Gentle Splashes (Romans 1 ESV)

 

It is exceptionally delightful to receive snail mail.  It is something we can have and hold in our hands but this form of communication is becoming more and more obsolete.  However, when we do receive such correspondance we get a realization that our friend has put extra effort into connecting with us as a deliberate and intentional act of communication.  It is wonderful!

And it costs more in time, energy and money to buy pen, paper, envelop and a stamp, and then to drive or walk to the post office to mail it.  This is in contrast to email, and digital text messaging and the like.

When I read the opening salutation the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, all the above flashed through my mind.  He didn't write nonsense either.  It was a continuous cascade of care that came in splashes or pherhaps, waves; the next one and the next one slightly stronger, yet still gentle.  I suppose you could call them, "gentle splashes".

He told them they were,

"called to belong to Jesus Christ" (v.6).

That in itself would be like being picked first for a team to play village baseball, or soccor.  It makes you feel great.  Paul reminds them of which team they belonged - the best team - Jesus Christ's.

You are called too.  We just have to choose to belong as the Roman believers had chosen.

Paul also said they were

 "loved by God"

and were

 "called to be saints".  

These descriptions are endearing.  They remind us of our standing in God's eyes.

We were sinners, saved by grace, and now we can call ourselves "saints".  We are saints, having been saved by grace.  We can stand up straight and declare it because we are

 "loved by God."

Then, this letter didn't arrive to bash the Roman believers on the head.  No.

I picture Paul standing up in a manner to bless them, arms outstretched, like Aaron the High Priest of yore, to bless the Israelites.  Only now I see Paul doing so over these believers, in writing.  And he says,

"Grace to you ..." (vs 7).

He adds,

"and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (vs 7).

Grace, getting more than we deserve and the peace of God, which passes all understanding cocooning them.

Then he thanks God for these Roman believers, for their faith.  Their faith was not hid in a corner either.  It was 

"spoken of throughout the whole world" (v. 8 KJV).

This would be like the caliber of Billy Graham's faith.  Even some non-Christians know his name.  Graham's faith and testimony was tried and true.

When was the last time you have heard of such a person?  But I don't think we have to have world-wide reknown in order to call it faith.  Each of us in our own niche, personally and even in our usual environment and with our contacts, it would be a wonderful, Christian resume though to be known for our faith in Jesus Christ.  We'd be like a living letter to all.

Paul was confident in recognizing these believers' faith.  Further to this but not contingent upon, is that he

 "mentioned them always in his prayers" (vs 9 KJV).

He wanted to see them.  He hoped to see them.  He "longed" to see them (see vs 11).  But not just for the fellowship.  He wanted to continue to build them up in their most holy faith.  

It's good if our intent and influence can do this for others.  Are you a mentor for anyone?  It's wonderful to be able to catch up with those we mentor but to make our meetings have extra 'nourishment,' we intentionally do as Paul wished to do for the Roman saints.  He wrote,

"For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established" (v11) in ther mutual faith (KJV).

To be "established" and "strengthened" is a necessasry construct.  We may or may not have world reknown faith, but if it falters at a breath of wind breezing by, how strong is that faith?  We will not be able to withstand the typhoons of life.  We need to build our faith to an unshakeable degree and this often comes at the point of adversity.  Will we still cling on to the Lord?

Paul's concern for these saints is then noted by his words.  hHe wanted them established, not just so the world would brag about it.  No, he wanted them to have

 "fruit among them" (vs 13 KJV).

Because, as you see,

"Faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-26).

So we too need all of these:  faith, established and strengthened faith, and fruit.  We need to grow in our Christian living.  Deeper roots, greater nourishment from the Scriptures and congregating with other saints to help build each other up.  Then to produce fruit due to our unfaltering faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul had not been talking off the top of his head either, and these Roman saints knew it.  If we have been reading through the book of Acts before starting in Romans, we will realize this too.  Paul walked the talk.

May we each be so encourage to follow suit.  It is by God's grace we stand.  Let us walk by faith (see 2 Corinthians 5:7).  Let's be a letter written and known among men.   May we each know gentle splashes of care by other believers in Christ too.  May we also show our care of other and write them a letter, signed, sealed, stamped and posted.

So be it, Lord.

                                                   ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 1:1-15 ESV/KJV.

Sing, We Walk By Faith, along with Marty Haugen.

Go, Therefore ...

 

It had been a pretty euphoric, tragic and triumphant week.  That passion week from Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday.  It unfolded as Jesus rode into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, being arrested and nailed to a cross, dying for mankind's sins' punishment, being buried and on the third day, His resurrection from the dead.

"He is alive!" we exclaimed.

"He is risen, indeed" we continued.

And then this morning I opened my You Version Bible app and the verse of the day struck me in the face.  It shouted out,

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and fo the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 ESV).

Wham!

Did you feel it?

We had all that "passion" and now we have this commission - this "Great Commission". 

Jesus did all that for us.  This is what we can now, as His followers, do for Him.

Go, therefore ....

                                                ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 28:19 ESV.

Sing, Lord, You Give the Great Commissison, along with Catholic Christian Hymn/Lyrics.

Grab the Opportunity (Acts 28)

 Paul preached unashamedly and with boldness as if it were his last day on earth (vs 31).  He did so for two whole years' worth, at which time he was actually under house arrest in Rome.

He was hospitable, he still had an audience and he capitalized on each moment.  He shared the gospel of Jesus and His message of love and forgiveness and salvation to all who came to him.

He did not let anything hold him back.  The Scripture says he spoke ...

" ... without hindrance."

We know from some of Paul's letter writing that he did have some physical limitations.  We are not told what else could have been 'a hindrance,' except for the fact he did not have his full freedom.  Whatever, he did not allow himself excuses due to what could have been allowed him.  He was an overcomer.

He is a model example to us.  Let's have the courage to share Jesus as we can, as the opportunities present themselves.

Perhaps at times we can be intentional.  I know of a young sister who created such an opportunity on her birthday.  She invited her Bible study and care group and some pre-believers to her home for an arts and crafts afternoon.  She provided some snacks and they had a wonderful time together. 

As yet, I haven't heard if there was actual spoken testimony but we will leave the results up to the Lord.  Knowing her,  she will not allow an opening to slip through her fingers. 

Whatever comes our way, and whenever it does, let's determine to speak up for the Lord, bringing in the sheaves.

                                                     ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Acts 28 ESV.

Sing, Wonderful Words of Life, along with Joslin Grove Choral Society.

Chinese Grave Site

 Looking up from our departed loved ones' graves, we could see many others.  Some needing some repair and facelift showed how long someone had been 'gone.'

It reminded me, since it is Easter time, well, a couple weeks past now, that Jesus is the resurrection and the Life.  He told Martha and Mary,

"I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this" (John 11:25-26 ESV)?

And then Jesus raised their brother Lazarus from the dead.

We too can look forward to being resurrected.  After all, Jesus conquered sin, death and the grave.  Those of us who believe in Jesus have this confidence, this assurance.

Whether we are in the grave or still living we have this sure hope;

" ... And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV).

Praise the Lord, we can look forward to this.  And because He lives we can face tomorrow, whatever it brings.

Let's keep looking up to Him.

                                              ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on John 11:25-27 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV.

Sing, Up From the Grave He Arose, along with Emmanuel Church Eastleigh.

Lord's Day Devotion - Highly Exalted

 

"But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head"        (Psalm 3:3 ESV).

If you observe this verse in the context of the first five verses of this Psalm you'll likely feel how comforting these words are.  The LORD was a shield - a protection - for King David in the midst of a deep betrayal.  

He didn't need to be sitting on his throne in all its authority and glory because he claimed the LORD as his glory.  The LORD was the one to exalt him even in his time of humiliation.  He cried out to the Lord and was answered.  In this confidence he could

 "lay down and sleep ..." (v. 5).

When others have stolen our thunder and deeply put us to shame in front of 'our world' we can claim our Lord's protection and glory too.  It's in Him we can trust.  

When we reflect on what Jesus Himself went through at the hands of human beings, the very ones He had come to save, He too cried out to His heavenly Father God.  Yes, He went through it all, even the death on the cross where He had been "lifted up" in another way.  Yet in the end we are told God highly exalted Him.

"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name ..."

What's more, "every knee" will one day or another bow to Him, our exalted King of glory.  Praise Jesus, the One who died for me, the One who died for you, and the One who died for "the whosoever" (see John 3:16).

This Lord's Day, let's remember our Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead, by partaking of the broken bread and drinking from the cup of wine in remembrance of all He has done for us and give Him the glory and honor due His name.

He is now our shield, glory and lifter of our heads despite any terrifying and humiliating situation we may be enduring.  May we each have David's level of confidence in our Lord and even be able to lay down and sleep because He is sustaining us (see Psalm 3:5 ESV).

Father God, thank You for Jesus and for the shield He created for us.  We especially give thanks for the salvation He provided for us through His death and resurrection.  We bow our knees to Jesus' our exalted King of kings.  He is Lord of all.  In Him we put our trust, as He shields us, protecting us from our enemies who shame and put us down and who perhaps, even seek to extinguish our life.  In Him we have everlasting life.  To You be the glory.  In Jesus' name we give our thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Psalm 3:3 ESV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with The Worship Initiative.

Right - ness Ignored (Acts 27 ESV)

 It is so very frustrating not to be listened too, especially if you know you are right.  The other party believes they are right too, but time shows the consequences of who was right.

And in these consequences there are those who are greatly affected, even put into danger because the one in the position of power and authority did not listen to the ones who were actually correct in their assessment.

Instead, the 'right' one was treated as if they were of no account and how could they actually have rightfully assessed a stiuation!?  They are nothing and their opinion is of no consequence and thus cast aside.

This happened to Paul the prisoner as he was sailed towards Italy to stand trial before Caesar.  Paul had gotten his 'right' answer from the Lord.  But the ship's captain and the voyage powers-that-be, did not heed Paul's words.

They were the men of the sea, how could landlubber Paul know the nuances of sailing and weather conditions!  Paul had given his warning but he had not been listened to.

Can you picture Paul sighing and thinking -

 "I'm going to be shipwrecked - again!" 

Sigh ...

He sat and rode out the wave of consequences of the bad decision of others.  This affected 276 persons.  But Paul was attuned to the Lord's guidance and he was able to bring encouragement to all aboard.  They would face the dangers of the deep but ...

" ... not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you" (vs 34 ESV)

he told the passengers.

So they were shipwrecked, jumped overboard, swam, rested on broken off planks or other pieces of ship ...

"and so it was that all were brought safely to land" (vs 44).

God in His mercy  had rescued a whole shipload of passengers despite the folly and pride of "educated" mankind.  He kept Paul alive in order to bring him before the top man of the Roman Empire!

Would you like to be as fine tuned into Holy Sprit's guidance as Paul was?  Even if we are, not everyone will listen to the wisdom given us.  It can be frustrating but our times are in our Lord's hands and He'll bring us safely to shore despite those who do not listen to what's 'right'.

The losses incurred along the way may well be devastating but the responsibility and blame is not on our shoulders if we'd spoken up.  We have at least done our part with the knowledge we'd been given.

We may still have a chance, like Paul did to encourage others in the mess with you.  It's a saving grace.

May our Lord bless you all who do listen to the Holy Spirit and work out how to use the knowledge and wisdom given.  By God's grace we can ride the storms of life - the manmade ones as well as what comes upon us naturally.  Let's have submissive, humble hearts that will listen to Holy Spirit's wisdom.

May God bless each of us.

                                                        ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Acts 27 ESV.

Sing, Be Still, along with Hillsong, and Holy Spirit, I am Listening, along with Still Waters Bible Reflections.

Good Book - Creative Ministry - By Henri J. M. Nouwen

 There is a quotation from this book which reads,

"A preacher is a man who is willing to give his life for his people" (pg 40).

And then almost in the last pages of conclusion, Henri J. M. Nouwen, the author, writes,

"Radical commitment is to lay down one's life in service of others" (pg 114)..

So what happens when we lose steam and begin to burn out?  Creative Ministry takes a serious look at how a believer, a pastor, minister or even a priest, can be as constant as possible with the Lord's help and with the whole general community of believers.

Nouwen touches on "Beyond Transference of Knowledge" (preaching and teaching); "Beyond Retelling the Story," including problems of folks willing to accept the message vs the messenger - not all listeners will be won over.  There had been little repoire and relationship built up.

To continue, "Beyond Skillful Response" - touching on actual pastoral care, how we see ourselves in order to more effectively be useful to others.  

"Forget self and be more interested in others" 

sort of thing.  Building relationship bridges.  Something akin to JOY; that is,

"Jesus first,

 Others next,

 Yourself last."

Then there's "Beyond Manipulation of Structures."  The preacher makes himself 'visible' to those he serves.  He shares himself instead of strictly staying behind the pulpit with decorum, hiding his real self - no, he get's 'real', sharing his own struggles, life experiences and what was learned through it all.  It's not all about skills and techniques learned but by contemplation and of what had been learned through a correlation of all life's experiences.

Last but not least, is "Beyond the Protective Ritual."  This is a celebration of all that comes at us in life, be it life or death, so to speak.  When we lose our life from self we find life.  Become more available to each other, which involves obedience to God and other people and so on.

A very brief summary and a lot left out ... you gotta read it for yourselves.  Ha, ha.

This book may have been published back in the early 1990's but I've found it a very thoughtful treatise on the spiritual journey for any believer who is in a pastoral position, whether one is 'officially' a pastor, teacher of the Word or  is a lay person.  Vibrant spiritual life will no doubt bring health to the bones and the mind and emotions, as the symbiotic relationship between the professional training as it meets the spiritual in any God-given ministry.  To God be the glory.

                                                     ~ ERC  April 2026 ~

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the copyrighted paperback version I read which was published by This Image Books in September 1991.

Additionally, there is a newer looking version of this book with a cover that looks like this ....

Read review on Goodreads.