it is glorious.

Blessed Father thank You that in Christ You have freed us from our sins. Thank You that You are by Your Spirit forging us together to be a kingdom and priests to You, the God of Glory. Thank You for the gift of the Seven-fold Spirit Who guards us in Christ and keeps us in Him so we are receiving all His benefits until that moment when we see You face to face. Amen.
(Prayer is based on Revelation 1:5-7)

https://youtu.be/yyZ128zVEr4

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August 22, 2022 -- II Chronicles 26:16-19 -- Doing What is Right in the Eyes of the LORD

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

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the Lord who were men of valor, 18 and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God.”
II Chronicles 26:16-19 ESV

King Uzziah had made a wonderful start as king. It was said of him that he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (verse 4). However, there was a caveat added to it—”He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper” (verse 5). Our reading today points out the folly of pride. Uzziah fell far from that place of humble grace and submitted service to the Living God. From this the Christian recognizes:

1. How insidious sin is. A good start does not ensure a good ending. One must constantly stamp out sin in every form.

2. How much mentors in the faith are required so that the heart does not grow proud. What a man of integrity that Zechariah must have been as he helped a willful king guard himself in the ways of the LORD.

3. How gracious the LORD God is in giving such examples in Scripture so that the believer will examine his own heart and life, his words and actions and commit his way to the LORD while there is yet time.

4. How much courage it takes as a Christian to stand against a brother intent on evil. Eighty priests were prepared to stand against the might of the king, and they are described as men of valor. To stand against pride is to take a stand against the forces of hell. It requires the might of God and a heart of courage.

God the LORD, worthy of all praise and our best service, send Your Spirit so that we will examine our hearts and root out any sin. The Scripture show how faithful You are in sending counselors and advisors to those who are humble enough to listen to them. Thank You for those whom You have placed in our lives who teach us the way of Jesus. Spirit of God, show us the things we need to confess Enable us to discern what is sinful and willful and is threatening to have us walk according to what is right in our own eyes, which is rebellion against You. Thank You, Triune God, Source of All Blessing, for the opportunities we have in turn to teach others of the goodness of God. Father in heaven, by the power of Your Spirit at work in us, may it be said of us; “he did what what right in the eyes of the LORD”. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, receive the honour and the glory, the praise and the blessing from every area of our life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/GJDaiDKxyU8

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 21, 2022 -- Psalm 79:13 -- Reasons to Give Thanks to God Forever and Ever

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

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Psalm 79:13 ESV

The context of our words is this: Psalm 79 is filled with lament—that is mournful crying out to God. The writer is aware of all the troubles God has poured out on the land, the peoples, and the hardships all the people of the land are enduring. He is emptying out his heart before God. His bewilderment, his longings and unfulfilled expectations all of these are put before the LORD His God. Where else can we go when our hearts are overwhelmed and the world seemed filled with enemies?

Our text this fine day is the beautiful ending of the psalm. Here the writer is declaring to God: in contrast to all the troubles to the right and to the left, above and below, we know we are Your people. What security is given to believers. No matter the upheavals all around His people are teh sheep of His pasture.. Remember Psalm 23? The LORD is our Shepherd—He gathers His people together, He feeds them, He gives water, He restores the soul!  Here, in Psalm 79, after 12 verses of heart-wrenching crying out to God, this psalm ends with a profound vow of trust. There is such calm and peace, as recalls Psalm 23, recalls the tender care of the Living God.

Those who know Jesus, the Good Shepherd, for that is what He is called in John 10, will gather even more reassurance from this Psalm. We will give thanks to God forever. He has fed His people. He has saved His people. He protects His people, even when the world seems to be burning all around. He is making His people holy, even in a world that is awash in the sewage of sinfulness and rebellion against God. His people are being made holy.

One generation tells the next of the goodness of God This is goodness that outshines whatever is the latest reason for fearfulness. Today, as at the time the psalm was written, there are wars that rages, fears for safety. For us today, there are the added layers of the epidemic of drug abuse, the climate fears which put all the responsibility on man to solve, as if God is not able to keep His creation functioning and whole, as if God had not already accounted for the sinfulness of man. In sharp contrast to all of this, believers of one generation remind the next of God’s pervasive faithfulness and compassion so that future generations rise up to bless His Name.

Today is Sunday. Get to church. Be renewed in our precious faith. Grow in your knowledge of God and exercise obedience to Him. Set aside your worries and unfounded fears. Connect with other Christians so that your faith will be strengthened.

Steadfast God, immovable and powerful to keep all the promises You made in Scripture, increase our trust in Jesus, Your appointed Shepherd of the people. Give us the eyes of faith to see how generation after generation Your Spirit has gathered together the people who recount Your praise. God, worthy of all praise, bring Your people to church, so that our precious faith may increase, we will be prepared for the wonders of eternity and as we wait for eternity in Your Presence, we will then call out to this world to join us in giving thanks to You for Your great salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MZmS81yLjMg

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 19, 2022 -- Hebrews 3:12-14 -- Tackling sin is a communal effort

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

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV

Notice the double emphasis on holding tightly to God. First individuals are called to examine their hearts. In line with this ask yourself: Is there some sin that is provoking you and turning you away from God? Look carefully at your thoughts, your words and your actions. Wherever you see sin, root it out in your life. Confess it to God. Kill it before it kills your relationship with God.

Then the second emphasis is on the responsibility of Christians to encourage one another in this precious faith. You need others to check your blind spots and call out sins which are sending rot into your life so that your testimony to Jesus is compromised. A dear friend has the right to challenge you about sin and lead you in the path of righteousness. A close friend will endure your indignation and your bluster as you deny all the evidences of that sin until your persistent, faithful friend's words get past your defenses and you admit your willfulness and your need for healing.

These words are written so that Christ will be shared among the people of God. This letter is an encouragement to every individual believer and also it is encouragement for every congregation of believers to turn to Jesus Christ and find in Him the Truth which sets them free from sin and the death-grip of the devil. Ask the Spirit of God to help you in your own life to clear the debris of sin. Ask the Spirit of God to give you a heart of graciousness that will help you to strengthen the faith of your brothers and sisters in Christ so that all together you will grow in the knowledge of Jesus, holy obedience to Him, and in righteousness that leads others to see Jesus in your life and honour Him.

Father in heaven, as we read the Bible, let Your Spirit jar us out of the lethargy taking hold of us and make us aware of the times we are toying with sin. If the Bible has remained unopened many days, let this be the day of fresh starts and renewed commitment to daily reading. Spirit of God, motivate us to run from sin. King Jesus, as Your Church is gathered by Your Spirit's work in the life of believers, help all of us, in community, to hate our sin more and more. Triune God, teach us to know You better; help us to be obedient and let our lives reflect the righteousness which has been given to us in Jesus Christ, the Captain of Salvation. 

https://youtu.be/ubRlJj8xkds

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August 17, 2022 -- Psalm 75:1-3 -- It is the LORD Who Keeps the Earth Steady

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

We give thanks to you, O God;
    we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.

2 “At the set time that I appoint
    I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
    it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
Psalm 75:1-3 ESV

The National Physical Laboratory of England noted that on June 29th of this year, the earth had the shortest day on record. It was 1.59 milliseconds off a typical 24 hour day. Interestingly, next to that article was a headline that suggested some millions of years ago the typical earth day was 23 1/2 hours. As you know, if you read this devo-blog regularly, I hold to the Biblical account of creation—some 6,000 years ago God created the heavens and the earth. So, this constant secular teaching strategy of saying “millions” or “billions” of years at every chance possible is merely sinful man repeating sinful lies. And the speculations of what might or might not have happened in these imaginary times are fanciful expressions of rebellious people seeking to break free from the clear teaching of the Creator.

Why mention such things. Well, we live in a world of people who are saying: there will be more hurricanes, because of climate change. There will be this disaster or the next disaster because of this hard-to-pin down monster called climate change. People who do not know God, or refuse to acknowledged Him, are being consistent in their dire predictions. They are afraid of everything because they live in a cold and pitiless universe ruled by change and chance.

This is why the Christian is at odds with the world. Christians give thanks to God, for in Scripture we know that the God Who made the universe also sustains it. He keeps it steady. He has revealed His glorious intentions to make the world a place for Christians to know Him and be guarded in His love until He brings the New Heavens and the New Earth where there will be no more sin, no death, no suffering. Those who refused to acknowledge Him now, while there is ample time and many, many evidences of His goodness, will face eternity in hell.

Jesus Christ is proof of God’s claims. Into all the apparent chaos of history and upheaval of nations, God sent His Son. Though Jesus suffered through-out His life, He lived His life to the glory and praise of His Father. He was, in all circumstances content. No matter what happened to Jesus, He knew God’s Name was near at hand. The Spirit of God provided the link between Jesus’ humanity and Jesus’ relationship with His Father in heaven.

Those who are in Christ, following Him, have the tremendous assurance that their lives are bound up in the merciful care of God. No matter the tumult of nations or the alarmist cries of scientists who predict fearful things because they do not acknowledge the Living God—the followers of Jesus Christ lives in peace. God’s Name is near—He has impressed His Name in our hearts by HIs Spirit; He has given us tongues to declare His goodness revealed so perfectly in Jesus Christ. He has shown us the creation, in Genesis, God made it. He showed us through-out Scripture that creation does His bidding and He sustains it. He has written the end of the story. From the Revelation we know Jesus triumphs. From Romans and Revelation we read that creation will be released from the bondage to sin to which our wrong-doing imprisoned it.

The earth will reach the moment in galactic history for which God has prepared it. Jesus will be revealed. All the living, and all those who had died before His return, will appear before the throne of Jesus. Then Jesus will Judge the nations, and all His judgments will reveal the depths of the Father’s sustaining care and also reveal the Spirit’s beautiful work of drawing believers nearer and nearer to the Faithful Father.

Glorious are You LORD GOD Almighty! Just and true are all Your works. Thank You that Your Name is near to all Who know You. Thank You that You draw near to Yourself all whom You have appointed for eternal life. Thank You that even history declares Your majesty and the splendour of Your work. Renew our confident hope in the promises of this passage, that You keep steady the pillars of the earth and the safety of its inhabitants. Increase our faith, O Father of every good gift, so that our word, our lives and our confidence in You will turn many of our peers from fearfulness at this world to faithful confidence in the Creator of the World. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Cr3goa3DXsw

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

August 16, 2022 -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Trained to renounce ungodliness

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

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14 ESV

Notice the order of things. Paul is confirming that God’s saving grace is the starting point. He has rescued His people from destruction, by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, so that the enemy is disarmed. Now as the people who are saved, it is incumbent on you (your binding obligation) to renounce ungodliness. Isn’t that attention-grabbing?

In your past, as sinners, you embraced ungodliness. Perhaps it was alcohol. Perhaps it was gluttony. Maybe the ungodliness is haughtiness—thinking oneself better than others. Perhaps it is laziness (as Paul noted the Cretans are especially appropriately called lazy as even their own prophet called them such). Sins that used to have free reign in your life don’t just lay down and die when Jesus takes over your life. Cornered and about to be rooted out, sins are pernicious and persistent. The grace of God is powerful; strong enough for your every need. However, Christians need to be trained in righteousness so that they refuse familiar sins and abstain from past wicked habits and instead, live upright, self-controlled and godly lives. This is training. Like a chef following a new recipe, making sure he has all the requirements at hand: the ingredients, the correct temperature, the right sized frying pan to hold all the ingredient, so a man gripped by the grace of God will follow God’s instructions with great care. He will study the Word of God. He will make preparations in his day so that this new life doesn’t collapse and old evils wash out any signs of progress. This is a battlefield. The enemy hates seeing Christians honour the very LORD of Glory Whom he himself despises. So the devil is particularly vicious in his repeated attacks against Christians who are striving to implement self-control in their pursuit of holiness.

God has given to believers the sure hope of eternal life. It is His promise to believers. So do not give up the fight against your own flesh, nor the battle against the world and peers who would scoff and mock and call you back to old sinful ways. Do not lose heart, the devil is already defeated. Recognize his tricks and his deceitful invitations which would drag you back to ungodliness and hopelessness. You serve the King of kings, the LORD of lord, and as such, He is also the Captain of Salvation—He will bring you to victory. Pray for Christ’s victory to take hold of your life. Hate your sin more and more. (That is a choice, an hour to hour decision: I hate this old sin, and I remember how it ruins me!) Find fellow Christians who will hold you accountable to walk in the ways of Jesus Christ and in turn hold them to account also. Use all the tools and gifts God has given you so that you will be zealous for good works and you will persevere in carrying them out in your life.

Jesus, Captain of Salvation, thank You that Your strong arm is leading Your people on to victory. Faithful Father, send Your Spirit, the Counselor, so that Your people will be led in all that is upright and godly. Give holy discernment so that tiny sins, the choices that might seem inconsequential at the moment, will be exposed as the course-altering hateful habits that they are. Such tiny-appearing-sins are trying to find weakness in the armor of God so that they can once again reassert themselves. Thank You, Triune God, that You purify Your people. Thank You, God-Who-Never-Lies, that all Your promises are "yes" and "amen" in Jesus Christ. Shelter Your people in your grace and peace and so prepare them to face the joys and challenges of the day. Amen.

https://youtu.be/wVmfwqMqRmQ

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