In the Same Breath (Romans 1:28-32 ESV)

 " ... to do what ought not to be done  ... though they know God's righteous decree ..." (Romans 1:28 & 32 ESV).

More and more I've seen and experienced this.  And I believe that many of us will be able to acknowledge that even in our own hearts there are roots of this.  We know in our heads what's right in God's eyes but we cast it aside to do what we ought not.

And it's easy to point at others because of the pronouns used in these verses:  "they," "they," and "they," multiple times.  So this does not include "me," right?  Ha, ha.  We need to think again.

It is good to examine ourselves in God's mirror.  He equates several ugly things in one sentence.  Read verses 29 and 30.

To name some of those 'ugly' things there's:   covetousness, envy and gossip that don't seem quite so bad as murder and maliciousness.  Do they?

Yet God says them all in one breath.  Many of the so-called, in our sight, "lesser evils" may well be the kindling and spark that set off a chain reaction lighting fire to the others.

When we allow our minds to become "debased," not acknowledging God and the ways we have been taught - perhaps since birth if one so happens to have been raised in a Christian family -  then God

 "gives the person up" 

to his own desires.

God doesn't force anyone.

We get to choose and if it's the wayward way, away from God's standards and values, then He will let the person go.  That's what they wanted.

Until ...until there's repentance.  There is still hope of reconciliation although one may still have to bear some of the consequences of our own bad earlier choices.

The verses at the outset of this article are what really concern me.  Because those of us who have lived in the Christian community since birth and/or have been Christians for decades, we know a lot about God, Jesus and living the 'right' way according to His standards and values.  It's A LOT of knowledge.

But do we have understanding?  Do we have it in our heart?  Do we live it?  This is what I ask myself.

And if I gossip, become haughty or boastful, I have to remember that in the same breath, God equates insolence and murder, heartless and the ruthless people.

It is a serious thought.  Let's humbly confess to our Lord and Savior, the areas we need to sincerely address.  Come before Him on our knees, in contrite repentance.  If we confess, He'll forgive (see 1 John 1:9).

"In all our ways, let's acknowledge Him,"

and keep close to Him, walking in His ways, not to be meaninglessly rote, but from sincerity of heart (see Proverbs 3:6)

Lord, we, Your followers, know that Your Holy Spirit indwells us and that we are God's temple of Your Holy Spirit.  Help us to be more conscious of His presence in and with us, so that we live aright and please You.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 1:28-32 ESV and 1 Corhinthians 3:16 ESV.

Sing, What Your Are, Speaks So Loud, along with Selah Music.

HAIKU - Sinners To Saints (Romans 1:1-15 ESV)

 He wrote it in a 

letter.  Gentle splashes of

faith encouraged.  Splash!

Called to belong to 

Jesus Christ.  You are His and 

He is yours.  For sure!

He chose us.  We chose

Him.  We belong to Jesus.

Splash!  Chosen, in Christ.

Loved by God.  Called to

be saints.  Saved by grace.  Our stand-

-ing in God's sight.  Splash!

Sinners to saints, by faith

in Jesus Christ.  Now build and

Establish that faith.

Rooted.  Grounded.  Faith

built.  Grown gently or by storm.

Strengthened, wave by wave.

Splash!  Time for fruit.

Faith plus works, produced in time,

Unfaltering walk.

Gentle splashes.  Walk

it.  Talk it.  Write it.  Mail it.

Intentional splash. 

       ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 1:1-15 ESV.

Sing, By Faith, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

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.