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The Shema

23 January 2007 No Comment

The Spirit of God never contradicts the Word of God!

Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Do you know the Word of God well enough to test your choices and direct your conversations?

On Thursday evening January 4, 2007 I officially enrolled in Life Christian University and began my first class titled “The Life and Teachings of Christ” at the extension campus in Culpeper Virginia. Pastor Sue Gregg, an outstanding teacher and spirit-filled lady, is my primary teacher. She has had a profound impact on me already.

Early in the first day of class, Pastor Sue taught about the Shema Yisrael – “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Before this, I had never heard of the Shema. The word Shema literally means “hear” in Hebrew. I learned that the Shema is the most famous of all Jewish prayers.

The Shema is a declaration of faith, a pledge of allegiance to One God. It is said upon arising in the morning and upon going to sleep at night. It is said when praising God and when beseeching Him. It is the first prayer that a Jewish child is taught to say. It is the last words a Jew says prior to death.

What does God mean when he says “the Lord is One”? He means that the will of the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit are all in one accord. They never contradict one another. Therefore, the Spirit of God will never contradict the Word of God.

When you’re wondering what to do or how to handle a situation, test your spirit against the Word of God. Don’t allow people, even close family members and friends, to persuade you to do something contrary to the Bible’s teachings. The ways of God are often counter-intuitive to the ways of the world.

Prayer Power
Father, I praise You as the living and true God. You never change. You’re the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) Thank You for being my rock and my salvation in an ever-changing world. Thank You that I can always trust You and Your Word. Thank You that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Jesus, I bless Your holy name. Amen!

Link of the Day
Shema Yisrael – What’s behind the most famous Jewish prayer?
[http://www.aish.com/literacy/mitzvahs/Shema_Yisrael.asp]

Blessings to live your life knowing, loving, and following the One and true God!

Joseph

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