Prayer - Lest We Forget His Goodness

 It's so very interesting, Father, I just read Psalm 136, and then switched to Deuteronomy 8:1-10.  It's so interesting because Psalm 136 is remembering history of how You helped the Israelites.  After each statement, the Psalmist declares,

 

"Your love endures forever" (NIV)." "Your mercy endures forever:" "Your steadfast love endures forever:"

depending on the version of the Bible being read.

In Deuteronomy 8, the Israelites were admonished to be careful how they followed every command You were giving them.  In addition, to remember how the Lord their God had led them all through the desert, all those forty years.  To remember all the wonderful things You did for them, we see Moses recorded much and see the psalmist was doing the same to keep the record straight.

There were such highlights of how You fed them with manna; gave them water to drink but they were also reminded that this physical food was not enough for a person to live on.  They must live on Your words too, Lord. Every word that comes from Your mouth, Lord, has sustaining power; it is the living Word of God.  I thank-You, Father.

Thank-You for your care and protection over them:  the clothes they wore did not wear out; their feet did not swell either for those four decades.  You defended them against those enemies who came against them and gave them valiant victories.

You disciplined them when they forgot from whence their blessings came.  Lord, when we forget, do discipline us too in Your unfailing love and mercy.  When we forget Your will and ways and all the things You provide for us and we are tempted to grumble and complain against You; then we will remember your steadfast, unfailing, unconditional love, and mercy and grace upon us; and how You have helped us over the years.  Sometimes we forget to jot these things down, unlike David, enumerating them for easier recall.

It is good for us too, to keep a journal of all those things, Father, that You have done for us and the prayers and petitions that we send up to You that we record them all.  It is a very good idea and enables us to go back, even throughout all the years.  This can help us sing praise to You in new songs of thankfulness.  We are thankful and grateful to you Father for all You've done for us in the past.

It gives us confidence, that even in today, and in time to come, You will help us.  You are on our side.  When we see all that and have "eaten" of Your provision and are satisfied, let us remember to praise You Father God in the "good land" You give us.  May we be careful NOT to forget the Lord our God and Your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Friend, nor Your Holy Spirit who leads and guides and convicts us, keeping us in connection with You.

Help us never to forget You.

I ask in Jesus most precious and wonderful Name.

                                                     ~ERC  February 2020~

                                                        (originally prayed)

Based on Deuteronomy 8:1-10 and Psalm 136

Sing the Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases with Dave Hunt

Good Book - Amelia Bedelia

 Mostly, I remark on more serious "grow books" (spiritual growth) but you've got to be introduced to dear Amelia Bedelia, written by Peggy Parish.  This especially if you have not yet met her.  This is "serious"-ly humorous.

The intricacies of the English language often kerflummox the best of students; no less Amelia Bedelia.  She will frustrate some and endear herself to others.  A must read even if you're an adult.

This series is likely targeting, oh let's say, the 8-10 year old's.  Very interesting for those youngin's learning to perfect their reading.  It certainly surpasses the rather dull Peter and Jane books (although these have their place), and will give their reading a boost from boredom.

Amelia Bedelia saves the day, once again.

                                                     Have a good laugh!

                                                      ~ERC  August 2020~

Lord's Day Devotional Prayer - "Good" Affliction

Don't Miss a Single Syllable

 It must have been building over time; the injustice and desecration of it all.  Every time Jesus would climb the Temple steps, He'd see "it," again.  Today, however, He would do something about it.

He had made His whip and went to work, cleansing the Temple Court of the Gentiles of the money changers and merchants before they even knew what had hit them.  What a kerfuffle!

How could the Court of the Gentiles be used in such fashion?!  It must have been rather smelly.  After all, the sheep, cows and doves would not "hold fire" even in the Temple.  Then the money changers' jingling and jangling of coins would not be quiet and therefore not conducive to prayer.  There was money to be made and they intended to capitalize upon it.  Forget about those Gentiles.  We really don't want those unclean folks here anyway.

This was a far cry from the Court of the Gentiles' purpose of existence.  This, Jesus said, was His Father's "House of Prayer"!  This was NOT a venue for a marketplace.  How insulting to His Father.

No doubt there was corruption going on there.  Some worshipers would bring a perfectly good animal of their own to sacrifice.  However, the powers that be at the Temple would pronounce it, "unfit".  This I surmise...

"Sorry, you'll have to purchase one animal from this marketplace as your sacrifice.  You know it has to be perfect."

Would the money changers give fair exchange?  That is the question.

The Jewish leaders were using the Temple wrongly.  They were all out for economic gain and power.  What's more, they were disrespecting the foreigners.  There were laws to protect the foreigner within their midst too which seemed to have gotten tossed aside.  What were those non-Jews, who sincerely wished to worship and to pray to the One True God, supposed to do?  If their 'spot' was used for other things, how could they worship and pray at the Temple of God's presence?

Jesus shooed the offending "robbers" away.

This is a good lesson for us as we go to the building we all "church".  Come with respect, reverence and purpose to pray and offer our sacrifices of praise to our Heavenly Father through Jesus and to remember Jesus death and resurrection through the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup.

Uncluttered minds.  Cleansed minds that don't "stink" of offending thoughts garnered by things we've seen or occupied ourselves with that are contrary to God's Word.  Have we taken the "whip" to them?

Note what Jesus did after the cleansing.  He taught.  He taught and the people hung on to His words.  They did not want to miss a single word.

Imagine!

Do we have "thieves" that steal our hearts, minds and time away from the Lord and/or churches?  Let Jesus cleanse your heart and mind through His Word and the working of the Holy Spirit within us.  With clean, clear minds we too, can sit at Jesus' feet and hear what He has to say to us.  Perhaps from our own meditations at home, or at church, from a speaker anointed by God to impart His words.

Listen with rapt attention.

Do not let our minds wander to negative things, thinking of motives of this or that person in the audience might have for doing this or that.  

Look at what the chief priests, and teachers of the law were doing.  They were contemplating and plotting how to kill Jesus!  This, in the House of Prayer!  Murder in the House of Prayer.  That may sound like the title of a detective novel but no, this was NOT fiction!  What a paradox! 

Indeed, may we cleanse our minds and hearts and let Jesus and His word teach us.  May we not want to miss a single syllable.

                                                            ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Luke 19:45-48

Prayer - Praise At Midnight

Insomnia can be a real plague to some people.  Everyone else is in the throes of REM sleep and you are still tossing and turning irritatingly.  

An alternative to exasperating wakefulness..

"At midnight I rise to praise You, because of Your righteous rules" (Psalm 119:62 ESV),

said the psalmist, perhaps in the middle of the night; maybe it was insomnia or maybe it was not.  However, he used his sleeplessness to praise God's "righteous rules".  These "rules" he knew like the back of his hand, and on which he meditated upon, considered and obeyed, and now he praises.

Or, maybe he pledged an oath to the LORD that if He would wake him at midnight, then he could commune with Him and praise Him. Whichever, through insomnia or through a pledge of oath, it is a habitual practice we could adopt instead of fretting that we cannot sleep.

Now, once upon a time, in younger years, my problem was rather the opposite to insomnia.  Kneeling beside the bed to say evening prayers, five or fewer minutes in I'd be in Slumberland.  One night, after several consecutive scenarios such as this, I got fed up with myself (once jolted back awake), and asked, "Father, I do want to talk with You, but as You can see, night after night, I fall asleep before we can have much of a chat.  If I give in and sleep first, will You wake me up later to talk?  Another thing, could you then help me get back to sleep afterwards and to sleep well as if I had not woken up, as I need to get up early-ish and go off to work in the morning."

Having completed my petition, I climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep.

Lo and behold, around 3AM, out of the haze of sleep, I hear my name gently and lovingly called; once, twice, three times before I see Him sitting at the foot of my bed.  It was a momentous occasion, but astonished, the first thing that came to my mind was, "Oh, You did it!  You really got me awake!"

Ha, ha, ha.  Of course Jesus could do that!  He's God!

Anyway, it was such a peaceful, wonderful time of communing with Him.  Obviously, I've never forgotten this.  His aura of love pervaded the room too, making the time very holy, and to state the understatement, special.

What's more, I was indeed able to get back to sleep afterwards.  Later, at alarm clock-awakening time, I was spry as a spring chicken (well, I was younger then).  What a precious appointment with Heavenly Father.

Do you know, many nights from that time until now, which is, ahem, rather more than a couple decades later, He keeps this appointment time with me.  Not every night, mind, but often enough.  This is not so much as to praise His "righteous rules" but to spend quiet moments with Him.  Often various folks will come to mind and I need to pray for them, urgently.  At times, I find out that the individual was very definitely in need of the prayer at that given instance.

Father God, may Your children everywhere, make You "their portion" as the psalmist did, asking for Your favor, for Your graciousness to them, as we think upon and walk in Your truth, even if "tied with ropes" (NIV) or ensnared by the wicked, may we still "praise You at midnight".  May we be companions with those who also do so, and as we dip deep into Your steadfast love, continue to "teach us Your statutes".

Thank-You Father God; what a Friend we can have in You through Jesus!

In Your Son Jesus' most precious Name we praise and pray.

                                                           ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Psalm 119:57-64 (Heth) [ESV]

Sing along with Zach Williams and Dolly Parton as they sing There Was Jesus

Or sing along with Matt Redman, Once Again.

Lyrics to Once Again

Prayer - "Remember Me To..."

 

Experiencing life in different niches of the world, a person tends to assimilate and store accent and expression 'souvenirs' in one's brain's language repertoire.  In one of those world areas, there was an expression that really took my Dad's fancy and he liked to employ it especially after he'd spent time among the folks that rolled it naturally off their tongues, betimes.

For example, if Person A had been visiting Person B, and Person B wanted Person A to say "Howdy" to a mutual friend whom we'll call, "Person C", Person B would request Person A to pass along the greeting.  He'd say, "Please remember me to your Mother or aunt or son."  So the "remember me to..." sentence structure was exotically unique.

Don't you think so?

Anyway, when I read 'Zayin' this morning, my attention was sparked and fancy tickled by verse 49 of Psalm 119 (NIV) which struck me as reminiscent of that phrase, and reads,

"Remember Your word to your servant..."

The Psalmist prays to God.  Person A and C, of course, being one and the same in this case.  He wanted God to remind him of His word.

Heavenly Father, remember Your Word, to me too.  Make it my joy and hope, as You did eons ago for others.  May it be comfort to us in our sorrow, sickness and pain; the curse of sin upon us in this Fallen world.

Bring Your Words to mind, Father, preserve our lives, our thinking, our actions, which stem from thinking for good or for bad.  This is imperative, Father.

Remember Your Words to us, especially to those being persecuted for their faith in Jesus, as they are mocked, scorned, and worse, tortured unmercifully.  Despite the arrogance of these perpetrators, help Your children not to turn away from You and Your words.  Help us all, but those suffering, especially, to recall Your words, and cling to them.  May Your words give courage, and keep them steady.  May Your Holy Spirit bring them to their remembrance and give them the right words to speak to their captors; the right meekness of Jesus; and overall, blanket them with comfort of heart and mind that only Your words can bring.  In Jesus Name, I ask.

Verse 49 pleads,

"Remember Your Word to Your servant..."

Verse 52 declares,

"I remember, LORD, Your ancient laws..."

This penned prayer "poem" gives request and answer.

What "ancient laws" would these have been?

Most probably those found in the Pentateuch or Torah where Moses has laid out all God had spoken to him and the experiences, causes and effects from Creation all through the lives of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; then the journey of the Israelites and their receiving the Ten Commandments and the rules and regulations of daily living to honor God and receive blessing.  

The psalmist had much less to read than we did but what he had, he cherished.  He remembered them.  Kings were even supposed to write them all out so that they had a personal copy.  This would indeed help them to know God's Words, at least as head knowledge.  No excuses for living to the contrary.

I have a friend whose Dad would copy out portions of Scripture.  This aged man looked like pictures you see of ancient Chinese sages such a Confucius (Kong Fu Zi), with the elongated goatee, his, all white with years.  He'd lay out all his calligraphy paraphernalia:  ink, brush, paper, and set to it with surprisingly steady strokes.  Stroke by careful stroke, the Chinese characters would emerge, and God's Word brought to his mind.  This child of God has gone to be with Christ now and hearing his Master's voice "in person".

The daughter has now taken up pen, and daily inscribes God's Word in her journal.  This time, the "jots and tittles" are in English.

No matter the language, its all still the language of God's love to mankind.

When we know Your Word, Laws, decrees, and precepts, Father, and know the righteous, holy life You wish for Your human mortals, yet their free will often skews and scurries them in opposite directions into disobedience, disgrace, degradation and wickedness.  May we instead feel the indignation as the psalmist did (vs 53).  May it grip us as it must You, Father.

Remember Your words to Your childrens' hearts and minds and draw us back to You.  May we feel that grip of indignation when we do turn away.  Bring us back.  Seek out the true repentant heart.  Like the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15).  He came to his senses and in repentance and humbleness, returned to his father.  The father forgave and embraced his son.

Again the words of 1 John 1:9 ring in my ears,

"If we confess our sins, You will forgive...cleanse and purify from all unrighteousness."

These words bring comfort and hope; a peace offering straight from Your heart, Father.  Thank-You.

Wherever we lodge, or whenever we have insomnia, we can remember Your words; we can "bring them with us" like the psalmist remarks, because You have remembered Your word to us.

They are conveniently at our fingertips when we've hidden them in our hearts, consider and meditate upon them and have even written them down in scrolls, calligraphy paper or journals.  They do not take up space in a suitcase, only in the gray cells of our brains which You have given to us to fill wisely, they can travel with us wherever we go.

Being at our fingertips, Your Words are right handy, then, and we can joyfully, gratefully recall them to mind.  We can sing them.  This friend of mine who writes out the Scriptures, also cleverly turns them into song.  She is a child care tend-er and so mostly these little ditties are for the benefit of Sunday School children to help them remember.

"This is my practice,"

 wrote the psalmist (v56).

He remembers the LORD at night, I suppose when he cannot sleep, making Him his motivation to keep and obey His law.

Father God, "Remember Your Words to me".  These are the best "souvenirs" from Your Kingdom, to have.

                                                    ~ERC  August 2020~

Based on Psalm 119:49-56 'Zayin'

Sing Wonderful Words of Life with Fountainview Academy

Good Book - Being A Woman of God

 

There is a quotation from the book, Being A Woman of God by author Ginger Gabriel, that has impacted me in view of the loss of my own dear mother who left us more than two years ago, now.  Gabriel wrote,

 

“The mature woman refines the art of greeting, leaving and grieving.  It is important to grieve the loss of people…The first state of healthy grieving is to honestly look at what the loss means.  It often includes a healthy dose of anger after the “I’m dealing with it just fine” denial wears thin.”

 

She went on to say,

 

“Healthy grieving takes all the feelings, feels them thoroughly, and after a process (don’t rush yourself) is about to accept the loss.”

 Of course, our losses can be more than that of the passing of a loved one.  We could have lost our health, our finances, job, a relationship, virginity due to an incestuous father, brother, uncle or to rape, etc.  Whoever, or whatever, we still need to go through the process of grieving.

 This book is not only geared at grief.  There are many issues and such as:  the Woman of Value; Rewards of Close Friendship; Forgiveness (what a cruncher); and Healing.  Interspersed among her paragraphs she scatters pointed questions that can help the sincere reader to focus on a positive action, guided by the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and even caring friends.  

 If anyone is wondering, this is kind of like a counseling book, yet could be used in small groups of ladies to help each other grow more emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy and mature as a person and also in Christ and relationships with others. As a short blurb on the front cover states, this book is about “resolving the issues women face today”.  I think it’s likely a timeless book, however.

 It’s a short but sweet book.  

May our Heavenly Father bless your life with the resolution of the diversity of issues anyone of us could encounter over the years of our life.

                                                                -ERC AUG 2020-

The Master Needs It

"There once was a wild little donkey, she had to be tied to a tree"* because she did not want to go in the way that she should.  But, Jesus was thinking about her and decided to tame the beastie, and went for a ride on her back.

The talk about donkeys, in general, is that they are stubborn critters.  Yet, they can be useful to carry burdens, if you can get them to 'forward ho'!  Often, the use of the proverbial carrot dangled, just out of muzzle reach, in front of them, is the "green" light that's just the ticket to get the donkey to put his right foot forward and walk on.

When compared to horses, donkeys do not appear to be very magnificent; in fact, they seem to be so ugly they're cute.  Then their "hee-haw" can be an assault upon the ears.  Nonetheless, in their favor, is that they do not startle as easily as horses tend to do, so perhaps their more placid, ahem, 'mulish'-ness, is an asset.  Cut to the chase, the character to focus most on for this story is that the donkey symbolizes humbleness and peace, as opposed to  a horse typifying  pride and war.

This leads us to Luke 19:28-40 and Jesus' triumphant, grand entrance into Jerusalem, on donkey back.  Doesn't sound too elegant, does it?!  It is of great significance though.

Jesus had need of that "wild little donkey" and it was brought to Him with the key words, "the Master (or Lord) has need of it".  Well, ok, what can one do with an untamed creature; go ahead and lead it away!  Apparently, Jesus could use it.  He tamed the wee thing, climbed aboard its back and slow-trotted along the dusty road to Jerusalem.  

As Jesus advances upon Jerusalem, let's take a peek at the donkey's owners.  

One doesn't just let strangers come up and take ones' possessions, saying, "So-and-So needs this or that" and expect the item to be handed over without ceremony.  For some reason though, the donkey's owners grant the use of their donkey without so much ado, upon hearing the words, "the Master needs it".  They were so willing to relinquish their donkey into Jesus' care.

Isn't that great!  Jesus could count on them.  They were willing to use their possession for Jesus' purposes.  Maybe they did not understand what He needed the donkey for, but they were willing to part with it.

Reflect on that.  Do we allow our Lord and Master, Jesus, to use our possessions, our money, and/or ourselves for His purposes?  Can Jesus count on us?  To count on us to help others and to bring others to Christ, or enable others to go into all the world and preach the gospel?

Who would have thought a wild little donkey would be 'useful'?  

Maybe with what we have and who we are, we believe we do not have much to offer Jesus.  The key element though, is the heart willing to "let go" and let the master decide what He needs and how He'll use us and our belongings. It could be a very surprising journey and filled with excitement that only He could dispense when we are willing and He can count on us.  We may well have more than we think we have.

Let us all be encouraged to use our "talents" to bring others to Christ and store up treasure in Heaven.  

Jesus comes in peace, ambling along on the humble, little donkey.  Along the way, the people spread their cloaks and palm branches in the forward path.  The people are jubilantly rejoicing and crying out, believing that Jesus had come to be the kind, good and loving King, come to rescue them from the Roman rulers, and set up His Kingdom of God, at last.  

So, they celebrated.  They cried out joyfully, so much so it got the goat of the Pharisees and other religious leaders who were jealous and having their noses bent out of shape by Jesus' popularity.

They tell Jesus to make the people keep quiet.  Jesus amusingly says, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."  Isn't that funny?!  Of course, the religious leaders failed to see the humor in it.  Creation will respond to its Maker, anyway.

Sadly, not long afterwards, the crowds were shouting, "Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!"  What an awful sound; one hundred times worse than the braying of a donkey!

What was Jesus actual purpose?  Jesus was always focused on His Father's will, determinedly setting His face in the direction of Jerusalem.  That was where He would suffer and die for all mankind.  This was the rescue plan, to deliver one and all from the captivity of  our sins and sins' consequences.  He took the punishment upon the cross and bought and brought our pardon and peace with God.

This is something to loudly praise and celebrate about because Jesus did not stay dead.  NO!  He rose again from the dead on the third day.  His resurrection showing the unvanquished victory over sin, death and Satan and everlasting death sentence, imprisoned in Hell.

Out of willing hearts overflowing with gratitude, then, when we hear, "The Master Needs It", let Him be able to count on us.  Then resoundingly praise Him until it bugs someone.

                                                       ~ERC  August 2020~

Based on Luke 19:28-40

*Sing, There Once was a Wild Little Donkey

Sing, Salvation-chorus

Jesus Weeps

What made Jesus weep?

One time it was the sadness, sorrow and grief of Mary, Martha and friends over the loss of their brother Lazarus to death. Consequence of The Fall; sin of the human being creation.

 "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).

Jesus had done so much for the people of Samaria and Judea: His love and care portrayed in His Healing and raising of individuals from the dead. His last walk or "death march" towards Jerusalem hangs taunt in the air. Yet He still longs for Jerusalem under "His wings" of protection as chicks do to Mother Hen.

 Jesus weeps.

Jesus had come to bring peace upon the Jewish nation.  They rejected Him, as He knew would happen.  Yet His love still mourns.  The judgement of God is swift, sure and solemn.  Jesus knew the destruction of Jerusalem would come upon them but worse still, the eternal ramifications of rejecting him far outweighed the devastation that indeed came upon Jerusalem.

Therefore, Jesus weeps.

If Jesus were here in our day and age, He'd weep all over again, and not just over Jerusalem and all that embodied.  People the world over, are in such a sorry state.  Does it make us weep?

Tragedy, devastation happens:  there's the COVID-19; someone struck with cancer; someone's baby, gone; another struck by a vehicle; floods, locusts; and the list could go on at infinitum.  

Worse is yet to come.  Sin, death and everlasting punishment in Hell for those who still reject Jesus, the Way to eternal life and Heaven.

This is depressing.  Pray for your loved ones.  Weep for them to come to Christ in the here and now.  He knows what is coming and that's why Jesus weeps.  May we be ready and shelter under the safety He provided at the cross of Calvary.  

Only then can tears be dried.

                                                          ~ERC  July~

Based on Luke 19:41-44 NIV

                                     

Prayer - Words of Life

Heavenly Father, to You we raise our voices in adoration, and praise and dependence.  Without You, we cannot operate in our daily lives.  It is Your unfailing love that draws us to You.  It is Your salvation through Jesus Christ Your son, that brings us boldly into Your presence.

So we sit and meditate and bathe in Your "unfailing love" that the psalmist often makes mention of as he does here in "Waw"' linking such love with Your salvation.

It is because of this love and promise of salvation that the psalmist can face the extreme unpleasantness of what came his way.  There is a list:  taunts; shame; freedom, or lack thereof (If this was David writing this acrostic Psalm-we know he spent years, it seems, fleeing first from King Saul and later from his own son Absalom-both intent on executing him).  Obviously, he could not go about freely.  He found his hope and freedom in You and Your words, instead, Father.

In earlier segments, he remarks about arrogant people (v 21), those who scorn him and hold him in contempt (v 22); those who slander (v 23); then he said he was "laid low in the dust" (v. 25); and his soul was weary with sorrow (v. 28).  In verse 40, he asks You, Father, to "preserve his life".

There was much for the writer to be depressed about, to go about in despair yet, it is a balm to see that his solace and hope, were in Your promise, words, law; precepts, statutes, commands and decrees.  He covers all bases and delights, obeys, puts his hope in them, reaches out for and meditated upon them!  Certainly thorough.

Thank-You Father for giving us these words.  

I heard one brother-in-Christ, a Mark Lowry, once say he was glad that back then there was no medication, such as Ritalin, that King David could take, as we then would not have so many "roller-coaster" Psalms.

You see, David  was so often down, then by the end of his particular Psalm he's rejoicing in You Father and Your words.  This is a shepherd heart that we are privy to so many eras later.  He often mentions that he would like others to know what he does and to join in with him.    In the here and now, Your word, through David, is still timeless and helps us through our ups and downs.

This is the reality of "The Fall life" we lead.  Your words, through David, help us to govern our emotions, to focus them in good and healthy direction to give us that abundant life Jesus talked about in John.  He said Satan had come to,

"...steal, and to kill and to destroy..."

 but He had come,

"...to give life and that more abundantly" (John 10:10).

Your words give life!  The psalmist knew it and not just as theory.  He had close relationship with You Father.  We can too as we spend time in Your presence, in meditation upon and obedience to, and putting our delight in, those wonderful words of life You have preserved for us.

May Your words go forth into many languages  of the people groups yet to receive them in their mother tongue, and bring light, life and joy to their hearts.  May we not take what we have for granted but cherish them all our days.  

In Jesus Name I commune with You Father God.

                                                                ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Psalm 119:41-48 Waw

Sing Wonderful Words of Life along with isbaptist choral group, Toronto.

Almost to Jerusalem

Jesus always had a purpose for heading to Jerusalem.  He, therefore, always set a determined path in that direction.  En route, he had determined paths within the main pathway.  These were his appointments with various people who displayed sparks of faith.

There were the ten lepers; the Blind Beggar; and of most recent repute, where Jesus and Zacchaeus saw "eye-to-eye;" Zacchaeus from the tree, and Jesus, as He was passing by, stopped, looked up and saw him.  Each of these accounts saw someone healed and changed-forever.  However, Jesus had the most important purpose to fulfill ahead of Him, thus He set His compass for Jerusalem.

What was that purpose?

The Jewish multitudes believed the Christ would be rescuing them from their enemies, the Roman captors.  Having effected that fact, they felt the Christ would then set up the Kingdom of God.

Was this Jesus' purpose?

No.

His purpose would have far more reaching repercussions.  His purpose was to provide all mankind with salvation; this was His rescue plan He would activate soon.  The rescue was to save His human creatures from the consequences of their sin.  He planned to bear that  punishment upon Himself, on the cross.

Would these crowds accept Him?

As Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem, He leaves Zacchaeus to his Jericho charity-giving.  Along the way, Jesus does not want to lose a moment and once again, employs His all-time favorite, and tells a parable.  This is a parable which touches rather pointedly to the crowds and the religious leaders.

Pause a moment, though, for a definition of 'a parable'.  A parable is a simple story depicting every day life, told by Jesus to illustrate a point to teach a moral or spiritual lesson.

Do read Luke 19:12-14 to get the parable in its entirety.  This parable was very close to what could and did happen in Jesus' time.  There was a custom back then, that a person could go to a "distant country" to get a kingship.  This potential king could go to the emperor of the time and ask to be made 'king' of a desired territory.

Rome was where this authority to rule was given out to whomever would serve as kings and governors.  This actually happened in Judea where Jerusalem is located.

A very cruel and hated "Herod the Great" and his son, Archelaus, had jurisdiction here.  A delegation did go to appeal this ruling that they could reign; however, without success.

Make a note here that in Jesus' parable it was "a man of noble birth" who was appointing himself as king.  Yet the people still hated him.

Can you get a hint of what this parable is unfolding and illustrating to Jesus' hearers?

I believe Jesus was talking about Himself.  The people follow the story well but maybe do not understand the nuances of the meaning.

As we know and will see more detail in some of the next chapters of Luke, the Jewish leaders hated Jesus and wanted to get rid of Him.  Sure enough, they did.

Praise God, though, Jesus purpose was fulfilled.  He earned our salvation.  We can either accept or reject.  No matter.  Jesus is still King.

What about us?  

What else can we learn?

In this parable the potential king gave talents (gold coins or minas) to different servants to invest and earn a profit.  The servants with the ten and five minas, each earned profits and were accordingly awarded.

10 minas  earned  10 more = in charge of 10 cities.

5 minas earned 5 more = in charge of 5 cities

Everyone given talents (minas) were expected to use them to earn (v.26).

So too, once we have made Jesus the King of our life, we should use our "talents".  Whether you think you have literal talent, or money or possessions, we need to use what we do have, even if it's only one mina.

If you are not sure what your gift is, ask someone you trust:  your parents, your spouse,  pastor, youth pastor, or maybe even a godly teacher.

God gives good gifts.  He may have given a person intelligence; our very breath is a gift.  If for one second God takes His hand away, our breath would be gone.  Use your breath, even, for Him.  Sing His praises.  All of these are our "minas" to use.

Look at what happened to the servant with the one mina.  Not pleasant.  Not that God will strike you dead.  NO!  However, you will miss out on blessing and growth in your spiritual life and relationship with Him.

With diligence, ability and capability, we all have twenty-four hours per day, to use what we have.  God values diligence, faithfulness, commitment, etc, which equal "well done!"  That is what the nobleman-king congratulated the 10-mina man with.

What will you do with your "minas"?

Think about how good God has been to you; saving you from your sins, indwelling you with His Holy Spirit, to help transform you and to use your talents for Him in furthering His kingdom.  Store up treasure in Heaven.

How have you changed (like Zacchaeus did)?  Refer to this link to refresh your memory (Get Out of the Tree, Immediately!).  What are you doing with your "minas"?

Don't feel guilty if the answers to the above questions are:  "I haven't transformed - much at all," or "I'm not doing anything with my "mina.""  Tack on a 'yet'.  That will make all the difference.

Be motivated, encouraged and compelled to move forward in gratitude to the Lord.  Transform and invest those talents.  We are almost to Heaven.

                                                       ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Luke 19:11-27

Get Out of that Tree, Immediately!

Zacchaeus peered intently, expectantly, through the gently rustling leaves on his tree branch perch.  He urgently wished to see Jesus.  Just a glimpse.  Oh, look, here HE comes!   Now, for only that quick peep as Jesus passed by.

Little did this chief tax collector know, but he was in for a life-changing experience that day.  His dynamic "appointment" with Jesus was about to turn his world upside down. 

Step-by-purposeful-step, Jesus treads along the path, crowds in His wake, clamoring for attention or to see some marvelous wonder.  Seemingly, Jesus was 'just' walking through Jericho that day, en route for Jerusalem.  It was no ordinary day, however.  It never is, when Jesus is there.

Jesus comes to a halt under that sycamore-fig tree, looks up and meets Zacchaeus' eye.

  "Zacchaeus, come down, at once!  I'm coming to your house, today.  Hurry up, and get down!" (Luke 19:1-10).

Can you imagine the surprise and wonder on Zacchaeus' face?  Likely his jaw dropped to his knees, as he scrambled and shimmied down that tree.  In awe and joy he brought Jesus to his home.

"Honey, I'm home.  We've got a VIP guest.  Guess who?  Oh, you'll never guess.  It's Jesus!"

As Jesus and Zacchaeus amble along the way to his home, let's cogitate on why Zacchaeus was even up that tree, besides his wanting to have a peek at Jesus.  He was a grown man and it must have been somewhat uncouth of him to even be up their spying on folks.  Come to find out, the man was a shortie, thus, he could not see above the heads of the throngs.  Determined to have that 'coup oeil' at Jesus, he wasn't going to allow his shortness to be an obstacle to his achieving his aim.  He persists and comes up with the bright idea of climbing a tree.

It is noted that sycamore-fig trees have short, thick trunks, and branches which spread out, capable of bearing a grown man's weight.  Up he shins, to await his 'chance' sighting of Jesus, with which he planned to be content.

He hadn't reckoned on what Jesus had in store for him.  Jesus knew exactly where Zacchaeus was and purposed and timed His walk along that way to keep this crucial rendezvous for the life of Zacchaeus. 

You know, Jesus knows where to find each of us too.  If you want to see Him, He'll come and seek you out.  He'll be there for you.

Jesus always had a specific impetus for where He went, what He said and what He did.  Today, was the day to meet Zacchaeus under a tree and bring salvation to his life.  Seems Jesus wanted to see Zacchaeus even more than Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus.  

Jesus is ever eager to meet with us too.

So Jesus steps under the tree and instructs Zacchaeus to hurry down immediately.  Oh, and by-the-way, Zacchaeus, I'm coming to your house.  Isn't that humorous?  Zacchaeus had only wanted to see Jesus.  Now he's going to have a close encounter, getting to offer Jesus hospitality in his home.  He'd get a good long look.  Was he up for it?

Zacchaeus could have responded in two ways:  No, I just wanted to have a look at You from up here on my branch.  No need for you to come to my place.  OR, yes, come!  As we know, Zacchaeus chose the latter and slithered, post-haste, out of that tree and gladly welcomed Jesus to his home for an impromptu dinner.  

I hope his wife was prepared for the extra company.

What came out of that visit?  Something monumental.  Zacchaeus' repentance.  He didn't just repent in words either.  He showed it in actions.  Look at what he did.  He declared that he'd repay all he had wrongly taken.  That was really saying something too.  The Law required to repay the original amount and add a fifth, at the most, to it,

 “If someone steals a cow or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he must pay five cows for one cow and four sheep for one sheep. 2-4 He must pay for what he stole. If he owns nothing, he shall be sold as a slave to pay for what he has stolen. If the stolen animal, whether a cow, a donkey, or a sheep, is found alive in his possession, he shall pay two for one. (Good News Paraphrase - Exodus 22:1 esp.)

What did Zacchaeus promise?  To repay four times the amount.  On top of that he'd give half of his possessions to the poor.

This is a totally amazing turn around for a man thought of as greedy, corrupt and unclean, and therefore, looked down upon and disliked by Jewish society.

Contrast the actions of the "respectable" young Jewish leader who was very wealthy.  The one who'd come to Jesus to ask what else he needed to do to earn eternal life (Luke 18).  Jesus had told him to obey all the commandments, which he said he had kept.  Then the cruncher, Jesus said he lacked on thing.  He was to go and sell all he had, give to the poor and then follow Jesus.

He had counted the cost and found it too costly.  The result, he went away very sad because he was very rich.  His obstacle was his wealth.  He clung to it as it had become his 'god'.

Zacchaeus' actions, however, showed, very clearly, true repentance, faith and the response of God's grace reaching him through Jesus.  For us too, with true repentance from our sins, there will be clear, decisive changes in our lives.  

Changes, for instance, in our attitudes and character; instead of keeping what is not ours, we become generous in giving to others.  Or, instead of a habitual habit of constant lying, we begin to speak the truth.  This type of transformation would be aided with the Holy Spirit's help to keep us strong and true and Christ-like.

The reactions of the crowd trailing along behind Jesus and Zacchaeus to see the action, was something else.  Jesus gone to be a guest of a sinner!??  How could He?  He's a good man dining with a bad man!

Very obviously then, there was no change in their attitude of looking down upon Zacchaeus.  It's like they couldn't see the forest for the trees, so skeptical, and blinded to the genuine life-change in Zacchaeus.  In their eyes, he was still a corrupt tax collector and a chief one on top of that...and that's, that!

Perhaps something like this may have happened to us too.  Changes and transformation occur within us and show forth in positive, sincere actions, yet others still doubt and condemn and disbelieve.

We don't read that Zacchaeus was deterred from his new modus operandi.  We too, can take heart.  Fix our eyes on Jesus and focus on what He has called each of us to do.  Live to please and honor Him, not society.

Refresh in your minds on Jesus' purpose in seeking out Zacchaeus.  He came to bring salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God, to him.  Jesus, the Son of Man, with a heart full of love for mankind,

"...came to seek and to save the lost..." (Luke 19:9 NIV).

This was, and still is, Jesus' modus operandi.  

Further to the seeking, finding and saving, is the "by-product":  a positive change.  This was all of prime importance then and still is today.  

Jesus raises the dignity bar on Zacchaeus' by reminding the crowds that Zacchaeus was a "son of Abraham".  This is an expression that could mean two things.  One, is that any Jew would be a descendant of Abraham, and therefore "a son".  'Faith,' is the other key factor.  It is said in Romans 4:16 that Abraham is the father of all who have faith.

Zacchaeus fits both descriptions.  He was Jewish and he had faith.  He wanted to see Jesus and in turn received so much more.  Through his repentance he received Christ's forgiveness and blessing.  This would not only be for himself but for his entire household, and benefited the many to whom he owed repayment and fulfilled his promise to do so.  

The wonderful thing is, when we also have such faith, Jesus will come looking for us when we are looking for Him, in faith.  We are not forced to change, just like Jesus didn't force Zacchaeus out of the tree.  Change comes from a genuine desire of "wanting to see Jesus".

Jesus came, and still comes, to seek and to save the lost.  Of such, was the life-changing encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.  We need to come down out of whatever tree we might be in and sup with Jesus.  May we each have just such an effectual tryst with Him.

This is how the Kingdom of God works.

                                                    ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Luke 19:1-10 NIV

Good Book - The Dao of Healing

  

A Good Book - The Dao of Healing - Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine                                            Author:  Pak-Wah Lai, PhD      Medical Consultant:  Diarra Boubacar Thiemoke, PhD

When I perused the title of this particular book, I got so very excited because, after spending so many years in Southeast Asia (SEA), and having experienced some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), personally, I thought it was about time I knew a nugget or two about it.

Obviously, I grew up only with the knowledge of what is termed “biomedicine” in this book, otherwise known as “western medicine”.  I was also biased with it because it has been “what I know” and am familiar with.  On the other hand, I’ve been prejudiced against the TCM, hearing a so-called, “Christian” view of TCM, or what I supposed is better known in the west as “homeopathic”, had its origins in the occult.

However, like I said, after spending so much time in SEA, my mind swirled with the idea that some good doctor, who knows both sides, should practice it and get the best of “both” worlds and teach others.  Thus, my enthusiasm, to get my hands on this book, as, even though I’m not sure this author practices both sides of the equation, he at least has a “treatise” on them from which folks from both sides can learn.

Now, I did struggle through this book as there are so many technical terms I’m unfamiliar with and 1/2 the time I didn’t know what the guy was talking about.   If you happen to be in the medical field you'll have a better understanding throughout.   So all during this MCO (Covid-19 lock down) time I really had to force myself to read through; my initial eagerness having cooled, and the spark to propel me through almost fizzled out.

Nevertheless, I soldiered on and towards the end of the book things started to make more sense and I have gained more confidence in TCM, in and of itself, being beneficial, and in its origins.   The author talks about “loving your neighbor as yourself” and making an honest search into the “histories and philosophies” behind each side.

In addition to that, the author tells Christians across the spectrum, that if we wish to reach all peoples with the gospel, we will need to not be so adamant against their way of doing things.  Pak-Wah Lai does caution Christians on certain elements of TCM, however, so will let you read the book yourselves, ha, ha, to discover what those are.

Something of interest I found out from reading this book was that during some periods of Chinese history, TCM had been banned!  That really surprised me.  However, it lingered on, as you all know, to this day.

                                                           -Prepared by:  ERC  Aug 2020-

Prayer - Enduring Value

As usual, Father, the psalmist sees two facets to his prayer acrostic in Psalm 119 (He).  On the one hand, he's got what he expectantly asks from you, journaled, but does not neglect his responsibility either.  He does not take You for granted nor treat You as an ATM machine, demanding from You, the Giver of all good things, and get his wish list fulfilled and then go on his merry way not bothering to thank You nor doing his part.  On the contrary, he does remember his part, which stems from his thankfulness and gratitude.

This psalmist is in earnest.  He really does want You to teach him, give him..., direct him...preserve his life (who wouldn't?)...fulfill Your promise to him...take away his disgrace.  What a commendable "bucket list"!  This is not for self-gratification, rather for building relationship with You, Father!  He longs for this.  

Healthy relationships being a two-way street, the psalmist's reciprocation is so he can follow You and obey and keep Your Law in which he finds delight.  He wants to fix his eyes on You alone, his Heavenly Father, and not get distracted by anything or anyone else.  He even says it in so many different ways:  decrees, laws, commands, statutes, Your words and precepts; a very thorough list.  Seems he didn't want to miss an iota of your will and way for his life.

Father God, give us, Your children, such a heart too.  May our attention be fixed on You and the relationship with You.  May things of enduring value, rather than turning our eyes on worthless things, occupy thus, until Jesus comes.

You are so unfailingly loving and forgiving, Father.  In consequence, any spark of faith and longing on Your human creatures' part, and You will be there with arms outstretched, ready to embrace.  You are always there.  Thank-You so much.

In Jesus name we praise You.

                                                         ~ERC  July 2020~

Based on Psalm 119:33-40 (He)

Sing, I Love You Lord, Maranatha Singers

Sing, Christ is Enough, Hillsong Worship