Daily Turning Away

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Blindspot Blinders

There has been talk about blindspots in our lives and the need to have a humble heart when we discover them, more than likely by someone else who dutifully informs us.  There are, however, areas in our lives that we already know about but are slow to turn away from.

If one is seriously wanting to change in these areas, this too involves a humble, repentant heart.  It requires a daily - sometimes even a moment-by-moment turning away from that sin in our lives.

It is so easy to lash back at someone who shouts angrily at us and has stirred up our reciprocal anger and bitterness.  It takes self-cntrol that is governed, helped and guided by reigns of the Holy Spirit not only to give the soft answer, but to dissipate the anger that has fused and fostered hotter anger and so on.

Pray and plead with the Lord for that and to give you His grace and the will to allow the Holy Spirit's power to work in and through us, out to others.  It is surely a monumental struggle but the Holy Spirit has dynamic power to help us overcome and remove those blindspot blinders, every time. 

                                                    ~ERC  September  2021~

Book Review - Stampede - Tim Washburn - Publication Date: 30 November 2021

 If you are a lover of Wild West, rancher, rustler, gun-slinging sorts, you will most likely love this historical novel set around 1889, just prior to the Oklahoma Land Rush (aka "Run" as termed in this book).  This is the third in the series, and you'll find lots of excitement to pulsate the blood in your viens right along with the "Boomers" and "Sooners" making mad dashes and head starts to stake their claims.

I really like the main characters which are believable.  They are mostly cattle ranchers and horse breeders and family people but certainly know how to handle a gun or two.  I like the teasing that goes on among the men which lends to amusing humor.  No doubt one could champion these "good guys".  I do take exception to the pre-marital interplay despite those engaging therein being consenting partners.  The rest of the story, however, was very satisfying and kept the fingers turning the pages.

Included at the end of the book is an excerpt from The Devil's Rope (set in 1883); the second book in the series.

                                                ~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                             October 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

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Lord's Day Devotion - Benefits of a Humble Heart

 

The Book of the Covenant had been unearthed in a crumbling, neglected Temple.  The King of Judah, King Josiah, was shown the sacred scroll and had been read to from it.  He realized he and most, if not all, the people of Judah were practicing very wrong and wicked ways of worship and daily living in constrast to what had just been discovered.  

"He tore his robes" (2 Chronicles34:19 NIV).

He was very distressed and in anguish, realizing God's wrath hovered over them all and would imminently fall upon them.  His saving grace at this realization was to seek God, to "inquire of the LORD" on behalf of,

"...the remnant in Israel and Judah" (2 Chronicles 34:21 NIV).

What would the LORD want him to do to make restitution?  King Josiah sent trusted men to Huldah the prophetess (34:19-22 NIV) to find out.

The fact that up to the point of discovering the Book of the Covenant, King Josiah and many of his subjects, did not know what the LORD required of them; we could say this was a blindspot for them.  Obviously, the words from this book hadn't been recited for eons; they were supposed to have been doing so every seven years, and also read often by the king, himself, from a book he himself had copied out with his own hand.

Blindspot, indeed.  Ones own self cannot see them but others may well be able to see.  In this case at hand, God could see; the ultimate "bird's eye view".  The prophetess Huldah must also have been able to see it.  Yet, only when King Josiah saw it for himself, he did something positive about it.

He humbled his heart.  To know and to realize and then to admit blindspots, takes a humble spirit, for sure.  Admitting and wanting to rectify, shows the further desirable action of repentance.  This in turn shows the desire to make a complete change; stopping the former behavior, making a complete U-turn in one's life and then taking action in that new and good direction.  This leads to confession.

King Josiah, in sending men to the prophetess to "inquire of the LORD" as to what could be done, was basically making 'confession'.  I believe with the aim not to just do penance but to go the next miles, to keep that U-turn in place and to continue to walk in that God-honoring direction.  He wanted to "take God's hand" and be led, faithfully along.

For one who professes faith in Jesus Christ and has become a believer, this is very much the same process.  At first blinded to ones' own sin, then discovery and humbly admitting to them.  Seeking God's will and way from one's repentance to "getting right with God" - accepting salvation through Jesus Christ by faith in Him.  God then grants forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Him, and sets us the action of serving Him in the deeds He's ordained for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10*; Acts 20:35; Titus 3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 4:11-12) and being holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19-20; 1 Peter 1:15-17).  We will also want to worship Him in Spirit and Truth with the aid of His Holy Spirit (another gift); to indwell each believer in Jesus.

King Josiah didn't have to go and get baptised as we are instructed to do nowadays since Jesus' commission to His disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).  He did have some cleansing work  to do though and he rid the land of destestable idols (2 Chronicles 34:33 NIV).

Did you know that baptism symbolizes a clean break from a past way of living?  It's like a "washing away" of uncleanness.  DON'T get me wrong here though!  Baptism does NOT, wash sins away.  The key word is: "symbolizes".

During Old Testament times and according to that Book of the Covenant (or Law) that Moses wrote down for all the children of Israel from God, there are laws about cleansing.  If a person had done something that caused him or her to become "unclean," then after a certain length of time he or she would need to wash themselves, their clothes and perhaps other articles depending on what caused the uncleanness.  They washed with water.  Can you see where this is going?  Similarly, baptism for the newly born again believer in Jesus Christ.  Often this too, requires a humbled heart.  Almost like the first hurdle post-salvation experience.  However, it seems a stickler for some for whatever reason.

In some ways it's a spiritual battle;  Satan doesn't like to lose his "people".  Yet, if the believer in Jesus Christ can accept this step, there will be another victory and honor for Christ.  Such a step of faith plus obedience to Him that will not go unnoticed.

From the point of salvation and baptism, one joins the other family members of God in fellowship.  The local gathering of believers in Jesus Christ -- meeting brothers and sisters to enjoy their company but also to encourage one another in their most precious faith.

Now one and all of these believers can partake of the broken bread and of the cup of wine -- more symbols -- together in joy and gladness.  They can remember what Jesus Christ suffered and sacrificed for them on their behalf through His death on the cross and through His resurrection.  His body broken and His blood spent; all for the remission of sins.  Praise the Lord!

Intense and genuine joy can follow, not just this Lord's Day "breaking of bread" time, but all the days of following Jesus in obedience to His will and ways until Jesus comes or death parts us from this world.

Of note is that once King Josiah got things cleaned up, he could then celebrate.  He celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem: following the prescribed formula of so doing.  He provided sacrifices for one and all, the service was arranged by the priests, the musicians strummed, gatekeepers were in their places and,

"all the people of Judah and Israel who were with the people of Jerusalem...celebrated" (2 Chronicles 35 NIV).

Isn't that marvelous?

Can you feel their joy and gladness?

They celebrated freedom from slavery in Egypt and God's merciful rescue and deliverance all because King Josiah humbled his heart.  Let us joy in our Lord Jesus Christ too, for the deliverance He effected for us from the slavery of our sins, death and of Hell's damnation.  All people of God, ransomed by the blood of Jesus Christ,

"Let us joy in our God and sing of His love..."

together; as one hymn by W. Yerbury (d.1863) encourages.

We do have much to be thankful for:  from blindspot, to humbling our hearts before the Lord in repentance, to 'baptism' (literal upon salvation, but also symbolically each time we do wrong thereafter as provided for in 1 John 1:9).  Then we can continue in fellowship, and breaking of bread in joy and gladness.  Pass the broken bread and cup of wine one to another this Lord's Day, in remembrance of all He has done for us.

                                                   ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on 2 Chronicles 34 and 35 NIV.

Sing, We Joy in Our God and We Sing of His Love....

Book Review - We the Dreamers - By: Raynelda A. Calderon - Publication Date: 1 November 2021

 

This children's book would appeal to children and families that are, or have been directly decended from, immigrants, especially to the USA.  The book's unique feature is that it can be read in both English and Spanish.  This may well help reader and listener, alike, feel "at home," overcome homesickness, culture shock and that someone understands.

                                                    ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger

                                                               November 2021

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Job Description

 

What's your job description?  How'd you'd like your job to be...

"...to pronounce blessings" (1 Chronicles 23:13 NIV)?

It tickles my fancy to think of it.

The sons of Amram:  Aaron and Moses, and their descendants were set apart for the "job" to,

"...prounounce blessings in the [LORD's] name forever" (!Chronicles 23:14 NIV).

Job security.

May we bless and not curse.

James admonishes that our tongues spout both but should not.  Govern hearts and minds and then go bless.

Father God, we do so need your help.  So easily we curse.  With so much difficulty, we bless.  Teach us, train us, discipline us to bless.  Hearts, minds, mouths, lips and tongue need Your divine intervention, always.  Thank-You for salvation through Jesus Christ and for Holy Spirit's indwelling.  We bless you and know we'll get to bless you forevermore.  May we allow Your almighty power and authority to hold sway from our innermost beings and to say to those around us, "Bless you.  Bless your family." and sincerely mean it.  Bless our own family, too.  Bless our neighbors, friends, colleagues, subordinates on the job, in the elevator, people in the cars that cut in line ahead of us, and people in general; even the ones who bug us.  Let it be our "forever" job description.  

In Jesus' name we ask and bless.

                                                          ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on 1 Chronicles 23:13 NIV

Sing, Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, with ThisIslandSong.

Book Review - Ninety-Five - By Lisa Towles - Publication Date: 24 November 2021

 

To me, this book reads like a thriller, propelling me to be perpetually perched on the edge of my chair with anxiety streaking my gut regions for Zac's safety.  With the many twists and turns, Zac was also kept on his feet and on the run never knowing whom to trust, or who was his true ally; at least, his faithful friend Riley?  Everything was so weird, smacking of danger and illegal enterprize, geeks, nerds and threats to the psyche.  Certainly, this has been an engaging, suspenseful, mysterious and seemingly, unending series of adventures for Zac, Riley and others to navigate and make sense of.

There is quite a strong plot but I add words of caution on two accounts.  One, some of the language used is objectional to me.  Secondly, this book may need parental governance for younger folks as readership seems targeted at university student level (and above).  No doubt the university niche will love this book, though, despite my dislike of some of its composites.

                                                 ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                           November 2021

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Blessing Family

 It was Aaron the High Priest's job to daily bless the whole congregaton of Israelites.  Thereafter, his successor would carry on with this 'duty' (Numbers 6:22-27 & 1 Chronicles 23:13).  I'm touched though when others, bless others, too.  

Today, when I read,

"Then all the people left each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family" (1 Chronicles16:43 NIV);

I thought, oh how great this is!  We can have a peek inside his home.  He did not enter and grumble nor allow the first words out of his mouth to be critical spew upon the family members for this, that or the other thing; no, he BLESSED them!  Don't you find that wonderful?!

Another scene was in the throne room; I assume.  Look at what 1 Chronicles 18:17 NIV says, 

"...and David's sons were chief  officials at the king's side..."

He did interact with them in adminstration of the kingdom.  He included them.  They "went to work" with him for the benefit of their nation. This in and of itself, a blessing.

At home.  At work.

How blessed the family.

Yes, yes, not everyone can bring their family to work but working together, perhaps among the poor of your town or within the church context; that would be something.

Like father (&/or mother), like sons and daughters, together, for the glory of the Lord and the betterment of the people within their spheres of opportunity.  Wouldn't that be something!?

My heart wants to focus on the blessing of the family; the nucleus of society.  There's a story, true or not, I'm not sure; embellished or not, I'm not sure, either.  However, it aptly guides to the head of the family blessing said man's respective family.

Their was a father, who once he arrived home from work, would step out of his car and pause before a tree in his yard.  On that tree he would symbolically  'place' his work troubles of the day, no mater how terrible or discouraging they may have been.

He'd straighten up, open his home door, step over the threshold, into the welcoming arms of the family.  His countenance was pleasant and joyful.  His heart warmed in their embrace and he reciprocated with his positive entry.  What a blessing to his family he was!

Yes, yes, again.  It's ideal and maybe not always possible.  Yet, to strive to this discipline, not sweeping the  troubles away - only putting them "on hold" for later, - this family man, husband and  Dad showed his priority and grace.  We can learn from him and David's example.

Let us all embrace our families and  bless them.  Bless with words, attitudes and actions that build up and do NOT tear down.  Make blessing a daily practice as Aaron the High Priest had done so very long ago.  May the Lord be praised in the process.

                                                    ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on 1 Chronicles 16-25, especially 16 and 18 NIV.

Sing, Blessed Be the Tie That Binds, wth Gryphon Hall.

Book Review - Churchill, Master and Commander - By Anthony Tucker-Jones - Publication Date 23 November 2021

 

What an indefatigable fellow Winston Chuchill had been!  He certainly had not let grass grow under his feet; constantly on the move from an early age.  Wars, newspaper reporter, authoring books, and politics were among his favorite activites; war seemingly at the top of the list, as seen in this biography by Anthony Tucker-Jones.  I was much surprized by all I learned about this "Master and Commander".  Had no idea.  I was always under the impression he'd kind of come up out of the blue to mastermind Hitler's defeat during WWII.  Reading of his life's activities and seeing all he'd been into, gave me pause to see Churchill in a more comprehensive light and gain better understanding of the man, warrior, politication, and so on.  Brilliant man and one instrumental in helping win a war against a tyrant was/is to be applauded despite some of the not so great things he had engaged in.

Those readers who like strategies of war will like this 'play by play' of the numerous wars Churchill had embroiled himself  in, in his younger years. One can't help but to admire the strength, fortitude, hope and courage he emanated out to his people to persevere and strive together especially during that WWII crisis against many odds.  All the lessons he'd learned and mined from, from a full life already lived, served him well at the crucial climax of time.  When all's said and done,   I do concur with author Tucker-Jones that Churchill was indeed a "Master and Commander" and that, par excellence.

This book will also offers maps and the dates of various wars in which Churchill fought and a sequenced list thereof.  There are also other references to Online Churchill Resources for those who seek further information.

                                               ~Eunice R., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                            October 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Serve & Obey Him

 

The Israelites had a rich history and heritage stemming back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  God was with them and they obeyed Him, built altars to Him and worshipped Him in all due fear and reverence.  Joseph, the son of Jacob, the Jacob whose name was changed to Israel, feared God too and lived a righteous life.

When Israel's sons had sons, and those sons had sons and so on, they became a mighty multitude, so much so, that Pharoah and the rest of the Egyptians were afraid of them and forced them to become their slaves; working them over pretty good, too.

We all know this history and of how God brought them out of that slavery and led them through the wilderness by Moses, and into the Promised Land at the hand of Joshua son of Nun.  All those 40 years God faithfully led them, fed them and wrought mighty signs and wonders on their behalf.

The Book of the Law written down by Moses from God's mouth helped the Israelites to know and remember all God had commanded and promised.  He said if they followed it all, were obedient to Him and worshipped and served Him, He would bless them.

They agreed to the covenant and did follow for a time  They were well blessed by God.  Sadly, the longer they lived in the Promised Land, their inheritance from God their loving, faithful Father who steadfastly loved them with an everlasting love -- their disobedient hearts turned aside to other gods.

Those gods that demanded them to sacrifice their very own children in  the fire!  Time and again they were punished in various ways and were even enslaved once again by various conquering nations.  Then they became an even sorrier sight and they'd cry out, pitifully to God.  God would rescue them, warn them again to serve, obey and worship, only Him.

"Yes, yes," they'd say but it didn't stick.

Eventually, God removed them to foreign lands by the hand of the likes of the King of Babylon because of their constant, incorrigbily, unrepentant idolatry.

Now look at them.  They are not serving and obeying God!  They had,

"...settled down in the land [of Babyon] and served the King of Babylon..." (2 Kings 25:24).

Whether they were in Babylon or the remnant handful left behind in Jerusalem, they were to serve King Nebuchadnezzar.  Gedaliah told this latter group to do so as it,

"...will go well with you" (2 Kings 25:24).

This was NOT what God wanted for them.  This was only second or third best; a best that was not good, which they had chosen.  God asked the Israelites to obey, serve and worship Him alone.  If they did, it would go well with them.  Now they were subservient to a foreign king.

I don't know about you but I have to take great gulps of breath at this situation.  It's appalling.  Very appalling.  They had had so many hundreds of years to get it right and of God's blessing.  Now, they had 70 years in exile to think and repent, "at leisure" and come back to their great and almighty God.

The human heart was proven totally wayward.  God's heart was proven totally faithful.  He kept His promise to David that there would always be one of his 'seed' - an everlasting dynasty because David's heart had been right in the eyes of God.

This is where the good news kicks in.  

Jesus.  

Jesus the Messiah came.  

God did not forget His people nor all the other people in the world.  Jesus came from David's line of lineage, royalty and kingship.

We all know this story too.  Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day.  He'd suffered for our sins and paid the price assuaging God's wrath upon sinners' sin.  Jesus set us free from the slavery of sin, death and Hell's grasping grip.

Now, we have the opportunity to thank Him by living a righteous life with the help of His indwelling Holy Spirit.  We can obey, worship, praise, and serve Him all our days

Know that when we fail, as the Israelites did, we too have recourse and can cry out to the Lord in repentance, and confession.  He is faithful and just and will forgive us and cleanse us from every sin (1 John 1:9).  Just don't put the Lord your God to the test.  Be holy and faithful as He is.  It was with "costly grace" He bought our pardon through Jesus.

Thank and praise Him with gratitude by serving and obeying Him and Him alone.

                                                   ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on Exodus to 2 Kings.

Sing, Trust and Obey with the Vagle brothers, and Hallelujah to the Lord with Andrea Bocelli and daughter Virginia.

The Name on Your List

 

Nuggets and tidbits of "gold" are interlaced among all the lists of names in 1st & 2nd Chronicles.  At times, the names are tedious to read but can also be fun.

Growing up in our devoutly conservative, Christian family, we read two chapters of God's Word per day; one in the morning after breakfast and one after the evening meal.  We'd read two verses each, around the table of 'King Dad,' until the chapter ran out.

When we hit Chronicles, or other books with name lists, there were no exceptions; every single name must be read.  When we were first learning how to read, our first Bible given to us was a "self-pronouncing" Bible.  In other words, all names were separated into syllables and the appropriate syllable emphasis according to English pronunciation, indicated.  We could go it 'alone' but did have Dad's back up in case we really needed the intervention.  By hook or by crook we got through and would come to enjoy the 'competition' of six sibling "correct" pronunciation perfectations.

We were taught that every single last person mentioned was important to God, Dad insisted, and therefore why they were even bothered to be listed, and so must be read.  Lesson to learn:  we too are important to God and He will not forget us.

Good lesson.

Sometimes Dad would tell us the meanings of the names because those meanings had been important to the parents of those 'names'.  They were also important to the history of Israel especially under Kings David and Solomon.  

Not only the names but the individuals who carried them, were important.  Note the 'labels' some of those mighty men listed had:  "very capable men" (1 Chronicles 26:6 NIV); "able men: (1 Chronicles 26:7); "capable men with the strength to do the work...able men" (1 Chronicles 26:8-9); "chief men...ministering in the temple of the LORD, just as their relatives had" (1 Chronicles 26:12); "a wise counselor" (1 Chronicles 26:14); "able men and heads of families...in charge of...every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king" (1 Chronicles 16:32 NIV); "mighty men among 30" (1 Chronicles 27:6), to name a few.  These men, many with names we stumble over to pronounce, rose up to be leaders who were strong and courageous, willing and therefore all the more, able, to do the tasks set before them.

They each had one precious life to live with purpose and to honor and glorify the LORD their God and they rose to the 'challenge' whether in service to God, their family and/or their king.  They did all to the glory of God and were blessed and had their names in God's Hall of Fame.

Countless men (& women) since then have arisen to their responsiblitlites in similar service.  They did not allow apathy to seep into their souls and spirits despite temptations to do so.

Pray always for such brothers and sisters-in-Christ, for yourself, even, to continue to rise up and be what you have been 'anointed' and appointed by the Lord, to do.  As that familiar saying goes, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last..."  Let's all be "faithful and true" to our Lord and Savior, to our families, to our assembly or 'church' and to service to our Lord, until He comes.

Speaking of names, have you ever heard of Charles Thomas Studd (C.T. Studd)?  Apparently, "he was the Michael Jordan of cricket".  He was  converted and became an evangelist, ministering in India, Africa and China.  He had come from a wealthy family but put his life into perspective of eternity.

It was from his poem entitled, "A Poem of Perspective" from which I just quoted, "only one life...".  Our names may not seem very great here on earth, but they do mean the world to God our Heavenly Father.  He even has your name recorded in His Book of Life, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, through faith in Him. You will not be forgotten, no matter the name, its meaning nor how you pronounce it.  God loves you just the same.

In gratitude, rise up and be mighty for Him according to your ability.  Be capable, able, wise, willing of heart no matter the size or prestige of the job.

Did you know some of the groups of men listed were not in charge of the Temple duties such as gatekeepers, treasurers or other such related offices but rather, in charge of field workers, camels and donkeys.  Imagine some of the ribbing you'd get if you were caring for donkeys!

Yeah, back then donkeys were more important than horses; although, even today some of the Amish prefer to use donkeys to help plough their fields and do heavier work.  Jesus even rode triumphantly on the back of a donkey into Jerusalem.  I digress...

The point is, we may have a behind-the-scenes task, for instance, setting up the sound system so a preacher's voice is at his most premium best; or rearranging the chairs to neat and tidy settings when few others are around to observe but, like these ancient mighty men, rise up, be the man of God at home and elsewhere as He has appointed and called.

May you be blessed and the Name of the Lord be praised.  All glory be to this Name above all names.  Is His name  on your "Golden Names" list?

                                                    ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on 1 Chronicles 26-29 to 2 Chronicles 1-6 NIV.

Sing, No Other Name But Jesus, along with Don Moen

Book Review - Underwater WILD - By Craig Foster & Ross Frylinck - Publication Date: 16 November 2021

 

This is a National Geographic-like caliber display of underwater WILD sea life, photographed brilliantly, and liberally shared.  This vibrantly portrayed portfolio, is a work of a lifetime which will enamour one and all who slowly turn the pages, taking in the sea scenes of the Kelp Sea Forest off the coast of South Africa.  There is so much to take in of all these wonders of God's creation that the viewer will want to take his/her sweet time to peruse and digest all the pictures of the teeming life below sea level.

Write-ups from both Craig and Ross, which accompany the photographs, will surely have the reader become enthusiastic about all these creatures, many of which he/she may never have seen heretofore.  These include such creatures as the very intriguing limpets, sea hares (the coolest to me); catsharks, seahorses (I love them), rock suckers, klipvis, octopuses (extra special to Craig) and so many more.  The reader may also find the hairs on ones' arms do calisthenics at mention of great white sharks hovering silently within mere inches of their dive spot.  Craig and Ross would tell you to respect these creatures, though, not fear them.

The authors practiced diving without the usual scuba-diving equipment and over time, felt themselves become more integrated with the WILD world below surface.  They believe, too, that they have gained much  benefit personally in life and health. 

Being one who does not agree with evolution, and occult-like practices, I would have preferred less mention of those references.  The authors speak of going back to their original 'source' of life but I'd like to briefly remark, that that 'Source' is God, Who created all these creatures, as well as human beings, and it is not from melding cognitively and mingling physically with the creatures from the depth of the sea, nor spending hours (adding up years' worth) under water with them, as marvelous as that 'world' is.  This though, seems to be their praxis.

To round up the pages, besides space for acknowledgements and index, is Craig's mental map of the various areas of  specific habitat niches in which he was most likely to discover the location where a particular species hung out and/or hunted prey among the kelp forest fronds, nooks and crannies 'below deck'.  Overall, this is a 'chance-of-a-lifetime' book find, in which to gain astounding knowledge and insight of creatures we may never ever have discovered for ourselves, especially by those of us who would prefer to remain on terra firme.  Thanks Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck!

                                              ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                      September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by  the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Lord's Day Devotion - The Temple of God

 

There's a movie playing out in my mind's eye of a heady, euphoric, real-life drama.  King Solomon and  all his men had completed the The Temple construction in Jerusalem.  It was a magnificent, one-of-a-kind edifice dedicated to the One and only True God, Whom Solomon and all the Israelites worshipped.

Play it out in your own mind.  All is in readiness, action on the set.  Here come the priests bringing up the laver, altar of burnt offering, table of show bread, the altar of incense and utensils and so on from the Tent of Meeting to the Temple.  All the sacred furnishings brought in the procession.  Another group of priests bearing the ark of the covenant upon their shoulders, into the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.  The priests, consecrated for this work, reverently get everything into their places; in the Most Holy and the Holy Place.

What a wondrous 'home' for these articles of worship, pleasing to the LORD.  Everything new gleaming and sparkling.  Nothing of the Temple could compare to any other building ever built.  

Yet, compared to what happened next, although it undoubtedly lent to the dedication occasion, it could not compare to what happened next.

The "priests finished their work and withdrew from the Holy Place..." (1 Kings 8:10).

This verse seems written in one milli-breath, for immediately, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD" ( 1 Kings 8:10).  It was like God just could hardly wait to come to be with them.  There was so much of God's presence that the priests could not perform other service!

Verse 11 says,

"...for the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

It doesn't say,  'the' temple,  or 'Solomon's' temple, but His temple.  God claimed it.  The priests, King Solomon and all the people must have been in such awe!  Doesn't it make your heart stop to think of it all?!  A most amazing, astounding sight and occurance to behold.   Very much their "Jehovah Shammah" presence.

This temple was built for the LORD's Name and presence to be there (v 15).  Built because David's heart had the idea to build it for the LORD's Name.  God honored David's heart's desire,  so much so , that the  glory in His Name, was overwhelming for the priests.

Solomon cherished the way God kept all His promises He had made to David his father.  He mentions them more than once.  He said that,

"not one word has failed of all the good promises [God] gave through Moses' (1 Kings 8:56 NIV).

When God told Moses, He'd go with them all the way, He kept that promise.  Now, while they are in the Promised Land, He is with them still.  Four hundred and eighty years!  (1 Kings 6:1 NIV).  No wonder David often remarked on the 'steadfast love" of the Lord in so many of the Psalms he wrote.

Awesome God.

Promise-keeping God.

This is the same God of Whom Solomon prayed, "no God like this God of Israel", with his hands uplifted toward Heaven.    Can you see this next clip, with King Solomon standing before the altar of this very God in front of the "whole assembly of Israel" (1 Kings 8:22-24 NIV)?

What a monumental moment!  Are you still picturing it?

Now even the foreigners would hear of God's holy and great Name and know of all the mighty deeds that God had done and was still doing.  All those signs and wonders.

Think of all God had done throughout the 40 years of leading the people of Israel through the desert:  the daily manna supply for, what a million or more people; the water from the rock; shoes that never wore out for 40 years!; healing from snake bites;  protection from enemies, the very thought of being able to pass through the Red Sea and later, the Jordan River, on DRY ground!  Who could mistake these for anything else?  These were the acts of almighty God and His outstretched, giving hand (1 Kings 8:42 NIV).

New  Testament times showed this same great and  mighty God at work through the signs and wonders wrought through the power of the Holy Spirit Who indwelt men and women who belonged to Jesus Christ.  Combined together, continued building of the new "Temple of God" -- the collective body of God's children saved through faith in Jesus Christ and His work upon the cross.

God's promises still being kept.  Great is His faithfulness.

The Israelites of Solomon's day were  promised, the continued presence of God, on condition.  Solomon reminded them to,

"be fully commited to the LORD [their] God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands..." (1 Kings 8:61 NIV).

Their blessing was commensurate with their obedience to God.

After Solomon finished dedicating the Temple to God, he blessed the whole congregation of Israel.  They then blessed him. Their hearts were, 

"joyful and glad...for all the good things the LORD had done for His servant David and his people Israel" (1 Kings 8:6 NIV).

A very Golden Age of Israel.   

Of note was Solomon's wish that the LORD [their] God,

"May never leave us nor forsake us" (1 Kings 8:57 NIV).

There was "threat" of that back then.  The Spirit of God did leave King Saul when he was disobedient and didn't fear God.  King David had fear of God's Spirit leaving him when he had sinned.  He pleaded with God to "stay" with him.  Thus, it is not strange that Solomon prayed that God's presence "never leave nor forsake".

We know that nowadays, that those who have salvation through Jesus Christ, have everlasting life (John 3:16; Romans 6:22;  Revelation 22:17).  This gift is not earned. It was freely given and is freely kept, unconditionally, by God and Jesus, once given.

The Holy Spirit will never leave us nor forsake us (John 10:28; Hebrews 13:5).  We need to humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God and realize we need to fear God and do what is right.  

Be self-controlled and alert to Satan's wiles and be thankful for the grace of God which has worked mightily in our lives.  Get it into our heads, that the temple of the Holy Spirit is our bodies and we must therefore, live holy lives, pleasing to the LORD.  God demanded it of the Israelites.  He desires it for us, His children through Jesus.  We will be glad and rejoice when we do.  Make room in our hearts for the Holy Spirit and listen to His voice leading and guiding us in the way to please the Lord.  Let it come from the heart, as David's desire to build a Temple for God's presence in Jerusalem.

May we be reminded weekly, or as often as we partake of the bread and drink of the cup on any given Lord's Day.  As we pass these emblems, one to another, may our hearts be fully attune to our Heavenly Father and to living sanctified lives all week through because we are the temple of God the Holy Spirit.

Father God, may our hearts desire be to be holy as You are holy and to keep our "temple" sacred for Your Name and for the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit.  May Jesus' Name be praised in all the earth, by one and all.  May many come and worship you with pure hearts and keep Your Name holy and reverant.  

In Jesus name we pray.

                                                      ~ERC  November 2021~

Based on 1 Kings 1-10 especially Chapter 8 NIV.

Inquired of the Lord

 David the fugitive did not rush into things.  He'd heard that King Saul and son Jonathan had died in battle.  David also knew he was "the LORD's anointed" and choice for king because Samuel had anointed him while he was still David the shepherd boy.  He could go claim his position, free and clear.

Yet, he did not rush into things.  He waited,

"...in the course of time..." (2 Samuel 2:1 NIV).

Perhaps, the time elapse was the mourning days for King Saul.  We are not told.  Still, "in the course of time..." David did not move forward on his own schedule of timing.  From his hideout he, 

"...inquired of the LORD, shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah" (2 Samuel 2:1)?

He got his answer to go but he still was not satisfied; he asked further...

"Where shall I go" (2 Samuel2:1 NIV)?

Only then did David collect his wives, children, and men, and go to Hebron, where the LORD had told him to go.  There he was made king over Judah.

At other times David inquired of the LORD whether he should go into battle.  He'd ask the when, where, and even how.  The LORD would give the directions and instructions and David the king would follow them and have success.  He actually did this as a fugitive as well.

The LORD was indeed his Shepherd Whom he was willing to follow and listen to His voice.  When he inquired of the LORD, he listened and obeyed.

Down through the years from David to Jesus there were those righteous and faithful men and women who did the same.  We can think of King Hezekiah, as we read 2 Kings 19, when he got the distressing letter from the enemy.  He laid the letter out before the Lord, praying and seeking God about it. Years later, during the Jewish captivity, Daniel and his three friends inquired of God about King Nebuchadnezzar's dream when their lives and the lives of all the other wise men were laid on the line (Daniel).   Queen Esther also fasted and prayed, for three days and saved the whole Jewish contingent in Babylon (Esther).  God gave direction and answers too.  

David did have times when he took matters into his own hands and we know what disastrous consequences ensued.   Serious lesson from which we can all learn.  

Jesus was the perfect Inquirer of the LORD and Listener, to His Father.  He did His Father's will.  He suffered and bled and died on mankind's behalf.  He paid the pardon price for my sins and yours.  Salvation is now freely offered.

One and all can still inquire of the LORD in repentance, and confession.  He will forgive and give His salvation and His Holy Spirit of Whom we, now God's children, may inquire freely.  Let us be willing to follow in obedience because Jesus rose from the dead and is living in Heaven, waiting for the day He can come back for us and bring us to glory.

In the meantime, let us always wait and inquire of Him and follow His guidance.  Remember, hurry and haste make waste.  As one Ashely Hales writes in A Spacious Life*, 

"The lack of hurry makes room for God's grace."

May we be men and women after God's heart as David the shepherd boy, fugitive, and king, had been.  Hezekiah, Daniel and Esther were all working against the urgency of time and situation but took time out to weigh matters before the LORD.  We can too.

Wait. 

Inquire.

Take courage, and obey.  May God bless you in the process.

                                                      ~ERC  September 2021~

Based on 1 Samuel 27-31 and 2 samuel 1-5 (NIV).

*Check out Ashley Hales' book  A Spacious Life.  

Slow down and seek God.  BE with Him.  Bathe and Bask in His presence.  Listen for His direction.

Valuing Our Inheritance

 

This morning, I read Joshua chapters 14-24.  I underlined various verses that seemed pertinent to me at the earlier hours.  Yet, pondering at that time, couldn't gather my thoughts.  Stepping back a couple of hours and busy with other things, the niggle in the back of my head caused me to turn again to that block of chapters and review what I'd highlighted.

The general consensus of thought was, "Hey, some of the Israelites, and especially certain individuals, valued their inheritances given lovingly by their LORD God Who loved them."  Some who had had specific areas promised to them via Moses, but as yet had not been consummated, went to Joshua to sort it out.

Caleb son of Jephunneh was one such.  Even though he and Joshua had buddied in the first round of spying out the Promised Land and had both encouraged the people, "Yes, we can conquer those in the Land," Caleb didn't take this relationship for granted.  He approached Joshua with respect and appealed for his rights in a decent manner.  He reminded Joshua of Moses' promise to give a certain inheritance of land allotment to him.  Joshua, saw to it then, that Caleb got what was rightfully to be granted to him (Joshua 15:13).

Zelophehad's five daughters were another group who treasured their inheritance.  Since they had no brothers, they did not want their father's home and inheritance to dissolve into oblivion.  They stood up for their rights to Moses, not in rebellious, insolent manner, but in attitude that showed they did not want to miss out on God's blessing.  Here then, they stood once again, to claim what was to be granted to them.  Joshua, reiterated the stipulations for giving them their inheritance and then allocated it to them (Joshua 17:3-6).

Many of the various tribes of Israel also took hold of their lands;  yet, strangely, there were some who had to be encouraged to do so (Joshua 17:17).  I found it surprizing (Joshua 18:1-2).  There were still seven tribes that lagged behind.  

Joshua soon made it right.  He gave their leaders assignments in order to get the ball rolling for them.  They took to it diligently enough and then got their designated respective allotments. (Joshua 18-31).

Of note though, they seemed to be, um, lazy?  Or lethargic.  Not totally diligent in eradication of the nations living there, that they were supposed to have obliterated.  They gave the reason that the "Canaanites were determined to live in that region" (Joshua 17:12j-13).  I bet they were.

Of course, who would not be determined to live in a place, they'd always lived and had a settled life.  However, did this tribe not value their inheritance enough?  Did they not take Joshua's word that they were numerous and very powerful and that they could drive them out because God was on their side (Joshua 17:1-18)?

You see, when the Israelites grew stronger, they made the Canaanites be their "forced labor" (Joshua 17:13).  If they could do that, why couldn't they drive them out?  This was not full obedience to God's commands.  It also seems they did not fully appreciate God's gift to them.  To this day, there is conflict in the land over the land.

This next blurb may sound cold, harsh and calculated but, we must ask ourselves, where's our hearts' desires taking us?  Are we lukewarm towards our Lord and our inheritance in Christ?  Have we taken hold of our salvation, our forgiveness of sins, our everlasting life and above all, our relationship with the Lord?  He is our portion and allotment.  He is in our midst.  Do we cherish Him, who He is and what He has given us?

The Israelites' semi-adherance to God's commands, served to give grief to the generations downline, as noted earlier.  How we align ourselves to the Lord and His Word in our daily walk with Him will definitely affect our next generation.

Let's pray for ourselves and our next generation.  We should examine ourselves as to where one needs to:  realign, repent, confess, give thanks and come closer to the Lord.  

He's our Inheritance.  Value Him.

                                                         ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Joshua 14-24.

Sing Heavenly Father, We Appreciate You, with Maranatha singers.

Book Review - White Hot Hate - By Dick Lehr - Publication Date: 9 November 2021

 

We always think of terrorists as being those nasty people from somewhere foreign; not our own home-grown kind.  Notwithstanding, the USA seems to have a growing number of violent militia groups with members of the white supremacist breed; "hate, violence and exterminate," their tag lines.  You no doubt witnessed such behavior before, during and in the aftermath of the failed Donald J. Trump re-election campaign of November 2020.  In this story, White Hot Hate by Dick Lehr, you will bump into such in monstrous, literal reality.  This is NOT fiction, folks.

Lehr delineates such a horrrific story that will take you aback in traumatic shock.  Dan Day, the great man of courage hero, becomes an unwitting informant among the Kansas Security Force (KSP), Crusaders on behalf of the FBI.  The build from "only talk" to action over the months was captured on multiple lengthy recordings of Zello phone conversations and in-person confabs on a specialized recording device.   These were firsthand inner sanctum talks to which Day was privy.

As the four-man insider group of KSP, (Dan Day being one of the four) laid their wicked plans to decimate the Somalis Refugee community in Garden City, the talk often became volitale and full of foul language.  Day's heart was often in his throat not to give himself away, but also for wisdom to know how to cool the heat.  The inclusion of such language comes from all those hours of taped evidence of raw conversations, not only of their plans but of the non-fiction epitaphs of hatred which constantly spewed forth from the men's souls and pores.

The old adage, "Truth is often stranger than fiction" rings really clearly in this report.

It was an exceedingly stressful operation for a non-professional undercover man who also had to overcome fallout such as sleepless nights and if he did get to sleep, nightmares.  The stress, the secrecy and so on, on his family, who thankfully, did support him, and see him through, took its toll as well.  Dan Day is one of those people who were born and placed into a position for "just such a time as this," I believe.  He was equal to the task as he plunged, neck-deep or more, into militia extremism.  

Thank God for such people!  It's great to know there are still such counter-balances yet.  However, I'd say, we'd do well to be aware of such undercurrents and maybe even pray against such evilness on our own homefronts.

                                              ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                        September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

         

Lord's Day Devotion - The "To Remember" List

 

As needed, we make lists of things to do, or to remember.  The grocery list in our household gets items marked up throughout the week so that on 'grocery day,' the to-be-replenished items get remembered...hopefully.

The grocery purchaser then merrily makes her way to the supermarket to collect the needed items - without the list!  Eye-roll!

 "You were supposed to have remembered to snatch that off the fridge B4 leaving the house!  How will you remember what is needed?" 

she scolded herself.  Then it's the guessing game.  Do I need this or that?

So often we forget things and so often we have to be reminded to remember, so true.  True for us, true for the ancient people during the Old Testament time of the Israelites.  Time and again they had to be reminded of God's commands and laws, and even that they had agreed to obey them.

It's interesting to note that they even had a formally scheduled time to be reminded as well.  Moses had gotten the ball rolling as seen in Deuteronomy 27:9-14.  That's when 1/2 the tribes of Israel stood on Mt. Gerizim and the other 1/2 on Mt. Nebo with the Levites standing inbetween.  The Levites had to shout, "Amen!" after each law, blessing and curse was read/recited.  Wonder how long it took them to memorize all of it!*

Moses had written it all down and at the end of seven-year intervals, this law had to be read in the hearing of the whole Israelite assembly...

"...listen and learn to fear the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 31:9-11).

Any king they were to have in future had this charge upon him.  He was to write out his own copy of the law, and keep it with him (right handy like) and read it all the days of his life (see Deuteronomy 17:18-20).  He was to follow all of them, which would keep him following after God and keep him humble, spiritually able to lead his people.

It's delightful to see Joshua son of Nun take up this practice.  He was not a king but he was the successor of Moses, leading the children of Israel to conquer the peoples of the Promised Land after Moses' death.

Joshua who'd become "strong and courageous" took up his javelin and conquered, together with all the "fighting men" of Israel, and most importantly, the LORD, his and their, God.

Of note, if you recall the history, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob built altars along the paths of their lifes' journeys.  Altars to the LORD their God Whom they worshiped and offered up their praise and thanksgiving to at important times of their lives.  They stopped, built and acknowledged God and His help to them and their dependance upon Him.

Moses did so too.  At intervals throughout the wilderness journey, he taught the Israelites to do so too.  It warms my heart then to see Joshua setting to, to do the same.

"Joshua built on mount Ebal an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites..." (Joshua 8:30-31NIV)

Joshua didn't say, "Oh Moses is gone now; I'm in charge, we're going to do things differently from now on..."  No.  He was not proud or arrogant.  Look at what he did after building the altar.  He 

"...copied on stones the law of Moses..." (Joshua 8:32) 

and then he got all those tribes lined up in front of Mt Gerizim and Mt Ebal with the Levites inbetween, and he read

 "the word of the law - the blessings and the curses - just as it is written in the Book of the Law" (Joshua 8:14 NIV).

He read every word Moses had entered into that book!  Get this, he wasn't just reading to the men, or just to all the adults as so often we do in our Bible study groups, he read to the

"whole assembly of Israel, including the women and the children and the aliens who lived among them" (Joshua 8:35 NIV).

The aliens could not escape it either.  Ha, ha.

Now I calculate, if you were a baby the first time you heard the formal congregational readings, the next time, you'd be 7 years old, where you may be fidgeting and maybe not understand much.  However, it was God's Word being read in your hearing and they were words of life from the living God.

When you were 14, would rebellious thoughts have been in your mind?  Like, "must I listen to all this, again!?"  I'm just trying to imagine it in our present day scenario.  However, they did take it very seriously back then and there was greater fear of God to a larger extent in the beginning.  Yet hearts did wander quickly.  At age 21, one might be a bit pompous, and for the Israelites, newly married.  In this day and age, one would have "come of age" and be out to "sow ones's oats".

Incidentally, for about 20 days, I've been reading from Genesis to Joshua, up to Joshua 14; about ten chapters a day.  Granted, the Laws of Moses from God don't take up all those chapers, perhaps starting in Leviticus and going to Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  How many hours or days would that take to read all of them?  It would make some impact, I'd think.  Unless, the 21 year old is looking at his watch wondering, "When's this going to over, already!!?"

Then at, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, and lastly about age 70.  The many reminders throughout an Israelite's lifetime, if they'd listened and adhered to all these laws and readings of the law, would have been so monumental.  There were so many reminders and reminders to remind; no excuses to say they didn't know.

In Jesus' time, we see Him reading from the Book of the Law in the Temple.  It was not the formal full reading time, I don't think but when the congregation gathered, there were still readings; still reminders of God's Word entering ears that would hear.  This brought life and blessing when followed.

Jesus instituted what we now call, "The Lord's Supper" which is to be partaken of "as often as we eat..." (see 1 Corinthians 11:26).  This would serve as a reminder of His death upon the cross and to all whom it impacted who chose or had chosen to accept His gift of salvation through faith in Him.

It was for us, for whom Christ died.  Let us remember, regularly, what He has done for us.  As we pass the bread and drink of the cup of wine each Lord's Day, let's remember all Jesus' sufferings on our behalf, especially shedding his blood to make atonement for our souls.  This has brought us everlasting life and blessing in Christ.

Oh praise the One who died for You.  Bless His holy name.  Remember Him.

Remember Jesus, not as a "to-do list" of Sunday things-to-do, but with a heart filled with gratitude.  Then we will not forget. 

Then go and read your Bible and pray everyday. Read the rest of God's word so you will know the Lord and fear Him and follow in His ways.  Read to yourself.  Read to your family.  Read to your visitors (aka aliens). Read and remember all these words of life.  They are the living word of God.

Remember, Christians, remember.

Father God, may we cultivate the habit of constantly recalling Your words, Your greatness of wonderful acts.  All You have done for us through Jesus for us personally and for our family and for Your church.  May we continue to be faithful to You and strengthened each time we remember your work in our lives.  In Jesus' Name I ask.

                                                      ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Joshua 4-13 NIV.

Sing, Wonderful Words of Life, with Gaither Music.

*Unusual Memory Verses