March 26, 2024 -- Luke 23:34 -- How often should I forgive my brother?

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34 ESV

As Jesus was nailed to that cross, His words were not cursing, not condemning, but they were full of grace and truth. He prayed to His Father that those crucifying Him would be forgiven. Those reviling Him would be forgiven. Those gambling for His clothing would be forgiven. Those disciples who fled the scene at Gethsemane would be forgiven. They know they are putting a criminal to death. But the fact of the matter is that Jesus is wholly innocent. He alone is truly the only man Who never sinned, never lied, never cheated, never disobeyed and therefore is the only man Who did not deserve to die. With His dying breath He proved He is accomplishing what He came to earth to do, to atone for sin so that by His reconciling blood man can approach God.

Earlier in His earthly ministry, Jesus’s disciples asked Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21). It is an interesting question from Peter, who, like the rest of us had already countless times asked forgiveness from God. Often for the same offense, over and over again, looking to heaven and hoping for grace. Grace that is granted.

Now, tangibly, memorably, showing Himself truly divine and truly human, Jesus prays to His Father for the forgiveness of those who are putting Him to death. In response to Peter’s question, Jesus had answered “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). As often as your brother needs forgiveness, give it to him. This teaching Jesus demonstrated. Under unimaginably harsh circumstances and great torture, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not even seek it. This demonstration of His infinite love gives us confidence to boldly approach the throne of grace because we go to Him who is full of compassion, rich in mercy, and both able and ready to forgive.

Truly Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. By His reconciling blood all who approach Him, turning away from their sins and confessing them, find forgiveness full and free. Hallelujah, what a Savior.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

O Mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made; who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully forgive our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it ^appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare, O Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgement with thy servants, who truly repent us of our faults, but so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^appertaineth, to belong to by right, nature

From: the Book of Common Prayer, page 613

https://youtu.be/wcrS8rFWMXQ?si=zlFuJZ2vzIHhjFeQ “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 25, 2024 -- Genesis 11:4-8 and Luke 9:51-53 -- God investigated before He punished

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.
Genesis 11:4-8 EV

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51-53 ESV

In the first passage, believers are taught that God the Glorious Who knows all things, stepped down into history to investigate the great sinfulness of the people. Thereby showing His people, when He punishes them, it is not arbitrary or random actions of the LORD, but a measured, appropriate response to the people who owe Him everything. The previous chapter of Genesis lists the table of nations, all the descendants of Noah’s three sons—the point is the family of nations, all of them, exist by the mercy of God. All of them are descendants of the eight people rescued from the Flood waters. With awe and rejoicing they should have offered their lives in service to the High King of Heaven. They did not. They were chasing their own fame and glory.

Back to Genesis 11. The LORD’s judgment of confusing language and dispersing the people is merciful—the LORD our God would be fully justified to say to the people of the earth, “You have violated My direct commands and decrees—to be fruitful and multiply and spread through the whole earth—therefore I will wipe you off the face of the earth”. He does not. He confuses their language. By doing this, He restrains them so that they cannot be cooperative in greater and worse sins. Then He disperses them across the globe. It is foreshadowing.

Now to Luke. Jesus came as the prophet of God—Who saw the great sinfulness of the people firsthand. As in Genesis 11, and as is evidenced through-out the Bible, the punishment of God is not arbitrary. Through-out His 30 plus years of life on this earth, Jesus saw how great the wickedness of humanity was. Once again, the judgment of God is mixed with mercy. Jesus bore on His Person the anger of God against sin. He was punished in the place of sinners so that their sins would be fully punished by the wrath of God and those who take refuge in Him would be fully freed from the anger of God. Those who refuse Jesus, who refuse to acknowledge their sin, their need of such a Savior, face an eternity in hell, bearing the punishment on themselves for their own sins.

Christians rejoice at the goodness of God. He decreed, from before the creation of the world, to choose His people in Christ, the Beloved One. He does not punish innocent people, He fully repays the treachery and vileness of human sin. He gives mercy to those who cry for mercy. Today is the day of salvation. Today, if you are aware of your sinfulness—the fact that your words don’t match your deeds, your deeds don’t match the values by which you know you ought to live, then there is hope. Confess your sins to Jesus. Declare God is in the right in punishing sins, and He is merciful in putting your sins on Jesus and giving to You Jesus’ purity, that is His sinlessness.

Such is the wonder and blessedness of Easter. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, taking our punishment. He went to the grave, so that believers are united with Him in His punishment and His death. Then, those who believe in Jesus rise with Jesus to newness of life, as Jesus rose that first Easter Sunday. In Jesus there is newness of life. What a Savior!

Easter

O HEAVENLY FATHER who hast made us glad this day because thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ has triumphed over sin and death; Grant that we who are members of him may also triumph over every evil thing by his power, and having worked for him in this life may live with him, where he lives and reigns with thee forever. Amen.

from “Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces” 1950, page 44

https://youtu.be/0arouoCJ8es?si=JYGQamGEzM_BxK7g “Christ Arose, Low in the Grave He Lay”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 23, 2024 -- Colossians 3:5 -- Mortification of the flesh, in simpler terms, that is putting to death ungodly desires

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5 ESV

Whenever you see a therefore in Scripture you have to ask yourself, what went there before? Well, Paul had set before the Colossians the glorious Truth that in Christ believers are raised from death to life. Believers are to focus on what Jesus has done—being punished in the place of believers, so that believers no longer bear the wrath of God against their sin. Believers are commanded to focus on Jesus’ return—it is the inspiration of believers, knowing sin and death will be no more and Jesus Himself, the Great High Priest, will present Holy Spirit perfected believers to the Father.

The question is this: why would you go back to sin? Why would you, being purified and made holy, rush back to sexual immorality? Why would you covet, that is, desire what others have, resenting what others have, when you have all things in Christ Jesus?! John Owen (1616-1683) a puritan, a theologian, an author and academic administrator in Oxford, wrote: “The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh”. Basically, if you want to be a strong Christian, a lively Christian, a man or woman who finds great comfort in God, then stop turning to sex, to empty things like money, or worldly fame, or popularity. Find in God your deepest and truest joy.

It is work putting to death the deeds of the flesh. It is work turning away from pornography. or from video gaming which is pornographic violence. It is constant effort to stop obscene joking and gossipy talk. But it is also, contrary to all expectation, life-giving to turn from away from any sin that is holding you down and then turning to Jesus. He is life. Jesus is hope—in Him there is freedom from the powers of sin. He is joy. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire, and ask about this. Get to a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church tomorrow so that you can grow in your understanding of what it means to be raised with Christ.

FOR COURAGE

O SAVIOUR, Who didst set thy face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem to thy cross and passion; help us, thy weak and wavering disciples, to be firm and resolute in doing those things that lie before us. Help us to overcome difficulties and to persevere in spite of failures. When we are weary and disheartened and ready to give in, do thou fill us with fresh courage and strength, and keep us faithful to our work; for thy name’s sake. Amen.

From: DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 34

https://youtu.be/FgLt7jyBhc8?si=n4m5WUcFB_eDBbgI “All Glory, Laud and Honor”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

Knowing the time wasting thieves in your life so you can fight them

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV

Yesterday two different podcasts referred to Richard Baxter and his writing “Time Wasting Thieves”. The repetition of it inspired me to quote it here today. Richard Baxter (1615-1691) was a puritan, a church leader, a theologian and writer. In his reflection on Colossians 3:17 he listed twelve time wasting thieves. They are as relevant today as when he wrote them. The single word or phrase after each number is Baxter, my comment follows the period. Of course, some things are so obvious, no comment is needed.

1. Idleness. That is being lazy. Not looking for useful things to do.

2. Excessive sleep.

3. Body focus. Being overly interested in health and nutrition and overly interested in sculpting one’s body to the detriment of one’s spiritual life or walk with God.

4. Pompous house decorations. Spending time and money in constantly redoing one’s house, always seeking the latest of everything.

5. Needless feasting. Are you always focused on food, the best, the costliest, the exotic. Or, are you a glutton not guarding your in-take of food?

6. Idle talk. That is gossip, or constant conversations about all kinds of things, but not honing one’s heart and head to be focused on the things of God.

7. Vain or sinful company. The word vain can mean empty, as Ecclesiastes puts it, a chasing after the wind. Are the people in your life building you up in Christ or are they pulling you away from your devotion to Him?

8. Needless sports. Amazing that was already a problem in the 1600’s, how much more so today. There are dozens of channels dedicated to nothing but sports. Is you life focused on Jesus Christ and in all things bringing honour to His Name?

9. Excess of cares. Worry is a time waster. Our lives are in God’s hands, however long or short the number of our days, let us use our time wisely and not let anxiety and worry and fear dominate us. Just one verse earlier Paul admonished the Colossians to let the Word of Christ live in the people. The Word of God drives out the fears of this world.

10. Sinful thoughts. Are you plotting evil? Are you spending much time binge-watching movies or engaged in watching pornography? Such things entertain sinful thought which drive out contemplation of Jesus.

11. Reading of worthless books and prideful studies.

12. The master thief is an unsanctified heart. At the end of John 2 it is recorded that many put their faith in Jesus but He did not put His confidence or faith in man because he knows what’s in a man’s heart. The heart of the unbeliever is always pulling away from God, resisting His glory and refusing to bow before Him. Oh sure, a prideful heart will make a god that is acceptable so that he will bow before that puny idol. But one who has met Jesus and loves Him will be motivated to live for Jesus, on fire with zeal for Him, 24/7.

FOR PARDON

ALMIGHTY GOD, who freely pardons all who repent and turn to You; Now fulfil in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; ^remitting all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience through the perfect sacrifice of Christ our Lord; and keep us evermore in the peace and joy of a holy life; that we may love and serve You always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^remitting: canceling a debt or setting aside punishment

from: DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 11

https://youtu.be/oEUskp1e2bg?si=81oiUWjB50YUKoZZ “By Faith”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 21, 2024 -- Hebrews 10:23-25 -- Stirred up to live out loud for our Glorious God

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

More than thirty years ago, when Carolyn and I lived in California for a one-year internship, a friend and I committed to memorizing some Scripture. The verses 24 & 25 of this passage were among the first we tackled. Interesting how this passage keeps showing up in my life. It was part of last night's chapel group study in Hebrews.

As people who hold fast to Jesus Christ first evidence of this clinging tightly to Him is expressed in having pure theology. That is, taking seriously what the Bible teaches—we study it with the intention of ever staying true to what it teaches, rather than what we think it says. So many well-intentioned people drift (Hebrews 2:1ff).

Next in view of the Truth of the Word—the Bible and the Living Word Jesus—we hold fast to Jesus by continually conforming our living to what He commands. Believers walk together in love. In fact, it is a defining characteristic of believers, that they stir one another up to love which is based on the prior love of Jesus within them. Such believers actively seek opportunities to demonstrate their love for Jesus by good works.

Yesterday I heard a man being interviewed on the radio who described the previous eclipses he’d seen and his words made it seem as if it were a spiritual experience. He spoke rapturously, “It was a pure moment. It was a all senses alert moment.” Interesting that a once-every-seven-years or so experience can evoke such passion. Now, fellow believers, consider Him Who made the starry hosts. Consider the God of Heaven and Earth Who set the sun, moon, earth and stars on their courses—how glorious He is. Jesus Christ has, as a once-in-eternity event, bore all the sins of man and made propitiation for our sins. That is, He turned away God’s anger and punishment of our sins—that is what it is to propitiate. Believers live in a state of reverent awe at the purity of that moment. Jesus’ glorious work fills the heavens so that all our senses are alert and tender to His goodness.

Believers worship God—in fact, believers hold each other accountable to love, to do good, to gather with fellow believers for worship, and to do so in view that one day soon heaven and earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where God will live with His people forever. The preacher Sinclair Ferguson describes this as living back from the future. Our faith has seen Jesus Christ seated on the throne of power in heaven. Our hope, fixed on Him, then moves back to where we are right now, and by the Spirit’s power in us we live for Jesus and that future moment when our own eyes will see Him. There we will worship Him, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord, and this to the glory of the Father.

Our Father in heaven, how great and glorious is Your plan of salvation. Faithful Savior, how extravagant is Your love, by which Your reconciling blood was poured out for the complete salvation of the elect. Spirit of the Living God, stir up our hearts so that we will, as taught by these words of Hebrews, live according to that almost incomprehensibly magnificent moment when Jesus will be fully revealed to all people who have ever lived, are alive, and will be alive at His return. Renew in us, Triune God, the joy of your salvation and guided by Your Truth, may we live as bold ambassadors calling others to the hope, the wonder and the joy that is ours in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/PS3QinSmPHI?si=rGWmIaPadUr15jdP “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 19, 2024 -- Hebrews 5:11-14 -- Why are so many Christians wandering away?

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV

What is apostasy? It is someone who seems to be a Christian, acts like a Christian, perhaps even for a long time, and then rejects Jesus and proves by the fruit of his life he is not a Christian at all. Such a man, such a woman are those against whom Paul is warning the Hebrews.

Look at the obvious signs of someone who is going astray. They are dull of hearing (verse 11). They are lazy listeners who merely want to be entertained. Amused. We live in an age of “meh”. Okay, next topic, next thing to grab me.

Someone on the downward slope to apostasy has heard many sermons, read many Bible passages, but is forgetful. They are big babies, at 40 years old still wanting to be bottle fed with formula.

Those slip sliding into ruin are those who are unskilled in the word of righteousness, that is, the Bible. They may have several copies, various translations, a leather-bound copy of the Bible handed down from one generation to the next, but they are less and less likely able to explain what is written in it to others.

Finally, damningly, they are unwilling to be trained. They are like patients who go to a doctor and say, give me this medication or that new treatment, I have spent some time on the internet, diagnosed myself and I know what I need. The doctor has had 4 years premedical training, four years of medical training, and 2 to 7 years of residency in practical application of all this training, but you believe your three minutes of on-line research trumps what your doctor knows. So many people who think they are Christians are as self-deceived as the one who is self-diagnosing.

The book of Hebrews has many warnings to keep Christians walking in the way of Jesus. It is a hard road, requiring intentional commitment to the ways of Jesus and a willingness to listen to the Spirit of God. Read your bible. Attend a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church. Find strong Christians whose walk with God you admire, and learn.

Man's Great End

Lord of all being,
There is one thing that deserves my greatest care,
that calls forth my ardent desires,
That is, that I may answer the great end for which I am made –to glorify thee
who hast given me being,
and to do all the good I can for my fellow men;
Verily, life is not worth having if it be not improved for this noble purpose.
Yet, Lord, how little is this the thought of mankind!
Most men seem to live for themselves,
without much or any regard for thy glory, or for the good of others;
They earnestly desire and eagerly pursue the riches, honours,
pleasures of this life, as if they supposed that wealth, greatness,
merriment, could make their immortal souls happy;
But, alas, what false delusive dreams are these!
And how miserable ere long will those be that sleep in them,
for all our happiness consists in loving thee,
and being holy as thou art holy.
O may I never fall into the tempers and vanities,
the sensuality and folly of the present world!
It is a place of inexpressible sorrow, a vast empty nothingness;
Time is a moment, a vapour, and all its enjoyments are empty bubbles,
fleeting blasts of wind, from which nothing satisfactory can be derived;
Give me grace always to keep in covenant with thee,
and to reject as delusion a great name here or hereafter,
together with all sinful pleasures or profits.
Help me to know continually that there can be no true happiness, 
no fulfilling of thy purpose for me,
apart from a life lived in and for
the Son of thy love.

https://youtu.be/X5_PjnrSwLQ?si=KNGTOBQSyGjDnm94 “There is a Redeemer”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 18, 2024 -- Psalm 27:1-3 -- Three sure pillars for the Christian

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

2 When the wicked advance against me
    to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.
Psalm 27:1-3 ESV

There are three pillars to this Psalm. The first is the Light of the LORD—in the New Testament we know Him to be Jesus. He illuminates our broken, sinful condition. He Himself is the Light that leads us, cleansed by His blood, to the Father. He is light, so powerful enemies scatter before Him--like insects and bugs under a rock when exposed to the light--so the once fearsome seeming hosts will take off.

The second pillar is knowing our God as our Stronghold. There are so many forces arrayed against the Christian. It is like an army mounting attack after attack. The stronghold in the life of the Christian is the knowledge that in life and in death, in riches or in poverty, in sickness and in health, in joyful circumstances and under tremendous pressures, God Himself is the the strength of His people. Our circumstances don’t dictate our level of joy or sorrow, our connection with the Living God is our life-line. Our stronghold will never crumble in the face of enemy attack. Jesus has won the victory. He is the Captain of Salvation—those who follow Him know the Victory-Day is near.

The final pillar is the confidence that believers will see the goodness of the LORD. Such confidence is based on the fact that in Christ we have a new family—stronger than the bonds of blood relatives—we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have our back. In fact, Psalm 27 ends with these words: “I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the Living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14).

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, in Whom we live and move and have our being, Who has created us for Yourself, so that we can find rest only in You; grant to us such purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing Your will, no weakness from doing it; but in Your light may we see light clearly, and in Your service find perfect freedom; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

“For all Occasions” from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950

https://youtu.be/uBLp_M5FfbI?si=pExtmgwa-x1m0iuL “Man of Sorrows” Celtic Worship

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 17, 2024 -- Acts 5:33-42 -- Persecuted, bowed down, but not defeated

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Acts 5:33-42 ESV

Peter and the apostles were put in prison for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders are incensed at Jesus, fighting against Jesus by fighting against His disciples. The words of Jesus are proven true “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” John 15:20. Believers should expect to face persecution for the Name of Jesus. Believers live in a way that contradicts the values of the world, their dedication to Jesus reveals the lawlessness of the human heart and shows the need each man, woman and child has for the rescuing work of Jesus.

In every age there will be false teachers. Then in the New Testament era there were Theudas and his four hundred. They amounted to nothing. Judas the Galilean, plus many others in the New Testament some named, many not named are exposed as false. Some teachers, in their pride and lack of Bible knowledge, tried to bring Christians back to the Old Testament system of sacrifices and festivals, or they sought to institute new, heretical (that is, any teaching opposed to God the Father, God the Son, and God and the Holy Spirit) practices. This is the wickedness of the Free Masons who mix Old and New practices and paganism with no regard for the Word of God. In every era and age there will be false prophets and teachers.

Know the Bible. Read it. Memorize it. Listen to godly preaching. So that you will be able to discern the wicked, gross lies from the glorious, beautiful Truth that is found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone. As you grow in your knowledge of the Word you will grow in your ability to spot a liar and a false teacher.

It is Sunday. Get to a Bible-believing church. Know the blessedness of walking in obedience to Jesus Christ and sharing in His sufferings and His glory.

Father in heaven blessed be Your Name, now and forever more. Thank You for the love You demonstrated to Your people in Jesus Christ, through Whom sinners are brought from death to life. Spirit of the Living God, help the followers of Jesus Christ to delight in the Word, to study it and through it to know the Savior Jesus Christ ever more fully and perfectly. By this, Counselor-Spirit, help the true children of the Father to discern what is true and to distinguish it from what is false. Enable believers to stand firm in the the battle, taking up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Triune God, give to Your people the ability to patiently explain the glories of the Gospel to those who are hungry; give the fortitude needed to call out every false way and divergent path that would lead people further and further away from Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/cY6k2QhdCn0?si=mVLb59j6OGvI6c4O “How Firm A Foundation”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 15, 2024 -- Proverbs 15:33 -- Strength for today's battle

The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33 ESV

Do you know that really good feeling you get after a dental hygienist has cleaned your teeth? You realize water can swish in between teeth you never realized had a space. Sternly your dentist warns you to floss after every meal. You listen, for a few days and then, well, life intervenes and you realize you are too lazy to keep at it. Your chiropractor adjusts your back. Finally you have freedom of movement and relief. What a great feeling it is. You are given a list of exercises, morning and evening routines to get your back limbered up and freely moving. Since you already feel good, you put the list in a safe place, in case you need it. And very soon afterwards, your back is as crooked as ever. There is no fear of your dentist. There is no fear of your chiropractor. You just want relief, right now. As soon as you have it, you walk away completely forgetful of your former aches and pains.

The fear of the LORD is similar. The one who truly fears the LORD not only listens, he receives the instruction necessary to change his life. The one who fears the LORD puts into practice what the LORD has commanded. For His commandments are life and health and blessing. Whatever it is the LORD has given His people to do is life for them--here on earth and life that stretches in the glory of His presence through all eternity.

Humility is immediately appended to this Proverb. Unless one is humble enough to see his error and know his need for the instruction of Jesus—Who is for us wisdom incarnate—a man will stay bound up in his pride and so, he will not be honoured by the LORD. Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18a). The Father in heaven Who has given life and all blessing in Jesus will not allow His Son to be scorned or mocked. The man who is humble of heart learns from Jesus (Who is gentle and lowly of heart—Matthew 11:29) and in the way of Jesus finds rest for his soul and joy in obedience.

Dedication to Duty

(This is from the R.C.A.F. the chaplain makes the affirmation and the service men and women invoke God’s will in fulfilment. This part is in italics)

We, who have heard the call to service, shall learn the lore of our calling, follow its precepts and walk earnestly in its ways.

God, make us earnest in our task.

We shall keep our hearts true, our minds alert, and our bodies sound, and we shall be diligent in the study of our craft.

God, make us diligent in our craft.

Acknowledging God’s gift in all our powers, we shall be proud of the manifold mysteries of our craft, the intricate contrivances of hand and brain, the dominion over great forces.

God give us the proper pride in our craft.

We shall be members one of another and we shall love the fellowship of our craft.

God make us good comrades.

At all times of trial and adversity, in hunger or thirst, in heart or cold, in rain or storm, seeking our strength from God, we shall endure cheerfully in the way of our duty.

God make us cheerful in adversity.

Proud of our craft and giving in all things of our best each aiding the other and blending our gifts in loyal harmony we shall devote our hearts and minds to the honour and advancement of our Service, to the glory of God, and to the safety and welfare of our Nation.

God, give us strength and purpose so to do.

from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, Canada 1950, page 40

https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=-4kx58vqUhNa-vvR Phil Wickham “The Battle Belongs”

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March 13, 2024 -- Philippians 1:9a -- A prayer for transforming love

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more…
Philippians 1:9a ESV

Paul, while he was in prayer, wrote the believers in Philippi. Though he chained to prison guards 24/7 he expresses his concern and his love for the believers who have just sent him a financial gift. A few verses earlier he expressed thanks to God for every remembrance of this people and now he prays that this people will grow in love. It is the love and affection of Christ Jesus that prompts Paul to pray in this way.

It is the love of God that has been demonstrated in Jesus Christ which moves believers to love. Love is the evidence of the Spirit’s work. Think of Galatians, where the first evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is love. To this most basic work of the Spirit then adds joy and peace, patience and kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

He prays that the love of these believers, and by the Spirit’s design all subsequent believers who read this letter, will abound. That is, such love will fill up and then overflow through-out the life of believers. Love is truly one of the most defining characteristics of the believer. Jesus told His followers, “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:23). It is His prior love for His people which moves and motivates His people to respond to Him in obedient love, as joy-filled servants of Jesus.

Love covers a multitude of sins—so Peter wrote (I Peter 4:8). Think about the man who wrote that. He is famous, or infamously known as the man who denied Jesus three times right after having pledged fealty to Jesus and expressing his willingness to die for Him. What did Jesus do? He loved Peter. He went to the cross, bearing the sin of all the world and being punished in the place of wicked men so that all who believe in Jesus would be declared beloved sons and daughters of God.

Love is one of the great evidences that Jesus has taken hold of the heart of a believer. One who is loved by God through Jesus will be empowered by the Spirit to love deeply, forgivingly, unsparingly.

O GOD, our heavenly Father, who hast set the solitary in families: look in favour, we beseech thee, upon the homes of thy people. Defend them against all evil, and supply all their needs according to the riches of thy grace. Make them sanctuaries of purity and peace, love and joy. Bless all dear to us wheresoever they are, and grant that they and we may follow thee at every step of our daily life, that, though our paths may lead us far from one another, we may all abide within the safe shelter of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Home and Loved Ones from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 32

https://youtu.be/U8zWzw_Cc2o?si=LirIQpHtWSr1yNE- “Take Shelter” Getty Music

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March 11, 2024 -- Psalm 73:23-28 -- How are you training your thoughts?

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73 ESV

After almost twenty where the Psalmist complains about the wicked, the prideful, the rich, and those who seem to sin with no consequences, it is as if he suddenly shakes himself awake. He goes in to God’s sanctuary and realizes the they will all be swept away in God’s judgment. Now in these concluding verses the Psalmist rejoices in the hope he has in God His strength.

The world congratulates itself with vacuous events celebrating forgettable achievements. Contrast this with those who declare what the Lord their God is doing. They focus their attention on His works that will last forever. His rewards are sure in the heavens for all those who trust in Him.

What are you rehearsing in your thoughts? Is it resentment? Is it anxiety? Is it covetous thought about what others have and you seem to lack? Such thoughts are fed and trained by the world. Think about commercials which create a sense you are failing in some way and how this (miracle) product will fix you—something which until you saw the commercial you didn’t realize needed fixing.

Look at the passage, how the Psalmist is training his thoughts in righteousness. God is his refuge. In Jesus Christ believers run from the silliness of the world and find the Captain of Salvation. In Jesus you find Him Who despised the things of the world, in loving obedience to His Father walking in deep communion with Him, He became the perfect Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. In Jesus you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. In Jesus believers have the forgiveness of sins and access to the Father. In Jesus you have the gift of the Holy Spirit Who counsels you so that your thoughts are fixed on all that is noble, excellent, lasting and True.

GOD THE ALL

O God Whose will conquers all,
There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying You 
and being engaged in Your service;
You are All in all, and all enjoyments are
what to me You make them, and no more.
I am well pleased with Your will,
whatever it is, or should be in all respects,
And if You offer me decide for myself in any affair,
I would choose to refer all to You,
for You are infinitely wise and cannot do amiss,
as I am in danger of doing.
I rejoice to think that all things are at Your disposal,
and it delights me to leave them there.
Then prayer turns wholly into praise,
and all I can do is to adore and bless You.
What shall I give You for all Your benefits?
I am in caught between two,
knowing not what to do;
I long to make some return, but have nothing to offer,
and can only rejoice that You do all
that none in heaven or on earth shares Your honour;
I can of myself do nothing to glorify Your blessed name,
but I can through grace cheerfully surrender soul and body to You.
I know that You are the author and finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is Yours alone
that every good work or thought found in me is the effect of
Your power and grace,
that Your sole motive in working in me
to will and to do is for Your good pleasure.
O God, it is amazing that men can talk so much about man’s
creaturely power and goodness, when,
if You did not hold us back every moment, we should be devils incarnate.
This, by bitter experience, You have taught me concerning myself. Amen.
Valley of Vision.

https://youtu.be/zhMFifugZ8o?si=XeyNoIddMzQndY2q "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

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March 10, 2024 -- Proverbs 10:23 -- Fully Exposed

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
Proverbs 10:23 ESV

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”
Proverbs 26:18-19 ESV

“I am only joking”. What a feeble line for the man who is trying to wriggle off a hook. When a man’s ways catch him out of step with peers, or with the sensitivities of the people around him, and when his ways reveal his rebellion against God, resorting to feeble humour is a lazy way out. However, the Proverbs expose the sins and their deeper motivation. A man who can’t be serious is a fool. That is, he lives as if God doesn’t exist. He knows God exists. He knows the tooth fairy doesn’t exist—but he doesn’t have to make proclamation about it. So a fool knows God does exist. But he is protesting the Mighty Power and Nearness of God. His light-hearted wrong-doing is actually more malicious and motivated by evil than he allows himself to see. He is glaringly self-deceived.

Proverbs 26 uncovers the perverse nature of the man masquerading as a mere jokester. He is concealing the fact that his heart is a writhing, slithering, ball of viperous evil intentions. The surface life seeks to be funny all the while it is concealing an inner life that is constantly stirring up evil. It will be exposed.

The Bible exposes the contradictions of a man’s life with the sole purpose of giving him every opportunity to turn from his wicked ways, to confess them to Jesus and to seek to live by faith. Sin exposed has the brief opportunity to either recoil and find new disguises in mocking laughter, or to finally shake free of the ignorance that chained it and walk in the wisdom of Jesus Christ.

MOST HOLY and merciful Father; We acknowledge and confess in thy presence, our sinful nature prone to evil and slothful in good. And all our shortcomings and offences against thee. Thou alone knowest how often we have sinned, in wandering from thy ways, in wasting thy gifts, in forgetting thy love, but thou, O Lord, have pity upon us, who are ashamed and sorry. For all where in we have displeased thee, teach us to hate our errors; cleanse us from our secret faults; and forgive our sins; for the sake of thy dear Son our Savior. And O most holy and loving Father send thy purifying grace into our hearts, we beseech thee; that we may henceforth live in thy light and walk in thy ways; according to the commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confessions 2.Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces. 1950. page 5

https://youtu.be/px-eU1QjQiU?si=Sgh7JhNwNZQ1v9OG Psalm 51 Shane and Shane

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March 8, 2024 -- Proverbs 8:13 -- The fear of the LORD which instructs a man in right pathways

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
Proverbs 8:13 ESV

There is no such thing as good enough with the LORD our God. How many people save for retirement, but do not bank on eternity? How many people watch their diet and faithfully exercise without realizing the end of their life is near and they will face eternity under the hatred of God Who is Holy beyond comprehension?

Those who claim to love God hate evil. That is the simplest definition of a Christian: one who hates evil. The Christian humbles himself before Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life—in sharp contrast to way of the world which Proverbs describes as the way of evil. The Christian asks, are my feet pointing in the direction of all that is right and good and holy? He keeps to the path Jesus sets before him.

The fear of the LORD is that fierce dedication to Him which exposes temptations to lust, to anger, to getting high, to starting on any evil pathway as empty and vile. The fear of the LORD instructs the man in the way that he should choose (Psalm 25:12). The fear of the LORD is his guide. The fear of the LORD is the humility which is anchored in Jesus Christ. When a man sins, he knows he has an advocate-mediator, Jesus Christ. When a man sins he doesn’t justify it, he repents, turning to Jesus and hating this sin more and more. The fear of the LORD is that devoted loyalty and love for Jesus prompting a man to forsake all other loyalties and loves that would interfere with his deep commitment to Jesus, Who, having left the throne of heaven, became a man, dying in our place, bearing God’s wrath against sin so that the believer would forever be right with God. Ah, such love fills a man and motivates him to respond in love.

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.

Prayer of Confession from DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 5

https://youtu.be/HSmQpDtTVl0?si=i7aB4emREjZYdQBm All Sufficient Merit//Shane and Shane

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March 4, 2024 -- Psalm 118:1-4 -- The call to arms: Praise the LORD!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1-4 ESV

Yesterday Psalm 117 was the focus text. In that reading the people of the earth, all nations, were summoned to praise the LORD and extol Him. Then, the question lingers on the air, once that command has gone out into the earth, will anyone respond? Today, in our reading, there are three shouts of response issued forth from those who will take up the call to arms and praise the LORD.

The nation of Israel responds. Her king will lead the people in this act of faithfulness and obedience to the Living God. It is his appointed role and he will take it up (Deuteronomy 17:14ff). Then the priests respond, represented by the house of Aaron. The house of Aaron are the descendants of the first man appointed to be priest in Israel. He and his sons know the cost of the priesthood. When two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), went ahead and decided to worship God in a way not prescribed by the LORD, they were struck down and killed. So all the priesthood of Aaron know the weight of the call to praise the LORD.

Finally individual households and families respond. Those who fear the LORD—that is, those who know the LORD He alone is worthy of all honour, all service, and all devotion. The fear of the LORD puts all other fears into their proper place. Climate change? Wars? Earthquakes? Financial fears? All of these tumble and lose their grip on the heart of the man who fears the LORD. When one has taken hold of the Living God through the grace of Jesus Christ, then all of life and all of death are put into perspective. A Christian is bold and joyful because to live is Christ and to die is gain. This world holds no real terrors for the man or woman who believes in the LORD.

It is important as well that the Psalmist declares the LORD’s steadfast love. Notice the intentional use of the Name LORD, which is the covenant Name of God. He makes firm and lasting promises and seals them with His Name and reputation: LORD. In the New Testament, Jesus is called, Lord (Philippians 2:11), He is the fulfilment of all the LORD’s promises. The Holy Spirit is called Lord (II Corinthians 3:17). So, it is by the power of the LORD God Himself that the people can respond in praise to the Living God.

To what power or thing or person are you giving your praise? The call to arms is issued. Bring to the LORD all your praise, for His steadfast love endures forever. Whatever earthly thing you cling to, whatever lesser thing you trust will be thrown down and destroyed. Only the LORD endures forever. The only worthy objective of your life is to bring praise to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever.

O LORD JESUS CHRIST, our King in heaven, help us now and evermore to be thy true and faithful followers. May we be ready at all times to carry out thy commands and conquer every enemy by thy power. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

“Ascension” from THE DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 45

https://youtu.be/FkRiYsTN7KY?si=hJU8vZAYQ1xvZO-b “Is He Worthy” Chris Tomlin

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March 4, 2024 -- Psalm 117 -- The Beacon fires are lit. Will you respond?

Praise the LORD, all nations!
    Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 117 ESV

Fans of the trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” will remember the dramatic moment when Minas Tirith was under a dire threat of war. Enemies of the great kingdom were gathering and had gathered, ready to make war. Then beacon fires are lit. These summon allies to battle. The chain of beacon fires are set ablaze, one after another, until the distant Kingdom of Edoras can see the final one nearest them. One of the heroes of the trilogy, Aragorn, seeing the bright beacon, runs from the guard tower, into the hall of King Théoden, he shouts: “The beacons are lit. Gondor calls for aid!” It is a dramatic moment. The question is this: will the king summon his people to go to war?

Psalm 117 is a beacon fire. The Name of the LORD is to be praised. It is a command that runs to all the nations of the earth. Enemies oppose the LORD. Those who hate the LORD are arrayed against His people. Prophets, Kings, and Priests have through-out the centuries faithfully summoned the people of God to divert their gaze from the gathering hosts of wickedness to behold instead the LORD of Glory. The reasons are given. The LORD has great, steadfast love. While evil will tear at and ultimately devour its own leaders and champions, the LORD will bless His people. Those who respond to the call to praise Him are named sons and daughters through the work of Jesus Christ. Second, the faithfulness of the LORD is never-ending. He Who begins a good work in you will see it through to completion. He is no fair-weather LORD and King.

The cross of Jesus Christ stands as the proof that the LORD and His redeeming love have won the day. It is the D-Day—the Designated Day, like June 6, 1944, when the troops took the beaches of Normandy. The tide of the war was turned. It was then just a few months until V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) May 8, 1945. Thereafter the final combatant, Japan, signed its full surrender on September 2, 1945.

We live as Christians between D-Day and September 2, final victory. The LORD is near. Therefore the people are summoned to praise the LORD. Such praise drives away the Devil, that roaring lion, diverting him from the attack. Christians extol the LORD-that is to glorify God. To glorify means: to serve Him. To renounce wicked and sinful ways. To remove from themselves anything in their minds, or in their hands, which are of enemy origin. To prepare the heart and head for victory in Jesus. The beacon fires are lit. Praise the LORD!

FOR COURAGE

O SAVIOUR, who didst set thy face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem to thy Cross and passion: help us, thy weak and wavering disciples, to be firm and resolute in doing those things that lie before us. Help us to overcome difficulties and to persevere in spite of failures. When we are weary and disheartened and ready to give in, do thou fill us with fresh courage and strength, and keep us faithful to our work; for thy name’s sake. Amen.

DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 34

https://youtu.be/LgybEBy3rlM?si=cXHQus4m7lBXHf8U “Onward Christian Soldiers”

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March 3, 2024 -- Acts 19:21-28 -- What is a revival?

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:21-28 ESV

Earlier in Acts one learns that Paul preached up to five hours, every day, in the Hall of Tyrannus. He kept this up for two years. The passage before us shows the impact of his teaching. Secular craftsmen, who made gods and images of the temple for the tourist trade and for the people of Ephesus, were seeing the impact of Paul’s preaching. People who converted from paganism to Christianity, yielded their lives to Jesus, and the result was they stopped buying into anything that smacked of false worship.

Isn’t that the real definition of a revival? People who get converted and radically saved stop doing things the society around them does and begin living out their faith in Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. Here are some signs of true revival 

First, there is Biblical teaching. That is the core of the Revival at Ephesus. Men and women read the Bible at home. Men and women read the Bible during their family devotional times. Men and women gather for church services to hear the word of God preached. 

Second, the Christians at Ephesus are transformed in such a way that ungodly activities and purchases stop. Immediately the secular tradesmen see the change. During the Welsh Revival of 1904 - 1906 "the police were left with virtually nothing to do and the courts were empty. Saloons and bars shut down for lack of business. Public drunkenness was almost non-existent. Old debts, many long forgotten, were paid off in full".  Sam Storms: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma > 10 Things You Should Know about the Welsh Revival of 1904-06

Third, there are conversions. People leave the life of sin and debauchery and turn to Jesus. Worship services are full. People love to sing to God, pray, and are hungry for the preaching of the word. Ordinary Christians, are themselves so noticeably different, that the people around them want to change like they are changed. So, non-Christians are drawn to the new life in Christ they see in their co-workers, in their neighbours, in their family members.

Fourth, there is great humility. Christians renewed in their walk with Jesus are humble, sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Aware of their sins and prepared to confess them. Such humility has been described as the dry wood which is ready to receive the fire of revival.

Finally, the secular folks at Ephesus raged and rioted. The Gospel threatened them. So it is today as it was then. Christians who stand up for their faith will be persecuted, ridiculed, hated and bear the cost. Yet, the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit means such men and women, willingly suffer for the sake of Jesus. Peter and the apostles who were arrested with him "left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (Acts 5:41 ESV).

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, writing to the church of the Thessalonians, noted there will be the coming of lawlessness in order to reveal those who do not love the truth (II Thessalonians 2:11-12). Dear family in Christ, do not let that scare you, but dig deeper into the word of God. Get connected with a Bible-believing and preaching church. 

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unit of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable to thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES "For the Church", published 1950, page 23

https://youtu.be/cM5qFXQ0p1o?si=h3-eDv7S5h2e-Gmq CeCe Winans "That's My King"

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March 2, 2024 -- Proverbs 1:7-9 -- True Luxury and Victory

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
   fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
   and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
   and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:7-9 ESV

In the day when this was written a runner who'd won a race received a garland of victory. So King Solomon teaches the reader to walk in knowledge and wisdom and instruction is to find victory in your life. The next metaphor is that knowledge and wisdom and instruction are pendants for your neck. These are the only true luxury in your life. The clear warning is that godless people, fools who know the LORD is but live as if He does not exist, will try to snatch the garland of victory off your head and have you exchange the luxury of God’s goodness and love for the chains and iron fetters of sin.

Where is the Devil tempting you or charming you, enticing you to put off the victory that is yours in Jesus for foolish things? Jesus warned His followers: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b ESV). Read the Bible. Talk with Christian friends. Pray together. Take hold of the victory that is yours in Christ.

Perhaps the greatest luxury in this world is not money, or Bitcoin, or topnotch over the moon jewelry, it is the fear of the LORD which is a pendant of luxury around your neck. Money and accounts can be frozen by the government. Bitcoin is volatile and easily manipulated. Precious diamonds can be grown in a lab. What is luxury? What has lasting worth in this world and in the world to come? It is the knowledge of God that comes from a steady diet of instruction which together lead to wisdom.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who didst lead our fathers into this land, and set their feet in a large room: Give thy grace, we beseech thee, to us their children, that we may approve ourselves a people mindful of thy favour, and glad to do thy will. Bless our Dominion with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from lawlessness and discord, pride and arrogance, and fashion into one godly people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Give to all the spirit of service, love, and mutual forbearance. In prosperity make us thankful unto thee, and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in thee to fail. So that, loving thee above al things, we may fulfil thy gracious purpose in this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, “For the Dominion of Canada” 1950, page 17

https://youtu.be/-WXi3lGYA6E?si=70Egza7Jg_tb-I0I Pat Barret “Morning by Morning”

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February 29, 2024 -- Psalm 113:1-3 -- The Command to Praise bears surprising blessing

Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
   praise the Name of the LORD!
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
   from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
   the Name of the LORD is to be praised!
Psalm 113:1-3 ESV

By the repetition of the expression “Praise the LORD” one understands this is the great command to the people of God. It is one’s life’s duty to praise God. You see it in the life of a carpenter who is humming songs of joy to the LORD as he works his craft. You notice it in the cleaning, baking and work of a woman who rejoices to serve God as she blesses her household. Praise becomes joy because one is cultivating the glorious presence of God in every part of the day.

Praise is commanded for formal times—like the gathering in church for worship services. And praise is commanded for ordinary time. What keeps a man from sinning? If his heart is focused on God and His glorious praise—then sin is not even a distant thought. Praise is commanded for informal times, like the morning bible reading and prayer times. What a blessing accrues to those who praise God.

Praise is drawn out from the people of God through-out the day. We can’t help ourselves. The world talks about Oscars and Emmy awards, sports heroes and models—but their stretch of fame is short. When a scandal touches them their precipitous fall from grace raises dust clouds from the ash-heap of history where so many other once-famous now lay forgotten.. The LORD is from forever to forever majestic, glorious, perfect, right in all His ways. His praise begins the day and ends it. Jesus is the radiance of the Father’s glory. Jesus is the Lamb of God Who has taken our sins far from us. Jesus is the One Who rises with healing in His wings. The one who contemplates this finds that the Spirit of God causes the water of life to well up within. His praise stretches from the start of life to its earthly conclusion and then reverberates throughout eternity.

To praise the LORD is to declare His attributes so that one’s mind considers Who God Is. Thinks about what God does. The praise of God takes the reading of Scripture and moves it from merely being a box to be ticked on this day—yup, did my devotions, tick—to an exercise where one’s brain is set on the course of contemplation and wonder. If your ability to praise God, to declare His greatness is puny, then spend time listening to good preaching. Ask a Christian friend, what do you listen to in order to get encouraged in your walk with God?

To praise the Name of the LORD is to think of His reputation. His Name is tied to His deeds This is why it is so hideous when people curse with God’s Name or the Name of Jesus. The debasing of God’s Name will not be tolerated. The third commandment requires believers to honour the Name of God—it is stated: “Do not take the Name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Why is that commandment in the negative? I’ve often wondered this.

Yesterday I was listening to Sinclair Ferguson’s preaching (hint, hint, he is worthwhile looking up and listening to in order to grow in your understanding of God and His praise) who noted when you speak to a child you give commands in the negative. Don’t touch the stove. Don’t walk near the road. Such little ones are not capable of understanding the reasons. Until one is older, one hears “don’t touch”, “don’t do”, “don’t go”. Psalm 113 is for those who are maturing. It is a positive command—expecting that those who read it are mature enough to heed it and follow through.

O LORD OUR GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, Who keeps covenant and promise for those that love Him, with their whole heart, Who Is the life of all, the help of those that flee to Him, the hope of those that cry unto Him; cleanse us from our sins, and from every thought displeasing to Your goodness. Cleanse our souls and bodies, our hearts and consciences, that with pure heart and clear mind, with perfect love and calm hope, we may confidently and fearlessly pray to You; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Divine Service Book. “A Treasury of Devotion”, Copyright 1950, page 9.

https://youtu.be/eWcy4O7HIro?si=DBNoxteRbLQBYbRA Bless the Lord— Psalm 103

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February 28, 2024 -- Luke 21:25-28 -- Taking fresh courage in the face of today's evil

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:25-28 ESV

Jesus has spent a significant amount of time warning His disciples of the coming persecutions, wars and natural disasters that will take place just before the return of the Son of Man. Our world is convulsing in the ways in which Jesus predicted. And in ways that seem unexpected, but are definitely part of His prophetic words. A recent article noted that students in public schools are assaulting their teachers at rates never seen before. Teachers are hurt, kicked, hit but there are virtually no consequences for the students.  Another example, the Canadian government is preparing a bill to regulate the use of the internet against sexually explicit material—great. Problem. This same government is promoting gender dysphoria, celebrating drag, and teaching all kinds of sexually confusing messages in the public schools. This is the government that is going to regulate what is wrong and what is right? It continues to usurp the role of parents in its bid to make the state the main influencer in children's upbringing.

Rather and grab one’s gut and bend over double as if hit by a gut-punch, Christian, straighten yourself, and raise your heads. Why?

~Jesus Christ is in charge. He will return when all the evil has been gathered and He will destroy it. Jesus’ victory is assured. He has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

~Stand up tall and see, as in the past, so it will happen today, evil will tear evil down. In the Bible times you see this repeated so often. In history it is repeated so often. Think of World War II, when Hitler’s own generals plotted to kill him. Evil is a restless poison that pollutes the unwary and continually infects and kills the conjurers of it.

~The Spirit of God will place you in circumstances, some exactly suited to your gifts, others extremely difficult but also suited to your calling in Christ—all such things happen not by accident but by God’s design so that wherever you are you can testify to the salvation of God. It was reported that when the theologian-pastor D. Bonhoeffer was taken from prison to a concentration camp, while in the back of a truck he witnessed to his fellow prisoners. Later just before he was executed, the man who’d pastored many in the death camp, preached before he died, and prayed with such fervor that even decades later witnesses remembered it and wrote of it.

~The times we live in should drive us to our knees in prayer. Appeal to God for the Spirit’s power to help you. Ask that Jesus’ saving work will touch family and friends, and the nations, that those appointed for life in Christ will be drawn into the kingdom. Pray for fresh courage.

Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to Your steadfast love! Let them know that this is Your hand; You, O LORD, have done it! Let them curse, but You will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but Your servant will be glad! May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise Him in the midst of the throng. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one., to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

Be not silent, O God of my praise! Psalm 109:26-31, 1ESV)

https://youtu.be/pCoWaxaU0sQ?si=UvlqhXLt9DYqOis4

“Draw Me Close to You” Michael W. Smith

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 27, 2024 -- Proverbs 28:13 -- Posting your no trespassing sign at the pathways of your old sins

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 ESV

The word “transgressions” means crossing a line from what is right to intentionally do what is wrong. It is knowingly trespassing. For the Christian the pathways of sin are posted with “no trespassing” signs. The Spirit of God applies the Word, awakens the conscience to know the evil of sin and its consequences, transforms believers through the preaching of the Word, and works through the counsel of other Christian friends with the result that believers clearly know what is right and what is wrong. To conceal one’s transgressions is to start a pattern of trespassing that leads to one’s own destruction.

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1 ESV). The one who is trespassing against God, His Law, and against the Christian community is by definition moving himself away from the very people who love him and desire his good. He isolates himself, shielding himself from the advice of the very people who love him. As one fulfills his destructive desires, he is more quickly and more intentionally moving into enemy territory.

What breaks the power of sin? It is confession. When one confesses he has run into enemy territory, consorted with the hosts of hell, and defied God. Confession is telling and admitting to God how great is one's sin and misery. He is admitting he is far past his power to save himself. Jesus is the Rescuer of those who are caught in this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). It is only when a man admits he helpless and completely powerless that he stops fighting the salvation of Jesus.

Then, forsake the sin. Renounce the sin and abandon the practice of it and run from the things associated with it. Christians cannot toy with sin, or spend time thinking about past sins without immediately getting aroused to try them once again. The brain which had been trained to sin, must now, for the rest of one’s life, be continually retrained, by the renewing of one’s mind, to walk in the pathway of life.

Those who confess their sins and forsake them will obtain mercy. It is the free gift of the Father. He redeems His people to Himself through the blood of Jesus. He seals His people as His Own through the work of the Spirit. However, be warned, the temptation might be to sin knowing there is forgiveness and mercy just around the corner. What happens, however, is that sin hardens the heart and deadens the conscience so that there is less and less desire for confession and the forsaking sin. The ultimate goal of the Devil is to get a man to play with sin until he is so captivated, he is enjoying a banquet of sin in the grave. The ultimate goal of Christ is the glory of the Father. Jesus leads Christians, captives from the wars with Satan, in His victory parade so that He will bring them to the presence of the Father as the purified people. The Spirit of God will change the heart, life and mind of dedicated Christians so that their desire is more, more of Jesus.

Glorious Father, that You for the grace and peace which flow to Your people through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Blessed Jesus, You gave Yourself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, and You accomplished this according to the will of our God and Father. Blessings and honour, praise and glory, dominion and worship belong to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ghi-48bqqDE?si=rTd0lrhyE1O7rHo8 “Rescue Story” Zach Williams

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.