The Full Injunction

 No matter how old we get, life still throws curve balls at us.  It happened to Peter.

He was praying and fell into a trance.  In the vision he saw food considered unclean to Jews, being offered to him, with the command from a voice from Heaven to

 "rise, kill and eat."

  You can feel Peter's mortification.  He'd never once in his many years ever touched such food!

But the voice told him,

"What God has cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15 KJV).

Enter Cornelius' men.  They stood knocking at Simon the Tanner's door looking for one Simon Peter.  These were Gentile men and considered anathema to the Jews.  In fact, the Jews and Gentiles hated each other.

Nevertheless, God had graciously prepared Peter for this divine appointment and Peter goes with the messengers to Cornelius'.  We know the story that Cornelius' and all who had been in his house that day, came to Christ through Peter's explanations.  They immediately received the Holy Spirit and then were baptized.

I note these because Peter didn't flinch much.  He obediently submitted to God's direction and leading.  It may well have cost him his pride and prejudice.  

I like to think that despite his character, he was humble.  He had grown in humility from his first days of following Jesus; thus, his obedience.

His actions brought the gospel to the Gentiles.  He spearheaded it even though Paul then took up the baton and became the main evangelist to the Gentiles.

Peter was't just reponsible to get Cornelius and household saved and baptized.  NO.  They invited him to

 "tarry certain days" (vs 48).

We aren't told how long that tarrying was, but Peter was still following Jesus' "great commission" to 

"make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... and teaching them to obey/observe all that I have commanded you ..." (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV).

Peter didn't leave these new believers high and dry.  It's good to complete this injunction from Jesus.  It's very important to preach and to teach God's word in its fullness.  It's our responsibilty.

I know of one sister who was saved but then not taught in her church.  She got sidelined into a cult that is very systematic in it's indoctrination of their beliefs to its adherents.  Turns out, she was wanting solid teaching in the truth.  She wasn't taught the truth so now she has imbibed and been blinded by, false doctrine, taking it as gospel truth.

This is a crying shame to all of us believers who do not nurture new believers in the fear and admonition of the Lord (see Ephesians 6:4 KJV), nor build them up in their most holy faith" (see Jude 1:20-21 ESV).  Let's not have Bible Study session that are full of our own opinions and experiences.  Let's REALLY know the Lord through REALLY knowing His word and building a relationship with Him.  Then move forward in obedience to His word no matter your ethnic background.

May we each be convicted of our short-comings in this arena.  May we proactively rectify the situation as it comes to us, especially if there is potential prejucide or racism involved.  Ask the Lord to show you and help you.

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 10 KJV/ESV.

Sing, In Christ Alone, alone with Hadleigh Church.

Turned to the Lord

 Ananias started it off.  He was cautious, but the Lord had told him to

 "Rise and go ..." 

So he went to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus, layed hands on him and Saul received his sight.

Saul received his sight both spiritually and physically, regaining sight and insight on both fronts.  He was baptized and promptly began preaching, proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God.

It is of importance here to see just how far-reaching our actions can be.  From Ananias' obedience, to Saul of Tarsus' humble conversion, we then get Barnabas' bravery in bringing Saul to the apostles.  This encouragement towards Saul and the vindication from the apostles, spearheaded Saul's (who became Paul) work among the Gentiles, even as the Lord had explained to Ananias.

"The church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria" now experienced, "peace and was being built up" (vs 31).

What's more, they were seen to be 

"walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."

And we can't forget the last bit, the church

"multiplied."

Switching over to Peter, we see what he was up to while Paul was sent off to Caesarea and on to Tarsus.  He healed Aeneas.  The results were not to 'worship' Peter nor put him upon a pedestal.  NO.  We read instead,

"And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him [the healed man's] miracle ..."

Pay attention to what they did ...

" ... they turned to the Lord" (vs 35).

Are our actions turning people to the Lord?  I ask myself this too because I'm not so sure of myself. 

Tabitha Dorcas was a woman

 "full of good works and acts of charity."  

She did so much good the people appreciated and loved her.  When she died, they were heartbroken.  They called for Peter.

I find it interesting that Peter did similary to what Jesus had done at times when healing.  He put everyone out.  He did not need an audience.  He went to the core of what was needed.  Quiet.  No audience.  He knelt and prayed.  Then he spoke. 

 "Tabitha, arise." 

 He 

"presented her alive" 

to her people.

The best result should be noted from all this.  It was that,

"Many believed in the Lord" (vs 43)!

Again, we can ask ourselve, "Does what I do turn others to belief in the Lord?"

Let's pray that we live a life of such integrity and steadfast faith in the Lord that our actions and life reflect Jesus to others.  In so doing, pray that we do turn others to the Lord.  It can be a lifelong prayer that sees fruition.

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                             ~ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Acts 9 ESV.

Sing, What You Are, along with Selah Praise Music, and Must I Go Empty Handed, along with Risen Lord.

Lord's Day Devotion - Participation & Suffering

 

Participating and sharing in something, means there is some common bond that otherwise may not have brought people together.  The bond could be environmental,  workmates, mutual friend, or even having gotten caught in the same stuck elevator.

The common bond I refer to here though is that of the bond we have in Christ as followers of Jesus.  It is the relationship we have as a member of the body of Christ.   Each one has the Holy Spirit indwelling, causing us to begin to walk in the Spirit.  We can then say we each

 "participate in the Spirit" (see Philippians 2:1-2 ESV).

We have, therefore, relationship with each other so that when we pray collectively, we are participating and sharing in the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit can even nudge individual believers or groups of believers who are in different parts of the globe, to pray for a common purpose.

For example, a group of believers awakened in the night to gather for urgent pryaer, say in North America, for a lone missionary in far off, shall we say, the African interior regions.  It's an emergency ... a STAT intervention without knowledge even of the situation the missionary is, at that moment, undergoing.

But this "participation in the Spirit" could also be our own personal communion with our Heavenly Father, building our relationship with Him through Jesus and His Holy Spirit.  This is a great gift we have in Christ that should be unwrapped, used and treasured.

We have this because Jesus Christ abolished death through His death and resurrection.  He brought us life, and not only life, but immortality - the gift of salvation and everlasting life.  Jesus, the Light and Life of our life.

With the priveleges of our salvation and the communion we have in the Holy Spirit, there is also another type of sharing.  That is what Paul mentions to Timothy,

 "Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus ..." (2 Timothy 1:8-10 ESV).

"Suffering for the gospel" is a major thing.  Paul knew what he was talking about because he suffered greatly.  James, the brother of John, was killed to "please the Jews".  John suffered the loss of his brother.  John himself suffered for the gospel of Jesus, as did all the apostles.

We suffer in varying degrees, some more severely even in our times.  We need to pray for each other, especially for those who suffer more severely.

We remember Jesus' suffering for us on the cross, His death and praise God, His resurrection!  Through it all He has cleansed and made us whole.

Let us actively participate and share in the Holy Spirit and even for ...

 " ... the testimony about our Lord" (2 Timothy 1:8).  

We need to be strong and courageous in Him.

For now, this Lord's Day, let us partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine, remembering all Jesus went through for us, to give us what we so sorely needed:  life, everlasting life, and His Holy Sprit through whom we live , move and have our being.

Lord Jesus, thank You so much for all You have done for us, and given us through Your selfless act of redemption on our behalf.  Thank You too, for Your Holy Spirit in whom we have participation and communion with You.  We do not like to think about the suffering part but realize, even You suffered greatly.  Help us to endure and to have courage through Your Holy Spirit.

We ask in Your most precious name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on 2 Timothy 1:8-10 ESV.

Sing, Holy Spirit Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Gathered to Thy Name Lord Jesus, along with Alan Parks.

Effective Philip

 Philip was one of those more 'invisible' people.  We don't hear a lot about him like we do of Peter, James, John and Paul.  Yet he was an effective, despite elusive, evangelist.

It's interesting what's recorded about him in the book of Acts and chapter 8 verse 4-8, and 26-40.  His ministries brought "much joy" to the city of Samaria.

Then we see his willing obedience in a couple of sets of 'twin verbs'.  There's "rise and go" and "and he rose and went."  The Lord had had a specific appointment for him with the Ethiopian eunuch.

The Spirit of the Lord then instructed Philip to "Go over and join" (the Ethiopian in his chariot).  "So Philip ran ... and heard".  Then the eunuch invited, "Come up and sit" (vs 30).  This divine appointment brought this Ethiopian court official to Christ.

Philip was a 'now you see him' and 'now you don't' sort of man.  He himself did't know half of it as he next "found himself" at Azotus because the Spirit of the Lord carried him there.  Can you imagine that experience?

He didn't hone in on this experience though.  He was in Azotus and there he preached.  He continued his ministsrations to the general public.  At last, he "came to Caesarea" (vs40).

Later in Scriptures we find he had a home in this city and several unmarried daughters who prophesied.  He had his house in order.

Would that we could be as humble, obedient and effective as Philip was, as the Lord calls us to do whatever, wherever we find ourselves.  All this until Jesus comes or calls us away to Himself.

                                                       ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 8:4-6 and 26-40 ESV.

Sing, Humble Heart, along with Matt McClery.

POEM - Pretty Pink Flowers

 Pretty pink flowers

nodded at me,

"Hello!" 

they said ever so politely.

They bowed

in the wind,

and were 

there.

Depending on your mood,

they could be

visibly

invisible.

They wouldn't intrude.

But if you wanted,

they could be cheerful.

They gladdened

the eyes,

those 

pretty pink flowers.

If you were sad,

they were

there.

They offered unobtrusive

comfort

and

support.

 

The mad passerby,

glanced at them

but they kept

quiet.

They didn't add fire 

to the ire.

they just 

imperceptably

nodded.

"Take our beauty with you,

if you can -

despite it all,"

they said.

But today, 

Today,

I was happy.

The pretty pink flowers

smiled.

I smiled back.

"See, my family is with me,

keeping me company."

They nodded.  

They had a bit of time.

Those pretty pink flowers,

that nodded

and bowed 

and were

there.

They had done

their job,

Short life span

and all.

Those pretty pink flowers

that had been

there. 

~ERC  February 2026 ~

Sing, Lord I'm Not Okay, But I'm Still Here, along with Upper Room.

Choose Life (Humility)

 Choices.  We all have and make them.  We decide to eat noodles instead of rice; to wear red instead of green or blue.  We decide to speak kind words instead of harsh, unpleasant ones.  There are so many options to choose from.

Moses gave the children of Israel a choice.  They could choose to obey God, or not.  One would bring life while the other would bring death.  The choice should be obvious but he had to actually tell them, "Choose life!"

Joshua also presetned them with a major choice.  He told them they could either choose to serve the LORD, or to serve the idols of the surrounding peoples.  

"Choose this day whom you will serve..." (vs 15).

He added, 

"As for me and my house we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15)! 

This is a choice we can choose today.  Additionally, there are number of entries in this "Humility Series."  If we have read each one and have taken them to heart, there is action needed.  Either we can read and say, "Oh yes, good idea.  Nice"  ...but then forget about it all.  OR, we can choose to meditate further about humility and start the 'gears' moving, practicing the growing in humility.

Should a person choose, "NO," then they will not be very stable (see 2 Peter 3:17).  However, should a person choose "YES," they give God glory with their humble attitude that imitates Jesus'.  He is a firm foundation on which to stand.

Choose life.  Choose the LORD.  Choose to walk in humility with your God who so loves you (John 3:16).

Lord we need Your help.  We definitely can't do all this on our own.  We know You will never fail us because You are forever faithful.  Amen.

Today, and for all our tomorrows granted by God, let's make these good choices.  May they kindle and spark into flame in our heart and life until Jesus comes.  Indeed, ...

" ... It only takes a spark to get a fire going ..."

                                                  ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on 2 Peter 3:17 & 18; Deuteronomy 30:9 & 10 and Joshua 24:15 ESV.

Sing, It Only Takes a Spark to Get a Fire Going, along with Praise Hymn (Pass It On).

The Baptism Hurdle (Humility)

 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV).

Jesus had specific commands for His disciples to execute.  As seen in the above verses, there's "to make," "baptizing," and "teaching."  There are further, given instructions in how to carry these out.

What were they supposed to go and do?  They were to make disciples - not just of their own people, but of all nations.  It wasn't just to get them just inside the kingdom gate either.

They were to baptize these nations all in the same name, that of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The next step was to teach them.  Note specifically what they were to be taught.  They were to obey everything Jesus had commanded them.  They were to teach obedience to Jesus.

Additionally, they were not to be left high and dry once Jesus went back to heaven.  He made a promise

 "to be with [them] to the end of the age."

So Jesus had given His instructions and then a promise with this "last will and testament".  There is much to unpack here but I want to focus on the command to "baptize" and then "to teach to obey."

I purposely link these two commands because baptism seems to be a hurdle for many new believers.  It's a scary action for many as it seems to mark a point of no return in many minds.  At least, this is an observation I have seen in several cases over the years.

We shouldn't forget that baptism does NOT save us.  It is only

 "the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all sin" (see 1 John 1:7 NIV).

  Our acceptance  of God's gift of salvation is what saves us.  Our belief is in Him.  

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). 

 This is a prerequisite to baptism.

Moving on then we can ask just what creates this hurdle for new believers.  I do not have a comprehensive list.  Readers here may be able to add to the ones I name below.

One could be shyness to get up there and confess in front of a group of onlookers.  Another could be that the candidate for baptism comes from a non-Christian family.  The potential baptism-ee, may wish to not upset the apple cart in their family especially if the person is a minor and/or still living under their parents' roof and authority.

How does one weigh the command to obey and honor ones' parents with the command, from Jesus,

 "to obey everyting I have commanded you?"  

This is a serious dilemma for many new believers.  It is one they will need to answer carefully for themselves.

We know that the thief on the cross who had come to faith in Christ did not have opportunity to be baptized, for obvious reasons.  No doubt there have been deathbed conversions as well.  The idea that baptism does not save us can be seen in Mark 16:16 ESV.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be save,"

Yes, this sounds like I contradict myself, but read further ..."

" ... but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

The point is that our repentance, belief and faith in Christ is what saves.  Yet, for the rest of us, I don't for one minute believe it creates a loophole to escape baptism.

Christian living is never easy.  It's not for sissies.  We have the great comfort to know, to understand and to experience Jesus' promise to

 "be with us even to the end of the world."

Jesus' command to "obey everything" will definitely take humility and courage.  Walking humbly and in the fear of the Lord Jesus will help us to obey the baptism hurdle command.  And true obedience is instant.

May I encourage any who struggle with this hurdle to sincerely pray about baptism and the timing.  We still need to obey our parents but we must also obey God and His Word.  Ask the Lord to open up a way to get over the baptism hurdle without knocking anything down.

Lord Jesus, I recently became one of Your followers.  I do want to obey Your command to be baptized.  But I have some hurdles to overcome such as, (      name them        ).  Help me to be obedient to all You command.  Show me Your timing for me in this.  I humbly ask in Your name. Amen.

                                               ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 28:18-20 NIV.  Additional Scriptures:  John 3:18, 36; Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9.

Sing, What Can Wash Away My Sins, along with Park Church.