Icky Iguana

 Icky iguana was the finest looking baby iguana you'd ever wanna see; at least, to the mamma iguana, that is.  When he showed up in our bathroom, it was nothing but unmuted shrieks, screams and shivers, from the human mamma.

What a shock to the system to see such a creature where he had had no right to waddle.  He knew it too, cuz when he was confronted he looked for a way out.

Icky was strongly encouraged to get boxed up and shipped out, back to his own grassy waddling grounds.  

"Don't you ever come back either!  You belong OUTdoors!  You are too icky to look at."

Often times, things or even people creep into our lives unawares.  We were not on the alert or were just so uncaring, perhaps, that unhealthy habits, attitudes and even friendships began to make inroads into our lives.

Something or someone may shake or jolt us into realization; confronting us with the 'icky' facts of the matter.  Assess what is said.  If true, take steps to "box" them up and "ship" them out.  Repent when and where needed, confess to the Lord.  He forgives and purifies (1 John 1:9).  Be alert against recurring intrusions and give thanks and praise to Him that 'icky' is a gonner.

                                                           ~ERC  April 2021~

Prayer - Raise the Victory Banner

 

Father God, when we go against the great enemies that seem to be so big and strong against us, making us quake and even looking like the enemy gains ground, advancing upon us, with land torn open; fractured foundations, making us stagger as if having imbibed too much wine, those who fear You, raise Your banner, unfurling it against the firey darts of said enemies, against those things they throw at us, attempting to break us down completely, save us.  Help us by Your right hand of strength and might; by the love You have for Your children.  It is in You and You only, Father, that we can have this sanctuary.  This is because from Your sanctuary and out of Your holiness we can come into Your presence through Jesus Christ.  You say that, "this son, is Mine" or "that daughter, is Mine"; I'll be his/her Refuge and Strength.

Oh how we love to hear You say those endearing words!

We belong to You and You accept us.

Those who have lived a righteous life in your sight, live to please You as their motto.  It too, a banner, reading, "to please and glorify You".

We know and are confident that You do not reject us when we come to You in repentance and that You can send armies of angels to help us!

Lord, we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" as did David, Joab and Abishi (David's General and army member), against the Edomites.  No, we wrestle against prrincipalities and the powers of the evil one who is Your enemy.  We engage in spiritual battles even when the faces are human.

However, You give us aid against this enemy who is also our enemy.  You help us because those enemies are worthless.  They have been defeated by Jesus Himself and their end will be the Abyss;  nevermore to harass or attack.

With You by our side then, we can be more than conquerors, we can trample them under our feet.  Thank-You for this help You give us; again, like David and his men, Abishai and Joab who went against the Edomites and struck so many of these adversaries down; thousands upon thousands of them in the Valley of Salt.

It was by Your mighty hand working through their prowess.  They could not take the glory for these won battles, even though they have been commemorated by being written in Your Word.  Nevertheless, Lord we want the battles to be Yours; to be known to be Yours because through Jesus Christ, and His victory over sin and death which He allows us now to share in through our being justified by faith in Jesus Christ and His work done for us on Calvay's cross, and the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit within us and through Your words we read in the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise unto salvation and to be able to have the armor, Your armor, upon us.  The armor of God fitted in place:  the helmet of salvation; the sword of the Spirit; the breastplate of righteousness; belt of truth and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Lord, in You and with Your armor, we an go out against Your enemy, Satan, and resist him and all his minions.  We do not say this flippantly as You have said he and they will flee from us.  We trust in Your Word.  With You by our side, we can have victory -- hard won, at times; --"bloody" at times; challenging and difficult.  Yet, we can gain the victory through Jesus and His intervention on our behalf because You too, are on our side.  We raise our victory banner to You and in the Name of Jesus we have happy victory.  

We shower You with thanks and praises.  All glory be to You, O Father God, and to Jesus Christ, Your Son.

                                                         ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 60:1-12 (NIV)

Sing All Glory Be to Christ, along with Grace Worship

Good Book - Jack's Life

 

C. S. Lewis was a well-known international author whom many aspired to know; and in whom many were inspired to be like.  Many believed they knew him some, especially his close friends who knew his more "public" self.  Nevertheless, what was his "home" self like?

Although others have written biographies about C. S. Lewis, Douglas Gresham, his stepson, knew the man of the manor.  This is often where the rubber hits the road in the true character of a person.  So how did "Jack," as was Lewis' nickname, stand the test in the eyes of vulnerable, young Douglas Gresham and all through Gresham's growing up, and into manhood, years?  Read the book Jack's Life, by said Douglas Gresham, the man, to find out.

You will also discover why Lewis came to be called, "Jack".  You will learn some of the backdrops of the well-love books Lewis wrote.  You will learn of his hardships and his joys, especially, his Joy, and how that relationship with Greshm's mother came subtly into being.  Very intriquing.

Be prepared to have some of your perceptions and conjectures realigned.  You may even come to 'love' this extraordinary man even more, and to understand where he is coming from, even as you read his writings.

Jack's Life is a great testimony to the man Gresham knew as a stepfather, and mentor, and simply as, "Jack;" and to whom the rest of the world thinks they know, as the man, C. S. Lewis.

                                                             ~ERC  April 2021~

Prayer - The Manly Thing to Do

 "Nope!  Jesus, the Bible and the church are for women and children; you ain't gonna see my hide sitting in any pew!  Nope, again!" exclaimed the man.

That seems to be the case in many churches; more women and children and fewer men.  More and more sisters taking up the leading spiritual role while the few brothers in attendance sit back, often fidgeting and/or asleep.  To be fair, not all are like that; and I thank the Lord for those brothers who do engage in their spiritual leadership roles!

Now, this is NOT written to browbeat men!

This is, hopefully, to encourage more brothers-in-Christ, to:  number 1, develop their relationship with the Lord, and number 2, become, over time, a spiritually healthy leader at home and among the gatherings of the followers of Jesus Christ in church and among non-church goers in the workplace, as well as in their spare time activites such as an evening of hiking, hashing or badminton playing; or even a weekend fishing trip.

There's an article in the June 2018 (yes, I'm behind in the reading), Christianity Today (CT) magazine, regarding this very phenomenon.  In fact, most of this issure is based on the facts, that not many men are attracted to church-going, let alone participation.  One reason given was that 'church' was not "masculine" enough.  For example, hymns, like "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" has  terminology that may have been ok back when the song was written, but tends to turn some men away in this day and age.

Another point is, the flowers.  Why, must there be flowers?  Yes, the sisters love them, generally speaking.  Think about it.  How many men that you know, love flowers?

The CT article, "The Man-Friendly Church" by Michael Zigarelli, relates how one pastor replaced flowers in the lobby with three Harley Davidson's.  These were not Match-box versions, either!

Ha, ha that caught my attention.  Yet another church had gone with earth-tone decor.  Yeah, we might be strongly tempted to judge all this, saying folks are missing the point of gathering together to meet, worship and praise Jesus.

A rebuttal could be, the apostle Paul was "all things to all people so as to win some for Christ" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).  This is something I can live with.

However...

Have a look at Psalm 61 and the favorite psalmist David.  Some may think he was not too masculine:  he's so moody!  Up and euphoric; then suddenly, down-in-the-dumps depressed, as if affected by a menses.  Stereotype emotional swings folks tend to pin on women.

David lived a fugitive life, climbing around rocks, hills, "exploring" caves; fighting battles; on the run for nigh onto two decades.  That was not exactly a cushy life; rough, rugged, outback, extreme survival course, living.

Many of his Psalms talk about God being his "rock," "refuge," "strong tower," and his desire to "dwell in God's tent forever".    On the flipside, he wrote of being under the "shadow of [God's] wings".  He yearned for a peaceful, protected, "safe" existence....

BUT...but living near to God.  That sounds gentle and bespeaks a trusting relationship.  Additionally, this does not sound feminine.  Not too many 'flowers' were strewn in David's path of life.

Talking about songs; most, if not all, of the Psalms recorded in the Bible were meant to be sung.  Sung, not just by a few, but by the whole congregation of Israel, led of course by the designated choir of Levite men who led the assemblage in worshiping Yahweh.

Think again of David's decades of eluding "dances" so that he did not "tango" with King Saul, who was bent on killing him.  David was actually a crown prince at the time.  No wonder, when he gets to verse 7, he remarks of himself,

"May he be enthroned forever before God..."

"Enthroned forever."  Twenty years, give or take a couple, on the run; the throne of Israel an elusive reward.  Imagine the sighs he likely illicited from his own breast and the cries out to God, "When?"  However, note the last two words in the phrase, "before God".  It wasn't "before Israel" but "before God".  That was his deepest desire and to be in that position, forever.

Then he could sing praises to his heart's content and perform his vows for God.  He had maintained his relationship with God and kept it firmly in place.  He relied heavily upon God, his Rock and Refuge out in the dreary, dangerous, desert places but His longing was to be still before God.  In other Psalms, David expresses his wish to go to the house of the LORD in company with others; to pro-actively do so, dancing and singing praises, loudly.  It was a manly thing to do.

Does this appeal to today's men?  The "House of the LORD" David went to was a tent -- the Tabernacle.  Later, his son, King Solomon, built a gilt gold Temple for God.  The beauty and grandeur of that must have been totally awesome.  The Tabernacle had its beauty hidden but in the underneath, handcrafted coverings there was exquisite embroidery (incidently, done by men) of master craftsmen/workmanship.

Whether in a drab-looking building, or an ornate cathedral, may our dear brothers-in-Christ have a deep-seated desire, as did David the psalmist, to be "enthroned before God".  May they be pro-actively leading others to Christ and in worship and the teaching and preaching of God's Word; leading the followers of Jesus Christ to maturity in Him whether in the confines of their own "home castle",  flowered pews, or climbing mountain rock faces.  It's the manly thing to do.

Father God, You are the One enthroned forever and ever.  We worship and praise You for Your righteousness; for Your steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over every single last brother-in-Christ who follows Your Son Jesus.

May these men of Yours, the spiritual leaders in the home and among gatherings of Your people, seek You and find their refuge in You.  May they make You their Rock and Fortress against enemy attacks and come and dwell in "Your tent" where there is safety.

That "tent" symbolizing Your holy presence where they can converse with You in man-to-man talk; gleaning wisdom and steadfastness, and be empowered by Your Holy Spirit.  That place where they can grow in their spiritual life and relationship with You. In turn, may they come to sing praises to Your name and "perform their vows" day after day in gratitude and thanksgiving to You as they become all things to all people; winning some for Christ and taking up their spiritual leadership role among Your people, the Church.  After all, its the manly thing to do, and it is pleasing in Your sight.

May Your manifold blessings be upon these brothers-in-Christ.

I ask this in Jesus' most precious name.

                                                     ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 61:1-8 (ESV).

Sing Rise Up Oh Men of God, along with Kenneth Jennings & Northern Lights Chorale (a choir of men, mind you).

Peter's Muddle

 It was a sticky situation, and Peter was in a muddle.  He'd just been publicly admonished by Paul, who'd said he'd been acting like a hyposcrite.  His actions would have exceedingly serious detrimental implications that would affect believers in Jesus from then until Jesus comes for them/us on the clouds of Rapture.

Step back a bit and see where this is coming from.  Peter was the 'Trailblazer' the Lord used to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles.  A Jew, who would never in a million years even think of entertaining a Gentile in his home, much less go and enter a Gentile home AND eat with them; eat their food, that is.  Peter did though because Jesus told him to.

Remember the visions he had about the sheet let down from Heaven with all manner of unclean-to-a-Jew, food?  God told him to "kill and eat".  Peter protested but eventually got the message, with God's assuring words ringing in his ears, "What I make clean, do not call unclean".

Then came that knock upon the door.  Lo and behold, a bunch of Gentiles stood there beckoning Peter to come to their master's home, a master who was a Gentile!  Peter went, obediently mindful of his vision and the Lord's words.  What's more, Peter took other Jews along with him.  Always good to have eye-witnesses.

The Holy Spirit came upon this Gentile Cornelious and those in the house at the time of Peter's visit, because of their belief in Jesus and salvation - justification through faith.  They believed the message and God did the rest - He sent them the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit was not imparted to these Gentiles by the laying on of Peter's hands nor any of the Jewish brothers' hands either.  This was God's doing, pure and simple, and it is marvelous in our eyes!

This was ground-breaking breakthrough.  This was what God was aiming at.  The "whosoever will" who may come to Jesus whether Jew or Gentile.  Neither faction had to do any deeds to have this salvation except to believe.  This is an important point to note because it is at the crux of Paul's challenging admonishment to Peter.

Peter would continue to eat with Gentiles but at one point when there were some very dogmatic Jewish brothers come to visit, he suddenly segregated himself to eat only with the Jewish contingent.

Paul had been the apostle sent to the Gentiles once that door had been blasted open by Peter. Paul had preached "justification by faith alone".  Yet here was Peter mucking about.  This had potential to turn all Paul's hard work of preaching to the Gentiles upside down.

Paul was not going to allow that to happen nor let Peter, for his own good, allow it to happen.  Paul was definitely justified in his sharp rebuke to Peter.  This should not be:  not in the matter of food, nor in the matter of circumcision or any other such chain of 'slavery'.

The reality was, there was indeed further hoo-hah about it when the Judaizers from Jerusalem stuck their oar in.  They said the Gentiles needed to be circumsized in order to be fully saved.  It teetered on the brink of catastrophic division, but was averted by another continent going up to Jerusalem to the council and them sorting it out there among the apostles.

To get back to the hypocritical behavior of Peter...He should have known better but seems he kowtowed to peer pressure; thus his quandary.  Thus, the Pauline rebuke.

We could point fingers at Peter and judge him for his actions.  Nevertheless, would we have been any better in such a given situation?

After all, they were sort of all new at this Christian living -- their being the first believers of the "early church".  Yet, this timing was many years in, about ten or more, I'm told, and there were already established local churches of Gentile believers in and around Antioch.  In fact, it was from these churches that the believers were first called "Christians;" albeit in derogatory manner.

In many varied places since that time, there have been so many rules and regualtions -- even unwritten ones, that have bound believers with grievous burdens to be borne for many a year or even for some, a lifetime.

I believe it very possible, that anyone of us would have been sorely tempted, and even succumed to Peter's actions. Peer pressure is a powerful motivator.  Or we have been brought up only knowing and being drenched in such legalistic dark clouds. We don't know any better and believe it to be "truth".

Pray and ask the Lord to send someone to rebuke you if you are ever stuck in such a delimma and miry pit.  When you have gotten out, don't go back.  There is a most wondeful verse in Galations (5:1 NIV) that would be a great help to anyone in such a predicament and who may be lured back into the strict conformity of previous attachments.

Read and re-read and re-read the verse,

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

With courage and determination, coupled with heaping doses of God's grace, let's stand firm in faith; nothing wavering.  Don't give in to temptations of restriction that are not God-given, nor to those who would sway you from the truth.  This even if they are from the "spiritual" leadership of those who purport to know God's Word well.

Arm yourself with God's Word, prayer, and ask the Lord for discernment to continue to follow our Savior, by faith.  Whatever you do, don't fall into Peter's muddle.

                                                    ~ERC  January 2021~

Read Acts 1 and the book of Galations for background (backstory) on Peter's muddle.

A recommended book, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Prayer - Scarlet Cord of Faith

 

David the psalmist was browbeaten for so many long years.  It was perplexing to him.  He asked his good friend Jonathan, King Saul's son why, and what for?  What did his father, King Saul, have against him?  Why would he suddenly be in such grave danger from Saul's malicious evil intent?

At first he'd found favor, starting with his miraculous defeat of the giant, Goliath of Gath, when he had actually still been tending sheep.  He just so happened to have been "delivery boy" for his brothers; bringing them food from their father Jesse.

His brothers tried to keep him quiet but he managed to get himself presented to King Saul.  King Saul was skeptical of David's ability to go against Goliath but David had firm faith in God's ability to help him in the confrontation to come and convinced Saul to let him try.

Goliath sneered at David.  Here was a "boy" with a sling shot, no armor, pitted against the proud strong giant; a seasoned warrior.  He should never have underestimated a "boy" whose faith was in Almighty God, and who relied on strength from Jehovah God to win his "battles".

That's what this focus is really about; strength from and trust in, God.  David talked to God, addressing Him as, "O my Strength" (Psalm 59:9, 17).  Magnificient faith and trust.

The Goliath incident was just the start of seeing David's unshakeable faith in God, His strength.  My question to myself came this morning; just where did he learn this rock solid faith and trust?  As you read more and more of his writings, or writings of others about him, it can be seen that David seems to have been looked down upon by his elder brothers and even his father Jesse.  Somewhere along the line he had learned to lean upon Almighty God, Who he named:  His Strength, Refuge, Deliverer, Rock, Mighty Fortress, etc.  Where, pray tell, did he accrue this trust and even feel he "deserved" and had access to God?

Climb back up the trunk to upper branches of his family tree.   The Lord gave me this thought this morning too.  Who were some of the noteable people in David's ancestry?

It's easiest to flip over to Matthew 1, and see Jesus' genealogy.  Of course, it started out with Abraham (the Father of all who have faith), Isaac and Jacob (patriarchs of Israel).  However, I wanted to pinpoint those in the "lower branches," only three or four generations before David.  Take a look.  Who's there?  

Rahab and Ruth!  

Did you expect that?

Think back to their stories.  Quite something for grandparents and parents to divulge.  Rahab, the harlot:  "O my grandmother was a harlot!"  Not really something to tell the kids.  Nevertheless, this is part of God's Word and even Jesus' ancestory, so read on here.  Rahab, the Harlot, was the one who helped hide the spies who'd come to spy out Jericho (her city and people, mind you), for Israel, prior to attacking it.  She is the one who kept the red cord out her window.  The red cord she'd used to allow the spies to escape.  Rahab was promised amnesty, protection and deliverance for when Israel attacked Jericho.  She and whoever would be in her home at the time, if she kept that cord in her window would be saved (Joshua 2 & 6).

Make NOTE that Matthew does not add in "the harlot" bit for Rahab, nor for Ruth who was continuously termed "the Moabitess" as Rahab was "the harlot," in the Old Testament.  Other places these are tacked on.  These women were non-Hebrew and seemed never allowed to forget their past.  However, their faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob brought them great favor with God and He had His plan to include them, expunging their record, not only in David's genealogy but His own dear Son, Jesus', so many generations later.  Isn't that remarkable!

Amazing, merciful, God of grace.

Ruth would not leave Naomi, her mother-in-law's side.  Some spark of faith Naomi had had, had ignited in Ruth's bosom and those mustard seeds of faith "moved mountains". (Ruth)

We do not read much about the men but I believe Salmon, Boaz, Obed and even Jesse, that they too, must have been men of great faith.  Although I do feel a bit miffed that Jesse didn't seem to see David's potential.

"Oh, he's just the "baby of the family," what could he do; he's good for tending sheep or playing  courier service for food to his brothers but certainly not king material!"  It was almost an afterthought, and that only after Samuel's prompting, that he acknowledged, "Oh yeah, I do have another son BUT he's tending sheep..."

Kids' work.

Nevertheless, let's not get too far off on a tangent.  Come back to the "faith" aspect.  It should be said, "firm faith" in God.  That faith which led David to say God was his "strength" even so early on in his fugitive life, running from King Saul.  That scarlet cord of faith that had begun generations ago, ran right through David as well.  Don't you find this amazingly exciting to see?!

Now read 1 Samuel 18:6 to 20:42.  It is the backdrop to David the fugitive-psalmist writing Psalm 59, which is really what I'm reaching for here.  This was written, as the prelude to Psalm 59 tells us, "when Saul had sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him" (NIV).

In typical David fashion, he asked the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, to protect and deliver him from his enemies and to rain down deluges of punishment upon them, with no mercy.  Hardly sounds like a typical man of faith, at least from New Testament Day of Grace perspectives.  His imagery is wondrous:  "bloodthirsty men," "snarling like dogs" who'd "returned at evening" to snarl and sniff out some more, no doubt.  Yet God's rescue would let others know that God was David's fortress; that He love him and that God rules.

Those enemy spies sent by Saul also, "prowled and howled".  What constrast to David's singing of His God's strength and love and refuge in the times of his trouble.  David could still say and sing, despite all the negatives in his life.

"O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my Fortress, my loving God" (Psalm 59:17 NIV).

The scarlet cord of faith was hung in David's window.

Father God, once again David directs us to You.  In You we can trust.  In You is our strength despite what evil doers perpetuate upon us -- even for years on end.  Day after day, week after week; month after month; year after year; and even decade after decade (as in David's case) we need to trust, trust, trust.  The hounding and doggedness of the pursuers never seeming to abait.  Always lurking in the shadows; nipping and barking at the heels.  You were there with David.  You are here with us, now.

Yet, Father God our Strength, through it all, help us to get our strength from You, knowing You are beside us, and that wherever we go, whatever we do, or whatever happens to us, You are our fortress and Jesus our loving Savior.  May we too, have firm faith in You and Your abilitity to be our Help and Strength in times of confrontation, so we will open our mouths and sing Your praises as David did and hang out our scarlet cord of faith in the windows of our souls.

In Jesus' precious Name we pray and praise.

                                                       ~ERC  April 2021~

Based on Psalm 59:1-17 (NIV) and 1 Samuel 18:16-20:42.

Good Book - In the GRIP of GRACE

 "By God's grace I can get through this..."

"By God's grace, we have reconciled..."

"By God's grace, ..."

What does it actually mean to do something "by God's grace"?

What about, "do we even deserve God's grace?  If so, how do we gain access to it?  How does something that sounds abstract, or even like a ritual mantra, "Oh, by God's grace...this or that..." How does it equate in day to day living?  What is grace and why do we need it, anyway?

Max Lucado in his book, In the GRIP of GRACE, explains much of that in a very interesting manner, giving examples and stories with splashes of humor when possible.

Lucado says we are in such a mess but we have a wonderful God who forgives and His grace can make all the difference in our lives when we become Christ-like and gripped with grace.

The barebone basics:  God fogives, extends grace to mankind.  Mankind accepts.  In turn, then that "mankind" turns to another and forgives, extending grace (acceptance despite the whatever), and so on...By God's grace we too can and need to, learn this.

To 'flesh' out the details, read Lucado's book.  Climb out of the pits of self-sufficiency and legalism and unforgiveness, be free of guilt, condemnation and anger.  Instead, be "in the grip of grace" for God's glory and honor.

Additionally, at the end of the book you'll find a study guide.  This book, therefore, could be used either in a personal or group setting for more in-depth study.

Grace, how sweet the sound.  Let us all "get a grip" on it.

                                                       ~ERC  April 2021~

Prayer - Just Reward

 

Father God, You are King of kings and Lord of lords.  You are also the Judge of all judges.  You are The Righteous Judge of all the earth, and righteous people are rewarded by Your judgements and just rewards.

Yet on all the earth, are their any judges, kings or rulers who judge aright?  None, like You, Father.  There were some like King David and his son King Solomon, who did try their best to.  Others may try but none can compare with You.

This is as it should be and we are grateful and thankful.  You make us glad of heart knowing also that vengence is Yours and You will repay all the injustices heaped upon Your people.   We don't have to worry about or stew and plan malicious and slanderous retributions.   We can leave it all up to you.  In fact we SHOULD do so even if we strongly feel like taking matters into our own hands. 

There are so many wicked rulers and judges out there, as the psalmist David described who, "devise injustice;" "... have venom as a cobra;" "hands that mete out violence" ... (Psalm 581-5).  The righteous shudder at these.  The gavel falls as the pen declares, they will get their "just desserts." 

It is such a relief then, Father, to know that You are in control.  We can trust in You.  Help our spirits to listen to Your Holy Spirit; stretch us to be as forgiving as You are.  Thank-You for Your innumberable righteous judgements and in time to come, at the Great White Throne and the Bema Seat, we know we will each get our just reward.   

In Jesus Name we ask.

                                                    ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 58:1-11 NIV

To Stay or Not to Stay

 

A missionary's call can be very challenging especially if it is in a cross-cultural setting.  Given various scenarios it could become outright dangerous; persecution of these ambassaors for Christ, a real  threat.  The question to pose is, when there is political unrest, or the persecution of missionaries is severe, and therefore a danger to themselves and to their family, should they leave their mission post?    If so, what is the indicating factor of the point of escalation and of when to exit the place where they firmly believed God their Heavenly Father, had sent them?

Oh my!  Will this have a straightforward answer?

We cannot judge a missionary's faith or actions at such times.  We are not there.  We do not know the full situation.  Who are we to tell them, "Get out!"  Or, "God called you to that place, you stay!"

For example, Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth, along with several of their children, were working as missionaries in China at the time of the Boxer Unrising (Rebellion).  They were strongly advised to leave.  They were inclined to stay as they felt they would be abandoning those who'd come to Christ.

However, those local believers begged them to go!

Why?

It was because anyone associating with such "foreign devils" were put in danger of their lives; especially, the converts.  If the missionaries stayed, it would be more difficult for the locals to melt into the populace.  The Goforths then decided to evacuate and almost did not make it through to safety.  They did, though, and lived to return when the uprising had been dubiously squelched.  

Some years ago I heard of another missionary family who had stayed throughout a major time of unrest in a certain country.  I don't recall the exact country but one in South American territory.  The details have eluded me on that score.  By-the-way, it was not the time the Youth Group got "caught" in the Honduras in 2009, that I'm thinking of.  

It was actual "full timers".  When the locals realized this family was staying and enduring what they were enduring, it touched their hearts.  The story of the love Jesus had for them, had become real and tangible.  Many came to Christ because of it.

Here's another instance.  Reach way back in time.  Do you know what happened to the apostle Paul in Lystra (Acts 14:19-28)?  He and Barnabas had been on the run from a group of Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who'd made it rather "hot" for Paul in those towns.  They hadn't like what he had been preaching; "justification by faith alone?!"  What about the Law of Moses they'd so devotedly kept?

The protestors came and stirred up the Lystra crowds who then stoned Paul.  They dragged him out of the city and left him in a heap, supposing him to be dead.  Having been dead or not, Paul got up, brushed himself off and re-entered the city with the group of believers who'd come out to, perhaps, bring him for burial.  The next day these two cross-cultural missionaries hightailed it to Derbe.  They did not stay in Lystra.

God wasn't finished with Paul and Barnabas's stint in Lystra, however.  Can you believe it?  Not sure I'd want to return.  Yet, fortitude from God and by His grace, return they did, to strengthen and encourage the disciples who had been "gleaned" earlier.

Their "unfinished business" was a very important part of mission work.  The very important work of appointing elders in every church.  In turn, these men could help to build up the believers in their most holy faith in the Lord.   All this despite the threat of further persecution precipitating upon them at any moment.

In the book of Acts, we read of a group of Jews who were severely persecuted.  They did not stay in Jerusalem, rather, they scattered to the four winds, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ as they went.  Here some, there some, obeying Jesus' call to the Great Commison to all the world.  Something postitive came from the negative.  Satan had used the persecution intended for harm, but God turned it into good.  If those followers of Jesus Christ had stayed, they may well have been annilhilated, but because they did not stay - they were fruitful and multiplied for Christ.

The question to stay or not to stay, would need to be answered with great wisdom by listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance and good common sense.  It would not be a matter for bravado.  The strength and wisdom must come from God according to individual situation:  so says, I, in my 'humble' opinion.

Indeed, the dangers are very genuine even nowadays, so we'd best continue to pray for all missionaries of the gospel of Jesus Christ and salvation through faith in Him.  Ask the Lord to give them great wisdom for the tough decisions in the face of persecution or political unrest or for whatever the reason.  Ask that the decision to stay or not to stay in order to keep themselves, as well as the local band of believers, protected from undue harm, would be God's call and will for all concerned.

Father, we know Your Son Jesus stayed up there on the cross.  It was not the nails that held Him there but Your will and His love for all mankind, so He could bring many sons (and daughters) to glory.

Poor and feeble though Your people may be, give us all the wisdom, and courage we lack, to know when to stay or when not to stay, and then to follow through.  Your will be done.

We ask all in Your Son Jesus' Name.

                                                    ~ERC  January 2021~

Sing Here I Am, Lord, Dan Schutte, and SATB choir

Prayer - Test of Integrity

 

Imagine being hounded and stalked for about twenty years, by a man intent on killing you.  You would need to be forever on the alert and have many secret hiding places.  On top of that, there were mercenary-minded people greedy for favor from this "predator," who would happily expose your whereabouts to him.  You could not know whom to trust and whom not to.

No wonder the fugitive David put his trust in God.  Time and again he cried out to God for mercy, to hide and take refuge in the shadow of God's wings.  He knew he had a God-given purpose -- he'd been anointed to be king of Israel.  He besought God to save him and bring this to fruition, and to shame the one who was 'trampling on him" (v. 3).

Then, it transpired that this "fiery beast" and his men with teeth that were "spears and arrows" and with tongues as "sharp swords", came and slept in the very same cave in which David and his men were hiding!  Oh, that exceedingly tempting taste of retribution would have made anyone's trigger finger twitch.  Indeed, David's men urged him to take King Saul's life (1 Samuel 24).  This was his BIG chance!!

David rebuked,

"The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him for He is the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6 NIV).

David stressed, "the Lord's anointed".  This must have been the staying power, as he feared God and God had been so good to him.  It kept him honest and added notches to his "integrity belt".   It is always good to have such a thing for ourselves too, so that when we are in the tempting moments to do what would displease the Lord, we would be held back from doing it.

The one thing that David did do at that time, which caused him to feel so "conscience-stricken" about afterwards, was to sneak up and cut off a piece of King Saul's robe whilst the royal and his men slept.  Later, after Saul had left the cave in the morning and was at a "safe" distance, I suppose, David came out and called to Saul and showed him the piece of robe he'd cut off; proof that David did not seek to harm Saul and avenge himself.  No.  David waited for the LORD to avenge him.

There are so many Psalms with this theme besides this Psalm 57.  Psalm 94 is about vengence belonging to the "God of vengenance", the one who "shines forth" and is the "judge of the earth".  We are so eager and wishful to take things into our own hands nine times out of ten.  Thank God, David was characterized by integrity and presents us with such a role model example.

David's heart was steadfast and he gave thanks to the Lord for His mercy and faithfulness to him.  Just think of all those years of hiding and harrowing narrow escapes.  It was one thing to have on the back burners of your mind that you've been anointed as king and will "some day" have the realization in reality which would mean your life would be spared.  However, all those intervening years must have felt like, "Oh really?  I'm going to sit on the throne?  You could have fooled me!"   He may have been down many times, but he was not 'out'.

These experiences made David sing and make melody, and give glory to God instead for all the help and safety He'd given him all throughout those years!  Doesn't that beat all?  David passed the test of integrity with flying colors!  His songs could be sung with clear mind and conscience and he knew that God knew it and would vouch for him.

Father God, many of us do not even come close to such a life on the run as David had.  Yet, You do present each one of us with "tests;" opportunites with the potential to make or break us.  May we pass them and become mighty men and women of God, marked by integrity as was David, the example You've given us.

All those who seek to destroy us in one way or another may we see them as You do, with love that is redeeming and forgiving.  As Jesus said of His foes, 

"Father, forgive them, as they know not what they do" (Luke 23:24).

David was like that.  May Your words be as precious to us as they were to David.  May they be the staying, guiding power that helps us choose to walk aright no matter the difficulty and intensity of the enemies battering ram tempting and luring us to do wrong.

May Your steadfast love and abundant faithfulness to us over the decades of life, help us pass similar tests of integrity.  May we be instruments of integrity that encourage others to be so as well.  David did not allow his men to harm Saul either.  

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens and Your glory over all the earth" (Psalm 57:11 ESL).

May we bring You sacrifices of praise and glory with steadfast love, integrity and faithfulness to You as we inspire others to similar Christ-like character and behavior.

We ask and praise in Jesus' name.

                                                       ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 57:1-11 ESV & 1 Samuel 24 (have a read).

Sing, The Steadfast Love of the Lord, with Dave Hunt

Good Book - The SUBTLE POWER of SPIRITUAL ABUSE

 

All those subtle, legalistic unwitten rules that infest like leprosy in a group of believers in Jesus Christ, are horrendous, burdens to be borne.  Woe betide the one who does not kowtow.  Cult-like repercussions may well not be so subtle.  

There are varying forms of abuse a person can suffer:  there is physical abuse that is easily seen in bruises, black eyes, and/or broken limbs; there is sexual abuse that can be noted by physicians; there is "invisible" emotional abuse that is often inter-twined with the other forms but not always; and then, the subject of this book, spiritual abuse.  This too, is not always visibly seen but is very real and affects and infects, many in subtle ways; unfortunately perpetuated by those who should be "caretakers" of the spiritual health of those under their care.

Jesus confronted the "spiritual" leaders of his day, time and again.  They had bound burdens heavy and  grievous to be borne (Matthew 23:4) upon the temple congregants.  Those leaders didn't like the interference much, as can be seen by the consequences:  Jesus' death upon Calvary's cross. 

Such places of worship, churches, even today, are supposed to be safe places of healing and encouragement and of learning more about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Who provided the way of salvation, by faith, and towards communion with Him.  He did this out of great love for the "whosoever will" and to then meant for His children be led by His Holy Spirit and God's Word for daily living and spiritual nurture and growth. 

When church leaders, and fellow believers who champion them, begin to make their word greater than God's, spiritual abuse happens.  The book, the SUBTLE POWER of SPIRITUAL ABUSE by authors, David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen tries to expose this travesty.

Look at to whom the book has been dedicated,

"...to the weary and heavy laden, deeply loved by God, but because of spiritual abuse, find that the Good News has somehow become the bad news."

How can we recognize spiritual abuse and the victims within its vice-grip system?  The book elaborates on that as well as about abusive leaders' character, what makes them abusers and why their victims (and possibly, even themselves if they have been products of such a system) are trapped.  Then, the way of escape and "post-abuse recovery" are outlined.

Yes, a way of escape.  There is such a way.  There is hope.

This book is really helpful for any who find themselves in such a situation.  Or, if you know of anyone who knows the depressing defeat of feeling duped and imprisoned by spiritual abuse, it could help you guide your friend out of that miry pit to living in freedom in Christ.

May one and all be blessed by the reading of this book.

                                                          ~ERC  April 2021~

  

The "Get Up" Call

 Jesus raised Jesus from the dead.  How is that even possible?  Jesus is God.  God is the God of the impossible (to us); the One with the power and authority to do so.

Take a look at the many accounts in the Bible where people, God's creatures, were raised from the dead.  It's exciting.  Maybe even unnerving to those living folks who maybe think they are seeing a "ghost".  Creepy.  Wow!  Think of it:  your grandma, cousin, friend, whom you knew very well that were no more cuz you even attended their funeral years ago, suddenly turns up on your doorstep, knocking and wanting in!  How would you all feel about that!?

Well, when Jesus was resurrected - none of those He appeared to knew who He was at first.  Some thought He was a ghost.  That would indeed have been out of this world!

What a joy it must have been for some who had their loved ones raised from the dead, though.  The widow of Zaraphath was overjoyed to have her son raised from the dead, thanks to Elijah;  so too, the Shuenamite woman to have her son back, this time thanks to Elisha, the prophets of God's interventions (1 Kings 17:17-22 and 2 Kings 4:32-35).

Elisha wasn't done yet.  He was dead but just the touching of his bones was enough to raise another fellar up who'd gotten unceremoniously thrown into the same tomb.  The dead soldier's buddies were in a hurry, "Sorry".  The dude got up and said, "Hey, wait for me."  (Well, not exactly, but...[2Kings 13:20, 21]).  Think of it.  The awesome, almighty power of God, at work again, through His prophets; alive or dead.

Jesus raised three others from the dead; at least three recorded incidents thereof:  Lazarus, His good friend; then, another widow's son - the widow of Naan.  Imagine that funeral!  Stopped mid-procession.  "Young man, get up!"  Easy as anything.  All in a day's work for Jesus.  They were public events too.  These were not necessarily because someone had faith for it to happen either.  This was likely out of compassion for the dear widow-lady.

There's the young damsel whose parent's were privy to the raising.  Jesus had put everyone else out except for the girl's parents and some of the disciples.  Those put out people hadn't had faith.  They were laughing in derision.  "Get up!"  The girl arose - life restored.  "Give her something to eat".  It wasn't her ghost either.  Ghosts can't eat.  At least, so I'm told.

We believe it because Jesus, who is God, did it.  We even believe Jesus' was self-rising!  Yes, He did it because He is God.

Elijah and Elisha both had the power and authority from God which allowed them to raise people from the dead.  Have you noticed that the twelve disciples were given that same power and authority?  Look at what Jesus told them just before they went out two by two to preach the gospel of the Kingdom in all the villages.  Matthew 10:5-8, especially verse 8, instructs,

"As you go, preach this message, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is near.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons" (NIV).

Say what?  Sounds so "routine" in God's Kingdom.  I'm trying to get my head around it.  Never noticed it before, until a couple of days ago, that that little wee phrase, "...raise the dead" is snuck in there.  Say "what?," again.   Oh, you heard me.  You read it yourself!  "...raise the dead".

Jesus is actually telling the disciples to go out there and do that (along with the other ministrations on the list).  Some of those things were just not done by the "ordinary" people like those disciples, either.  Things like healing leprosy cases.  "Jesus, did we hear You correctly?"

Seemed like "no sweat" to the disciples.  Out they trotted.  We don't really read of their "successes" though until we hit Acts 9:37 over there in Joppa town.  Peter was fetched from Lydda, expressly for the "raising" ceremony of a well-loved sister, Dorcas, who'd cared for the well-being of others most devotedly.  She'd died.  It was a tremendous loss.  The folks couldn't do withour her, so she got "recalled" by Peter.  

They didn't take "No" for answer.  Oh the faith, the expectant faith they had, not so much in Peter, I'd say, but in the power and authority of God within him.

You might ask, "Why Doris?'   We'll never know.  No doubt we all have like-minded, caring people we can't live without, but who have passed on and no amount of praying or urgings of, "Get Up", bring them back to us on earth.

God's ways are sovereign.

Oh did I mention all those "many others" who were raised at the time of Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 27:50-53)?  They were seen in the city -- maybe one of those who'd shown up on the doorstep, knocking.

Some of you might be wondering where all this is leading.  Are you afraid I'm going "off base"?  I can tell you, my mind's been doing some radical callisthenics.

We kind of take it for granted that, yes, that was then; back there in Bible times.  Nah da!  Not nowadays!  You know that verse,

"It was appointed unto men, ONCE, to die..." (Hebrews 9:27, emphaisis, mine).

People die, and stay dead.  We don't have walking ex-dead.  Due to that verse we say, people have "near death experiences" and I've even written adamantly about it before in my On the Doorstep but Don't Get to Enter blog series (25 Parts).  Well,

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever..." (Hebrews 13:8).

So He can still use His power and authority to raise the dead in our times if He so wishes.  He can also give this "gift" to His faithful followers if He so choses.  Granted, we do not hear much about it but I fully believe, that to accomplish His purposes, God can do it again, and again, no matter the millenium, century, decade, or day and age.

Yes, there are televised events and even videos on YouTube that show these things with great fanfare.  Whether they have been staged or not, God will be the Judge.  God's arm is not shortened that He cannot save (Isaiah 59:1).  His purposes will be accomplished as He sees fit.  May any who have such gifts use them for HIS glory and honor and to further HIS Kingdom and not to line their own pockets.

All this leads to yet another case as recorded in the Bible.  The book of Acts.  It's about the Apostle Paul.  He was stoned to death, dragged outside the city of Lystra and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20).  The NIV states they left Paul there, 

"...thinking he was dead."

Now one commentary asserts, those "stoners" would have been experienced persons who knew how to stone a person to death and tell if victim was dead.  Some say Paul was definitely dead, and others, say they only "thought" he was dead;  this could cause great disagreement.  Whether Paul was actually dead or not, doesn't really matter.  God's resurrection power is not going to suffer a bad reputation.  He's still as almighty as ever.  Praise God!

As the disciples mournfully gathered around Paul's "supposed" corpse, Paul "got up" and as Luke records, went back into the city but left the next day for Derbe.  He carried on as if nothing had happened.  He went steadfastly on with the mission God had called him to do.

You'd a thought he'd be black and blue and aching, even yelping, or at least, moaning, in pain at every slight move of the body.  I think God's healing power must have been at work.  However, Luke the physician and writer of Acts does not elaborate.  A big lesson for us to learn today.  Paul obviously realized his time on earth was not quite over yet, so he'd best be about his Father's business.  So should we, whatever that might be.  Get up, and go!

God wasn't finished yet either.  In Revelation we read about two of God's witnesses who were slain and left for dead in the middle of the road!  No doubt the passersby had a good laugh when they saw the witnesses lying there all battered and broken; three days worth of that.  What a shock when the witnesses rose up (Revelation 11:1-14).

It gives me good cheer that God in His great love, mercy and grace, would give us so many examples of being raised from the dead.  Jesus' own resurrection should not have been so difficult to understand.  That sort of thing had happened before.  Of course, Jesus' rising from the dead was vastly different than all the others because He raised Himself.  Also, He is still living .  We serve a living God.

The others, with the exception of the Revelation two witnesses, have all died again.  They are awaiting the Rapure.  The two witnesses were taken up, back into heaven (read the Revelation account for yourself).

What about all those who've died and are creamated or buried?  We take comfort from what God's Word says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  The Lord Himself, not one of His prophets or apostles, but Himself, in all His power, majesty and authority, will call up all who are "asleep" in Jesus (dead), and those of us who are His followers, still alive at the time, to be with Him in the air, and so be with Him forever".

That will be our "Get up" and "Come up" call.

Do you agree?

I do.

                                                   ~ERC  January 2021~

Sing, When the Trumpet of the Lord Will Resound, with the Celebration Choir

Prayer - Unshakeable Trust

 

Unshakeable trust and faith is hard to come by for many folks.  For David, the secretly anointed, king-in-waiting, the extreme buffeting of his life did not turn, break or shatter his faith in God.  Quite the opposite; he found his anchor in Him.

Men "hotly pursued" him, "all day pressing their attacks;" slandering him; twisting his words; plotting and conspiring against him; just lurking in the wings to take his life (Psalm 56:1-6 NIV).

David had been afraid, he had cried buckets (not a feminine monopoly), he'd called for help and he still trusted and praised God.  He felt secure that God more than noticed.  He said God had,

 "...recorded and listed his lament and tears..." (v. 8).

His firm trust in God and His Word kept David from stumbling and death.  He credited God for holding him fast.  Get this, King Saul pursued David, intent on killing him, for about twenty years!!

Talk about perseverance!

What was David's ultimate purpose?  That he could, 

"...walk before God in the light of life..." (v. 13).  

This too kept David and through it all, he still was grateful.  He presented thank offereings to the LORD.

Father, through it all, may we too be kept firmly trusting in You; generous in our praise and thanksgiving (and offerings).  May we be known for words of gratefulness to You as You deliver us from life's often overwhelming besetting troubles.  We may get down but not out.  We look to You from whence comes our help.  In You, we place our unshakeable trust for the long haul, as did David.

Thank-You in Jesus Name.

                                                       ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 56:1-13 (NIV)

Prayer - Lifted Burdens

 

Father, our burdens are lifted at Calvary; at the cross where my Savior died.  To Jesus we cling and in Him we can trust.  This, because You have been gracious to us O God.

You hear our complaints and moans when men drop their trouble upon us.  When men attack and oppress us, falsely accuse and/or betray us, when we are afraid at the strife the wicked plough up; hovering like vultures, ready to pounce upon us.  We can trust You to help us when we call upon You.  Actually, even before we call, You answer.  We know this because you are for us; You are on our side.  

"What can man do to us? (vs 11).

Our hearts are often in anguish as are our minds as it is not always the "flesh and blood" folk that have us in fear and trembling.  Depressing negative thoughts, influenced by Your enemy and his minions, can and do bombard and overwhelm us until we wish to fly away and be at rest.

The only true rest though Father, that we should get, is to come to You.  We need to shelter in you and Your words otherwise we may commit iniquity and that never pleases You.  These "enemies" do taunt many and often.  It is so often a continual battle of the mind.  May we take sweet counsel and communion with You in our secret, secluded closets in time spent with You and Your word.  Fix Your word in our minds and hearts and when we call to You, O LORD, You will save us.

Redeem our souls and bring us to safety.  May we enthrone You and listen to You as we cast our burdens upon You.  Thank-You for sustaining us as we trust in You.  It is because of the cross that we have this privilege.  Thank-You for taking our burdens:  burdens of sin and its consequences; burdens of life, in general.   I hear sighs; I sigh.  Lift our burdens of life in general, Father.  Then we can sigh in relief.

Thank-You, in Jesus' most precious name.

                                                      ~ERC  January 2021~

Based on Psalm 55:1-23 (ESV)

Sing, Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary, Ladye Love Smith @ Gaither

Good Book - The Little Flock Hymn Book: Its History and Hymn Writers

 

This little gem of a book has some special memories for me because I "helped" my grandfather write it.  One fine summer, on school holidays from high school, my grandfather learned that I had learned how to type, so he commandeered me for a few days.  He, Adrian Roach, dictated a good portion of this book, The Little Flock Hymn Book:  Its History and Hymn Writers, while I typed it into being upon paper.  This before the advent of computers.

We often sing so many songs and hymns but don't always think of the person who has written any one particular one; what was the story behind the lyrics?  The curious will want to know.  

When we discover those nuggets of knowledge, the songs and hymns can become that much more meaningful.  This especially if one has grown up from a babe in arms hearing the words, singing the tunes, almost on autopilot, that to know the background, can give a fresh look and therefore impact ones' soul more deeply.

The authors of the hymns in "The Little Flock Hymnbook" are from many different denominations but one common thread is that they all loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and wanted to share that love and what He meant to them, with others.  Of course, many of these hymns are lovely old pieces from a w-a-a-a-ay back in the 1800's.  The hymnbook itself had many revisions but the most, ahem, "recent" one on which this 'History' is based, was 1881.  And, yes, this hymnbook is still used by a significant number of gatherings of the Lord's people; believe it or not.

While Grandpa dictated and I typed, Grandma made 'Maid of Honor Tarts' etc., for us to eat, to help "keep our strength up".  Thus, it was a good arrangement and a book got composed in the process.

                                                         ~ERC  April 2021~

P.S.  Grandpa may have gotten others to help along the way too as I'm sure I didn't have time to help him to completion.  

BTW, one can still order this book from Bible Truth Publishers in Addison, Illinois (somewhere near Chicago).

Lord's Day Devotional Prayer - Swallowed Up

 "O LORD, God of my salvation..."

I stop, right there.

Pause.

Think and consider.

The Sons of Korah, knew that the Lord  God was their salvation.  They knew it at ground level from their own life experience.  They knew they must credit You, oh Father God, with their salvation.

This Psalm 88 encapsulates the abject terror these sons must have witnessed, as the earth gaped open and swallowed up their parents and possessions.  Their father's greed and disobedience to You being punished and serving as a lesson to all Israel.  The people had turned and fled in horror and terror.

Day and night these sons cried out before You; their souls full of trouble and torment.  They felt they too would "go down to the pit".  Perhaps they had PTSD from this trauma and it took their strength away.  They felt it was if they too had been slain and "set loose among the dead;" so dark was their life then.

They well knew by Whose hand their parents had been 'cut off" and why.  God's wrath was venting.  It was as if they too had committed 'the crime' and had beome "unclean," anathema even to their companions and beloved friends who'd once chummed around with them.

Many times, we feel this way too, Father.  Major trauma, or the thousand "little things" which add up to "BIG," surround and flood us as 'dreadful assaults".  We know it is by Your grace we are saved and have Your salvation through Jesus.

Father, that does not always take our trauma away and we often live in sustained affliction and it seems You hide Your face from us.  We want out but You are giving a "faith stretching"- sometimes almost beyond our endurance - period of time.

Yet, the Sons of Korah knew to Whom to turn.  

You!  

They cried out for Your salvation.  Our prayers are the same.  Thank-You for inclining Your ear to us.  You lean over and listen as we call day and night.  We call upon Your steadfast love, faithfulness and compassion and righteousness, and upon You, Yourself as we commune with You.  Be our Help.  Be our Strength.  We know You are and that of our salvation too.

Bring us to the place you want us to be so we can praise and glorify You and tell all the works You do in our lives.  Be our Friend and Companion Who never leaves nor forsakes us.  We are Yours forever, as we are called by Your Name through Jesus Christ's work on the cross for us:  His death and His resurrection.

Indeed, the ground had swallowed up Your Son, NOT because of His own sins, but ours.  His friends and companions had forsaken Him.  They'd fled.  They'd betrayed.  They'd denied they'd known Him.

Hallelujah!  The ground couldn't keep Jesus captured.  "Up from the grave He arose" -- the crowned Victor!  Victor over sin, death, hell and Satan!  Jesus took the sting right out of it all.  What a Savior; the Lord God of our salvation.

It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray; in Whom we partake of the bread and drink of the wine in remembrance of Him on any given Lord's Day.  It is with joy and thanksgiving we praise You Jesus and You our Abba Father.  The traumas of our lives recede in Your presence.  Where else could we go but to You, our God and Guide, Savior and Rescuer of our souls?!

                                                       ~ERC  March 2021~

Based on Psalm 88:1-18 ESV.

Sing, Where Could I Go But to the Lord along with Michael Lining Music