December 30, 2022 -- Proverbs 30:1-5 -- The Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the destination is the Father's great love

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

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.

The man declares, I am weary, O God;
    I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
    I have not the understanding of a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
    Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son's name?
    Surely you know!

5 Every word of God proves true;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:1-5 ESV

Can you relate? We’ve spent a month traveling through the Gospel of Luke and Proverbs. Now, at the second to last chapter of Proverbs, Agur, the learned and godly man, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to pen these words, realizes his own stupidity. All his efforts seem vain. He cannot reach up to heaven. He cannot keep the commandments as he ought to do. Is this all vanity and an empty chasing after the wind? Verse 4 is such a deep prophetic longing. Who is God’s Son. It is the answer New Testament believers know full well. God showed His unstoppable love in Jesus.

Verse 5 shows the kind-hearted love of God which gave reassurance Agur. In faith Agur held onto God. In faith he declared God to be the shield covering every believer who takes refuge in Him. From the vantage point of the New Testament, we as believers know He is the shield of protection and love. What glorious words.

John Owen wrote “So long as the Father is seen as harsh, judging and condemning, the soul is filled with fear and dread every time it comes to Him. So in Scripture we read of sinners fleeing and hiding from Him. But when God, who is the Father, is seen as a father, filled with love, the soul is filled with love to God in return. This is, in faith, the ground of all acceptable obedience (Deut. 5:10; 10:12; 11:1, 13; 13:3; Exod. 20:6)^. You can see how this is the answer to Agur’s exhaustion.

The Father is One Who disciplines over a life-time. He patiently teaches the child the way to go. He knows the weakness of human flesh and in His great love has given the Spirit to overcome such weakness. In His great love, He has given Jesus Christ, so that by His grace, believers have access to this marvelous, fatherly love. In His great love, the Father has given the Holy Spirit, so that the Father's love will be a never-ending stream of love gushing and rushing into every part of the life of the believer, overcoming every doubt, refreshing the soul so that exhaustion abates and the flood of His love lifts our hearts to respond to Him in love. 

^John Owen. Abridged “Communion with God”, reprinted 2018, page 18.

Prayer

Our Father in heaven. What a beautiful title with a glorious meaning it is to call You “Our Father in heaven”. Thank You for Your love for Your people which was kindled before the foundation of the world. Thank You that Your love is unstoppable. We confess this day, how tired we are. How easily we reach the end of our endurance in serving You and at that place realize how feeble our strength is and how puny the results are. With Your servant Agur we hold on to You in faith, trusting in Your Son, Who is full of grace and truth. With Your servant Agur, we believe and know You to be a shield to all who take refuge in You—realizing more fully than did Agur, that Your shield is the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. In the coming year, help us to know Your love more completely and to know it through the grace of Jesus Christ and by the power of Your Spirit Who You have given and therefore is living within us. Honour, love, praise and blessing are Yours, Three-in-One, God of Mercy and Power. Amen.

https://youtu.be/k7KyJGeNoco
Chris Tomlin "Holy Forever"

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

December 29, 2022 -- Proverbs 29:3 & 9 & 11 & 17 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the long road of obedience

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

He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
   but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Proverbs 29:3 ESV
 
The general population of those who sit in church pews usually half smile at this and think mildly, “well, I’ve never hired a prostitute”. The precise meaning of this Proverb is easily overlooked as one is busy congratulating himself on his morals. What is your financial plan? Are you looking for an early retirement, times to travel and go on cruises and live at ease for the later part of your life? Perhaps you are closer to being a companion of prostitutes than you think you are. You are looking to squander your wealth on your own pleasures rather than asking: how am I going to use all that God has given me build His kingdom?
 
Consider this, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 NKJV. Our life’s work is not to be at ease, but to pursue wisdom and to live for Jesus. Such a life consists of sacrifice. Giving money for the kingdom. Freely spending time with those who need the Gospel. Offering acts of service where such help would build the body of Christ. I wonder how many folks in the pew are living for Jesus and including Him as the focus of their retirement plans? In Proverbs the one who is a companion of prostitutes merely pays lip service to God while actually serving himself.
 
If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
   the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
   but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:9 & 11 ESV
 
In verse 9 the word “quiet” is rest. The fool will laugh and taunt, nag and stoke up the flames of controversy all the time. It is a fool who says in his heart there is no god (Psalm 14:1). Jesus says of the Devil, and those who are fools following him, lying is their native language (John 8:44). The liar cannot rest or keep quiet because his folly is set ablaze by the very fires of hell, and he is spurred on by the Devil. Telling him this fact will only antagonize him further. Until the Spirit of God opens the blind eyes of the fool, he will not be able to understand his own wickedness and profound need for God His Savior.
 
Verse 11 emphasizes what was already taught in verse 9. A fool is full of hot air that he has no intention of keeping to himself. A wise man, this is the title used of Joseph when he was placed over Egypt. Look at the contrast: the wise man. He is one who keeps company with other wise people. A wise man fellowships up—that is, always seeks company which reflects the character of the Living God. Unlike the fool, the wise man does not need to give full vent to his anger because he knows other wise men will discern a situation and know the truth of a matter without the need for many, useless, empty words.
 
The translation at verse 11 is interesting. A wise man quietly holds it back. In fact, some translations state it slightly differently. A wise man knows how to soothe the other. He can hold his tongue, put the fire of contention out, and only afterward speak. He will not needlessly try to vindicate himself before a fool. He knows it is the LORD Who vindicates (Psalm 43:1).
 
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
   he will give delight to your heart.
Proverbs 29:17 ESV
 
The discipline of a son (or a daughter) is a life-long work. The effort given in the early years pays good dividends in the later years. A child who has been taught well—that is discipled to know the LORD and delighting in Him and whenever needed was disciplined and corrected when he was in the wrong—such a child will give you rest. There the word rest has a sense of contentment in it. It is further explained by the next line of the proverb Such a child delights your heart. The word delight is used for food that is delicious or a delicacy. No wonder. In any generation, a child who knows right from wrong, who is a delight to his parents and gives them a sense of joy and contentment in his mature years; that person is a rarity to be relished.
 
 Ah, God! Behold my grief and care. Fain would I serve Thee with a glad and cheerful countenance, but I cannot do it. However much I fight and struggle against my sadness, I am too weak for this sore conflict. Help me in my weakness, O Thou mighty God! and give me Thy Holy Spirit to refresh and comfort me in my sorrow. Amid all my fears and griefs I yet know that I am Thine in life and death, and that nothing can really part me from Thee; neither things present, nor things to come, neither trial, nor fear, nor pain. And therefore, O Lord, I will still trust in Thy grace. Thou wilt not send me away unheard. Sooner or later Thou wilt lift this burden from my heart, and put a new song in my lips; and I will praise Thy goodness, and thank and serve Thee here and for evermore--Amen. 
S. Scheretz (1584-1639)

Fain: pleased, willingly
Countenance: face or facial expression
 
https://youtu.be/P56eSXwGNrc
Selah “Precious Lord Take My Hand/Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

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

December 28, 2022 -- Proverbs 28:5 & 14 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: Seek the LORD

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

Evil men do not understand justice,
    but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always,
   but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Proverbs 28:5,14 ESV

Is God just? That is a question many ask. It seems to me that what lies behind the question is His apparent favoritism towards His people. That charge is unfair. You can find more than fifty verses in the Bible which command people to seek the LORD. There is a blessing attached to this. When you seek the LORD, you will find Him (Proverbs 8:17 and Jeremiah 29:13). When you seek the LORD, He will give You the joy of knowing Him and the blessing of receiving all the good gifts He has prepared for those who are His children (Matthew 7:7-11). Simply put, God is just. The godly seek Him and receive rich reward. Evil men refuse the abundant blessings He has and then complain about Him. Therefore, they cannot understand justice. They are hardening in their hearts against Him without knowing anything true about Him. They are rushing headlong toward calamity.

The theme “the fear of the LORD” is one you have probably noticed as you read through Proverbs. It is like a distant drumbeat through-out the Proverbs encouraging the people of God to keep in step with His will and His ways. Those who fear the LORD find wisdom and understanding. Those who fear the LORD hate evil. Notice in today’s reading, those who fear the LORD keep their hearts tender or submitted to Him. Those however, who do not fear the LORD fall into calamity. That is a very strong word. It means a disaster that is marked with great suffering or sorrow.

Imagine, if you pursued God with the same intensity with which you played your video games—you’d know Him intimately. Or if you spent as much time Bible reading as you do watching 
video clips or scrolling through social media—you’d have a lot of the Bible memorized. He is your joy and blessing. Seek Him. Let 2023 be the year that stands out in your life as the Year You initiated an intensive seeking of the LORD and you find His presence to be the source of all your delight.

Faithful Father, honoured, glorious and blessed be Your Name. You have given Jesus, the life and the light of men. Jesus shines into the darkness of this world. Spirit of God, our heavenly Father has appointed it so that all who seek Him, will be empowered by Your Presence. You are the Source of Strength given so that the seeker will find the grace of Jesus and through Him the love of the Father. Merciful Father, forgive us for the sin of calling You unfair or worse, uncaring. As we stand on the edge of 2023, may it be known as the year Your people make great effort to seek You, responding to Your invitation to receive blessings always. Amen.

https://youtu.be/BiGb14tTaH4

Big Daddy Weave “Overwhelmed”

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

December 27, 2022 -- Proverbs 27 various texts -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: Collected wisdom

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

Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.
Proverbs 27:1 ESV

What a wonderful thought as we stand on the New Year. We have no idea what this year will bring. So boasting is out of order. It is time for humble prayer to God that He may lead His people in all wisdom.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
   profuse are the kisses of an enemy. verse 6

The expression “to kiss up to” means to pretend at friendship or reconciliation. The friend who is at one moment kissing up to you will just as easily, the next moment when you leave the room, mock you or gossip about you. A true friend has faithful wounds, he will bear much in order to prove himself a true, reliable friend. This is the picture of Jesus Christ. See His nail-scarred hands and feet, and His side which was pierced for your transgressions. Jesus’ wounds are the only, truly faithful wounds, for He lives to pray for sinners such as we are. What a Savior!

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
   and never satisfied are the eyes of a man. verse 20

Sheol is the place of the dead; it can mean the grave or hell. Abaddon means destruction, or the place of destruction in the nether world. Think of it. Destruction is never satisfied. Ten plus months in and the Russian aggression against the Ukraine has not ended. Countless hundreds of thousands are displaced, facing a harsh winter with no power and the hungry jaws of destruction keep on chewing up people’s lives. Abortion is never done. Canada keeps speaking of adding to the number of people who can request M.A.I.D. medical assistance in dying.

So too the eyes are never satisfied. Think of how many people cram into big box stores trampling one another to buy things they don’t need in order to hoard things they cannot afford which in the long run add to piles of debt which relentlessly is eroding their financial stability. The eyes of greed are never satisfied. Think of how many ‘boy meets girl romance movies’ are out there, piling up one after another. These are cookie cutter films. The ending is sure. People are happy. The more the eye sees this, the more discontented the heart is with reality, that is, the current living situation—comparing one’s life to such fantasy is the way of the grave. Of course, pornography is evidence of how the eye of man is never satisfied either. It too leads to the destruction of marriage and relationships and drags the soul down to the grave.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
   and a man is tested by his praise. verse 21

When silver is being purified it must be watched constantly, it can be ruined by the wrong temperature even as one is using the heat to remove the impurities. Praise is a test for any man or woman. Think of King Herod, who was praised by the people who were kissing up to him shouting at his words “the voice of a god, and not of a man!" (Acts 12:22). Herod did not give give glory the One True God, so he was struck down by the angel of the LORD. When you are praised, immediately turn and give the praise to Your Maker. For He has prepared good works for you to do through the grace of Jesus Christ by the power of His Spirit.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. How rich and varied is the beauty of wisdom which You have given to Your people. It takes the effort of a miner to dig deep into the Word in order to bring to light the treasures You have placed in therein. Forgive us, glorious Father, for the languor of our hearts and the fog of our brains which cloud our vision and mock our feeble efforts. Jesus, Faithful, Wounded, Friend, renew in us a holy zeal to find our peace and rest in You. Spirit of God, raise in us so many questions about God the Mysterious and Magnificent, so that as believers we cannot help but search out the Word until we see the Father through the radiance of Jesus. Jesus, Who was born in a stable, now seated on High, preparing to return in glory with all His holy ones. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U1dWXE-B4sw

Home Free “Silent Night”

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

December 26, 2022 -- Proverbs 26:18-26 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: The day after

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

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel
    are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
    and harbors deceit in his heart;
25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
    for there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred be covered with deception,
    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Proverbs 26:18-26 ESV

Many years ago I used to be a police chaplain and I’d go for ride-alongs with officers. I’d often go on Christmas night. There were several reasons for this. First, Christmas is a busy day for a preacher as I’d preach on Christmas morning and if it were a Sunday I’d preach in the AM and the PM. Second, Christmas is a family time comprised of high expectations, low conflict management skills and, long histories of unresolved conflicts. When families mix in booze, it is explosive. So a chaplain can be a great support. Finally, it was good to go along to encourage officers and remind them of the blessing of Christmas—Christ has come, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.

After Christmas Day there is a greater-than-ever need for Christ’s peace. Proverbs speaks of seven abominations. These can be more or less named as: a madman stoking up quarrels; a jokester whose quips are designed to wound; a gossip who is inciting people against one another; a quarrelsome man who rekindles feuds that have burned low; a whisperer who poisons people against one another; lips that seem to be saying things in order to be helpful when in fact they are hateful; the man or woman who has a history of any such activities as listed above must be approached cautiously, for their gracious words are a cover for greater harm. The man or woman who is a peace-maker does not entertain such abominations.

Those seven abominations are like the approach of Satan—who speaks mostly true words, but mixes them with deceit and lies so that those who listen to him are torn apart and their lives become a train wreck. Discernment is not needed when one is dealing with an obvious sinner. Discernment, wisdom and understanding are most urgently needed when one is with those who claim to be friends, or claim to be Christians, but their conduct does not seem to bear the fruit in keeping with their claims.

If a man cleans his heart of sin and his mind of filthiness, but does not fill himself with greater things (like a closer walk with Jesus, a deeper study of the Bible, cultivating friends who are strong Christians) then such a man opens his heart to seven abominations. Jesus warned that those who have been purged of an unclean spirit must not keep the house clean and swept. That is empty. The house must be rebuilt with wisdom, found in Jesus, established with understanding and each room filled with knowledge, which are the precious truth of Scripture and pleasant riches of knowing the love of God and the grace of Jesus and the fellowship of the Spirit. If this does not take place, one will be filled with seven demons darker and worse then the first unclean spirit (Luke 11:24-26).

Father in heaven, wonderful is Your Name. Help me to live so that Your Name is lifted high and treated as holy. Thank You for the cleansing work of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the grace of Jesus by which my sins have been punished and I have been given the robes of Jesus’ righteousness. Spirit of the Living God, fill me with a holy hunger for the Word, so that I will know Jesus more fully. Spirit of Comfort teach me to delight in His goodness. Spirit of Power equip me to do the good works which the Father in heaven prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.

https://youtu.be/uYHpJnfy2lQ

Casting Crowns: “Make Room in Your Heart”

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

December 25, 2022 -- Proverbs 25:21-22 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: The LORD's reward

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

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
    and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
    and the LORD will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21-22 ESV

Merry Christmas. What a strange quotation for Christmas morning.

First of all, while we were still enemies of God, sinners rebelling against Him, God sent His Son. Jesus fed the hunger of our souls that we didn’t even realize we had. He is living water to all who thirst. He is the burning coal of purification.

Second, the burning coals. When Isaiah the prophet had a vision of heaven, he saw the LORD on His throne. The sheer holiness of God made Isaiah realize his sinfulness—even a good and committed servant of the LORD like Isaiah realized how sinful he when he when is in the presence of Him Who is perfect and is “holy, holy, holy”!

When he confessed himself to be a man of unclean lips, the LORD commanded and an angel took a coal from the altar of the LORD and placed it on Isaiah’s tongue. The angel then declared Isaiah’s sin had been atoned for (Isaiah 6:1-6 ESV).

Third, whenever we preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, we heap burning coals on the heads of the hearers. This verse from Proverbs is picked up in Romans (12:20). The hearers either repent and turn to Jesus, or they will one day experience the condemnation of God against their sin. So, now is the day of salvation. Now is the day to cry out to Jesus!

With the praising multitudes of angels shout out:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom He is well pleased.
(Luke 2:14)

The LORD will reward you. The reward of Joy. Knowing your sins are fully burned away because of the righteousness of Jesus.

The LORD will reward you. The reward of Peace. Knowing you have been made right with God through His Son and the Devil can not take that from you.

The LORD will reward you The reward of Hope. It is kept alive in you by the powerful presence of His Spirit.

The LORD will reward you. The reward of Love. Jesus is that Love come down from heaven. Jesus Christ is guarded in and sealed into your hearts by the Holy Spirit. He will continually apply the grace of Jesus Christ to you until the Father’s love has brought you to eternity in His presence.

Holy Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for the extravagant gift of Jesus Christ. Blessed Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, by Whom the treasures of heaven are opened to us. Triune God, help us all to walk in the reward of knowing You. Glory to God in the highest! Amen.

https://youtu.be/yxDZjg_Igoc

Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Kraus “The Wexford Carol”

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

December 24, 2022 -- Proverbs 24:3-7 & Luke 24:25-27 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: wisdom has built the house

By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength,
    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
    in the gate he does not open his mouth.
Proverbs 24:3-7 ESV

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:25-27 ESV

Today’s reading is from the last chapter of Luke. Jesus, now risen from the dead, His identity hidden, is explaining to Cleopas and his friend why the Christ had to suffer. He opened all the Scriptures to them, that is, the Old Testament, and showed them how the whole Old Testament pointed to the love of God. The Father showed such love and steadfast faithfulness which brought heaven down, in the form of Jesus, the babe in the manger.

The eyes of faith see the sweep of history and know the Father’s love is stamped all over it. The grace of Jesus Christ, all of His earthly life, and especially His passion, conquers sin and hell and the grave. The Spirit of God fuels Christians so that they see how all of life and all of history finds its fullest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God enables Christians to seek wisdom and understanding in the events of Christmas and beyond.

As Christians celebrate Christmas, consider the treasures of wisdom to which today’s reading in Proverbs referred. Jesus is wisdom from on high. Jesus has torn down the old house of sin and shame and guilt. That is your old, sinful life. It is dead and gone. Jesus has rebuilt your life. He is making you a temple, a place where He lives by His Spirit. Jesus is filling your life with understanding. Right and wrong are not concepts to be decided by majority vote. God the Father gives wisdom through Jesus and the Spirit helps the believer understand the power God the Triune has placed in all that is right. All that is right and true brings honour and blessing to His Name.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Glory to God in the highest,
   and on earth peace 
   among those with whom He is pleased.
Today's prayer is: Luke 1:46-55, 2:14

https://youtu.be/LN0FRBdNC1E

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

December 23, 2022 -- Proverbs 23:12-16 & Luke 23:1-5, 39-43 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke ~ Seeing Jesus as He Is

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

Apply your heart to instruction
    and your ear to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
14 If you strike him with the rod,
    you will save his soul from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    my heart too will be glad.
16 My inmost being will exult
    when your lips speak what is right.
Proverbs 23:12-16 ESV

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:1-5, 39-43 ESV

Dear readers, the journey to Christmas through reading one chapter of Proverbs and one chapter of Luke each day is nearly completed. Today’s reading might seem jarring to you. Christmas is two days away, and the reading from Luke speaks to Jesus’ trial. The very leaders of Israel who should have been wise and recognized Him, hosted a sham trial to put Him to death. Jesus suffered. Willingly was humiliated as He submitted Himself to being confirmed as the Perfect Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Finally today we read of His crucifixion and death. To fully understand and grow in wisdom one must see the Incarnation of Jesus, His birth at Bethlehem, and recognize He willingly came to earth to die. 

The eyes of faith see Him now as the Lion of Judah enthroned in heaven, preparing for the moment when the Father will say, the time has come, My Beloved Son, bring in the harvest. Those made wise by the instruction of the Spirit, who therefore love You and have Your righteousness. These are the people having been marked by My Covenant-Love-and Kindness will inherit the fullness of eternal life.

The reading from Proverbs is strong. People must be disciplined in this way: Fathers and mothers must instill in their children the most important truth ever, Jesus is the sacrifice-Savior. People must subdue their own waywardness and sinful inclinations which wage war against the God of Mercy and Truth. Follow Him at all costs. Parents, do not “give your children a choice”, teach them the way of Jesus Christ. Make sure they know Him as King. Stubborn and rebellious hearts, repent. Name Jesus as LORD and throw down every vile thought or idolatrous inclination which would refuse Him. Pray that during this Christmas time You will see Jesus as Scripture portrays Him and bow before Him in worship and adoration.

Father in heaven, at this Christmas time, may Your Name be honoured and glorified. Spirit of the Living God, at Christmas concerts and special chapel services stir up the hearts of people so that as Jesus Christ is lifted up many will be drawn to Him in repentance and faith. Triune God, we confess how readily our faith is routine and something we claim, but do not practice in every area of our life. Father in heaven, fill us with the deep awareness of Your Loving-Kindness. Renew in us all the righteousness of Christ. Fill us, Spirit of God, with a renewed zeal to get wisdom and seek understanding, so that all those around us will see Jesus Christ in our words and actions. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sTg4BhoKevE

Doxology Vocal Ensemble “O Come Let Us Adore Him”

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

December 22, 2022 -- Proverbs 22:1,12 & Luke 22:3-6, 31-34 -- A Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the power of Jesus' prayer

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

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.

The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
   but He overthrows the words of the traitor.
Proverbs 22:1,12 ESV

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Luke 22:3-6; 31-34 ESV

Christmas is so close, I hope it has been fruitful for you to journey towards it by the daily reading of a chapter each of Proverbs and Luke. Today’s reading shows a sharp contrast. You see the culpability of man and the grace of Jesus Christ.

Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for three years, as did all the other disciples. His heart was not set on a good name, he was prepared to betray His Savior for thirty pieces of silver. Simon, a.k.a. Peter, was prepared to betray Jesus for his own pride. Peter had no idea how weak and needy his heart actually was, full of himself and unaware of his need for Jesus.

The grace of Jesus was on full display in the fact that He prayed for Simon Peter. The Sovereign love of the Father and His justice in saving one and not other is on display. Judas would realize his sin and hang himself. Simon Peter was aware of his sin, but Jesus Himself approached him, made him aware of the extent of his sin so that Simon Peter would know the full extent of Jesus’ forgiveness and grace, merciful love and life, given at the cross.

The work of the Spirit is to convict men and women of their need. If your life is a complete train wreck, re-read these quoted passages from Luke. If you are aware of how deep your need is for the healing, cleansing, and life-restoring work of Jesus, you are on the right path. That is the work of the Spirit. Pray. Ask for His guidance. Read the Bible with the awareness it is Jesus, once born a Child, but Who is now the King, seated on a throne of grace and mercy and His prayers can save. The fact you are aware of your need and still reading, means the Father of Love has by His Spirit stirred in your heart to create in it a longing you didn’t even realize it could have: the righteousness, loving-kindness and life that Jesus offers. If you desire to know Jesus in this way, but are unsure how to receive this gift, speak with a Christian friend, one whose walk with God you admire.

O God, who art the Author of peace and Lover of concord^, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend us Thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we, surely trusting in Thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen.

Gelasian Sacramentary, A.D. 494 Book of Common Prayer

^concord: agreement, harmony

https://youtu.be/V75BLjI0nvk

Thokoza “Go Tell It On the Mountain”

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

December 21, 2022 -- Proverbs 21:21 & Luke 21:29-33 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: seeking His righteousness, covenant-love and life

Whoever pursues righteousness, and kindness
   will find life, righteousness and honor.
Proverbs 21:21 ESV

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Luke 21:29-33 ESV

T’is the season. You see the lights and Christmas trees and tinsel and snowmen (or is it snow-people now-a-days?). Lol. You read the times by the things you see. You know the expectations and the work that is suitable for each season. That is the point Jesus is making. When people saw the fig tree and based on the leaf-development or the fruit, knew what time of year it was and so what was required of them.

Look at the way of the world. See how good is called evil and evil is called good and know that the time of Jesus’ return is near. Those who are seeking His righteousness do not lose heart. They know such things must take place. It means that the light shining from the life of the followers of Jesus Christ shine all the brighter in these dark and difficult times.

The believer who pursues righteousness is seeking the loving-kindness of the Living God. He walks in the forgiving mercy of God and in so doing reflects the love of God in every part of life. This is not easy. It is a challenging path, staying close to God in the middle of hard times. It is hard to keep yourself in the mercy of God when people around you are not reading the times or are ignoring are the call of God and living contrary to His will and His ways. The wise read the times and seek Him while He can be found.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, now and forever more! Thank You for Jesus Christ, the One Who left Your side and came to the earth. Thank You that He is the radiance of Your glory and the exact representation of Your nature. Thank You, Father, for the beautiful gift of Your Holy Spirit Who gives believers the discernment needed to read the times and respond in obedience to Jesus Christ. Triune God, in this Christmas Season, draw many of our unbelieving family and friends into the knowledge of Your glory, so that they will yield themselves to Jesus, ever pushing deeper into His righteousness, covenant-love and life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kQmi_FSfJKc

Matt Redman: “His Name Shall Be”

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

December 20, 2022 -- Proverbs 20:5 & Luke 20:1-8 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the purpose of the heart exposed

The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
   but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Proverbs 20:5 ESV

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up 2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” 3 He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, 4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” 5 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Luke 20:1-8 ESV

Are you keeping up with reading one chapter each of Proverbs and Luke? It is a good pattern you are establishing for yourself.

Now on to today's readings. Jesus is the Man of Understanding of Whom the Proverbs spoke. When Jesus was teaching in the temple, do not miss that fact, He was teaching at the temple and many people listened to Him and realized He spoke with authority (“for He was teaching them as one who had authority and not as one of their scribes” Matthew 7:29). So, in the reading from Luke you realize that the question of the Scribes, elders and chief priests was not designed to elicit information leading to greater clarity and salvation. No way. Their question was designed to undermine Jesus. He knew the purposes of their hearts.

When you read the Bible, what is happening for you? The purposes of your heart are exposed. For example, when you read: Are you prepared to yield yourself to what the King of Glory is teaching you? Are you unused to the habit of reading? Are finding excuses to avoid it? Or, perhaps you are finding you are hungry to read more, you have questions which are urgent within you because you want to know more. The purposes of your heart are being revealed.

Whatever is going on in your heart, confess it to Jesus. Ask His Spirit to lead you into all truth. The Spirit loves the Son and delights to reveal Him to everyone who seeks Jesus. The Spirit of God uses the Bible to unveil the beauty and desirability of the Son. The Son loves to reveal the Father. Those who find the Father, in turn, will know with ever greater clarity, the One Whom He sent. When the Word takes hold of your heart, you will find you talk to Jesus, talk to others about Jesus and sing to Him—the purpose for which your heart was made will be engaged within you.

Today’s prayer is a modern translation of Psalm 19

That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies
    from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts,
    warming hearts to faith.

7-9 The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree.

10 God’s Word is better than a diamond,
    better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring,
    better than red, ripe strawberries.

11-14 There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
    and directs us to hidden treasure.
    Otherwise how will we find our way?
 Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
    Keep me from stupid sins,
    from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
The Message, Psalm 19:6-14

https://youtu.be/kQmi_FSfJKc
Matt Redman "His Name Shall Be"

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

December 19, 2022 -- Proverbs 19:22-23 & Luke 19:1-10 -- A Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the love of God which breaks down every stronghold of sin

What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
    and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests satisfied;
    he will not be visited by harm.
Proverbs 19:22-23 ESV

He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:1-10 ESV

Jesus took on human flesh. He exemplified the Proverb's picture of the wise man, who shows steadfast love. This love is a reflection of the Father’s steadfast, covenant love. Jesus in His dealings with Zacchaeus showed such love. Because of Jesus’ love, which mediates the Father’s from-before-the-creation-of-the-world love, Zacchaeus’ heart is exposed. He is prepared to be a poor man, rather than remain a thief and a liar. He is prepared to be poor for Jesus so that he can be rich in the grace which Jesus brings.

Zacchaeus then exhibits the fear of the LORD. He will replace what he has stolen. He will give his wealth to the poor, showing his heart has moved from greedy self-centredness to thankful generosity. Exactly what the Proverbs show a man who has life in Christ will do. Wherever sin’s stronghold had strangled a man or woman, that is the place where new life in Christ will most obviously shine out. The angry man will become a peace-maker. The gossipy woman will become a woman who knows how to hold her tongue and bring all needs and requests of those around her to God in prayer, for He alone can heal and save. A thief and embezzler will restore what he has stolen and will be generous.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! What the Psalmist said so long ago is proved true over and over again: “The LORD preserves all who love Him”. Thank You for the love You showed the sinner Zacchaeus, in gracing Him with Jesus’ ministry, You remind believers, however locked into sin we were, that the work of Jesus will break down every stronghold of sin until the sinner who rests in Jesus is made His captive saint. Spirit of God, help us to praise Jesus, so that our mouths will speak the praise of the LORD; all flesh, join in to bless the Holy Name of the LORD forever and ever. Amen.

(There are echoes of Psalm 145:20-21 in this prayer)

https://youtu.be/ogS5n0QtSm0

Casting Crowns “While You Were Sleeping”

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

December 16, 2022 -- Luke 16:14-15 & Proverbs 16:4-5 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the heart exposed

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things and they ridiculed Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Luke 16:14-15 ESV

The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
   even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
   be assured, he will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:4-5 ESV

As the Gospel of Luke continues, the readings are getting us closer and closer to the cross of Jesus Christ. The hearts of hypocrites are being exposed. The entire world's need for the Savior is clearly demonstrated. The Pharisees were the elite, the religious ones and they attempted to imposed their will and their self-centred way of worship on all the Jewish people. They did not recognize Jesus when He walked among them. That is so achingly sad.

Already in the Proverbs the followers of God could be divided into two groups: those made for God’s purposes who were reflecting His glory and those who claimed to be followers of God and whose hearts are far away from Him. Hearts far from God may publicly claim Him, but are actually devoted to sex, or money, or drugs, or self-promotion, or alcohol, or pride or whatever sin has taken hold of their hearts.

Recognize this, the Bible is written for those who are followers of God. Those who openly hate Him will not be reading it. But those who think they are Christians will read the Bible and either be convicted of their sin and turn to Him in repentance, or they will be hardened in their sinfulness and will go to the day of trouble where their vacuous faith is exposed for the sham it is. Those who are truly Christians will by the Spirit’s presence in the heart be convicted of their sins. They will realize the closer they draw to Jesus, the more hateful sin is in their life. So sin will be continually confessed. Repented of. It is the on-going cleansing cycle fueled by the Spirit of God.

The more the Christian looks to Him, Jesus, he will find the Father’s love communicated through the saving grace of Jesus in the power of the Spirit. The precious word will help him remove the log of sin from his own eye so that he can tenderly help younger, weaker Christians grow in their fellowship with God.

Our Father in heaven You are ablaze with glory and magnificence. Your Word is convicting truth and it exposes the sin that needs to be excised. Spirit of God You, Whose very Name is Holy, purify us by the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ. Beautiful Savior, King of the Nations and Conqueror of our hearts and passions, blessed are You. Save us, Triune God, in the richness of Your mercy and love so that our lives reflect Jesus Christ and in Him we continually see the eternal spectacle of the Father’s great love and the Spirit’s profound comfort. By the salvation You bring into our lives, may others around us see Your splendor and then themselves be drawn to Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_xOdbaLPJ1E
Celtic Worship "A Child is Born"

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

December 15, 2022 -- Proverbs 15:3,9 & Luke 15:1-2 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: Sinners reclaimed

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

The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
   keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
   but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
Proverbs 15:3,9 ESV

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 15:1-2 ESV

The three parables in Luke end with what might be one of the most familiar and powerful of all of Jesus’ parables. The story of the Prodigal Son is much loved. The truth of the Proverbs is clearly on display in the life of Jesus. He kept watch on the evil and the good. The way of the wicked was an abomination to Him. The word “abomination” means vile, disgusting. The parables of Jesus always seem to turn things upside down.

Consider this. The Pharisees and scribes are the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. They were steeped in the Tanakh, that is, the Old Testament Hebrew Bible. Interestingly, perhaps horrifyingly, they did not recognize Jesus, the very Person to Whom the entire Old Testament pointed, when He stood before them. Like their forefathers, they were grumblers.

Who the people that were drawn to Jesus? Tax collectors, the people who had betrayed their own Jewish heritage, stole money from their fellow Jews along with the legitimate tax revenues they collected. People whose disgusting practices were hateful to God became intrigued by Jesus and were drawn to Him. Luke, inspired by the Spirit of God, records these incidents in chapter 15 and these parables to remind people God works among the most unexpected, those considered unworthy and nothing in the eyes of the world, in order to show His great mercy and steadfast love. No one can earn the grace of Jesus, one receives it when he turns recognizes the depths of his sinful uncleanness, turns from his sin, confessing it to Jesus. What healing there is in the Name of Jesus!

Our Father in heaven, honoured and blessed be Your Name! How patient is Your love and constant is Your mercy toward Your people. Jesus, honoured and blessed be Your Name. How great and unending the grace You give to ruined sinners who realize their for Your redeeming work. Holy Spirit, honoured and blessed be Your Name. Thank You for driving the deep and profound truth of Scripture into the inner chambers of our hearts and minds so that the comforts divine are given into the lives of believers. Triune God, this Christmas season, may many of our friends and family members, who do not yet confess Your Name, be drawn to You and learn of Your love, confessing their sinfulness and receive the Light of the World. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/5Vwu-t7QRaE
Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin "Noel"

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

December 13, 2022 -- II Corinthians 13:14 -- Journey to Christmas carried by love, grace and comfort

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

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
II Corinthians 13:14 ESV

Remember the journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke. Read a chapter of each of these books daily and you’ll have completed Luke on Dec. 24th and Proverbs on the last day of December. These books show how the practical life (Proverbs) is imbued with the beautiful work of Jesus Christ (Luke).

While traveling to and from one of the prisons yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Ian Hamilton speak about communion with God. He made extensive use of John Owen’s theological work. He quoted many passages from Owen, but this one stood out to me: “Assure yourself, there is nothing more acceptable unto the Father than for us to keep up our hearts unto Him as the eternal fountain of all that rich grace which flows out to sinners in the blood of Jesus.”

The point is this: believers are invited to meditate on God the Triune. Think about this. The Father’s love is an eternal fountain, a sweetness of refreshing love given to the believer. From before the foundations of world the Father chose to love you. Think about that. Do not be discouraged by your own waywardness and sinfulness, know the Father has set His love on You. Proof of His love is proclaimed to all the world at the cross of Jesus.

Jesus is the source of every grace in your life. Exactly as the blessing quoted II Corinthians declares it. Jesus mediates the love of God to the people of God. He does not earn you the Father’s love; no, that is a misconception. You were already loved by the Father, the work of the Son reveals this with such clarity. You are graced by the Father’s love in the work of the Son. The Spirit then gives you all comfort. As you reflect on the Father’s love and the grace given in Jesus Christ you are comforted in God’s goodness. Such meditations make you rise up and worship Him and serve Him with all you have and all you are because this fountain of the Father’s love communicates such sweetness to every part of your life.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the rich fountain of Your love which is continually poured out in Your great faithfulness. Jesus, praise and honour belong to You. Thank You for the vast quantities of Your grace which is given to all believers assuring people of the Father's eternal love. Spirit of the Living God, great and blessed are You, beyond all telling or explanation. Thank You for the profound comfort with which You drench believers so that every step of life in Christ is suffused with the fragrance of the gift of Jesus and resplendent with the love of the Father--the fountainhead of such goodness. Amen.

https://youtu.be/chLMSiozhL8

Wheaton College “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

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

December 12, 2022 -- Proverbs 12:17 & Luke 12:1-3 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke. Light.

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

Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness utters deceit.
Proverbs 12:17 ESV

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
Luke 12:1-3 ESV

It makes sense that Jesus, Who is wisdom incarnate, should speak proverbs. He uncovers the Pharisees as false witnesses and hypocrites. No wonder they hated Jesus so intensely and already quite early on in Jesus’ ministry desired to kill Him (Mark 3:6).

Why was Jesus so open about the deceit of the Pharisees and then so pointed about the secret actions of the crowd gathered before Him?

• If a man would change his ways, he must first know how far off course he is.

• So that the crowds would know the sinfulness of the Pharisees and draw themselves to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life

• So that the sinfulness which people thought was hidden or secret would be fully exposed and confessed. Moreover, it is interesting how sin is revealed in the life of the true believer. Not all at once, but as the Spirit applies the Word, the lamp is lit in the life of the believer and by its light more and more is revealed, to be confessed and repented of.

Christians interpret the times. Good is called evil and evil is called good by the leaders of our world. It is obvious the end is near and Jesus will return with all His Holy Ones. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the day to make yourself right with God by confessing your general sinfulness and confessing your particular sins. What mercy there is in Jesus, to reveal sins so that sinners can turn from all wickedness and acknowledge Him.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed and honoured be Your Name. Thank You for Jesus Christ, the Light of the Word, Who illuminates the darkness and reveals the profound need we have for such a Savior. Spirit of God strengthen us to know both the depths of our sins and the powerful cleansing that is offered in Jesus Christ. Work in us so that our lives are not spent comparing ourselves to this person or that, but comparing ourselves only to Jesus, so that the full extent of our need is revealed and the full weight of His glorious redeeming work is revealed to us and then in us. 

https://youtu.be/tWeXVnRm6R8
We the Kingdom "Light of the World"

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

December 9, 2022 -- Proverbs 9:9-12 & Luke 9:57-62 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Proverbs 9:9-12 ESV

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-62 ESV

It is tempting to think, “If I were there when Jesus walked the earth I’d follow Him for sure!” Through-out the centuries and generations of the Old Testament wisdom called out for men to become wise and know the LORD. Some did. Many scoffed. To scoff is to mock or make fun of, or to look at someone like he’s crazy. The glory of God and the wisdom given through the power of the Holy Spirit was available in every age, is available in every age, but people prefer to scoff and the puny man utterly dependent on God for his very breath, would use that breath to mock the Holy One. It is madness to do so.

When Jesus Himself walked the earth, the very people who had waited many many long generations, praying for His arrival, whose forefathers made sacrifices first at the Tabernacle, and finally at the Temple in Jerusalem, such people did not recognize Him, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. The passage from Luke shows Jesus confronting people with their false ideas of Who He Is. They saw His peripatetic life but imagined if they followed Him they’d have a different life than His own disciples did. While the disciples went here and there with Jesus, they were expecting to stay home or to do whatever was normal for them and have Jesus too. He would be a warm blanket to cover them rather than the Captain of Salvation, leading them into the thick of battle. Jesus blasted to pieces their notions that following Him would be easy.

A wise man will calculate the way of life without the LORD and realize that is in fact the path of death. He will realize to fear the LORD means to hate the old paths and the life of ruin and dissipation and sin. There is before him the One Whom Hebrews describes as “better”. Jesus is better than the foolishness of a self-directed life devoid of wisdom or knowledge. In Jesus Christ one encounters true wisdom. In Jesus Christ one has knowledge of the Father, Who sent Jesus so that the world would know His great love. Whoever surrenders to Jesus Christ finds life that is full of obstacles, struggles, worldly losses, but is rich with the spiritual life, joy, and the knowledge of Him Who after death has the power to bring one to His Presence in eternity where the Prince of Peace shall rule as King and Friend forevermore. The Spirit of God speaks to the very innermost part of a believer, declaring “Abba, Father”. Such joy. Such blessedness belongs to the believer who abandons his own false ideas of Who Jesus Is or his narrow view of what God the Father does or does not accept and with complete surrender yields himself to the way of wisdom.

O GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
That which I know not, teach thou me,
Keep me a humble disciple in the school of Christ,
learning daily there what I am in myself,
a fallen sinful creature,
justly deserving everlasting destruction;
O let me never lose sight of my need of a Saviour,
or forget that apart from him I am nothing,
and can do nothing.
Open my understanding to know the Holy Scriptures;
Reveal to my soul the counsels and works of the blessed Trinity;
Instill into my dark mind the saving knowledge of Jesus;
Make me acquainted with his covenant undertakings
and his perfect fulfilment of them,
that by resting on his finished work
I may find the Father’s love in the Son,
his Father, my Father,
and may be brought through thy influence to have fellowship
with the Three in One.
O lead me into all truth,
thou Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
that I may know the things that belong unto my peace,
and through thee be made anew.
Make practical upon my heart the Father’s love
as thou hast revealed it in the Scriptures;
Apply to my soul the blood of Christ, effectually, continually,
and help me to believe, with conscience comforted,
that it cleanses from all sin;
Lead me from faith to faith, that I may at all times
have freedom to come to a reconciled Father,
and may be able to maintain peace with him against doubts, fears,
corruptions, temptations.
Thy office is to teach me to draw near to Christ with a pure heart,
steadfastly persuaded of his love,
in the full assurance of faith.
Let me never falter in this way.
The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions: "The Spirit as a Teacher"

https://youtu.be/Pr2RG-xR2lA
Celtic Worship "Prince of Peace"

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

December 8, 2022 -- Proverbs 8:32-36 & Luke 8:16-18 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke

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

“And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
    and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
    all who hate me love death.”
Proverbs 8:32-36 ESV

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
Luke 8:16-18 ESV

Remember that commitment, those of you who made it, to read one chapter of Proverbs each day and one chapter of Luke. The goal is to spend 17 minutes in a time of Bible reading, reflection and prayer—17 minutes is a about one tenth of the non-work screen time the average Canadian watches a day.

The Proverbs picture the one seeking wisdom as one excited for news about wisdom. Think of the times tourists stand at the gates of Buckingham Palace in London, UK, hoping to see the changing of the guards. Or think of a student who loves a professor’s class and waits at his door in order to be the first in line for his office time so he can ask questions. There is a warning: the way of wisdom is life; the lack of wisdom is death. The language is stronger, it is self-injury, and a love of death. Wisdom is life for the believer; and the lack of wisdom leads to more and more harm and ultimately death away from God.

Wisdom is light, in the Gospel of Luke. It is Jesus Himself. When one’s life has the Light of Christ shining out this light cannot be hidden. New life in Christ catches everyone’s attention. Just like a display of Christmas lights that decorate a house on a cold winter’s night, so the light of Christ shines out and makes people notice. The Light of Christ will clearly show your sins and require you to confess what is going on in your life. This is why some people would try and hide the light of which they might otherwise take hold. They do not desire the extreme transformation which Christ brings. For such people, who fool themselves into thinking they are something when they are not, try to hide the little light they and whatever light and knowledge they had will be taken from them. They will be thrown into the torment and eternal punishment of hell.

As Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice, so lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, and make us glad with the tokens of Thy love. Be Thou with us, O Lord, and let Thy grace follow us this day, and all the days of our life. Be Thou our Guide unto death, in death our Comfort, and, after death, our Portion and Happiness everlasting--Amen.
Benjamin Jenks (1646-1724)

https://youtu.be/D7E0jM0F3M8

King’s College Choir “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”

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

December 7, 2022 -- Proverbs 7:1-5 & Luke 7:36-39 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke

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

My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
2 keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
3 bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call insight your intimate friend,
5 to keep you from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words.
Proverbs 7:1-5 ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”
Luke 7:36-39 ESV

How is your journey to Christmas through reading the Proverbs and Luke going? Are you reading a chapter from each book every day? Notice the interesting parallel here between the two books here at chapter 7? The Proverbs warn against the adulteress. The contrast is between the wisdom of God and the adultery of the world. The believer is to be devoted to the Living God and seek Him only, that is the way of one who treasures up God’s commandments. The wicked are called adulteresses, they have exchanged wisdom for prostituting themselves out to other gods and other treasures.

When Jesus ate at the home of a Pharisee, a woman who had been sinner and wicked adulteress, repented, showing herself captured by wisdom. She anointed Jesus’ feet. She gave Him a great treasure, worshiping Him and declaring her devotion to Him, Jesus, Wisdom from on high. The Pharisee, who to the untrained eye was a wise man, showed himself to be an adulterer, even in the presence of Jesus Who should have been his intimate friend. This Pharisee shows his devotion to money, to worldly ways of thinking and to ignoring the commandments of God.

Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50 EV). How do you define faith? I listened to a sermon given by Richard Owen Roberts who noted faith is:

F -ocused on the future. An eternity with God because of Jesus Christ.

A - ctive obedience. Not mere words, but a live lived, poured out in service to Jesus.

I - ntimacy with God. The realization that through the Spirit one is near to God. Such intimacy is granted through the continual study of the Word of God and His works and prayer.

T - enacity (great determination in the face of opposition) to show one’s confidence in Jesus

H - ope that is anchored in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, sustained by the presence of the Spirit in the believer and continually given as a gift by the Father.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, may Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for the many times we have been wayward in our faith and neglecting wisdom. Like the Penitent Woman of Luke 7, may we return to the presence of Jesus, weeping over our sinfulness and crying with joy at the knowledge of His powerful forgiveness. Help us to lay down all the things we formerly treasured and give our lives, our possessions, our skills and our minds over to Jesus as an on-going sacrifice of praise. Glorious Father may Your teaching be the apple of our eye—something well-guarded and sensitive to any intrusion. Spirit of the Living God, increase our intimacy with the Word of God, the commands of God and this through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, Who is for us, wisdom from on high. Amen.

https://youtu.be/uYHpJnfy2lQ
Casting Crowns "Make Room in Your Heart"

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

December 5, 2022 -- Proverbs 4:5-9 & Luke 4:1-3 -- A Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke

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

Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
Proverbs 4:5-9 ESV

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Luke 4:1-3 ESV

As you journey to Christmas through reading Proverbs and Luke, pay attention to details. Earlier in Luke it was noted that “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with man” (Luke 2:52). He received the instruction of His parents. He highly prized the teaching of the LORD His God and in the day of temptation Jesus was armed with wisdom. Even when He was hungry, and tired from fasting, and lonely after forty days in the wilderness, He has wisdom from on high which saw Him through the hard days of assault at the hands of the devil.

No doubt some readers will scoff and say, of course Jesus resisted temptation, He is divine. True. But He is also fully human. The same Spirit that rested on Jesus is the Spirit of wisdom given to all who believe. When a believer prizes wisdom he will be protected against the day of trouble.

Look at verse 6, the student of wisdom will not forsake her, that is, he will not lose her or leave her. Wisdom is to be courted and treasured, wisdom is to be pursued and wooed. When we read the Bible, we are not merely putting a check mark beside some duty we have to perform in order to make a distant deity happy. Not a chance! When we read the Bible, we are wooing wisdom and pursuing her, aware that God's blessing is poured out on those seeking His wisdom.

In our weaknesses and failures, we realize once again the greatness of the work of Jesus Christ, to be fully righteous, fully obedient to the Father, fully wise. What a glorious Savior He is. In the journey to Christmas, treasure Jesus and receive the garland of His grace to protect you against the onslaughts of the devil, your own flesh and the trials the world would hurl at you. Wisdom is a beautiful crown—one which, when we see Jesus in eternity, we will throw at His feet in adoration and thanks and worship.

Our Father in heaven, blessed and honoured be Your Name! May Your Word of Wisdom brace my heart and attitude so that in the powerful Name of Jesus I can resist temptation. Faithful Father, thank You for the joy of Christmas and the deep awareness that You truly do keep Your promises and equip believers with Your Spirit guarding them in all that is truly and good and holy. Forgive me for the laxity with which I have been attending to wisdom and stir up in me a strong desire for Your gift of wisdom. Help me to chase after wisdom with the ardor of a young lover chasing the woman of his dreams. Thank You, Father of all Compassion and Steadfast Love, Amen.

https://youtu.be/1DPBN7WzS4o

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