December 2, 2023 -- Proverbs 2:1-8 -- Studying the Word

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

My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
    and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
    and watching over the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:1-8 ESV

Why read the Bible? Perhaps you read the Bible to please God. Maybe you read it so that you will be part of God’s family. To get His attention. To learn more. To be educated. Because it is something Christians are supposed to do. Consider what is being taught here in Proverbs 2. The one who reads the Bible is a son (or daughter) of God. A son is already part of the family and loved by God.

Notice the blessings the LORD our God confers on those who are diligent (those who make energetic effort) in studying the word of God. First of all, they realize the riches it contains. Relationship with God is built up—in difficult economic times, men will buy gold or silver as a protection of wealth. Those who invest time in their relationship with God are building up a treasure for life's hard times that will inevitably come to pass. Notice how Proverbs describes this treasure of knowing Him: He is a shield for His people Who guards and guides believers in the path of justice.

The world’s definition of what is true or right or just is constantly changing. The Word of the LORD stands as a lighthouse of Truth and by His Spirit He leads believers in wisdom, knowledge, and integrity. Tomorrow begins the celebration of the Advent season. Many people put up lights. They have no idea why, except it is habit and tradition. Jesus' appearance is for believers Light from Heaven. The Word is for believers light also. That is why Advent and Christmas are associated with light.

To be honest, many of us do not experience an urgent need to read the Bible. Many times we read a bit here and there and approach it with very little expectation. Notice the opening verses, those four verses are focused on believers praying for, asking for, and seeking wisdom. Appeal to God for the riches of His revelation. The most perfect revelation (Hebrews 1:2) is His Son Jesus Christ. He is to be found in every page of Scripture. Expect to encounter Him.

Notice that our Father in heaven stores up sound wisdom for the upright. Believers are righteous, or upright, because of their standing before God in Jesus Christ. He is all our righteousness. In our misery and struggles with sin believers know our Father in heaven has given His children a perfect plea—Jesus Christ and His accomplished work on the cross.

The result is that reading the Bible becomes a joy. An exercise of the heart and mind. Just like some days it is hard to go out and take in physical exercise, so too it is hard to take spiritual exercise. But the moment you do, you realize the benefit of it—on your appetite, on your general sense of well-being, and on your ability to fight fatigue. So too with the Word of God. He has packed it full so that those who trust Him, exercise their mind, body and spirit in the Word and find their appetite for it increases, and their sense of well-being anchored in Jesus is affirmed and their ability to fight spiritual laziness is increased.

Our Father in heaven let Your Name be honoured and praised among Your people. Rich and vast are the treasures You have given Your people in Jesus Christ the Living Word and in the written word. By Your Spirit’s work in us motivate us to mine the word for the treasures You have stored up for us in it. Direct us in wisdom. As You promised, shield us by the written word and the Living Word for all that is ahead of us. Guard Your people in the path of justice. We confess we are flabby with regard to Your Word and inclined to avoid exercising—renew in us a deep commitment to studying Your Word and digging deep to find the treasures You have stored up for Your beloved sons and daughters. Help us, Triune God, to encourage our fellow believers to dig deeply into the Word so that whenever we meet, we can share our joy in Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/8_EjMrrW8CY?si=1ESkQVW4g1iKBLy3 “How Firm A Foundation”

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December 1, 2023 -- Acts 10:24 -- expectation in worship

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

 And on the following day they entered Caesarea.
Cornelius was expecting them
and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Acts 10:24 ESV

Cornelius, not yet a convert to Christianity, was a devout man who feared God, gave alms and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:2). What a beautiful description. Now he was about to receive the apostle Peter into his home. In preparation Cornelius invited his relatives and friends. He was expecting to be blessed by the word of God.

Is that how you attend church? Do you expect to be blessed by word of God? How many times the Bible seems like a dry set of instructions; a list of do this and do not do that. Cornelius was trusting God so that he was expecting those whom the Lord had brought to him would have something important to say to him.

No doubt his friends and relatives would hesitate. They already knew he was a man who could be described as a man of high principles. He gave to the work of God. He was an outsider, yet even the Jewish nation spoke well of him (Acts 10:22). His friends and relatives would know his desire to live according to the Old Testament and would perhaps have rolled their eyes at his invitation. Hesitated. Thought “we’ve been over and over this”. Yet Cornelius persisted in his invitations.

I am wondering if you have such an urgent and pressing need to invite friends and relatives to church? Do you believe God will meet with you and meet with your friends and relatives who come to church with you? Have you made church-going a habit? Just something that is part of your Sunday schedule? Dear brother and sister in Christ, attending church is a living, vital encounter with God. He calls you out of your daily routine. He calls you to remember you are not the centre of the universe—He is. Your world and riches and life do not depend on your constant busy-ness, but on Him. Worship reminds you He is God and you are utterly dependent on Him. He is the soul-refresher. When such heavenly contemplations fill us with regards to each encounter with God, we cannot help but, despite protestations, excuses, and reluctance continually invite friends and relatives to church, until they, like us, attend and experience the goodness of our God.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. We confess how our eyes are dry and our faith is cold to the extent that we attend church with very little expectation of encountering God the Most Glorious. We confess how unlikely it is for us to invite friends and family to church or to Bible Studies, because we ourselves are so indifferent to these that we cannot imagine the people around us being interested. Spirit of the Living God, renew us in the word so that the love of God and the salvation that is ours in Christ captures our mind, our soul and our enthusiasm. As we, prompted by Your nudging and our commitments to Christ, are once again penetrated by and filled with the Word renew in us a zeal for holy living, a desire to be soul-winners, who are wise for holy service to our God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/GBLnqyc2hWo?si=9C5dAojkbS_tGCJ3 “Go Tell It On the Mountain”

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November 30, 2023 -- I Corinthians 6:9-11 -- Prison as punishment, not for punishment

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

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV

As reading week continues there is a phrase that stands out to me. It is like a lighthouse which should keep Christians from crashing onto the rocks of false thinking about prisoners and false thinking about one another. Here is the phrase: “People are sent to prison as punishment not for punishment”. Ponder that for a minute. The punishment is prison. So officers and staff, society and others should not be punishing a man because he is in prison or has been in prison. The stated goal of incarceration is rehabilitation. The desire is that a man or a woman who has been incarcerated will be transformed from a mindset of criminality to one of virtue.

This is not mere idealism. Christians, above all people on this planet, should understand this. Christians begin with the fact that our sins are equivalent to those who are incarcerated. The most descriptive biblical phrase defining sin is this: “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:22-23 ESV. Do you actually believe this? Do you realize your sins are so hideous, so vile and such a great offense that you, like any incarcerated person on this planet, you deserve condemnation?! At issue is not a comparison of sins per se, but a wondrous recognition of the glory of God. Any sin, all sin, is a violation of that infinite glory.

Now consider the great grace of God. Look one more time at the list of sins Paul included in his letter to the Corinthians. You have, no doubt, criticized your government, or your fellow Christian harshly. That is reviling. It is not living as a Christian exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. That is sin. It is worthy of punishment for the abuse of the glory of and the Name of God. To one degree or another, all the sins on Paul's list, are intimately familiar to us. That should stop any of us cold in our tracks.

The focus of salvation, always, is on the kindness and mercy of God. Having been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ we are now those who point to the holy showers of mercy and call others to repentance and new life. We are especially tender and gentle with those who have been beaten down by a criminal justice system that at times unwittingly, other times perversely, treats time in prison as time for punishment. There is a lingering presumption that an offender remains offensive. Dear Christian, wake up. The lingering stench of your own sins, those which have been cleansed by Christ, means the Spirit of God must be leading you to greater acts of healing kindness among those who have the greatest need of God’s saving love. Live your life in the mindset of the Spirit of God who leads you, and other former sinners now saints, into the new life of Christ.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name! Great and glorious is the salvation You bring to lost and ruined sinners—that justification which is ours through the mighty Name of Jesus and by the work of the Spirit of our God. Forgive us our reviling. Forgive us for the forgetfulness of our new life in Christ, where we do not remember that our sins. Sins so wicked and vile that should they have been exposed, their stench would reach to the heavens and barred our way to Your glorious presence. God of compassion and grace, direct us to be people who show Your grace in our prayers, in our words and in our actions. Amen.

https://youtu.be/rE086BWdhU4?si=WO0CA91gZ1YeR1mn “How Can I Keep from Singing?”

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November 27, 2023 -- Matthew 10:16-20 -- Chaplains

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

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 10:16-20 ESV

Dear family in our Lord Jesus Christ today is the start of my reading week. I am launching in with the first book “Inside the Fence”. An experienced chaplain is giving an account of life as a chaplain, warnings and lessons for the instruction, warning and edification of others who serve. It is a complicated field, prison chaplaincy. I’ll let Schilder’s work speak for itself.

“Chaplain, God has laid it on my heart that I have to come into your
institution this Sunday to preach so that souls will not go to hell.”
Every chaplain, who has been around for a while, has had this kind
of phone call from the self-appointed “ministers of God.” After
rejecting the impulse to thank the caller for implying the chaplain is
not doing his job, the chaplain has to patiently explain to the ignorant
the policies and procedures that the prison has to follow before
permitting outside resources to assist with ministry to the inmates.
When some understand they will not be getting into the institution on
a moment’s notice, they will write the governor or central office or the
warden to complain. By the same token, many are never heard from
again. The chaplain as mediator has to show these people the same
respect and courtesy as though they were talking to the leader of their
own denomination.
David M. Schilder Inside the Fence. New York: Alba House; 1999, p 47

As a Chaplain with Redemption Prison Ministry, I too have had fiery men and women who asked to join me so they could preach souls out of hell. A couple of questions. Once they’ve been in the prison, preached, and leave, who will pick up the pieces with the administration? Who will nurse and care for any tender child born out of such preaching—especially since such visits proposed are usually a one off? Who will help inmates who live as Christians, who have been wise, and now seem discredited by a single firebrand? 

God has, by His Spirit, opened a door for Christian men and women to go into our institutions in Canada and declare the Good News about Jesus Christ. There must be wisdom. There must be an ability to know the protocols of the institution and the restrictions imposed on all faith groups and respectful of the multifaith circumstances of prison life know how to articulate a clear respect for all faiths, while still, with integrity, holding on to one’s own believe. Thanks be to God I do not have to be anxious, but trusting the promises of Scripture go in and serve with the confidence that the Spirit of God will give the right words for each situation. And, as I serve, that our Faithful God, will provide opportunities for follow up and spiritual care to those who response.

Please keep your chaplains in prayer. It is a very difficult time to be a Christian Chaplain. There are various political forces and institutional policies which are quite pragmatic so that it is a very challenging time to be a chaplain. Pray for incarcerated Christian men and women who themselves often have challenges living as Christians in what can be a radically secular environment.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the access Christian Chaplains have in our prison systems—provincial and federal. Keep open the doors of opportunity so that men and women can declare the mystery of Christ, making it clear to those who, prompted by Your Spirit, are seeking Him. Thank You, Glorious Father, for the men and women who are incarcerated and who declare Jesus Christ to those around them. Help them to walk in wisdom. Mighty God, for all of us, incarcerated or not, help us to live for You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/TpELMk4-3n8?si=7BlYKXuqx39lAIyA “O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer”

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November 25, 2023 -- Luke 24:44 -- Is it all about Jesus?

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

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Luke 24:44

These are Jesus’ words. He spoke them to Cleopas and his friend as they were leaving Jerusalem on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. They were discouraged because they didn’t believe Jesus had risen from the dead—though they’d heard rumors. Jesus explained to them how the entire Old Testament pointed to Him. It is all about Jesus. God’s plan of redemption is centred in Jesus.

When you look at your life—how is your life centred on Jesus? Recently I heard a man speaking from the Bible. He was enthused. He was descriptive. He used a lot of cliches. But it was not about Jesus. It is all together too easy to get caught up in all kinds of teachings and studies and miss Jesus—about Whom the entire Old Testament teaches and the whole New Testament reveals. He is the Only Way to the Father.

What fills your mind? What is consuming your free time? Is it Jesus? Paul reminded the Colossians “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him” Colossians 3:17. Basically, if someone reads your life, from beginning to end, will he see the story of Jesus and His love written over every page?!

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the great and glorious gift of Jesus Christ. Thank You that He is written about on every page of the Bible. Spirit of the Living God, so transform our living, in every day and every part, that the redeeming love of Jesus will be written in large letters. Let it be obvious to all around us that Jesus is our reason for being. Even things like daily chores, or how we conduct ourselves in our retirement, may all parts of our life and every duty of each day, reflect the splendor of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/TpELMk4-3n8?si=53D2S-D3lzNGKCB8 O Lord, My Rock

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November 23, 2023 -- John 19:12-16 -- We have no king, but...

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

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
John 19:12-16 ESV

I can’t tell you how many times I have read this passage. How many Good Friday Services where this was part of the text and it was preached, but I missed something so basic. However, today it absolutely hit me full on. The Jews knew full well, from all the Old Testament, this truth: God is their King. There are so many possible texts to choose from, let me cite two of them.

Clap your hands, all peoples!
    Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2 For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
    a great king over all the earth.
Psalm 47:1-2 ESV

“But the LORD is the true God, He is the Living God,
an everlasting King: at His wrath the earth shall tremble…
Jeremiah 10:10 ESV

Look at the twists of this story. Pilate, who is not Jewish, nor is he a believer, recognizes (even if all he is doing is taunting the people) that Jesus is the King of the Jews. Not a king, but their King. The Jewish people—and this is a horrible disregard of their history—say they have no king but Caesar. They are embracing the false king who also claims deity.

When has hatred of a person brought you to the point that you disregard Jesus, your King, and you mindlessly vent your rage? When has greed taken hold of your heart and you served your desires more than King Jesus? When has a spasm of lust taken hold of you and you’ve allowed your lustful impulses to deny your allegiance to your One, True King?

People of God, what truly repulses me about this story is how much I can identify with the Jews and chief priests who are prepared to deny their King in favour of power, lust, and greed. How much I need the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that His work on the cross is finished. His blood reconciles believers to the Father. Jesus pleads for us, Father, forgive them. He does not pray this to a hard-hearted, unwilling Father, but to the Father Who has chosen His elect in love, chosen them in the Beloved.

Father in heaven, forgive me. By Your Spirit’s application of the word in my life, lead me to honest, true and deep confession. Create in me a clean heart, O God. One which can only be made clean at the inestimable cost of Jesus’ sacrifice. Then, Triune God, shall I rise up and bless Your Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/YfG0Efz49VU?si=Z62ckJOWJhHgPi9f “The Lord Almighty Reigns” SovereignGraceMusic

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November 21, 2023 -- Ephesians 4:28 -- No more stealing thief, in Christ, do honest labor, sharing with others

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

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work
with his own hands,
so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Ephesians 4:28 ESV

Many (perhaps even most) of us Christians have ignored this passage. Today I am going to use the words of Robert Lupton to explain.

     Charity is good for us.

      It is, after all, the mark of good citizenship…And because it is so
     widely embraced as good—good for our society, good for our
     souls—it is easy to assume that it is also good for the recipients.
     It is not. Not the way we have been practicing it.

     Very few people in our society are so severely dysfunctional that
     they have no capacity to give. Even the chronic homeless with
     mental illness or addiction have something to contribute. Everyone,
     no matter how impaired or down on their luck, has a talent, a
     capability, a strength to bring to the table. To overlook their abilities,
     to offer pity instead of opportunity, is to diminish rather than empower.
     Subsidizing nonproductivity disempowers the poor. Doing for others
     what they have the capacity to do for themselves is debilitating.
     Unfortunately,, this describes more of our charity—from donating toys
     at Christmas to passing out socks to street people to providing free
     soup and cots at homeless shelter. Without a means of exchange,
     the recipients of our benevolence remain objects of our pity. As we’ve
     already seen, the most effective programs require participants to
     assume responsibility for their own development. These programs
     discourage free handouts and other kindhearted subsidies that erode
     a work ethic and hinder the growth of personal initiative. Which is to
     say that most of the giveaway volunteer efforts initiated by religious
     and charitable groups work at cross purposes with programs
     committed to moving people out of poverty. Such giveaway program
     consider their existence proof of their success; they hardly ever
     evaluate their success in terms of moving the poverty needle.
Robert Lupton, Charity Detox, page 68

Truly effective ministry means that a man or a woman is transformed in Christ. Addiction ends. Stealing stops. Entitlement ends. Such a person engages in communion with Christ and in healthy, purposeful interactions contributing to society. It is way harder than merely opening one’s wallet (and getting a tax receipt). Truly walking with Christ means that believers engage with the most vulnerable in our world and consistently, persistently, walk them out of poverty in their new life in Christ.

It is too much. Impossible you say? Absolutely. In our own strength there is no way on this planet that we can do this. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” II Peter 1:3-5 ESV.

Do we stop giving to charity? No.

Ask yourself this: is the charity transforming lives, moving people from being trapped in cycles of poverty to becoming empowered, productive citizens? Examine such things as these: are the recipients expected to change, helped to make lasting changes in their own condition and lives, expected to help others? As Christians we should expect the gifts and abilities of the recipients of charity be acknowledged and developed so that such men and women are not mere objects of pity, but are seen as those who by the grace of God have much to contribute to the Kingdom.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. We confess that much of Your word remains mysterious to us. Truly Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. As those who have been transformed in Jesus Christ lead us in the way everlasting. Spirit of God, grant us the biblical vision and strength to act so that our gifts, talents and abilities will be used to help and equip the thief to steal no longer but to work and from his honest labor allow him to share with others in the powerful Name of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/y3gWwGDGgVA?si=BYcSN_0KXtVfZYlV “Take My Life and Let It Be”

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November 19, 2023 -- I Corinthians 2:14 -- Government Reversal on Remembrance Day Prayers

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

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
I Corinthians 2:14 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way.
I Timothy 2:1-2 ESV

A few weeks before Canadian Remembrance Day an email went out from the office of the Chaplain General Brigadier-General Guy Belisle that prayers would not be allowed at the November 11th services. This was widely publicized. However, on Oct. 30th, an email went out from his office retracting this directive. As is quoted in The Epoch Times, it reads:
     In light of the questions that have been raised concerning the Directive,
     any chaplain who participates in a Remembrance Day ceremony this
     year can propose a spiritual reflection or opt for the practice of recent
     years, which included the recitation of a preamble”
     The Epoch Times, Ontario Edition, November 2 - 8, 2023, page A1.

Dear family in our Lord Jesus Christ, such a directive as was sent out reminds Christians how important it is for us to pray for all who are in leadership. To pray recognizing that many who govern are not themselves Christians. Others who are in positions of authority take their orders from the political leaders of the land who as the reading from Corinthians teaches us, cannot discern the spiritual things.

Keep praying for our Military Chaplains who seek to minister to a widely diverse flock under their care. Pray especially for the Christians among them, who seek to be faithful to the King of the Church and serve in an atmosphere of opposition, criticism, and political expediency. Pray with the confidence that the Spirit of the Living God has placed such men and women in their positions so that the people of God in the military may be encouraged and blessed. Pray also for the Christian men and women in uniform who serve our King in this land, and in many other lands, at the behest of the Government do so remaining true to the LORD our God.

Father in heaven You are the One in Whom all people live and move and have their being. All life is dependent on You for every breath and for the animation of life. Thank You for the Investiture of Jesus Christ as the King of Heaven and the Sovereign above all the kings and leaders and rulers of the earth. At Your throne of grace, Lord Jesus, we pray for our military chaplains. Thank You for the men and women who serve You at Your appointment. Thank You for the desire You have placed in them to remain faithful in a world where directives and commitments are ever shifting sands. We appeal to You, Who holds the hearts and decisions of all leaders in Your hands, bring to all who are in authority Christian advisors and wise counselors. Let those who hold positions of power recognize they hold such at Your pleasure. By Your Spirit, Sovereign King, bless and guide Your chaplains. Let the men and women in uniform who love You, Triune God, live as salt and light in a world that needs the Gospel. This day, Holy God, bless the preaching of Your Word, on bases and in the field, in evangelistic settings and in churches and house churches through-out our world. Let the Name of our God be greatly praised. Lead on, O King eternal, until all Your people and all the soldiers of the cross lay down their arms and their mortal remains and stand before Your glorious presence in the blessed lands of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/PS3QinSmPHI?si=JLY4xUhCukESYL54 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” St. Paul’s Cathedral, Platinum Jubilee

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November 18, 2023 -- John 8:12 -- Jesus the Light of the World

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

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

When you read Scripture each day, then your awareness of how the various images and themes of the Bible link together grows. The significance of Jesus’ words are easily lost, unless you know your Old Testament. On the first day of creation God created light. There was light in the creation before the creation of sun, moon and stars. On the third day of creation, the LORD our God created seed bearing plants, and fruit trees and all kinds of vegetation. Remember, vegetation was created before there were sun and moon and stars. God Himself was the light of the world.

One beautiful passage that links light with the LORD is Psalm 27. The LORD is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1). He is Light. His Presence illuminates all of life so that sinfulness is exposed and His righteousness is revealed. He is the light that guides believers. He is the light which reveals how dark the darkness of sin is. No wonder then, when Jesus stood up in Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths and declared Himself the Light of the World, people took notice. No doubt there’d be people at the feast who knew their Old Testament and the implications of what He was saying.

When Saul was on the road to Damascus he encountered a light from heaven (Acts 9:4). The brilliance of this light threw him to the ground. It was the light of conversion. It was the light of Christ. As believers today, we know Jesus is the Light of Life. He is the constant source of spiritual illumination. He is the constant source of life in us that allows us to be brought to the Father. The gift of God the Spirit enables us to receive Jesus as the Light of Life.

Oh LORD You are my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear?
You, Oh LORD, are the Stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
With the Psalmist David I pray, “let me gaze on Your beauty all the days of my life”.
Triune God of Glory, by Your Spirit lead me in Jesus the Light of Life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/D7E0jM0F3M8?si=epDObPQM2bzsFm4d “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”

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November 17, 2023 -- John 6:60-66 -- Faith that seeks to understand

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

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
John 6:60-66 ESV

What is your threshold for disbelief? Perhaps you are happy to celebrate Christmas, but you don’t quite believe Jesus was born of a virgin. Maybe it is the fact that you haven’t really examined your faith and the particulars of the Bible, so a sermon on Luke 1:34-35 would throw you into considerable turmoil. Maybe you are okay with God’s right to rule over all of your life, but when the Bible teaches homosexuality and transgenderism, as well as adultery and sexual relations outside of marriage, are sinful, that is the point where you are prepared to part company with God.

As in the time of the disciples, so it is today, the world is constantly exerting its influence on you. The message of the world is radically opposed to the teaching of God. The world cannot understand God. The teachers of each age and generation are spiritually blind and unable to perceive what Truth is.

Many people who seemed to be followers of Jesus, yes, even disciples, publicly turned away from Him. They never did belong to Him. Their own intellect, their confidence in the world, rather that in Jesus, was finally, fully exposed. It remains so today. It is not that way for Spirit-led believers in Jesus. Whenever believers encounter a hard saying of Jesus, it is the glory of believers to search it out. Pray about it. Ask a friend whose walk with God you admire. Research what solid bible commentators teach about such passages. Acknowledge, in humility before God, you are not the standard of all wisdom. There is so much do you not yet know or comprehend, so keep digging and seeking to know more of God and His Word.

Our Father in heaven magnificent and splendid are You beyond all human comprehension. Great are Your ways. Yet, in love and mercy You have simplified for human understanding Your plan of salvation and the works of Your glory so that the dullest person can come to know you and keep on growing in learning of You. You have such riches of wondrous mysteries that those of keen mind and restless, probing intellect can spend their lives searching for more knowledge only to find they are still on the barest edges of understanding. Blessed and glorious are You LORD Who lives in unapproachable light. We do believe in You, help us overcome our unbelief and dig ever deeper into the realms of faith-filled obedience to You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/pdwjZ_BObyE?si=HrQDMLV8W1SZHMWW Selah “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 15, 2023 -- Hebrews 6:1-12 -- True Rest

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

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.[a] 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,
“As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’”
although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said,
“They shall not enter my rest.”
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:1-11

What is it you run to hoping to find rest? Some might answer TV. Others an afternoon nap. You might think eating better will result in peace and a calm mind. Of course there’s vacations or cottages or maybe a meal out. It is nearly a universal statement that people make, “I need a rest from my vacation. I was so busy.” So many things that we hope will bring us rest, disappoint us.

The rest that Hebrews is speaking of is entering the Promised Land. Joshua completed the work Moses started. He brought the Israelites into the Promised Land. It was a picture of rest from their task masters and their slavery in Egypt. However, the name Joshua in the Old Testament is in Greek, the language of the New Testament: Jesus. It is Jesus Who brings us true and lasting rest. The task master of sin and the burdens of shame and guilt are removed. We find rest in Him.

In order to truly rest, believers worship God on the Sunday. It is the reminder that all our other work, though meaningful, is not what we’re ultimately made for. We are made to worship God.

In order to truly rest believers delight in God. Spending time each day thinking of Who He Is. Eternal. Holy. Excellent in all His ways. Creator. Sustainer. Such thoughts remind us that “graveyards are filled with people who thought they were indispensable” however, it is God alone Who is all our strength, joy and song. He alone is worthy; He alone is from everlasting to everlasting.

In order to truly rest believers share their hope with other believers. One day Jesus will return with all His holy ones, and our hope which is anchored on Him through faith which is strengthened by the Holy Spirit, will become sight. We shall see the Lord our God and we shall enter that eternal rest.

I love You, O LORD, my Strength.
The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer,
my God, my Rock in Whom I take refuge,
my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold.
Blessed are You, Father of Mercies for the rest You hold out to Your people in Christ. Blessed are You, Father of Mercies for the fullness of life which believers enjoy now through power of Your Spirit Who seals us in Christ and guards us until the day of rest. Amen.

(The prayer begins with a quotation from Psalm 18:1-2 ESV)

https://youtu.be/_JNJXnZzc9g?si=ZdbGejeB95ypuXxz “Don’t Forget the Sabbath”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 13, 2023 -- Proverbs 13:20 -- Influencers

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

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 ESV

Such a simple proverb. Yet the truth of it is easily ignored. There are many police officers who started a career in policing stating something to the effect that they want to be a force for good in their community. However, after years of interacting with criminals and seeing injustice within their own ranks, begin to act in ways that are criminal. Why? Because they have been spending so much time focused on the deeds of the wicked and on the words of the wayward that their own thinking becomes twisted. Unless significant time with spent with the wise, such men and women will succumb to overwhelming influence of evil.

Our world is not neutral. Our own souls are bent on evil. That is the significant teaching of Genesis 3. Adam and Eve chose evil over good. All of us have hearts out of alignment with God. Institutions which should be governing with justice are staffed by men and women whose hearts are in rebellion against God. There is a great and urgent need for men and women to spend time among the wise. Until one is captured by the Spirit and brought to Jesus and His reconciling blook, our wisest thoughts are foolishness.

Please note I am not picking on police officers. There are many Christians who claim to be wise and just, but suffer harm because their own spiritual walk was so weak that the stronger will of sinners overcame them and they were compromised in their faith. Jude reminds believers to show mercy to sinners but to moderate this with fear (Jude 23), to that the Christian will not become stained with the sins of the very people they are trying to help.

Who in your life is wise? Who is an inspiration? Whose walk with God motivates you to greater acts of love and service to the Living God? Follow that person. Ask to be mentored by that person. Grow in grace with that person. Then pray that you will be an influence for good in the life of someone who needs an example of what Christ-likeness is in real life. When you teach others the way of Jesus, you are confirmed in true righteousness, holiness and knowledge.

Blessed are You, Father in heaven, for by Your Spirit You are able to keep believers from stumbling and to present them in Christ blameless before the presence of Your glory. To You, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/rZCbQFTswrs?si=-6QD5h4jeNjqSTGe “Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 12, 2023 -- Proverbs 12:1-2 -- Fighting for the Blessing of Sunday

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

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
    but a man of evil devices he condemns.
Proverbs 12:1-2 ESV

It is Sunday. It is the day when the people of God are summoned to worship Him. It is a joy to worship…on some days. On others it just seems like hard work to get out of bed, fight the lethargy and urge to go back to bed, and instead get ourselves to church. This is the discipline of the godly—to fight their flesh and get to church.

Knowledge with godly discipline lead a man to the LORD. “Knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10 ESV). When the Spirit of God touches a man, he begins to understand the automatic waywardness of the world and the work it takes for a man to overcome the evil devices that rise up in his own heart. Gripped by the Spirit, there is a hunger for knowledge of the Holy One. Such knowledge tears down and drives out the evil devices of the heart.

Get to church. Find true Christian community. Find family in Christ who will challenge you to walk in holiness and run from evil. Get to church today, even if it has been a very long time since you’ve attended church. Get to church and seek knowledge of the Holy One. Get to church today and by the grace of God, work to be an encouragement to others who attend.

Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. The promise You give is “in the path of righteousness there is life” (Proverbs 12:28). Thank You for the fullness of life You have given us in Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit’s prompts and influence lead us to church, bring us to the place where we will love discipline and knowledge. Triune God, prepare us to be those who influence others for good, stirring them up to love and good deeds when we see them in church with us, so that together we will grow up in Christ, the Head of the Church, and the Founder and Perfecter of Salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KpMCE1G3N7Q?si=2OQfg5MFMKc1xaQ_ “Let All Things Now Living”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 9, 2023 -- Hebrews 6:9-12 -- Perseverance in our precious faith

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

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:9-12 ESV

The writer to the Hebrews has just given a strong word against apostacy and exposing what apostates are, 6:1-8. Apostasy is wicked because those who have known of Jesus, heard sermons preached and participated in the blessings of Christian community then turn and reject Jesus, mock Him and in a very real sense crucify Him again. However, Paul is writing to those who are hearers of the Christian message and now he is teaching believers to see the signs of assurance of their Christian faith. Here are some signs of true faith.

Christians show love to God.

Christians serve others, and this in reference to their love for God.

Christians persevere, even through hard times and trials.

Christians are not sluggish, or lazy.

Christians have full assurance and hope which guards them until they see Jesus, either at their death or at His glorious return with all His holy ones.

Be honest. You struggle sometimes. You are weary sometimes in our precious faith. It may be most of these signs are absent. The Lord our God notices you, as it says in our passage, the Lord does not overlook your work. Sometimes our faith is a barely glowing coal, other times we are white hot with passion for our King and delight in serving Him. If you find yourself at low heat, pray. Find a Christian friend and spend time together. Name your blessings and give thanks to God. Ask for the Spirit’s help, He loves to reveal Jesus through the Bible. Stay connected with a Christian church that preaches and teaches all the Bible, Old and New Testament, and thereby honours Jesus to the glory of the Father. Ask for help from fellow Christians when you need it.

Our Father in heaven thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Great High Priest, the Captain of Salvation. Thank You that You have drawn us to Yourself in love through Jesus’ reconciling blood. Thank You for the gift of the Spirit Who enlivens our faith and stokes the embers of it so that we may roar with the fires of devotion. Today, help those who are low burning and flickering. Restore communion with Yourself and with Christian believers for those who are lonely. Direct those who are afire with true devotion to continue to honour and bless Your Name and to be a blessed encouragement to those around them whose hearts are dry tinder and ready to feel the heat of Your love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/LO3rCAbdxRI?si=GIBo52K_Z4PgQzv- “I’d Rather Have Jesus/Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Gaither Music

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 7, 2023 -- Daniel 6:10B -- Daily Prayer

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

He got down on his knees three times a day
and prayed and gave thanks before His God,
as he had done previously.
Daniel 6:10b ESV

Daniel was a foreigner living in the court of King Darius. He was one of the closest advisors to the king and more importantly, he was a servant of the Most High King. It is recorded in various places that Daniel prayed, or that he prayed and fasted. He survived seventy years as an exile from Jerusalem and because he lived as a man devoted to his God. The same God Who had sealed Daniel in His covenant love is the Glorious One to Whom Daniel offered his prayers and his thanks. He faithfully lived as a foreigner, an exile, and a man persecuted for his faith even though he'd repeatedly showed himself a loyal servant to the leader-kings of these foreign lands. He often faced severe trials.

As our culture becomes increasingly pagan and turns from God (notably the Canadian government has just decreed Remembrance Day events at the cenotaphs and public squares can no longer includes prayers to Jesus) it is increasingly necessary for believers to kneel before the our God. In God we find favour because of Jesus Christ and His reconciling blood. In God we find the out-poured gift of the Holy Spirit by Whom we have the strength to face whatever our secular world throws at us. In God we have hope, and all joy and all peace in believing (Romans 15:13). Go to Him, God our Hope and Help, daily, several times a day and find in Him your lasting and rich joy.

Today’s prayer begins with the words of King Darius, who had tried to stand against Daniel’s God, and lost.

“Tremble and fear before God,
for He is the Living God;
His Kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and His dominion shall be to the end.
He delivers and rescues;
He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth,
He Who saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”^
Living God, in our homes, in our work, in this world,
be glorified, now and forevermore. Amen.
^Daniel 6:26-27

https://youtu.be/g8sazOiolF8?si=aKfHsC_UsVjWVayE “Desert Road” Casting Crowns

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November 6, 2023 -- Proverbs 3:27 -- How do you define what a good deed is?

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

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
   when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27 ESV

The second phrase of this verse in the original language reads: “when your hands are for God”. It is this second phrase that helps the believer understand the nature of good deeds. A common question asked by those who attend my in-prison Bible studies is this: “I know the wicked go to hell, but what about good people? From the context of the conversation such "good people" are not Christians, but people who are kind, generous and so on. It is a very important question and plagues many Christians in our pews as well. 

Good finds its only source in God our Father. This is Jesus’ own testimony in Mark 10:18. In James it is clear that “every good and perfect gift” comes to us from the Father of Lights. What a beautiful Name for our heavenly Father. For something to be good it must be an action the Father has commanded His people to do. So, keeping the commandments and guarding oneself from the activities clearly defined as evil is the first measure of what is good.

Good deeds must be done with a cheerful heart. The classical example, which I so vividly remember from a carving in the church of my youth, is the phrase “the Lord loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7). How we offer our service in doing good matters as well. Our hearts must be willingly obedient, cheerful before the Lord Who commands us to do good. 

Finally, if one is testing to see what a good deed is, this action or activity in question must be done to the glory of God. Consider this, an action might be something which accords with the Bible, and is done cheerfully, but it is carried out for the ego of the one doing it. The New Testament reminds us that even simple, daily activities like eating are to be done for the glory of God, or such deeds are willfully against His glory (I Corinthians 10:31).

Who is God to make such a high standard of what is good? He made us. We are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. It is precisely because the Father made us and the Son redeemed us and the Spirit of God directs us by His power ever deeper into the love of Christ that we rejoice in what is good, and seek to do what is good. As those who are saved by grace we reflect the goodness of God and His salvation so it is our heartfelt desire to do what is good.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. How precious and beautiful it is to treasure up in our hearts this Name: the Father of Lights, the source of every good and every perfect gift. As this day stands new before us, help us by Your Spirit’s power to respond to the glorious gift of salvation that is ours in Christ by doing what You define as good and doing so with grateful, joyful hearts and bringing You all glory as we carrying it out. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2CeBoSQsBR0?si=hzZAA74llE-tNoto “To God be the Glory”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 4, 2023 -- Psalm 15:2b -- Consistent inside and out

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

and speaks truth in his heart
Psalm 15:2b ESV

No doubt you have a public voice and a private voice. There are things you think about and do not say. Even though you are not saying them publicly your heart is speaking all the time. You form opinions about all kinds of things and circumstances and people. The question is: Do the words you speak match up with what is in your heart?

In Psalm 15 David asks a rhetorical question. “Who shall live with You, O LORD, in Your tent?". Most of the answers are obvious: one who walks blamelessly and does what is right. Those who refrain from evil. These traits describe those who live with the LORD. It is this little phrase that is our text today which stands out. We might ask ourselves, does it really matter what we think about? Who does it hurt if I speak politely in public, but am nasty towards someone in my heart. At least I’m being nice to that person.

Matthew 12:34 Jesus taught that from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. What you think in your heart will eventually come out in your words or action. What you think is also known to your Father in heaven. What you are rehearsing in your heart is also directing your actions—either closer to God or away from Him. Be honest, many of us lie to ourselves. We are not honest in the innermost place. This is what Jesus is getting at. Jesus has reconciled us to our Father in heaven by His precious blood so that our public voice and our private voice can be consistent in praise and thanksgiving unto God, Who is our Rescue, and by His Spirit He has suited us to live in true community.

Father in heaven forgive us for the lack of love which lingers in our hearts. Forgive us for thinking that because we seem to be kind and polite on the outside, the rot inside us doesn’t matter much. Purify us. Father in heaven, by Your Spirit cleanse us according to the accomplished work of Your Son so that inside and out we will be holy and wholly Yours. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sXgCi5mhRYM?si=te9ZBbPp4qcDptQD Neville Peters “Whiter than Snow”

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November 3, 2023 -- Proverbs 2 -- Pursuing God

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

My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV

Think of the great lengths an alcoholic will go to so he can secure money for his next drink. Maybe begging at the side of the road or stealing things to sell to get money for his next shot. Or, a greedy man, loaning money at interest rates that are cruel and making shady deals so that he can increase his wealth. Or the glutton who publicly eats one cookie, and in private finishes the package. The point is that sinners will expend a lot of energy, thought, and time to pursue their sins; now, those who are in Christ, those who fear the LORD are to use their former perseverance in sin and instead persevere in seeking God.

With the skills and patience the alcoholic formerly used to get a drink, he is called to scheme and spend energy and time in order to chase after God—as one teacher of addicts used to say “there’s no high like the Most High”. The LORD is a treasure beyond all our earthly addictions and lusts and desires. When He has captured our imaginations so that all our longings are centred on Him alone, then our lives will revolve around the fear of the LORD and the knowledge of God. What delights and wonders and treasures are in store for this one who pursues God, for He is infinitely glorious, infinitely wise, infinitely desirable, infinitely good.

O God of Wonders and Treasures beyond all imagining by Your Holy Spirit capture our thoughts and tune our desires so that Jesus Christ will be for us the Treasure of life and the sought after Reward of eternity. Triune God, forgive us our carnal lusts and our base desires. Forgive us for the times we have chased after the things of this world, things which are like dangling candy luring us to the mouth of the grave and left unpursued Your treasures of wisdom and understanding and knowledge. Renew in us the attentiveness necessary and the strength of pursuit which will empower us to go after Your wisdom with all vigor and life-long persistence. Amen.

https://youtu.be/noUeQQ64Q1I?si=E1cYyeaYv6MN2TNu The Acappella Company “Create In Me a Clean Heart”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 1, 2023 -- Luke 6:27-28 -- Powerfully forgiven, powerfully forgiving

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

But I say to you who hear,
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
Luke 6:27-28 ESV

Recently I have been thinking about the 10 most important lessons taught to me by those who are incarcerated. The first lesson is the meaning of this passage: forgiveness. There is a group of incarcerated men who have been consistently coming to weekly Bible Study in the afternoon and then that same evening returning for Christian 12-Step. Yesterday’s topic was forgiveness. One of the men had been in a fight with someone on his range and though he did not start it, both men were sent to the SHU (Special Holding Unit). Once he was back in the regular prison population, the man in my Bible Study was also denied coming to Bible study and Overcomers for an extra week. At the meeting yesterday he shared how he’d forgiven his attacker, and forgiven the admin for keeping him from his right to religious programming. It was powerful. The atmosphere in the group was electric. This is a big deal among those in the group because they'd seen firsthand how unjust the circumstances were.

The seven other men at the table, some with tears, shared who they found to be the hardest to forgive in their lives. A man, who is a new Christian, explained how this is an area he feels he needs to work on. He did not even realize that is the Holy Spirit’s work in him. Since becoming a Christian he has noticed more things that are “wrong”. The group helped him to see this is evidence of God’s work in his life. This is the second lesson these guys have taught me is their willingness to be really open and to share honestly their failings and how the group encourages them. Usually the men banter a lot, critique and tease each other in very personal ways, but when the moment arrived for a discussion like this, it was like we’d entered sacred space. There was openness and kindness and encouragement to those who opened up. One man was quiet, in tears, and unable to look up. He was encouraged for being there. For facing his worst enemies (and some of the things done to him were unspeakable) and being willing to, in the strength of God, consider forgiving.

The stark question at the end of the lesson is this: “are you willing to forgive your enemies?” Think about it for a minute. Have you pretended that you don’t have enemies? Have you ignored the boiling in your stomach as certain people in your life are named? Are you acting like a polite Christian, rather than seeking the powerful intervention of the Holy Spirit to bring you into conformity with your confession of Jesus Christ?

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/krIhm-oE74U?si=rmPWz8QHb2YobQAo “To God Be the Glory” the singing starts at 1:38

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October 30, 2023 -- Luke 4:5-7 -- Tempted but victorious

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

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.’”
Luke 4:5-7 ESV

What drama is contained in this passage. Jesus, the LORD of Glory, now in flesh, is facing temptations. Jesus fasted forty days, and He was “being tempted by the devil” verse 2. So the temptations we read are just the tip of the iceberg. Jesus was constantly assailed and badgered. Now, at the end of the forty days, Jesus is being offered short-cuts to satisfy His longings.

The devil is offering Jesus a shortcut to victory. No need for all this suffering and pain, just worship me the devil whispers and all of it is yours. You can understand why the devil is tempting Jesus with this; it is the devil’s own dearest desire, his pride prompts him to seek the highest place. What would be higher or richer or better than the Son of God offering the devil worship? This is the dark truth about all the temptations we face. They would ultimately destroy us and our betrayal of our Gracious God would magnify the devil.

Jesus, Who upholds the universe by the word of His power, is in His flesh tempted by the shortcut. But He does not think about it, savor it, or commit a sin by considering it. He rejects it firmly and He shows this by His quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13. It is the greatest commandment. Man must worship the LORD and Him alone. Had Jesus failed at this point, He would not be the Savior of the World. He could not be. His Own sin would require Him to have a sacrifice offered to atone for His sin. Why did Jesus resist? Jesus, in His humanity, filled with the Spirit, is utterly satisfied and fulfilled in His relationship with His heavenly Father. No temptation, no shortcut, nothing that might interfere with His wholehearted walk with the LORD of Glory could sway Him.

Do you know the Father in this way? Is His presence and grace and goodness so rich in your life that all other things are dull and ugly in comparison to knowing Him? It is the challenge of our faith. To daily put to death the shouts of temptation and the lures of sin and the invitations to evil which are clothed in brightly deceiving colours. It is the challenge of our faith to see Jesus as the Beloved, the prize of the heart and soul, Who by His Spirit, leads us into the presence of our Father in heaven, where there are eternal pleasures forevermore.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Help us by Your Spirit to think about Your splendor, to marvel at Your goodness towards us, Your children. As we meditate upon You, give us the grace we need to consider the reconciling work of Jesus which brings us into ever fuller communion with You so that we will be able to resist temptation and evil. With the inspired author of Hebrews we pray help us to strive for the holiness without which no man shall see God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/V0qZ3h_dMGs?si=FGrFGXGgRKMw4n5O “Arise, My Soul, Arise”

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.