Lord's Day Devotion - Benefits and Blessings

 

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" Psalm 103:2 ESV.

The psalmist didn't want to forget all the Lord had done for him.  His antidote for forgetfullness was to bless the Lord for each one, giving Him praise.

David, this psalms' psalmist, appears to have written it when he was a senior citizen.  I imagine him looking back over the years of his life, taking stock and giving account of all the Lord had done for him.  He did not want to forget any of them.

But if he had left it until he was older, he may well have forgotten,what those things were.  He must have been making a habit of blessing the Lord all along.

Whatever the case, he was making mention of them now, in this psalm.  They were that He was the one ...

" ... who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases," (Psalm 103:3 ESV).

And more, which you will see if you continue to read the psalm on.

David committed some pretty awful iniquities.  Most people will especially recall what he did to Bathsheba and her husband.  It was atrocious!

We learn though that he did repent and bear consequences in more than one way.  He learned the Lord's forgiveness but also His justice and mercy.

I don't recall any mention of David being sick with disease.  He spent so many years out on the range, he and his men must have met a lot of sickness you'd think.   However, it could also be David's observation in general, that the Lord

 "heals all your diseases."

This could be why he intensely fasted and prayed, begging God to spare the life of his newborn baby he had had with Bathsheba.  The baby did die though - a consequence of David's gross sin.  He fully believed God could but accepted the "NO" answer.  He trusted God was doing right.

David never wanted to forget all of these, having had his life, so to speak,

"redeemed from the pit" (Psalm 103:4).

No doubt David's list was long with all the times the Lord helped him while he was a fugitive all those decades.  Countless benefits, I'd think.

Nowadays, we likely can list a few benefits in each category.  How shall we remember to remember all our Lord and Savior has done for us?

The firm answer points to

 "Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion.  Bless the LORD, O my soul" (Psalm 103:22 ESV)!

The benefit we can put at the top of our list is our salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection.  This Lord's Day, let's bless Him for this saving grace.  Partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance and in blessing the one who died for you.

Heavenly Father, Your benefits are manifold.  We see and know some of them and we bless You for all You have done for us over the many years of life.  We especially give thanks for forgiving our iniquities, transgressions and sins, through Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross, thus buying our salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin.  We give You our praise and bless Your name in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                         ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Psalm 103: especailly 1-3 and 21-22 EAV.

Sing, Who is There Like You, along with Stuart Townend and 10,000 Reasons along with Matt Redman and Hadleigh Baptist Church.

More Forgiving Needed (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV)

 

Why is forgiving someone else so very difficult!?  Our hearts get into twisted knots of resistance, even to the point of disasterous ends at times.

One statement in the 2026 NECF Malaysia Fast & Pray booklet devotion for Day 29 puts it like this ...

" ... forgetting mercy hardens the heart."

So when the tug-of-war in our hearts twists and pulls, let's remember God's mercy and grace, and humbly bow to our Lord who forgives us (see 1 John 1:9).

Let's get rid of all our bitterness, wrath and anger.  And as that NECF author continued ...

"Humility remembers the grace we have received, not merely the wrongs we have suffered."

I like that.  It's good to know and remember.  To me, it is a powerful statement.  We tend, or at least, I tend, to harbor all those wrongs.

More surrendering to our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit's convictions and prompts are needed, thus drawing us towards enough humility to bend our knees in repentance and being able to forgive, even the seemingly unforgivable.

It may take time, but as we do bow to our Savior and use His grace, the needed forgiveness will come.  At least it did for me ...

If not, ask Him to teach you.

Then we can have a fresh start after the "I forgive you's."

In flower language it is said that white tulips speak of forgiveness, peace and a fresh start, while purple hyacinths say, "I forgive you."   Note the above accompanying poster of some of these AI generated flowers in a Ming Dynasty vase.  Perhaps they can help you see the beauty in forgiveness whether you are the forgiver or the forgiven.

Bye for now ...

                                          ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV.

Song, Forgiveness, along with Matthew West and Forgiveness, along with Paramore - Hayley Williams.  (These two songs may be a bit more than what one may be used to as far as the 'tunes', that are not traditional hymn music but the sentiments are what 'say it all'.)

Knee Strengthening (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)

 When we feel weak at the knees, perhaps we could spend a week on those knees, in prayer.  To be in prayer before our heavenly Father, seeking Him, to know Him, and for spiritual strength.

We are named after our Father in heaven.  He named us.  He cared enough for that. He's got plenty of riches too - the riches of His glory.  With these He can and will strengthen us as we bow our knees to Him.

Jesus' Spirit courses through our spiritual veins in our inner being.  This Spirit also strengthens us, helping us to allow Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith.

This is how we become 'strengthened'.  A tree sapling is very tender.  It is often protected and strengthen by posts or little fences to protect it, giving it time to grow stronger and take root more firmly.

This is exactly like how God strengthens His children whom He has named.  With His Spirit, with His word as bulwarks around our hearts even while we are on our knees in communion with Him.

So that ... we become rooted and grounded in love.  On top of all this, so that we ...

"  ... may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ ... that you (we) may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19 ESV).

How precious and strengthening is that!

Now unto You O Father God, we bend our knees and lift our hearts, minds, souls and spirits up to You to be strengthened with Your might in our inner beings.  In Jesus' name we await Your strengthening.  Amen.

                                           ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV.

Sing, Now Unto Him Who Is Able to Keep, along with Divine Hymns.

Book Review - Puma Concolor - By Rene Araneda - Publication Date: 29 September 2026

 The wonderful world of pumas awaits young and curious readers in this adventure with Rene Araneda and team.  Any young reader who wishes to explore these amazing creatures in their natural habitat through the author's eyes will find this read very welcome, I believe.  Such readers may well fall in love with the pumas.  I've come to understand more about them:  their different names they're known by; their habitats; their care of their young, and so much more.  The story in this case, of Rupestre, which I found endearing, was lovely.  What's more, the young readers would learn of the respect due between the pumas in their natural world and their interactions with human beings.  Learning about the meaning of 'concolor' and why a mother puma has a darker tipped tail were interesting tidbits of general information for me.

I believe the serious-minded reader will be truly satisfied with this read.  The great illustrations paired with puma facts and the real-life account Araneda personally experienced, are, in my opinion, major pluses of this children's book.  Very likely the whole blend will inspire many inquisitive minds.

It was noted that this book has been translated from Spanish into English. Kudos to the translator who made a lot of good sense with his excellent translation!

Although I believe this book was meant for children, I feel, it would interest adults as well - it did for me.  For further exploration, there is a list of several documentaries at book's end.  

Overall, I believe this children's educational adventure deserves a 5 Star rating.

                                             ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                          August  2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.

For His Eternal Purpose (Ephesians 3:1-13 ESV)

 

The apostle Paul knew his purpose well and took it very seriously.  He lived it out and executed his mission with excellence.  Regarding preaching the message of Jesus he told the Ephesians,

"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of His power" (Ephesians 3:7 ESV).

Paul continued to fulfill his purpose in focused fashion even when beaten, left for dead and incarcerated.  Even then, he did not waste time.  God's gift of grace was bestowed upon him and he would and did treasure it.

" ... The eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord"                   (Ephesians 3:11 ESV).

This is standing up straitght, walking tall with dignity even when knocked down  by those who would pour gasoline upon us and set us alight - figuratively speaking.  Although, I do realize there are those who would do that to God's children - literally.

It reminds me of a debate I recently heard part of.  One debater was a real piece of work, a discordant clanging and clashing cymbol for sure.  I couldn't stand it so I stopped listening.

She was so faith - LESS!  It gushed from her pores.  Her purpose appeared to be to be so loud and disrespectful of her opponent - who was a daughter in God's family - to shut her up, and shame her and discredit the message of Jesus.

This is the kind of person, that even days later, I pray that the Lord will take the blinders off her spiritual eyes that the devil has blinded her with and take the cotten out of her spiritual ears that the devil has stuffed them with so that she can see and hear what Jesus her Savior, who truly died on the cross for her, has done for her because He cares about her.  May she see Him beckoning her to, "Come, My daughter!"  May God grant her the faith to believe.

But I have gotten off track...

Back to the detractors of the gospel of Jesus that brings peace ... 

Similarly to what that lady had been doing to her debate opponent, Paul and Jesus had their detractors.  We will too but neither of these two forgot their purpose.  They steadfastly moved forward to fulfill their missions.  Jesus, of course, being the prime and perfect example, we can follow.

May the light of Jesus be brought to each one in our own spheres of purpose.  May we have boldness and confidence because of our faith in Jesus, and not lose heart no matter the 'beatings' we must take.  Let's not have confidence in our own flesh but see the

 "manifold wisdom of God."  

May it be made known in each individual believer's heart, in each and every collective assemblage of believers and then out into the 'villages and byways' of our neighborhoods and beyond.

Let's know our eternal purpose, take it seriously and execute it well - God helping us each step of the way until Jesus comes ...

Father God, Your ways and thoughts are always higher than mine, and that I could ever have!  Make me Your humble and obedient servant, therefore, so that I will follow Your will and ways with the same attitude as Jesus had as He trod this earth.  

What is my purpose, Father?  Show me the way that I may walk in it.  What thoughts do I need to have?  May Your ways and thoughts be mine too.  Jesus is my Savior and strength.  I trust in Him.

May Your Holy Spirit aid and abet me, helping me to submit to Your plan and instructions for my life - to fulfill my purpose and to execute the good works You have for me to do until Jesus comes.  In Jesus' precious name I ask, amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  September 2026   ~

Based on Ephesians 3:1-13 and Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV.

Sing, When You Speak, along with Jeremy Camp, and Show Me the Way Lord, along with Gospel Songs, The Divine Healer.

                                         

Lord's Day Devotion - Jesus, The Branch

 

We know and believe that God is faithful in keeping His promises.  He promised He'd send a Messiah and He did.  We see it fulfilled in Jesus - Immanuel - God with us.  Praise the Lord for this!

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel" (which means, God with us)" (Matthew 1:23 ESV).

Immanuel, our Savior, the Messiah, "the anointed one," is the one who specifically and purposely came to fix a major problem, and save a group from a crisis.

And didn't Jesus do just that ~  He came to save His people from their sins and this spilled over for the Gentiles benefit too.  He came to seek and to save the lost.  That is whom this Messiah came to save.  And He did (see Matthew 1:21 and Luke 19:10 ESV).

He died a cruel death upon the cross at Calvary.  He rose again for our justification and He's alive and I'm redeemed, along with all my other brothers and sisters-in-Christ the world over.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Furthermore, Jesus is the Branch mentioned in Isaiah 11:1-9.  This is why I say God has kept His promise not only to Israel but to the "whosoever will" who should accept His offer of salvation (see John 3:16).

Jesus is the shoot and branch that came out of the stump of Jesse, His ancestor of something like 28 or 29 generations past.  Jesus is the royal descendant of King David.  He came up out of a seemingly dead stump or line which was raised up again and brought new life.

He brought righteousness and peace.  God kept His promise even to so many generations down the lineage.  It's rather mind-blowing but it startles one into the realization of just how much God cares about us and also how much we can trust Him because He keeps and has kept His promise.

And now we can delight in Him and all He has done for us through Jesus Messiah.  Indeed He is righteous and faithful!

This Lord's Day, let's remember our faithful God and Savior who is our priest and king.  Jesus the branch being of the same trunk as God, sharing the same divine life and 'material' as our Creator God.  He is the Branch who came as the Messiah to save us from our crisis of the penalty of our sins.

Take of the broken bread, drink of the cup of wine in sacred solemn reverence, but also in joyful, glad thanksgiving for His salvation of our souls!

Thank You, Jesus!

                                                  ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Isaiah 11:1-9; Matthew 1:21; Jeremiah 23:5-6 and 33:14-22 and Luke 19:10 ESV.

Sing, Hallelujah chorus of Handels Messiah, along with the Royal Choral Society.

Book Review - Korean Black - By JP Blome - Publication Date: 25 September 2026

 Tragedy is tough to overcome especially when you've seen somthing horrendous.  The effects often roar silently, rumbling in waves and aftershocks of silent grief even years later.  The 'victims' become strong in their overcoming.  Such was the case for Yi Seo and her Dad, along with Wendy and Liam who became a very supportive and close-knit, caring family.  I really like this aspect of the Korean Black story.  The mysteries and masks and secrets of Korean Black added lure, as did the reasoning and development behind them, which Yi Seo and Liam created and breathed, setting the rythmn and beat tempo.

The worlds of designers and music were an interesting mix in my opinion.  About 10% of the way into reading the book, the word that came to mind was 'intricate'.  As I read further into the novel, I found it an intoxicating balance between the two lines or lives, that Yi Seo lived:  fashion and song, coupled with healing.

Another thing I appreciated was the multicultural thread of interest that ran through this living, 'breathing' story.  The romance angles were icing on the cake in this hard-to-put down account.  For me, two other words, tender and compassionate, help in describing this good book.  I believe other potential readers will find it just as riveting a read.  

A 5 Star rating from me.

                                           ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                         August 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.

And more than ....