Open-Hearted Welcome (Romans15: especially vs 2 & 5-6 ESV)

 

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up ... May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:2, 5-6 ESV).

Observe the reason for pleasing one's neighbor.  It was for his good.  That "good" specifically, was to build him up.  It was not to be manipulated or favored for other special treatment.

So like a prayer, God was asked to grant the Roman believers endurance, and encouragement.  Why?  So that they could live in harmony, be in accord with Christ Jesus and have one voice to glorify God.

This was not to please their own self and their own preferences.  When you read through the whole letter to the Romans you'll see all the conflicts and issues that had arisen because they wanted to impose their own Jewish-ness or Gentile-ness.  These elements had been strongly imbedded into their beings - minds and hearts.

But now they needed to learn the new way in Christ.  It would take endurance because these issues would surface again and again and needed God's endurance to overcome.

They also needed God's encouragement to motivate them towards God's most excellent way.  So when they glorified God it would not be tainted by dissension but by one voice, in togetherness, in one accord and harmony.  They needed to do this attuning of their hearts and minds so that they could willingly and open-heartedly welcome one another as Christ had welcomed each of them (see vs7).  And this hope they had in Christ could then fill them with all joy and peace in believing, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

And so, Paul encouraged them with confidence, even though he had used some strong language as he pointed out various "reminders," as he called them, to instruct them in The Christian Way (see vs 14-15 ESV).

God and Father, to You we lift up our hearts and minds in one accord to glorify You.  It's only in You we have genuine endurance and encouragement to be one in Christ and to keep the unity of the Holy Spirit.  We can only thank You for all of this and forgiving us hope that we can indeed live in harmony with other believers of diverse backgrounds.  Thank You so much for the book of Romans that reveals these issues to us.  In Jesus' name we give You our thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 15: especially vs 2, 5 & 6 ESV.

Sing, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, along with Marantha Singers.

Food and Drink (Romans 14 ESV)

 "You are what you eat," is a slogan and book title by a nutritionist named Victor Lindlahr.  He said that our health is linked to the food we eat.  The 'for better or for worse' scenario comes to the fore.

Yes, I know that Paul was not talking about diet and health in Romans 14 but it is true that our diet can reflect our cultural and/or religious backgrounds.  The adherents to these backgrounds will indeed tend to have mirrored health, depending on the foods they eat.

But still, this was not Paul's point I believe.  When the food a person eats stems from religious and even cultural beliefs, and each respective person believes he or she is RIGHT!  that's where clashes could likely have broken out as each try to gain dominance.

Once again we are reminded of the Roman congregation of believers' backgrounds.  The Jews had food restrictions a mile long derived from the Law of Moses God had given to the Israelites and that was passed down through the ages - for more than one millenia!  

Cogitate on that a while.  How ingrained that'd be!  How right these laws would be as fixed in the minds of these religious devotees!  Enter the Gentiles who'd even eat pork and other foods sold in markets, food that had often been offered to idols first.  You get the picture!

Paul articulately addresses this issue in one magnificent, professional, fluid flourish of his mind and pen.  He wrote,

"I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean" (Romans 14:14 ESV).

And he even says,

"Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him" (Romans 14:3 ESV).

That evens things up nicely.  Paul doesn't leave it at that though because if this is just a mechanical do or don't  on your own strength case, it would likely fail miserably.

"None of us lives to himself" (Romans 14:7).

You won't be able to do it alone.  You need the Lord and the fellowship of the believers in support.  And if a believer of whatever background grieves another brother or sister by what they eat in front of them, they are

"no longer walking in love" (vs. 15).

That puts it bluntly and Paul adds warning,

"Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God" (vs 20).

Check it out.  Ask yourself,  "Am I ME-centered, or CHRIST-centered?!" 

I know a brother who eats with others - co-workers - but because they abstain from certain foods and he wants to eat with them to try to keep harmonious relationship as best he can for greater efficiency and healthy work environment, he'll join them in the type of food choice they make, even though it's not his favorite.  This is sacrifice to himself for the good of all.  He keeps his faith between himself and God, and eats what they eat.

What's more, when believers in Jesus Christ meet with other believers we can do ...

"... what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v. 19).

I realize this is not an easy road to travel, especially when certain things have been ingrained in us since childhood as if it's part of our DNA, but then again when we abstain or partake, in love and humility, the love of God by-the-way, it all helps to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

In so doing, we "do not destroy the work of God" for the sake of food or for the sake of whatever the quarrel is about.  Let not pride and "my right way" stumble another nor divide a congregation of believers.  Food and drink are not as important as peace and unity of Sprit among the people of God.

May our Lord bless the sacrifices we make in these types of circumstances.  God bless us all as we walk humbly with Him.

So be it, Lord.  Amen.

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 14 ESV.

Sing, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, along with Alan Parks.

Walk Properly in Daylight (Romans 13 ESV)

 I'm always curious and somewhat astonished when God's Word lumps certain immoral actions together, some of which may not be considered as bad as others.  Yet, here is a Bible verse that sees them all on par.

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkennes, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy" (Romans 13:13 ESV).

In my mind quarreling and jealousy are not near as bad as the others included on that list.  Perhaps, what they could lead to though, if left unchecked, is where the evil lies.

It's kind of like the Pharisee and the Tax Collector's attitudes and stances as they prayed and even why they'd come to pray in the first place.

One came to exalt himself, telling God how good he was - how morally upright he was.  In contrast, the tax collector humbly admitted his sinfulness, begging God for mercy.  "I'm a sinner," he outrightly confessed (see Luke 18:9-14).

Self-righteousness does not justify us.  So when we think one type of sin is worse than another, or that because we've lived a good-living life and haven't hurt anyone, we are justified in God's sight, we are blind to truth.

As Paul encouraged the Roman congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers,

"Cast off the works of darkness" (Roman 13:12 ESV).

Darkness that we think is light.  Let's understand how God sees us and our acitons.  Instead let's, 

" ... put on the armor of light ..." and "walk properly as in the daytime"                (Romans 13:12 & 13).

Allow the light of God and His Word to illuminate even to our most inner and intimate thoughts and intents of heart.

Paul adds something of major import ...

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Romans 13:14 ESV).

Don't put temptation in temptation's way to test your own temptation thresholds.  We need to search our hearts and minds in the 'daylight' of God's Word and Holy Spirit conviction, thus avoiding all the immorality, even the bits we think aren't that bad.

                                                    ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 13 ESV.

Sing, When We Walk With the Lord (Trust and Obey), along with the Isle of man Methodist Church choir.

Book Review - Disposable Wives - By Lynda Drews - Publication Date: 12 May 2026

 

Disposable Wives is of interest but not exactly a riveting read.  In fits and starts it did briefly grab my attention but then lagged where details bogged the story down.  However, I did keep in mind that this book is based on true life events.  Some accuracy in those details needed telling, I believe.

A  reader will encounter the story mainly through Pauline's and Xavier's eyes.  Pauline was a sister to Elvira who was one of Jean Philippe Sosquet's unfortunate, disposable wives.  Xavier was many things but functioned largely as a translater in this story.

One is taken through the runup to the alleged crimes, through the trials and what came afterwards.  How could one truly like a book though that's about such a dispicable man.  Yet,  I feel some small spark of justice has been done by mention of the three respective wives.  They have not been completely lost to buried history.

                                             ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                            May 2026

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Heart Burn (Romans 12 ESV)

 

Once the people of God begin to humbly walk in a Christian way - remembering that no matter the walk of life and cultural and/or religious background they are from - they will be more unified, walking in the Spirit and in the unity of the Spirit God gave them.  There will be a bond of peace.  They will be more able to,

"... present [their] bodies as a lving sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God"               (Romans 12:1 ESV).

This will be their "spiritual worship," their way of life.

There will be transformation and renewal of mind, discernment of God's will.  All very important as is not thinking too highly of themselves (vs 2 & 3).  There will be love and genuine affection for each other and together, their service for the Lord will be

 "fervent in spirit" (v. 11).

There will be rejoicing, patience, constant prayer and so much more.  You will see it when you read Romans 12.  

Harmony.  This is not just a work the Lord loves, rather the action, and state of being in harmony He wants.  Harmony.  Unity.  Paul pushes these points and explains how to achieve it.  Jesus and Gentiles alike being addressed here.  Please, please, please, I hear in Paul's words ...

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (vs 18).

Ths is the pro-active actions the assembly of believers in Rome could work on.  This is part and parcel of the "Christian Way".  It would take guts, they'd have to be living sacrifices.  They'd have to sacrifice, daily, all their own thoughts, ideas and opinions that stemmed from their upbringing whether religious and/or cultural.  Instead they'd need to seek out the better, more excellent way in Christ.

New thinking according to their "new creation in Christ" being.  And if they wanted to get revenge - leave it to God because

 "vengeance belonged to Him" (see v 19).

Furthermore, if they really and truly were concerned for their enemy, they'd be radical.  What?  Feed them?  Give them drink when and where needed?  They'd find out what those enemies needed and supply it.  That will get to the enemy and, 

"heap burning coals on his head" (v 20).

I'd think even on your own.  Perhaps not on your head but on your heart - you'd have heart burn.  Because, to be able to do genuine good to anyone you consider an enemy, the heart will need certain emotions burned away.  Emotions of anger, rebellion, revenge, and the like.  Showing goodness and kindness will cost and therefore, a sacrifice of our natural inclinations.  

No doubt we've all felt these.  Our Lord will be well-pleased when we can be more like Him in these matters.  May God get the glory from our lives that reflect Him.  This is acceptable to Him.

                                                  ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 12 ESV.

Sing, There is One Gospel, along with City Alight.

Mother's Day 2026 - While You Can

 Another year, another Mother's Day.  Lots of endearing words and sentiments flood the lines, read and said.  But for some people there are now only fond memories.

We love to remember the nurturing and wise actions of our Moms.  Granted some mother's haven't made the mark but I'd like to honor those who have.

Mothers teach and comfort, give unconditional love, are our top fan in our personal fan club and have enduring influence, even now, after she [they] has /have passed.

And so we lift our glasses in honor of her and good, noble mothers everywhere - the globe over.

Thanks to our Lord who gave us diligent, wise moms on whom we could rely.  Best of all to Mothers who feared the Lord and taught their children to love Jesus who first loved them.

We celebrate and give our Mothers honor and praise and thanks for all they've done for us from the womb to the tomb.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" (Proverbs 31:31 NIV).

Indeed, I deeply thank my own Mom, especially for the covering of prayers she prayed over and for me for all the decades of her life.

Mother's everywhere, let's encourage each other whatever stage of parenting we are at.  It's not an easy job but with God's help, we can do it.  Sit down and have a cuppa with yours while you still can.

                          HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2026!

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Proverbs 31:31.

Sing, My Beautiful Mommy, Living Water Worship Kids.

The Christian Way (Romans 11: expecially 1-2 and 13 ESV)

 

What a mastermind the apostle Paul must have been!  I would dearly love to know what his IQ must have been.  I suppose there were no such data collecting standards during his time but he must have been quite a genius.

Look at his writings and sleuth for his background bio to get some clue of it.   He often used his trump cards to great effect too.  It can be especially noted in the book of Acts in how he outmanuevers getting a whipping by stating his Roman citizenship or breaks up dissession against him and the like.

You can see how he levels the ground in Romans chapter 11 in a most elegant and eloquent way.  If you recall, this book of Romans was written to Christians on Rome.  The major cultural background had been Gentile believers until the returned-to-Rome Jews who'd become Christians had joined the congregation.

Of course there'd be cultural clashes!!

Even though the common denominator was that both cultures now had a new culture, that of being Christian, the influence of their Gentile-ness and their Jewish-ness was strong and vying for prominence.  This brought conflict.

Paul's letter sought to bring peace, awareness and a unity of Spirit in the bond of that peace.  Therefore, he starts this section of letter with stating,

"I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham ... God has not rejected his        people ..." (Romans 11:1 & 2 ESV).

For the Jews, this message likely brought assurance.  Paul could tie it to them directly, so they'd listen.  For the Gentiles, though, it may have ruffled feathers.

So Paul reveals another trump card down in verse 31.

"Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry ..."

Ah-ha!  He snags their attention too, and goes on to give word pictures of how neigher group should become arrogant nor force cultrueal beliefs upon the other.

I love what he tells them in no uncertain terms,

" ... do not be arrogant toward the branches.  If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you ...." (vs 18).

They all had been

 "chosen by grace" (vs. 5), 

therefore it was 

"no longer on the basis of works" (vs 6). 

 And so Paul dealt with a major issue with aplomb, reassurance, and exhortation, pulling them together by God's grace, to see the Christian Way, unifying them to give God glory. 

 All glory be to God!

Amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 11: especially vs 1-2, 13 ESV.

Sing, We Are One in the Spirit, along with Sounds Like Reign.