Book Review - The Resistance Girl - By Mandy Robotham - Publication Date: 31 March 2022

 Nazi occupation in Norway was not a battlefront but a minefield for producing the coveted blonde-haired, blue-eyed progeny.  They set up maternity homes for the young women who had, mostly, been coerced and impregnated by so called, "patriotic" Germans, willing to do the job for their Fuhrer.   So saying there  are a couple of delivery scenes where the author used her mid-wifery knowledge and experience to describe them rather authentically.

Norwegians did not stand idly by, by this take takeover of their  country.  No, they fought back with organized resistance being flies in the ointment, so to speak, in the Germans' operations by creating a variety of hindrances thrown their way.  As this work of historical fiction unfolds, some of those ways become apparent.

Rumi Orlstad was the Resistance Girl to be reckoned with.  Her anger at her fiance Magnus' death fueled her part in the efforts.  Her father, Peder, who owned and operated fishing trawlers, along with Rubio, Rumi's foster brother, and with other fistherman of Bergen and surrounding areas, did their collective bit for the Shetland Bus network; a relay of boats doing heroic resistance work.  

Jensen Parkes aka Jens was a key man for the resistance operatives and became friends with Rumi and family.  Margit was everyone's comfort person, knowledgeable and hospitable, and like a mother to Rumi.

I don't want to say too much more here for fear of spoiling this story but I am excited about it and want to say I really, really enjoyed this story, learning about the struggles of those courageous Norwegians.  We often hear of, see or read about the actual  battles of WWII, and conditions of the soldiers in the trenches and all they endured, and of the horrendous Holocaust but not much about the other facets of the war, and Hitler's big plan for a Master race.  This book gives an excellent portrayal of the fallout of his  policies and the emissaries who carried out his evil plans.

It is not all tense and serious as there were times of fun and of learning some Norwegian culture.  Of course there is the touch of romance to  top it all off.  I believe no reader will be disapppointed with this story.  I certainly wasn't.  

For your further information, if you enjoy this book, the author has other works of similar looking caliber of historical fiction under her belt, which you may wish to take a look at.  I plan on it.

                                               ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             February 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Book of Last Letters - By Kerry Barrett - Publication Date: 30 March 2022

 In my opinion, this is a very satisfying read especially to see how the two 'ends' mesh and merge into each together.  That is, the past set during WWII time in London with all the almost nightly bombing.  It was intriquing to follow how the book of last letters for the wounded airmen and other patients in the hospital came to be. The idea of even creating such a book of last words for their families is remarkable and no doubt would have been very therapeutic in and of itself.  How it was created and how it had been lost then discovered, 'in the present' among the rubble ruins of the past will keep one racing through the pages.  Could the present day Stevie the artist carer and Finn the history buff professor piece it all together to answer all the questions of what became of  Elsie and her secret airman?  How about all the other multitudinous questions:  What was the terrible secret Nurse Watson (aka  Elsie) guarded about Nellie's demise? What bearing did it have on the present?  Why did the present day, strangely behaving Helen,  take exception to the book of last letters and any history having to do with the building she and others of the elderly were living in?  

These questions and more may sound droll but the answers are truly exciting but some tragic and bound up in the book of last letters in this Book of Last Letters.  They are waiting to be discovered along with Stevie, Finn, Micah, Val and many of their friends.

 I found myself unable to take too many breaks away from my reading sessions with this work of Historical Fiction with its touch of past and present  romances.  I believe that other readers will have their curiosity equally peaked and will be riveted to their reading with avid relish as the two stories parallel then take a turn to intersect with very favorable results.

The only caution is that some readers may not care to read of the very intimate bedroom-type relations some of the protagonists engaged in.  Due to this, I only give a 4 STAR review, otherwise it would have been a full-fledged cache of stars.

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                       February 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.

A Bunch of 'IF's'

 There's a whole bunch of 'if's' in Romans 8:9-17, and 25.  "If Christ," "If the Spirit.." "If you..." "If by the Spirit..." "...if we are children, then..." "if we hope..." and so on.  That's a lot of rhetorical 'if's'  but especially on God's part - His  sure 'if's' mean, He's already done it all - affirmative.  Done!  However, the 'if's' for the whosoever means, have we done it yet?  If so, then these 'if's' are sure for us too.

If we are 'in Christ' we have been adopted into God's family.  If we are adopted, then we have an inheritance; that is, "heirs with God" and "co-heirs with Christ".  So what is the inheritance?

When Christ was raised  from the dead, He got a glorified body.  If we are co-heirs, then we have glorified bodies to  look forward to when we get that rapture call whether we're dead or alive at the time.  Of course, we  get to share in all His sufferings too here on earth, some believers more than others.

Another very precious inheritance we are bestowed is that we get God!  We get to live in His presence forever.  Even now we can bask in our Abba Father's presence as we meditate upon His Word and then converse with Him in songs of praise, thanksgiving and worship.  These  are our sure'if's' and hope for which we patiently and  eagerly wait.  Then in  glory to see His blessed face - no more distractions - unsullied and forever.

I sure hope each reader has this bunch of 'if's' too!  

Amen!

                                                        ~ERC  March 2022~

Based onRomans 8 especially verses  9-17, 25.

Sing, This My Inheritance, along with All My Sons and Daughters.

Lord's Day Devotion - Times of Refreshing

 

Father God, how you refresh us - times  of refreshing as one song puts it - spending time in your presence, being with You.  Our hearts becoming still, our minds still, undistracted and waiting expectantly to hear from You.

David says in Psalm 23:3 that You restore or refresh our souls along the right and righteous paths - You guide us there.  Oh thank-You, Father!  We do need Your help.

Sometimes we get  bogged down in our earthly cares and so need to step back, take a breath of You and Your fresh air and be refreshed by You!  I'm so glad you're in my life.  Thank-You for your care, comfort, guidance, and above all the righteousness we have from You through our faith in Jesus Christ and the work of salvation in our lives.

It's almost like when our computer is so called, refreshing and that circle goes round and round but Father, with You, our restoring and refreshing is always sure.  Due to the righteousness You imputed into us upon acceptance of your salvation we can come boldly and with conficence into Your presence, which is our inheritance in Christ, to bask and bathe and be refreshed - always.

As we brothers and sisters-in-Christ, Your children, gather, coming together on Lord's Day, we look up to You with thanksgiving, praise and worship.  We pass the emblems of bread and wine one to another in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection.

Thank-You Father for such times of refreshing in Your presence, especially this in our hearts and  minds.  We give You thanks in Jesus' most precious name for the joy of being with You.

                                                         ~ERC  March 2022~ 

Based on Psalm 23 especially verse 3  (NIV).

Sing, Times of Refreshing, with Marty Nystorm.

About God's Discipline

 

Blessed Family

Over time, persevering parents produce more proper progeny when discipline is appropriately apportioned out.  Painful for parents but most prodigious for the children.  Children, of course, may not agree at the time, however, after careful years of constancy, a well-discipline child turned to responsible adulthood has been  produced.  That is the hope and prayer of most parents.

The heart of disobedient children taught, molded and shaped  to become  obedient will  learn, in time to also obey the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.  Part of the discipline is the training in God's Word and the parents' faithful obedience to it is imperitive.  Teaching the child to take responsibility to obey of their own heart's desire, and knowing there are consequences to  sin as a motivator.

Loving parents will discipline as does our loving Heavenly Father.  If parents do not discipline, one may question if they are the true parents.  If our Father in heaven does not discipline His children through Jesus, then the same doubt could be raised, are we truly His children?  The onus is on His children in this case.

If you study the history of the children of Israel and God's dealings with them, you'll see that He did not ignore them when they were wrong.  He saw the wrong and gave warnings on how to go right.  He spoke of what would happen if they rebelliously insisted on turning their hearts away from Him.

Disaster did descend in full blown devastation.  The walls of Jerusalem, the Temple, and their houses smashed to rack and ruin while the people were led away to Babylon for 70 years.

"You want to worship other gods," said God, "then there you go - Bablyon is just the place to do that!  You did not look out for the poor, needy, widow or fatherless but in fact, rained injustice after injustice upon them, so you will now know what it is like in Babylon when injustice is perpetually perpetrated upon yourselves," was God's futher decree.  Tough love, they call it.

This was not said or done in vengeance but in loving, caring discipline for the good of His children.  They did learn their lesson too.  They did  get restored and brought back to their Promised Land once again.  At least, the descendants of those original captives taken into exile, did.

Did you also notice that it was the leadership of Israel and Judah that provoked God to such severely harsh discipline? He'd given multiple warnings and chances to repent but as a nation, they did not heed.  The leadership's heart had turned away in increments and caused a whole nation to sin  and be disobedient!  That's something like Psalm 1's stand, sit, mock; a gradual but definite slide down and away.

What a huge burden of responsibility upon church leadership even today but it all starts with the leadership in our Christian homes.  Christian husbands and fathers are you taking up your spiritual responsibility?  Christian wives and mothers are you being supportive?  Let us each examine ourselves and become obedient and sincere, lifelong faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the Word of God and of sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Persevere in parenting, in leadership and in turning peoples' hearts towards the  Lord, keeping short accounts  with Him that "little" things which would  lead one astray do not become big things.  Instead, be that mighty man or woman of God who leads and influences aright, for our children and for the children of  God.

Discipline so that the Lord does not have to do it.  As Paul wrote to Timothy,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one  approved..." (2 Timothy 2;15 NIV).

Our Heavenly Father will remain faithful (2 Timothy 2:13) even if we don't remain faithful to Him.  Due to His faithfulness, He will discipline.  Don't be surprized.  If we are not sure of the why's, read God's Word, search the Scriptures which are able to make you wise and are good for instruction, reproof  and admonishment as well as encouragment, comfort and hope.  When we read more, and obey it more, then we will  know more of what God's will is and we can walk in His ways needing less corrective discipline.  May each of our Heavenly Father's children know His loving restoration, refining, rekindling, reforming, redeeming, rebuilding and rescuing in our repentant lives.  

All glory be to God.

                                                 ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Topical Series Restoring God's People by Stephen Armstrong podcase.  Verse by Verse Ministry International.

Sing, Make Me a Blessing, along with Children Ministry.

Through the Lattice

 

Peering out through my bedroom window and the decorative lattice to the world beyond, there was satisfing beauty to behold.  Spring had sprung, the grass was 'riz', birds chirped to each other, flitting busily to and fro.  Oh, look, there's a robin!

How cheering!  "I love to see robins!"  I said to myself, "It really is Spring!"

From the robins my eyes wandered to the daffodils, or as Bertram liked to say, "Daffy dills".  His favorite were the tulips, which when he said their name, we both knew he  was  actually saying, "Two lips" - his and mine, together.  The good humor man...

Smiling now, I  noted the hues of the  tulips; lovely pastel pinks and powder  blues.  Bertram's insistance, of course; so traditional:  pink for the ladies, blue for the gentlemen.  He had planted them when the twins, Natalie and Nathan, had  been born.

Grown now, I  mused, just like the beauty emanating off the flowers, blending their hues.  Children grown to wonderful adulthood.  My eyes roamed further about the garden - a feast for the eyes really.  Each birthday, a new type of glorious splendor added, creating a living, evolving bouquet array below!

Just then, as if he knew I was thinking of him and looking out the lattice, Bertram emerged from 'round the side of the house, grinning impishly up at me, holding out his favorite flower and sending me a 'fly-kiss' promise.  I grinned back and gave a little wave.

Sighing contentedly, I turned reluctantly from  the window scene but went about my daily chores with right good will.  Bertram was a good man who kept the flower of our love and relationship tilled to its best.  

"Thank-You, Lord, for such a husband."

                                                        ~ERC  October 2021~

Try A Little Kindness

 

Rounding out the book of Acts, we see Paul very much encouraged by the hospitality extended to him not only by the Malta Island natives but also by those brothers who at probable personal cost of time, energy and money, came down from Rome to meet him en route along the road from Puteoli to Rome.  O how it did his heart good!  It must have been a rather noteworth boost for Paul as Luke mentions it in Acts 28:16.

Once Paul reached Rome, he was allowed to have his own place, albeit with a guard constantly stationed there since he was under house arrest pending trial and verdict.  This doesn't hamper Paul in the least.  In turn, we see he calls the local Jewish leaders and extends hospitality to them.  Paul, the ever mission-minded man, has to minister.

Of course, this is somewhat like being his own witness to explain his presence in Rome to them so  this meeting looks two-pronged.  One to explain his presence and that he is no criminal, the other reason being he wished to,

"Explain and declare to them the kingdom of God...and to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets" (Acts 28:23 NIV).

Paul then introduces a quotation from Isaiah 6:9-10 about the Jewish forefathers having eyes and ears but who could not see or hear with understanding.  Rather, those ancestors had stubbornly and rebelliously blinded themselves with disbelief and had rejected the prophecy that if they did not repent of their idolatry and unjust treatment of the poor and needy and so on, there would be severe consequences.  They all knew that history.

After the present Jewish populaces' rejection of Paul's message of Jesus, he, Paul, turned to the Gentiles, who gladly accepted the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Look what Luke noted from Paul's speech,

"Therefore, I want you to know that God's salvtion has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen" (Acts 28:28 NIV)!

Did you get that?  Paul did not act on his own volition here.  No.  "God's salvation has been sent..."  The message of Jesus was an 'open letter' to all mankind whether they believed or rejected God's gift of love.

As we ourselves, nowadays, try a little kindness and offer hospitality to one and all, pray that the hearers eyes and ears will be well-opened to see the message of salvation is for them and to hear with understanding in their hearts and so turn to the Lord in accepting faith and "be healed" (Acts 28:27 NIV).

May we each have the boldness and confidence of Paul acting with Holy Spirit dynamic power, to tell out the message of Jesus without hindrance and preach the kindgdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31 NIV).

Paul had indeed gone out into all his known world to preach the gospel, accepting much hospitality along the way.  Now he was incarcerated in his own home under house arrest so his audience had to come to him.  He willingly called them.  He welcomed each oppotunity and didn't waste a chance.

Most of us are free to do the same.  Try a little kindness and generosity so all the world or at least the bit of humanity that is within your acquaintance-ship, may see and hear God's message of love. 

 Who do you wish to extend hospitality to today?  

Go for it!  You have God's blessing.

                                                    ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Acts 28:1-30 NIV/GoodNews

Sing, Try a Little Kindness, along with Glenn Campbell.

Lord's Day Devotion - For Jews and Gentiles

 

Jesus maintained justice, or at least, He brought the ills of His time on earth to the notice of the people and the religious leaders.

Through Jesus, "salvation was close at hand" because of His righteousness.  The leaders didn't like what He represented nor whom He said He was.  This then sparked the catalyst to the crucifixion, gaining salvation we have through faith in Jesus Christ.

This salvation wasn't just for the Jews, it went out to the 'foreigner" as well.  Any such person who wanted to "bind" him or herself to the LORD, to serve, love, worship and keep the Sabbath, were welcomed by the Lord into His house which He called "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7).

A little aside here.  Think of the devotion, of that "bind".  That is dedication and commitment.  Praise the Lord for people everywhere who bind themselves to the Lord and to His work!

Back to the idea of Jesus bringing justice.  This was  the huge issue that riled up Jesus' righteous anger and led Him to make a whip and drive out the money changers and hawkers in the temple.  The house of prayer had become a marketplace and what's more, a corrupt one at that.  Double shame at the desecration of the sacred.

The foreigners got their place of prayer back, at least for the time being, I assume.  The Sovereign LORD declared that He would not only bring back the exiles but still others besides (Isaiah 56:8).  At the time of Isaiah, he was prophesying that the Jews would return after the 70 years of captivity in Babylon.  However, we know that there is a day coming when not only the Jew but all of the scattered tribes of Israel will return to their Promised Land from the four winds. 

Salvation through Jesus Christ enabled one and all - the whosoever - despite ethnic background, to be saved, to come and serve Him, love Him, worship Him and to keep our temples (bodies) holy for Him.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus' name be on our lips and on the lips of our next generation and so on.  Our New Testament covenant is indeed an everlasting one, through faith in Jesus Christ and His work accomplished for us on the cross.  He died, was buried but rose again on the third day.  This is our living Savior who gave and still gives us everlasting life.

Let's continue to praise the One who died for us through the breaking and partaking of the bread and drinking of the cup of wine this Lord's Day.  Serve, love and worship Him, going forth to live sanctified lives and know and tell others the good news of salvation which is for Jew and Gentile alike.

                                                         ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Isaiah 56.

Sing, Hear the Call  of the Kingdom, along with Keith & Kristyn Getty.

Book Review - The Bucharest Dossier - By William Maz - Publication Date: 15 March 2022

 

I requested to read and review this Historical, Mystery Thriller because of its description of life in Romania under communism with its totalitarian dictator Ceausesu and his wife Elena.  I was very curious about this so grabbed at the chance and was not disappointed.  

The fear, the injustices, the insatiable network of securitate; the spies spying on spies, enough to make one sweat under the collar.  Reading about this as a work of fiction give quite a jolt.  How much worse to have had to live under the strain of this atmosphere in reality.  I believe Maz captured this to very realistic effect and the accuracy of history.

Bill Hefflin, the protagonist, is a Romanian immigrant of Greek lineage (he thinks) who finds himself in America and eventually hired into the CIA.  His contact Boris orchestrates Bill's reluctant return to Romania as history in the making was unfolding in the form of the Romanian Revolution of 1989.  He is there as a diplomat, a cultural attache analyst for the Americans.

This book also is one of romance.  Bill secretly tries to find his childhood love Pusha and opens other cans of worms.  If he does find her, then what about Catherine who tears at his heartstrings?  With all the horrendousness and intrique in that country at that time, could love actually prevail?  If so, which love?

The mystery, secrets, lies, coverups, and traitorous manoeuvers, whom to trust and whom not to?  These kept me on the edge of my chair, holding my breath, crying and even laughing, living in the moments with Bill, Catherine, Boris, Irina, dear Tanti Bobo the Gypsy, Stanton, Avery and others.

The author himself, William Maz, was born in Romania so his connections with the country more than likely aid and abett how he writes, instilling much firsthand authenticity into the work of his pages.  Therefore, I emphatically declare I found this whole story exceedingly satisfying, having gotten a 'taste' of what I'd wished for, except for too many bedroom activity details.   So glad Romanians now have the coveted freedom they had wished for and desparately needed.  I have learned much and believe other readers will be as deeply fascinated as I have been, from cover to cover.  

                                        ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                     March 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Honored By Hospitality

 

Thoughtful, willing and kind hospitality gladdens the heart and encourages the soul of the recipients.  Just reading about it makes me feel happy.  The apostle Paul along with Luke experienced it on two fronts and sure enough he was deeply thankful and grateful to those who gave.

On the first front, the shipwreck crew, passengers, soldiers and prisoners, were received by very friendly Maltese Islanders as the survivors clambered ashore and shook themselves off.  The Islanders guided them to a bonfire specifically built up for them as it was rainy and cold, and they were a wet, bedraggled, shivering mess.  Paul, ever the stalwart, did help gather wood, as likely did some of the others, seemingly none the worse for wear having been dumped so unceremoniously into the sea - all  water off a duck's back.

Even the chief of the island, Publius, opened his home, likely to a select group out of the 276 rescuees.  Paul and Luke were among this smaller company.  Publius entertained them for three  days!

It was more than long enough for Paul to sniff out where he could be of service on a practical level and show the power of God in the same opportunity.  After prayer, he healed Publius' father of fever and dysentry (Acts 28:8).  What a surprize!

That sparked a parade  of the Island of Malta's sick.  They came.  They were cured.  No doubt they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of His love from Paul as well.  What a very interesting 'hostess' gift.

Our Lord, through Paul, gave in good measure, pressed down and running over.  The power of God was seen, preached, and heard and even though Luke does not mention it, I would assume and like to believe that some of those hearers and ones cured came to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

The Islanders were not finished showing and giving their gratitude and hospitality.  They were thorough from the time of the shipwreck victims' arrival until their departure.  Verse 10 tells us that the Maltese "honored" them in "many ways" and even "furnished" the supplies they'd need aboard  the next ship out to Puteoli, en route to Rome.

Did ya get that?   "Furnished."  That's a word we'd use to set up housekeeping in a new house, isn't it?  Sounds very complete!  It could have been costly too.  In  all, those friendly Islanders were welcoming, compassionate, caring and willing to share their space, time, possessions and go the extra mile to aid them on their way.  What a caution!  The common grace bestowed, showing God's way of provision for Paul and Luke while others benefited.  Honor bestowed.

Phew!

On the second front, hospitality was shown by believers in Jesus Christ - as should be the case.  So Paul and Luke along with the soldiers and likely the other prisoners bound for Rome, set sail on an Alexandrian ship. They reached the major port of Puteoli where Paul and Luke found some "believers who invited them to stay a week".  Wow!  More friendly faces.

From thence it appears they trooped to Rome on foot - or at least, over land.  Along the way  at one of the rest stations, The Three Taverns, brothers had come down from Rome and met Paul and Luke there.  A wonderfully heart-warming surprize for them causing Paul to become somewhat emotional.  He thanked God and was encouraged by these brothers willing to go out of their way, who may even have had to  take time off work to travel.  This too would have cost them expense.  It was worth it to them and we see by Paul's response that he was touched by their considerations and hospitality.

Let us who believe, take heart and look for opportunities to honor one and all with hospitality in as many ways as possible.  Generosity in such ways could open up golden occasions  to share  the gospel and/or encourage a brother or sister-in-Christ.  You just never know (Galations 6:10).  We must also be willing to receive such honor when it is bestowed upon us allowing the giver to give.  Don't offend non-believers who offer genuine hospitality in almost better ways than we believers sometimes do.  This too could be the Lord's way of opening a door to share the message and love of Jesus in most unexpected ways even if you are wet and bedraggled and not looking your best.  Hearts will be gladdened; be the catalyst.

                                                  ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Actds 28:1-16 NIV/GoodNews

Mabuhay = long live; expresses good wishes.

Not Shipwrecked

It was the typhoon of all typhoons of the season - not gentle lulling rockings of the ship.  NO, indeed - so great were the billows, no heads could stay on the pillows.  The shipmates were not tossed but flung to and fro across the bow and deck and below - hold on for dear life!  I wonder if Paul said, "Oh, here we go again, I seem to be a magnet for storms and shipwrecks!"

Sure enough it looked like it and it was.  Before that though, Paul clung to the promises of God with just as determined a grip as he was probably hanging on to post and pillar handholds of the wave-bashed and battered vessel.  Not a swell time but Paul put his hope in the Lord and held firmly fast.  

With great difficulty and much valiant effort the sailors tried vainly to keep their boat afloat but then traitorously conspired to stowaway OFF the ship, abandoning all others to their own  fates.  Paul was on to them though and made short work of that plan with the soldiers' help.  All others had given up hope (Acts 27:20) but Paul begged them all to take courage and to eat something before the ship, he assured them, did break up from running aground to shipwreck conditions.  He boldly and confidently told his terrified listeners that he trusted in God.  God had told him there'd be no loss of life and that he would go to Rome, so, you all, get a grip and jump, swim, kick those legs...and so they all truly did safely make it ashore.  Yes, the ship was smashed to smithereens but the lives were not.  All the 276 souls were spared by God's merciful intervention.

Was thinking of the power and size of those humongous, boisterous waves must have been.  How petrifying, in which all, except Paul, feared for their lives.  In turn, I think of the Almighty, omnipotent God and Father, our Creator.  He was actually in control there in the chaos of the elements.  Paul was completely calm.  Isn't it a wonder!  We too, in the  midst of life's storms that often slam into, and bash and battle, at us, with one thing after another, like poor Job - first his livestock, servants kidnapped, his CHILDREN's deaths and then his deteriorated health, followed by the badgering, accusing words of his 'comforter' friends - can trust our Abba Father.  We can trust but do wonder, will this typhoon of trouble ever cease?!

Yet, through it all we can have complete calm, for our Lord is with us always, in control and it is in Him we can put our trust and hope and NOT have our faith in Him shipwrecked. Let us think of and thank our Savior God and sing, pray and praise.

"Oh Lord my God,  I in awesome wonder consider all the works Thy hands have made.  God of the sun, moon, and stars; God of the Northeaster typhoon winds that blow at sea and even in our lives; the storms, the soft winds, You Father are equal to all - the Author of all, in  control of all.  God of the mighty thunder, my Savior God, my soul sings to Thee.  How great Thou art!  With You we do not ever have to be shipwrecked.  Thank-You!  In You we put our trust.  In Jesus' name we praise and pray and trust."

                                                     ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Acts 27 NIV/GoodNews

Sing, How Great Thou Art, along with the Gaither Music.

Book Review -The Red Canoe - By Wayne Johnson - Publication Date: 15 March 2022

 

At the outset of The Red Canoe by Wayne Johnson, there is a quotation, the sentiments of which cut to the quick more and more as I read this book of fiction that could very well reflect true-to-life incidents.  The quotation talks about the silenced who had not been heard nor did they have a voice.  Common grace righteous people, in my opinion, will speak up for these silenced and silent ones.  Buck was such a one to speak up even at personal cost.  Definitely, I'd say he's one of this book's heros.

In this narrative we have Lucy, a teenager, and her Dad, who is a cop.  Will leave it to future readers to figure out on which side of this human rights equation he stood.  Dirty cops and others that prey on young girls, especially those Native American girls, on or off the reservation, are seen targeted in a most despicable manner.

The reader will also meet Jean, Booker, Ryan and his Mom, and Naomi, each of varying ethnic backgrounds and roles in the story.  Add the  Red Canoe itself along with  Gyp the barometer cat.  The snowy winter ending will both chill and warm the heartstrings; at least it did mine.

Teenage readers will more than likely find this book spell-binding, heart-racing and hopefully, even inspiring towards championing  and whistle-blowing causes such as are revealed within the pages of this novel.  However, I would personally not restrict reader-ship to that age group.  I believe it's good for one and all to be informed and do whatever they can within their power to help the unjustly afflicted peoples perpetuated wrongly against by those in positions of power and influence.  I assume this could quite likely be what the author had in mind.

                                                    ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                   January 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Out of the Dark - By Mandisa - Publication Date: 15 March 2021

I'd say that Mandisa is first and foremost a great woman of faith in Jesus Christ and cherishes her relationship with Him.  This she articulates in her songs, several of which, are co-authored with others.  Her song lyrics have a very "Psalms" feel to them and have great potential for touching the heart in deep places.  

Being able to read the background from which Mandisa's songs spring, helps give a reality check for "getting real" with God and relationships with others, even for the listener, reader and singer of her songs.  I found this Out of the Dark author to be very honest and believe her testimony is exactly what many of us need to hear.  Those faltering in their faith because of trauma, health issues, or those struggling with mental health should all find Mandisa's memoir of great value.

I really appreciated that this singer-songwriter and book author has chosen to illustrate her thoughts with Bible stories and verses, assisting her readers to connect at premium meaningfulness as she drives her meaning home with greater impact, understanding and insight.

Being a person who prefers the more staid, traditonal music, this new-to-me, avenue of song took me by surprize.  As each song was introduced in the book, I went and listened to it.  Although some of the music was not my preferred genre, I did love "Good Morning" and " Bleed the Same".  In fact, this latter one really hits in the gut especially knowing the background of events that most of us would, not so long ago, have seen or heard of in the  news, if not experienced firsthand on the  street.  

No matter how dark our lives may get, Mandisa tells of her survival, and of the mercies of her Lord and Heavenly Father of compassion, which are new every morning.  Herein, lies hope.

At the end of each book chapter is a section called, "Get Real" where pertinent "think about it" questions are delineated for the reader to ask  his or herself.  Take action however and wherever necessary to bring yourself out of the dark with Jesus' help and with those He puts in your life community to be as "real" and whole as possible this side of Heaven.

                                              ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          December 2021

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

Read review on Goodreads. 

Lord's Day Devotion - God is BIGGER

 

'Seek' is a very interesting word for  me.  Think about it...children play the game 'hide-and-go-seek' and have great fun.  People set out with great endeavor to seek fame or their fortune.  The good Shepherd went to seek his 1/100 lost sheep, the woman sought her lost coin and the lost son went to seek his own independant agenda  squandering his inheritance only to realize what he sought he'd already had at home - his father's love and forgveness (Luke 15).

I like the internet dictionary.com definiton of 'seek'.  It explains, 

"seek - is to go in search of or quest of...truth, solution...or to convince a person of something". 

 A quest or to convince is what Isaiah is imploring the people of Judah to do.  He said, 

"Seek the LORD while He may be found..."  (Isaiah 55:6 NIV).

Like, do it now!  Now's the time.  Go on a quest to find the LORD - sounds like 'hide-and-go-seek' but the Lord was not hiding nor is He today either.  He was in plain sight and they were blind to it.  They had needed only to seek Him.

Last night my husband and I watched the historical movie called Against the Ice, which  is based on a true story about two Danish men,  and disproving the USA's claim to the northern part of Greenland.  Captain Ejanar Mikkelsen and Iver Iverson were depicted in this drama of the Artic expedition of 1909.  The Captain was on a quest seeking the evidence an explorer friend of his had left for the whoever would find it.  You see, the friend had been on a former quest and had not returned.  

These two others took up the baton to continue the quest.  They had been seeking to disprove the American's claim in an area of uninhabitable ice, snow, mountains and extremely harsh Artic conditions for their country of Denmark.  To them, or at least, to the Captain, it was  worth it despite the dangers and very likely likelihood that they too, may not return.  

There had been a recce earlier to this all out expedition and the Captain had found his friend  frozen in the ice clutching a map of where he'd put his evidence of claim, hidden in a stack of rocks.  The Captain now asked for a volunteer to accompany him on what, to most, would seem a foolhardy mission to find and retrieve this evidence.  Seasoned fellow Artic go-ers steadfastly declined.  

In the end, Iver  the mechanic, who wasn't even supposed to have been aboard the ship, but was tasked last minute to sail along with them due to the need of his mechanic's skills volunteered to go.  He was very inexperienced, clumsy and otherwise incompetant; throw in some cockiness and there you have quite a dubious mix.  I'm not sure if he actually volunteered as a lark, but I do believe he felt inklings of the seriousness especially since the seasoned Artic-going men would not volunteer.  Yet, Iver volunteered and the Captain hesitantly accepted his company on the quest.

Eventually they found the  pile of rocks after traversing a vast expanse of ice, snow and mountains for weeks and weeks, losing one mush dog after another, all for a few pieces of paper of proof of "I got here first!"  Iver murmured, "we came for a pile of rocks!"  He added, "...like walking from Rome to Russia, for  what?"   BUT...but for the Captain - it was everything.

Pause here cuz the quest wasn't yet over...they still had to make it back to base camp and ship before the seaway froze over, bringing the evidence of claim with them all the way back to civilisation.

By this time, there was very little tail wagging behind them, food supplies were at all time low, a polar bear had sniffed them out, there was only one mush dog left which soon expired most likely of exhaustion.  The Captain decided to build another pile of rocks and protect the evidence there.  They were still about 200 miles from camp and the needed to proceed on foot with the barest of essentials on their backs.  Who knew if they would reach camp or not!

Oh boy, were they ever glad to see the mast of their ship one fine day!  Oh, NO!!!  It was only the mast!  Whatever happened to the ship and shipmates?  The ship had been turned into a hut which they found stocked with about a year's worth of food.  The others had given up most of the hope of these two ever returning and had sailed home on a passing ship.

After resting up, the Captian determined to go back and recoup that evidence.  They did.  In the meantime, another ship had come and finding the shanty empty of people, left a note and sailed away.  Imagine the despair upon their return - hope deflated faster than a popped balloon.  They had fulfilled the purpose of their treks but what was the good of it now?

The Danish government was reluctant to send more men and ships in search of the dedicated men but one of the first lot of men pursued the issue and  somehow got another ship and crew of sailors to go to see what they could find.* At last, after about a two year hiatus, with the Captain and Iver about going out of their minds in despair, they were rescued.

The politicians, of course, took the credit upon themselves.  The point is though,  that the Captain was willing to go all out in seeking what was important to him, out of personal enthusiasm for such explorations and for patriotism, for his country and especially to honor the frozen friend who'd gone before him.

Do we seek the Lord Jesus who went all out for us to seek us, the lost (Luke 19:10)?  Maybe it doesn't make  much sense to us, like the whole Artic quest didn't make  much sense to Iver.  God is BIGGER than us.  

"His thoughts are not [our]  thoughts, neither are [our] thoughts His; [so] declares the LORD" wrote Isaiah (55:8).

Jesus came from Heaven to Earth in search of souls to reconcile back to God.  It was DANGEROUS!  None of His friends wanted to go the last mile with Him - they all forsook Him and fled (Matthew 26:56/Mark 14:50)!  Ah-h-h, we human beings:  you, yes, you and me, we were that "pearl of great price" for whom Jesus was willing to go all out for (Matthew 13:45-46).  

He was buried under the rock of the tomb.  Praise the Lord, He didn't stay there.  He came forth triumphant - the stone rolled away - He'd conquered sin and death and claimed us back from Satan's kingdom for the Kingdom of God, in and through faith in Christ!  What an amazing God we have!  We may not always understand His why's and wherefore's but praise God, He is BIGGER than our thoughts!  He's got it under control; we'll survive.

God did acknowledge Jesus' quest too.  In Acts we read a couple of times of folks being 'added to the church".  He is still adding many to His church pearl today.  Remember that!

Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, this Lord's Day, as we remember what Jesus has done for us and as we pass and partake of the bread and drink from the cup of wine, remember - we are precious in His sight.  Remember all He had to go through to secure us on His seeking and salvation expedition, to Earth.  He sought and found us even before we ever thought to seek Him.  Wise men and women still seek this wonderfully BIG God whose thoughts and ways are VASTLY & INFINITELY BIGGER than any of ours.  He accomplished what He desired and we can remember with satisfying joy!

                                                         ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Isaiah 55 especially verses 6, 8-9 NIV.

Sing,  Our God is an Awesome God  and From Greenlands Icy Mountains.

*Reference: Against the Ice

Hope of Resurrection

Do you find it so incredibly impossible that God raises people from the dead?  We do wonder, especially when weepily staring at a beloved loved one in the face and he or she happens to be laid out in a coffin, lifeless.  Oh our imagination may trick us into seeing the chest rise and fall because we so deeply and dearly wish to see a resurrection right there and then but these things mostly don't happen, no matter how much we pray or plead for it to happen.

Paul posed that question to his listeners as if it was a foregone conclusion that it could and does indeed happen though; implying, why were these hearers  finding it so unbelievably fantastical?  He asked,

"Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead" (Acts 26:8 NIV)?

Of course He does!  Don't you know!?

This audience needed only to review their history.  Abraham, their father whom the Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees alike, venerated, also believed in resurrection.  God had promised him that through Isaac, his seed would be reckoned (Genesis 21:12).  Hebrews 11:19 implicitly  tells us of Abraham's belief and thought that is exactly what he thought God would do for Isaac when  God had told him to sacrifice him.  Abraham was  willing to go through with it.

David,  in his Psalm (16:8-11), declared that God would not,

"abandon me to the grave..." (v 10)

and  that he would experience,

"eternal pleasures at   [God's] right hand" (v 11)

in God's presence.

Both Elijah and Elisha raised  a precious only son from the dead (1 Kings 17:17-23 and 2 Kings 4:30-37); one for the Zarephath woman  and the second instance, a Shuenamite widow.  Jesus Himself had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44).  At the  time, the  Jewish religious leaders couldn't refute what had happened and even conspired to kill Lazarus.  How wicked these hearts!  Maybe even some of them were now Paul's current accusers!

Paul raised Eutychus from the dead almost without blinking an eye or pause in his farewell speech (Acts 20:7-12).  If it wasn't such a serious matter and moment, it would almost be comical; although I don't know if Paul had a sense of humor or not.

With all this "in the face" evidence, about raising the dead, why was it so beyond belief that Jesus' resurrection was authentic or even possible?  If the members of the Sanhedrin "swallowed" this marvelous feat of God, and admitted to it, how blessed they would have been.  

Sadly,  politics and  positions of power prevented such possiblity for most of them; at least in their minds.  Yet, it did not change the fact of Jesus' resurrection one iota.  This galled these leaders.  Their own prophecies and history in regard to Jesus accused them and  made them furious.  They hit out at Paul, making him pay for it.

Paul was equal to it and continued to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ and all the hope of our future resurrection.  The seeds of this hope had been planted in Paul's heart on the road to Damascus and he couldn't stop telling it to one and all.

This was his theme he preached and proclaimed to the Pharisees and Saducees, and any and all within earshot, "Listen up," Paul was saying,

 "...the resurrection of Jesus was the beginning and the heart of the gospel" (SPM*).

The suffering Messiah and the resurrection of Jesus  Christ were inseparable phenomenon and therefore taught by the early church Christians*.  We do well to continue these themes in our life and times and not only at Easter.

This too, gives us the hope of seeing our beloved loved ones again in that much happier place and with our risen  Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in glory, in time to come.  When

"...we believe that Jesus died and  rose again and so we  believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him...For the Lord Himself will come...and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them...to meet the Lord...we will  be with the Lord forever" 

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV).

Isn't this encouraging?  We mourn but have the comfort of this hope of resurrection because Jesus rose from the dead and He's alive forevermore.

Praise the Lord.  Sing Hallelujah!

He's alive and I'm forgiven, heaven's gate is opened wide.  This gospel is Good News!

                                           ~ERC  November 2021~

Based on Acts 26:1-32 NIV/GoodNews.

Sing, How Great Thou Art...When Christ Shalt Come, wth George Beverly Shea.

Reference:

*SPM  A Study Guide to the Acts of the Apostles, Bible Knowledge; Goh Kim Guat; c2005; Issachar Sdn Bhd.

Convictions

 

History explains to us that the Greek Marcus Antonius Felix, the Roman procurator of the Judean Province (c. born 5-10AD), was in office from 52-60 AD.  He was married to the "stolen" wife Drusilla and was known to have reigned very cruelly and  operated from personal "lust, greed and expectations of grandeur".

Yes, this is the Felix before whom we see Paul appear to testify.  He actually called Paul multiple times in the hope of a handout bribe.  Nothing doing, from Paul.

Paul, not one to waste an opportunity, nailed it on the head with his "speeches".  Look at what he discoursed about with Felix in Acts 24:24-27, especially verse 25 (NIV).  He spoke about, 

"...faith in Christ Jesus...righteousness,  self-control and judgment to come".

Felix's reaction was fear and so he sent Paul away.  Conviction but not enough to face it head on.  He dismissed Paul when the cauldron of conscience got too hot.

History further records that this Felix was so brutal and corrupt that a contingent of Jews went to Rome with an indictment against him. There had been an exceptionally awful incident of massacre of Jews at his command.  This was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak.

Felix was remanded as a result.

Can you see Paul's bold topics were in direct counter to Felix's modus operandi?  It's a wonder he didn't have Paul struck automatically down.  Wikipedia claims Felix had Jonathan, one of the High Priest's at the time, killed.  Jonathan had criticised some of the things Felix had done, thus earning himself the death sentence at the hand of Felix.  This is what the contingent of Jews  had taken exception to.

Where is all this verbiage getting us?

Ha.  If we look at ourselves and ask if this faithful man of God, the apostle Paul, were to speak with us - what topics would  he  discern and forth rightly broach with us?  How much godly living would we need to notch up?  Can we surrender to the Lord our current way of life that is not so pleasing to Him, and so live a more godly life?

These are tough questions to blushingly, yet actively and sincerely, ask ourselves before other brothers or sisters-in-Christ need to "have a talk" with us.  We do need each  other to point out our blind spots.  I believe we all really want to be more Christ-like and this can happen when we rid ourselves of the "old" and put on the new.  After all, we followers of Jesus Christ have His Holy Spirit indwelling and are obligated to walk according to the Spirit's leading and convictions (Romans  8).  He gives us strength and dynamic power to do and be as we should when we accept His help.  He's the God of all grace as well as comfort.

Felix didn't accept but we still have a chance in the here and now.  Let's not let our negative history repeat itself.  Let's honor Heavenly Father God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, by the way we live.

                                                   ~ERC  November 2021~

Based on Acts 24:24-27 NIV/Good News.

Ref:  Wikipedia (click on link above).

Ref:  SPM study Guide to The ACTS of the Spostles Bible Knowledge; Goh Kim Guat; c2005; Issachar Sdn. Bhd.

Book Review - D. N. A. of Communion - 75 Day Devotional - By S. Sylvi Anderson - Publication Date: 30 November 2022

Most followers of Jesus Christ will have  'taken communion' as  some  people term it.  Others call it 'the Breaking of Bread' or 'the Remembrance'.  This service is  to recall to our minds weekly or as often as we can, what  Jesus Christ has suffered in gaining salvation for us.  Yet, at times, we are oblivious to what all is involved in what Jesus has accomplished for us.  Just what are we remembering?

This 75 Day Devotional unpacks different aspects and according to the author, leads the reader into greater understanding of the believer's "Divine and Natural Authority" in Christ.  Each day is set  up with focus verses  for both the bread and cup of wine, followed by a short devotion and prayer, or prayer starter.  The author, I feel, has captured the essence  of what  we Christians can and do experience in the spiritual realms of our Jesus life.  May each of of us who read this book come closer to Christ through these writings. 

                                              ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                March 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent to me by pam@moonlightreader.com and Author Assistant, Aurora Publicity.  I in no way gain from this review except to learn more of Christ, spiritually.

D.N.A = Divine & Natural Authority

Read review on Goodreads.

Jehovah Shammah - Our Friend

 

The God of all comfort is the One to know and to have on your side.  It's the blessed person who the Lord stands by.  For instance, like the apostle  Paul.  The Lord stood by him and said,

"Don't be afraid.."  (Acts 21:11 GoodNews).

Paul had been arrested and  placed in the Roman fort for safe keeping.  There was a death threat on his head.  Fellow Jews wanted his  blood, in earnest.  Here he was, incarcerated for his faithfully proclaiming the message of Jesus and God's grace but perhaps now somewhat depressed, lonely and feeling set aside.

This we can only surmise.  God in His great love and  compassion for His treasure Paul, comes and "stands by Paul".  Friends.  He encourages Paul.  Like saying, this is not the end of the road,

"Don't be afraid!  You have given your witness for Me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome" (Acts 23:11 GoodNews).

God gives Paul comfort and courage.  He also validated Paul's faithfulness in  his testifying in Jerusalem, praising His son and friend Paul and giving him the stamp of His approval.  God, Friend of Paul, gives him a further word of encouragement, and mission - testifying in Rome.  God knew Paul's heart, and Paul knew God's; it was what they each wanted most to do.

This was much more than a patronizing pat on the back!  This was compassionate comfort and continuance of God's approval of Paul, Paul's faithfulness and support for further ministry.

Do you know, this was not the first time God appeared to Paul.  In Acts 18:8 & 9, God gave Paul a vision of the Lord and also said those words, "don't be afraid..."  He assured Paul that He was with him,  he  would not be harmed and that there was  still much work for Paul to do in that particular city.  Paul then stayed for 1 1/2 years, 

"teaching the people the word of God."

God was still on his side; never leaving nor forsaking despite what the current circumstances may have appeared to be.  God gave Paul rest of heart, mind and strength.  He could carry on in the comfort of this knowledge.

May this same God of all comfort be with each one of us; allow Him to be by your side, in your life.  I believe that God stands by us throughout our good times and also through the uncertainties and difficult times of our lives.  Let us all be encouraged in the Lord.  He knows.  He loves.  He cares.  He comforts.  He's there with you, with us, because He is our 'Jehovah Shammah'*.

                                                   ~ERC  November 2021~

Based on Acts 23:11 NIV/GoodNews.

Sing, I've a Friend in Jesus, along with Acapeldridge.

*Jehovah Shammah = God  is there (here).