Lord's Day Devotion - Sincerity and Gladness

 

It's Lord's Day ... a day many of us Christians think of going to church, gathering together to remember our Savior Jesus' death - His saving grace and mercy on our behalf.  Yet some are reluctant to gather.

Therefore when I read Acts 2:45 and 46 this morning where the early believers,

"Continued to meet in the temple courts,"

- their place of prayer and worship - and also,

"broke bread in their homes and ate together"

This was not necessarily a daily holy communion service but more of a daily provision, especially good for the widows, poor and needy and not for gossip.   It got me thinking, what is my feeling about this?  You see, look at the accompanying adjectives ... they came together, and this...

"...with glad and sincere hearts".

My next thought was, uh-oh, I'm NOT always glad especially when others irritate me by things said or done or by lack of punctuality, among other annoyances.  Then I think, humph, I should have stayed in the isolation of my own living room cocoon, like during all the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Of course, I know that's wrong thinking...

Gladness, joy and sincerity should rather be the order of the day.  Do I truly love my brothers and sisters-in-Christ?  The question is rhetorical.  Answer for yourself.

Next, the words of Psalm 122:1 popped into my mind,

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD"

"Rejoiced"  with me, right alongside of, "sincerity".  

Brothers and  sisters-in-Christ let us not neglect meeting together with each other (Hebrews 10:25) and in the attitude of gladness, joy, rejoicing in the Lord Jesus and His work of salvation for us.  Make Jesus our own personal center and focus as well as of meeting together.  Let us all meet together and in sincerity and truth as we pass the emblems of the broken bread and cup of wine, one to another.  Let us joy in our God and sing of His love with our feet "standing together" in unity of Spirit in the bond of peace" (Psalm 122:2; Ephesians 4:3), not forgetting the needy either.

Let us be eager to be together to sing praise to the One who died for us.

Amen, so be it!

                                                       ~ERC  April 2022~

Based on Acts 2:45-46; Psalm 122:1-2 NIV.

Sing, Jesus Be the Center, along with Michael Frye and Katherine Scott.

Some questions to think about:

1. Do we need to sell all our possessions and give to the needy?

2. How do we feel about the needy among us?  Will we still stand together with them in joy and gladness without resentment or condescension?

3.  Is there unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace testimony notable enough to have the Lord add daily to our number; more importantly, to the church, His body?

God is Bigger

 Everything seems to have been stolen, broken or lost ... how can this situation ever be favorably changed? It all seems so hopeless and at some point we despondantly say, "I don't think so, none of it can change," and so spiraling ourselves deeper into despair, brokeness and even anger at God.

That is figuring without God in the equation.  Our Redeemer lives and in His good timing and manner, whether here on earth or in Heaven above, we will see God and find hope.  That is my belief, that thread I need to keep hanging tightly on to because, yes, we often do find ourselves sorely tempted into giving it all up.

We'll be able to declare though, as Job of old did, 

"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away, may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).

Job knew misery.  He knew the depths of it.  Possessions all gone.  His children, oh cry, no, heart-rendingly  SOB! - his children, all dead - not just one of them but all in one fell tragedy!  Then his health went down the drain.  Top all that off with those three comforter friends bombarding him with, "You MUST have a secret sin hiding somewhere in those bones of yours, Jobbie, our friend!  Why else would God bring this devastation upon you?!  Huh?  Huh?  THINK ABOUT IT, Job!"

Job yearned for God's answer to his "Why?" but he would NOT curse God.  However, in his rebuttals to his friends he forgot a big important point, which his fourth friend Elihu, eventually pointed out, "God is BIGGER."  Then God Himself swooped in, in His good timing, backing up what Elihu had said.

"I'm BIGGER than you, Job"  Job humbly and somewhat ashamedly acknowledged this and repented.

"God's thoughts are not our thoughts," my friends and readers, His ways are past finding out.  This is where our faith needs to kick in to  say, "Yes, Lord.  I know that even though there's all this awfulness in my life (and/or the world) - You are doing it for my good.  You have my best interests at heart.  I believe You will redeem this situation in Your good time and manner.  So be it, Father.  I'll trust You!"  Courageously brave words of faith.

Taste and see that the Lord is good, NOT bitter.  Let's praise the name of the Lord our God together.  Ask ourselves, "Will I trust my Lord and God and His greatness despite all my terrible troubles and praise my Redeemer instead?"

It's okay to pray for resolution of our situation but see what He wants to teach us through it all. Yearn for God, realize He is bigger, grow our relationship with Him through Jesus and let our faith and trust kick in and praise Him.

So be it.

                                                     ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Job 19:25-26; 27:5,6 (NIV).

Sing, O Praise the Name, along with Hillsong.

Convinced

 

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...  

                                              (Romans 8:1 NIV).

Are we convinced of this?

Paul said that in his mind he was a slave to God's law (to do what's right and live a Christ-like life), but that in his sinful nature, he was a slave to the "law of sin" (Romans 7:24).  He felt wretched about it but then...

Well, he burst into Romans 8  with "therefore" and "no condemnation for those who are in Christ".  He goes on to expound on that ending with the absolutely resolute convincing belief that nothing - absolutely nothing - can separate those "in Christ" from the love of God!

This is an absolutely beautiful message!

We followers of Jesus Christ do fail, and at times, big time.  The aftermath is often shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness and that the Lord could never forgive us for such a terrible sin.  Heaped condemnation after condemnation upon our own heads.  ... BUT ...

"There is now NO condemnation..." [emphasis mine]

...be convinced of this!  God is not a fair-weather Friend!

Oh yes, the Holy Spirit convicts us we've done wrong but 1 John 1:9 gives us what we need to do to heal the breach.  Humbly and sincerely confess our sin, Jesus our mediator,

"is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness"

Move from condemnation to confession to cleansing to the state of convictedly convinced that when 'in Christ', nothing can separate us from the love of God - not even our own selves.  

Afterall, it's God who speaks the word!

Believe it!

                                                 ~ ERC  March 2022 ~

Based on Romans 8.

Sing, No Condemantion, along with Anthony Evans.

and LFH #289, "No Condemnation!" Precious word!

Holy Spirit Assurance

 

Through Jesus, we who believe, accepting salvation, become adopted into God's family and are called children of God.  In Jesus, we have our co-heir inheritance to be in God's presence forevermore because we got God.  The Holy Spirit came and indwelt us and gives us ongoing assurance that we belong to God, that there's no more condemnation, which can override our doubts and fears that maybe something will separated us from Christ and Abba Father, and His love.  Holy Spirit speaks to us to assure us NOTHING can separate us!  How comforting  that is!  We are held fast in Abba Father's hand and in Jesus our Friend and Brother's hand.

Praise the One who died for you!

Oh Abba Father, thank-You for making us more then conquerors through Jesus and for Your love that never dies, is unfailing and and is our impenetrable link to You, so that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from You love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, no matter how hard elements may try.

May Your Holy Spirit ever remind us of this and keep us steadfastly at peace as we live our lives for Your glory and honor, especially when doubts assail our minds.  May the knowledge of your love and presence, Abba Father, fill and flood our minds and hearts instead.  We praise You and give You our grateful thanks.

In Jesus name we praise and pray and have our assurance.

                                                   ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Romans 8.

Sing, In All  Things More Than Conquerors. along with Steven Curtis Chapman.

and Behold our God, along with Sounds Like Reign.

Who Paid?

 

Who paid the adoption fees?  We were orphans because we sinned and became separated from God.  We were condemned children with a death sentence hanging over our heads. So who paid for reconciliation and the new status of "no condemnation," and who paid for the adoption to become children of God?

Christ Jesus did.  Now we are free from "the law of sin and death" (v2).  God sent His own Son to take that death sentence upon  Himself.  He absolved us from all sin and guilt.  He paid our adoption fees.

I do not know first hand about the process of adoption but I gather that there is a survey of the life and status of the hopeful potential adoptive parents-to-be; many forms to fill and waiting periods of time, and fees to pay.  Their 'pregnancy' time.  The baby or child didn't have to do a thing.

The work of Jesus upon the cross, His burial and resurrection are the basis for our adoption.  We sinners didn't have to do a thing.  Oh, well, the only thing  we had to do is accept salvation by faith through Jesus Christ, and walk into the arms of our Heavenly Abba Father.  Our orphan status became adopted status and now we  can live as  sons and daughter of God and according to the Spirit in all facets of being in the family of God.  We belong.

Praise the Lord, there is no more shame or condemnation.  No more!  

Abba Father Thank-You for Your forgiveness, reconciliation, through redemption in Jesus Christ.  Thank-You there is no more guilt or condemnation or shame.  Thank-You for paying the full price of our salvation and adoption through Christ Jesus.  In Jesus name, Amen.

                                                       ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Romans 8, especially verses 1-4 (NIV).

Sing, No Condemnation, with Anthony Evans.

Saved, Sealed and Sure

 Many people often feel like they are "not good enough".  They have low self-esteem.  What would God want with them?  Would He really adopt me?  The answers are written there as plain as day in Romans chapter 8 in rhetorical thought, that of course, it's all true - He would!!

If Jesus is raised from the dead - and I fully believe He has been and is alive and interceding for us, that then of course, we are "good enough" to be adopted into His family.  This does not depend on us but on HIM!  Our identity and dignity and acceptance is all there when we believe and accept the risen Jesus as our Savior.  That immediately instant second - in less than a blink of the eye timing - we are adopted into His family because God made us "good enough" through Jesus' work on the cross (Romans 8:14-16).

If you have been adopted into God's family through salvation in the living Savior Jesus, then you now have an inheritance.  What is that inheritance?  Would it not be Heaven?  Yes, and everlasting life in Heaven and more.  It is imperishable (1 Peter 1:4).  It won't be snatched away from us nor will it deteriorate in time.  It's a lasting inheritance in all its brilliance, luster and shine - glory, actually.  It lasts forever (Romans 8:17).

There's another 'if' and it is, if you have an inheritance in  our living Christ, then you have assurance.  We have assurance that we are forever God's children.  The assurance is that this inheritance can never be taken away despite wrong things we may do (although we may become unhappy).  We have the assurance that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in our life on earth.  We just need to follow His leading and be sensitive and attuned to this leading.  We can be sure we are saved by the blodod of Jesus Christ; that He was buried but rose again on the third day.  He's alive!  We are saved by Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit; saved and sealed until we reach Heaven - our inheritance, the adoption, complete.  We will be with Him and in His presence - forever (Romans 8:28-29).

No more condemnation.  Our relationship with God is sure through our identity we have in Christ.  We are more than good enough because He has made us so.  We can be saved, sealed and surely secure of it.  No more 'if's' about it.

O blessed Savior, Jesus, thank-You!

                                                       ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Romans 8 (NIV).

Sing, Who Am I...Casting Crowns and In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found), Celtic Worship ft Stephan Macloed.

In the Spirit

 

Oh, now it makes more sense!  If you'd like to sort out Romans 8 a bit, make a list.  Under one heading write all the "in the flesh" characteristics and descriptions and the other side  of the table use the heading "in the Spirit (in Christ)".  Wow!  See what we have - in Christ.

When you are done, reread.  Then you will be able to praise and thank the Lord all over again.  No condemnation.  Sonship.  Heirs and  co-hears.  Saved.  Righteousness through Christ and His Holy Spirit.  Hope.  Life.  Peace.  Governed by the Spirit when we follow His guiding.  Realm of the Spirit.  Belong to Christ.  Obligation to live by the Spirit.

It works out to an amazing list.  Say each  one aloud.  After each one, thank your Abba Father in Jesus' Name.  Think of what each one means.  For example, NO condemnation.  We are no longer condemned to death in hell for eternity.  We are good enough for God because He has made us so in Christ!  We do not have to serve any life sentence in Hell's torment of everlasting death.  NO!  We have  everlasting life and peace and joy!  Satan cannot use our sin against us in messing with our minds because we now have the mind of Christ through His Spirit - when we listen.  We do not need to live as if we are still in the flesh with the law that makes it weak.  NO!  Our strength comes through the  Spirit in Christ.

Isn't this a marvelous way to live!  It is certainly life!  Let's fix our saved minds on the things of Christ and live by the Spirit who has our backs and works for our good, interceding for all God's people.  Put your heart into it.

Give a huge thanksgiving and praise to the Lord our Redeemer, Savior, Friend, and to our Abba Father.  All glory be to Him in Jesus' Name through the Holy Spirit as we live day to day until we hear  the shout of Jesus' coming on the clouds to complete our full adoption and sonship by the redemption of our bodies.  Until then, wait patiently and according to the Holy Spirit.  Keep in step.

Praise the Lord!

                                                     ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Romans 8 (NIV).

Lord's Day Devotion - Transgressions Covered

 

Heavenly Father, You are our Redeemer God and we will sing joyfully to You, our LORD, for Your righteousness.  We will rejoice and be glad and sing with upright hearts because of our salvation You have given through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are blessed because through Jesus' death and resurrection our transgressions, sins, iniquities - all these - are covered by the blood of the Lamb who was slain  for us.  Now You do not count our sins and mistakes against us.  May our spirits indeed, have no more deceit.

Your words, Father, are true and right.  You are faithful in all You do.  Thank-You for filling all the world in general, and each one on Your children in particular, with Your unfailing love.

Blessings and praises to You, Father and to Jesus Your Son and our Savior.  We give You thanks and praise You in the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice for us.  As we pass and partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine, may our hearts be full of gratefulness for all You have done for us in redeeming  our souls and bringing us back to You in full reconciliation and communion by His death and resurrection and through our faith in Him.  Jesus is alive and we are forgiven!

In Jesus-Redeemer's name we give our heartfelt thanks.

                                                    ~ERC  April 2022~

Based on Psalm 32:1-2; 33:1-5 (NIV).

Sing, In  Christ Alone, along  with Keith & Kristyn Getty.

Godly Leader

 

If followers are supposed to follow the leader, what type of leader is good to follow?  Godly ones, for  starters.  Godly leaders who read the Word of God and obey it.  Then they can teach it and inspire others to do so too, cuz then they've got clout.  This type of leader will  inspire others to do God's will and work in serving Him and the body of Christ.

This brings us to a second point, that not only will the followers be inspired to God's work but to work together in unity with the followers, and to the aid of one another.  We are not entities-in-Christ unto ourselves.  No, the Lord wants us bound together in unity by the Holy Spirit of God and in peace.

For example, if the Sunday School is short-handed in teachers, or song leaders or extra hands-on for handicraft day, other brothers and sisters from other areas of service within the church can supply the shortfall - willingly and in cheerfulness.  This, because they see all efforts and purposes are for the futherance of God's Kingdom and for His glory.

So they all work together under various stresses, even through attacks of the enemy to derail the work of the Lord.  They are one big team who will work and defend simultaneously just like the returned exiles from Babylon did.  We see this in the book of Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4 while they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  Totally amazing!!

Charity suffers long and is kind and good godly leadership inspires followers to it.  If there are factions within the congregation depending upon the amount of money and possessions one has, then watch out.  See how your leadership quashes this.

In the book of Acts all the  believers sold their possessions and gave to those who  had need.  Now   I'm not instigating everyone to rush out and do the same.  Instead, I believe a godly leader will teach followers to ponder what each one has, ponder who does not have  but needs, and then ponder how best to help share the necessary.

Another aspect would be to  ponder upon, would be one's attitude towards those who have less than themselves; is it a long-suffering kind, and an I'm not superior-to-you bearing?  The book of James has something to say about this thread of thought.  We read about it in James 2:1-12.  Read it.  Remember we are not yet judges.  We need to "love our neighbor as ourselves (vs 8).  Also remember, "mercy triumphs over judgment" (vs 12).  If both followers and leaders have faith in the Lord they will show aboundant charity one to another with tender hearts without prejudice.

Nehemiah was  just such a godly leasder who righted this wrong (Nehemiah 5).  Some of the more well-to-do were  charging  usury and the poorer ones became poorer.  Israelites were not even supposed to be charging interest to their fellow-Israelite.  Others were making  slaves of others in order for debts to be  paid.  Nehemiah sorted all that out.  His righteous anger led him to ponder and  tell them what was the right thing to do.  He started with the leaders.  Leading has to come from leaders, right?  Of course, right!

In all of this, Nehemiah himself showed  the way.  As governor, he had  the right to a sum or allotment of food but he chose to use his own funds because he saw the people were burdened with making ends meet for their families.  He did not want to over tax them.  They all knew it too.  Here again  is Nehemiah the leader's credibility at play so the people listened (Nehemiah 5:15-18).

By the time we reach chapter 8 of Nehemiah we see Nehemiah the godly leader had stirred up the hearts of the people.  With the teaching and reading of the Word by Ezra (Nehemiah's comtemporary), he inspirted, corrected, taught some more, especially by is own example, to being built up and more mature and in establishing worship - not of idols - but of the one true God.

The Temple and the wall completed (in a miraculous 52 days), corrected behavior, now leads to willing, godly worship and we find the people worshiping together, with their faces bowed to the ground  (Nehemiah 8:6) and with great joy, they celebrate (8:12).  All this according to the reading of the Law by Ezra  and his reputable teaching and example, coupled with Nehemiah's.  

Isn't  it a wonder!

Pray, pray, pray for such godly leaders whose faith and good examples we can follow because they are following the teaching of God's Word.  Maybe, you are one such leader.  Go forth in faith knowing that the hand of your God is upon you to do good and godly work for Him.  

Followers, follow well.  Our purpose is to encourage one  another in our most holy faith and work as a team along side our leaders.  God has called and sent to us to walk in His ways and to bring others to saving faith and to the obedience of a truly godly life that worships the One who died for us.  He is our most Supreme and Perfect Leader of all.  Follow in those footsteps and thank Him.  

                                                     ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Nehemiah 3, 4, 5, 8.

Inspired by Stephen Armstrong's series Restoring God's People - Talk 7 - Nehemiah's Mission; Verse by Verse Ministry.

The Short-Handed Church

 

The church was short-handed, not because there were no members but because the members did not put their backs nor lend their hands to the work of God.  The leaders were on the brink of burnout.  You may ask, "Hmm, is this truly the work of God then?"

It's possible and that's the easy way out question.  The better question to ask is, why aren't the followers following the leaders because this is the work God has called (them/us) to do?  It's not for the leaders only but the whole congregation to be in sync, running along like an analog clock's clockwork mechanism, gears meshing and operating smoothly!

The leaders had purpose.  The purpose to serve the Lord to build up its members (and themselves) in their most holy faith and to bring others to faith in Jesus Christ.  So why, why, why aren't the followers following the leaders who are valiantly bursting their buttons til they're blue in the face?  It is God's work, afterall and we all know what needs to be done, and if we don't there's no excuse to remain in that state.  Members have tongues in their heads, phones in their hands and other means of communication, so should use them.

Where's the support group for these leaders?

Nehemiah was sent to rebuild the wall  of Jerusalem.  It was God's work and Nehemiah had gotten the call from God to do so.  It was God's purpose and became Nehemiah's and Nehemiah made it his business to get the task done.  He knew what needed to be done and presented it to those in Jerusalem already to take up the task.

They did with right good will.  They all pitched in and the wall was completed in 52 days despite opposition to the good work of God.

People of God, God's work is not given to leaders to do the work alone!  Leaders don't just need our financial support and pats on the back.  They need the followers to roll up their sleeves right along side and set to willingly, joyfully, to get the work of the Lord done.

Of course, maybe we should say fellow-workers and not followers!  Maybe we should say that.  Maybe it would make a difference.

It is not that we blindly follow and support the earthly leaders that are raised up among us but first and foremost we must keep in mind that this is the LORD'S WORK!  If it is His work then why aren't we engaged in it together, dear fellow-workers!????

Keep this in mind as we roll up our sleeves and work together with leaders appointed by the Lord and the work will continue even when leaders fail.  Fix our eyes on the Lord and his Supreme Leadership and our earthly leaders will never be short-handed.  May the Lord's work and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Amen!

Praise the Lord!

                                                        ~ERC  March 2022~

Based on Nehemiah 2.

Inspired by Talk # 6, by Stephen Armstrong - Verse by Verse Ministry.  Restoing God's People.

Sing, Revive Thy Work, O Lord, along with Saved and Kept Magherafelt ree Presbyterian Church.

In the Shadow of His Wings

 Momma Hen urgently cluck-cluck-clucked to her chicks.  She'd seen smoke coming up from that bale of hay in the barn where Little Jimmy had sat not long before, smoking a cigarette butt end one of the farmhands had littered somewhere on the grounds.  She knew the boy smoking there was bad news but she didn't like to say anything.  He wasn't a kind lad so she tried to steer clear of him.

She wished now she had said something to Farmer Ben.  She once had heard him say that where there's smoke there's fire.  

Remembering that now she clucked all the more furiously, "cluck-cluck, cluck-cluck!"  Little chicks came running from all directions.  My, how proud she was of these cute fluffy balls.  She clucked harder in great alarm when she saw something red-orange flare up from there had only been smoke moments before.  She didn't care now if Little Jimmy called her chicken-hearted, she was determined to protect her chicks under her wings, come what may!

Her  wings spread-eagled, chicks came nestling.  There should be a dozen in all.  She counted and named as she continued to cluck.  "Cluck-cluck, Suzy, Clara, Dixie Chick, cluck-cluck, Darby, Peppy, Rudy, cluck-cluck, Ruby, Henrietta, Chicken  Little (the  runt), Beaketta, cluck-cluck, Clucker, oh where was Pom-Pom!?  She's always got a mind of her own!"  More loudly, frantically, Momma Hen clucked.  Finally, she saw Pom-Pom shivering under her cow friend, Blossom.  Blossom mooed at Pom-Pom, "Go, go, girl; go to your Momma, NOW!  Moooo-ve it!"

Pom-Pom dashed to Momma Hen.  Momma Hen enclosed her with the others already under the shadow-care and protection of her wings.  Huddled together, they waited it out for the  worse.

The worst came.  

In the aftermath, Farmer Ben was beside himself, tears streaming from his eyes - not so much at his financial loss but at the pain his faithful beasts had suffered.  Yes, he'd managed to get a good number of them out of the barn but Momma Hen, no.  He couldn't find her at the time.  He searched and searched now in the rubble, finally finding her.

Carefully, tenderly, he tried to lift her frame even knowing that she was no longer alive.  Oh, out ran, one, two, five, eight, 10, 11, oh, praise be, all 12 of her chicks! Unharmed!  Farmer Ben didn't know whether to laugh or cry some more.  He did  declare that Momma Hen  was going to have a right proper burial though and have a plaque in her honor in his new barn's wall of fame.  She had sacrificed herself for the saving of her brood for under the shadow of her wings they'd been kept alive and well.

This is exactly what Preacher Tom had been preaching about last Sunday, Ben mused.  He'd said something about being under the shadow of God's wings until disaster was passed.  Now he understood the analogy.

Jesus died for mankind's sake, for Farmer Ben's sake, more specifically.  The bood of Jesus could clean all his sin away, not that he was a bad guy or anything, but Preacher had said we all had sinned cuz the bible says so.  We just had to repent of it and ask Jesus to cleanse us.  Jesus would forgive us and be our Savior, similarly  like how Momma Hen had been for her chicks.  We'd be right with God, like being under His wings' shadow of care and protection from Hell's fire at the end of the ages of time.

Still holding Momma Hen's remains in his hands, Farmer Ben knelt down and prayed aloud.

"Lord Jesus, I'm so sorry I've held out on You all these years.  Have mercy on me, for in You I want to take refuge, under the shadow of Your wings, just like Momma Hen's chicks did with her.  I admit I'm  a sinner and need Your salvation through Your cleansing blood.  I repent and turn away from my sin of unbelief and all the other sins too.  Wash me, clean me with Your precious blood.  Forgive me.  In You I put my hope and confidence.  Thank-You Jesus.  In Your name I ask."

Farmer Ben got up from his knees, turned and saw that Little Jimmy was standing quietly in his shadow looking scared and sorry, which was something new.  "Daddy," Little Jimmy swallowed hard, "Daddy, I have to tell you something."  Little Jimmy spoke with such a soft whisper Daddy could hardly hear.  "Yes, son, what is it?"

"I think I started the fire.  You always tell me to be careful in the barn but I was doing something else you told me never to do, so was hiding out in there.  I found a cigarette butt and was smoking it in the barn."  Little Jimmy hung his head in shame and fear.  Daddy wasn't sure yet if it was in repentance though.

Daddy knelt down again to Jimmy's eye-level and hugged Jimmy.  "That was brave of you to tell me, Jimmy.  I hope you are truly sorry.  There are huge consequences to our sins.  You see the whole barn is gone and many of the animals have suffered and died.  See, even Momma Hen."  Daddy was crying again over it all but mostly now because Little Jimmy had had the courage to confess.

"Jimmy, whenever we do wrong, there are consequences, do you understand?"  Farmer Ben asked his son.

"Yes, D-d-daddy," Little Jimmy said with quivering lips and stammaring tongue.

"Look Jimmy, did you know I have done wrong?  I have sinned?  I needed to repent.  That means to stop doing my wrong and turn from it to do what's right.  I kept telling God, no, I don't want to accept Jesus.  He just gave me the hard lesson of Momma Hen.  She protected her chicks from the fire.  Little Jimmy, there's a worse fire coming.  Do you know it?"

"Yes, Daddy, Teacher Pamela told me about Hell fire in Sunday School," Little Jimmy replied.

"Well, Jimmy, if we admit to Jesus we have done wrong and have sinned and are sinners and ask Jesus to wash our sins away with His blood from when He died on the cross, this is repenting.  Jesus will forgive and do it.  He gives new life - I know it.  That's what I was doing just now when you came.  It's like being under the shadow of God's wings - just like the chicks were under Momma Hen's and were safe.  Would you like to ask Jesus for His forgiveness and salvation too, Little Jimmy?"

"Yes, daddy, I think that's a good idea."

Father and son knelt and prayed amidst the soot and charred barn debris.  Pom-Pom hopped onto Jimmy's lap, and cheep-cheeped at him while he prayed and made him smile.  Two new repentant souls were being rejoiced over in Heaven (Luke 15:7,10).  

When they got up from their knees,  they too, rejoiced.  "Come Jimmy, we need  to bury what's left of Momma Hen and then round up the chicks to a place of safety.  Jimmy, I'm going to put you in charge of her brood.  You will be Daddy Hen for them."

"Ok, Daddy," Little Jimmy grinned up at his Dad.  Daddy still had a very serious look on his face though.

"Little Jimmy, we need to have a very serious talk later.  The Lord has forgiven your sins, and I have forgiven you for causing the barn fire but our wrongs have consequences.  Jimmy, your Mother and I will talk it over and see what those will be.  Do you understand?  We are not trying to be mean but you will need to be disciplined so you will learn and be trained to do what is right even when tempted to do what's wrong.  You will have to build up our trust in you."

"You've already shown you can do right by confessing your part in the fire and confessing to the Lord all  your wrongs," Daddy explained.  "This is a good start in your training.  Like I said though, we will be talking more about it.  For now, grab a shovel that is useable for digging Momma Hen's grave."

So Momma Hen was buried.  A grave marker erected - a beacon reminder of that day when Farmer Ben and Little Jimmy got under the shadow of God's wings and transformation work was done and begun in their hearts and lives.

                                                   ~ERC  February 2022~

Based  on Psalm 57:1 and 71:5.

Book Review - Behind the Lights - By Helen Smallbone - Publication Date: 12 April 2022

 

The passion for Jesus and the fortitude to persevere despite hard times is so thrilling to see in this autobiographical memoir of the David and Helen Smallbone family.  How they all pulled together to support themselves, to present their daughter/sister Rebecca St. James on the many musical road show tours and later on for their sons/brothers Joel and Luke with their KING & COUNTRY musical tours, is so heartwarming.  From my perspective, the joy of life and respect of each family member and their respective abilities, talents and skills that this book portrays is such a testimony to God's grace actively living in each of them.  

Their story began when David and Helen met and married in Australia and each of the seven children were added to the family fold.  It moves on to when they lost everything, then moved to the USA to try the market there.  The narrative then sees the children grown to adulthood, mostly married, and with children of their own.  Although, I believe this memoir ends on a postitive note, this Smallbone couple's saga is not yet complete; there's more to do for Christ.  

However, the 'flavor' left behind in my mind after I'd finished reading this book of the family's struggles and triumphs and sat back to contemplate the overall feel is that their story has been an encouragement to me to live well for Christ as they have done.  Their integrity on and off the stage (in and behind the spotlights) is a miracle of God's grace coursing all those years through their spiritual veins and working mightily in their willing hearts that have been constantly attuned to Christ through the Holy Spirit.  This is truly something to emulate.  

I believe this refreshing testimony will bring much hope, joy and peace in Jesus even despite the many ups and downs, and disappointments life can bring, to any who may read it.  This has been a very satisfying read and I highly recommend this book to those who like to learn about and put into practice, Christian Living.

                                            ~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 Burden and Patience

 Being in a leadership position within the church does not necessarily mean that brother or sister-in-Christ is the best one for the job.  He or she may only be there becasue no-one else would do it.  This person was willing but may not have had the burden for leading God's people in that particular setting.

A 'burden' for such a calling will sustain the brother or sister through thick and thin; through times of discouragement when the followers  won't follow; or when one issue or another presents itself.  Was your burden from the Lord?  Tough question to ask yourself.

Nehemiah of the Old Testament had a burden for going to Jerusalem to rebuild that most important wall of protection and accountability.  It would be nigh impossible to get vacation time to go and do it though.  He was cupbearer to the king - a very important position and the king trusted and counted on Nehemiah doing that job to perfection.  Anyway, he was a cupbearer - what would he know about construction?

We've heard  the saying, "God helps those who help themselves" but Stephen Armstrong says that's all wrong.  It should say, "God helps those who cannot help themselves".

It was certainly the case for Nehemiah and he knew it  That's why he mourned, prayed and fasted.  He did so for four months - 120 days!  Such patience (Nehemiah 1:1-5)!

King Artexerxes noticed something though.  Nehemiah  looked sad in his presence and remarked, 

"Why does your face look so sad..." (Nehemiah 2:2)?

Nehemiah was terrified.  This was an offense worthy of death.  One was not supposed to be sad in the king's court.

All those months of patiently waiting for the Lord's timing though were not wasted.  Yet Nehemiah sends a quick SOS up to God before he answers the king and then speaks, likely with pounding heart.  He was prepared with his list of what he wanted and needed. His 4 month waiting period had been well spent.

"It pleased the king to send me..." said Nehemiah (2:6).

Phew!  What a relief!

The point is though, that God was raising up a leader for the returned exiles in Jerusalem.  A leader with a burden,  a leader who was patient in prayer.  Not one day sooner to jump the gun.  No, Nehemiah awaited God's timing and God must have supernaturally given King Artaxerxes the discernment to see Nehemiah's saddness. (Why  did it take four months?  Nehemiah must have kept himself cheerful all along in the King's presence but the burden was showing.)

God's word doesn't mention anything about Nehemiah's qualifications to wall  building.  No.  God wanted other things and we can see that He often used men and women that people in general, felt they were most unqualified for doing the task.  Think of the motley crew of disciples Jesus chose.  Many were uneducated fishermen who became apostles! Mary Magdalene became the first person to see and talk to the risen Savior and to bear the message, "Jesus is alive!" to the dsciples. The rough and ruddy David the shepherd boy became king over all Israel.  Murderer Moses led the chldren of Israel 40 years though a wilderness to the border of the Promised Land. 

No doubt you all can think of others who came into unexpected roles of leadership surprizing even themselves.  Perhaps you are one God has  raised  up, like Queen Esther, for "such a time as this".

Do you have a burden for some mission even though you may not feel qualified?  I don't think  Nehemiah expected he'd get to go but he wanted to go; he had the burden for it even though he likely hadn't built anything before.  He sought God's will about it.  Pray.  Pray.  Mourn and fast.  Wait patiently as did Nehemiah.  Expect the unexpected because "God helps those who cannot help themselves".

                                               ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Ezra 9; Nehemiah 1-2.

Inspired by Talk 5 - Burden of a Leader by Stephen Armstrong, Verse by Verse ministry - Restoring God's Word Series.

Sing, In His Time, along with the Maranatha singers.

Discipline Development Towards Restoration

 

What's the point of stuffing the refrigerator stock full of veggies and meat and then not cooking and eating any of it?  One would become rather unnecessarily faint and malnourished with hunger.

Similarly, when we stuff our minds full of God's Word from our personal reading, from years of Sunday School attendance, youth groups and church services but never obey the Word nor walk in the Lord's ways, our spiritual life will be rather weak to non-existant.

We may have come to Christ and go faithfully to worship the Lord and remember Jesus in His death through the Breaking of Bread and this is good, and should be.  However, if we have been long time Christians but are still only 'drinking milk' we should reassess our stiuation.  We should be able to teach the Word by this time.  If we're not, all we supposedly learned and know is going to 'rot in the  fridge' and we'll be milk  drinkers instead of meat eaters of God's Word.

Of course we can't just teach off the top of our heads.  We need to study the Word diligently and  put it into practice - obey it, live by it, be guided by it and through listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Ah - then we can truly grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ( 2 Peter 3:18).

Ezra of the Old Testatment is a wonderful example of this.  He was a... 

"...teacher well versed in the Law of Moses" (Exra 7:6 NIV).

  "Well versed!"  How did that happen? He must have made a studiously deliberate choice and, 

"He had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD..."     (Ezra 7:9-10 NIV).

Do you see that?  "Devoted himself...."  Then, "study," which takes time and effort.  Not only was he devoted and studious he "observed" what he had studied.  In other words, he obeyed it, putting it into practice.

Once Ezra had established his spiritual health and level of maturity, look what he was enabled to do, and did do.  He was also devoted,

"...to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel" (Exra 7:10 NIV).

Does this grab yer booties?  It grabbed King Artaxeres' attention and he was a pagan man!  God stirred his heart though to send Ezra the scribe back to Israel to teach the returned exiles these laws and decrees of their God!  This is truly remarkable!

Often, the unsaved know what the saved  should be doing better than the saved themselves.  Don't let the shame of it get you down or rebel, though.  No, apply your heart to what you "should be" doing and then do it.

Hebrews 5:12 has a warning injunction,

"In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again...."

Ezra had not been slack.  No.  He may have been in a foreign land and could have used that as an excuse to not do as he did.  However, he had studied, learned, and obeyed and was already teaching.  The King noted this and gave Ezra the responsibility to not only go and teach the Word of God but to set up governmental bodies such as magistrates and judges.  

What did they need those for?  To address those who did not follow the laws, that's why!  Of course, the people had to learn the law to know what and what not to do and that's where Ezra's job dovetailed.  Furthermore, Ezra was to use various means of punishment, even captial punishment if need be (see  Ezra 7:25-26 NIV).

It was indeed a very responsible position because he was faithful and obedient to God's word, in serving Him as well as the king (as a scribe who could read and write so may have been used in the palace offices, as suggested by Stephen Armstrong in his verse by verse talk, Talk 4 - Restoring God's Word).  He had found favor with God and man.

Let's get back to these steps of restoration to the Lord and our relationship with Him after having gone through a time of discipline. Worship shows we are restored, or it should if we are being genuine, and getting to know more about the Lord and His ways, and obeying them is a second step towards a fuller trust in that relationship dynamic.

When we go to church on Lord's Days, that is worship but what about the rest of the week?  A sustained interest, devotion and obedience to the Lord and His Word on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly bases for years and years of our lifetime will show we mean business and with our Lord and Savior Jesus, cherishing our relationship with Him.  Our Lord and King will be able to use us in His service in teaching others to move from milk to meat.

If we don't use it, we'll lost it.  Sad.  We can't let what we know rot in that skull of ours.  We need to take it out and use it.  Have heart engagement with Christ our King.  Accept and be well disciplined by our Lord and Savior and so give glory to God in a continued state of restoration.  

Use what you got!

                                                            ~ERC February 2022~

Based on Ezra 7; Hebrews 5:11-14.

Inspired by Verse by Verse Ministry, Restoring God's People series by Stephen Armstrong Talk 4 - Restoring God's Word.

Towards Restoration

 

In some gatherings of believers, sorry to say, discipline of errant members seems to be more judgment than discipline.  As we have been learning, judgment creates an end of relationship but discipline is to change for the better, to train and instruct towards the view of restoration for the good and betterment of the person under review.

Just think of your own current church setting or one you may have grown up in from childhood. How many, that you are aware of, were "naughty" (looking from a child's perspective) and were eventually never seen again because of the way the person under supposed discipline was treated so harshly or unjustly and maybe even due to a miscommunication of the said person's actions or speech thoughts.

The disciplined person was shunned beyond reconciliation.  Maybe the brother or sister truly did need the discipline but the manner in which it was given was way out of line - certainly NOT showing much brotherly love.  So the person was damned to Satan with no hope of restoration by the judges who were so-called caring brothers and sisters-in-Christ.  It could well be that they had forgotten to humbly remove the beam in their own eyes before processing the spec in someone elses (see Matthew 7:5).

The discipline our Heavenly Father meted out upon the House of Judah (Southern Kingdom - if you will) was severe.  Yes.  Agreed.  However, God saw restoration as His goal in those lives.  In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah we see the actions of restoration in action because His discipline of His people wrought repentance.

Those were volunteers, by-the-way.  King Cyrus of Persia did not demand or command that the Jews return to their homeland to rebuild the Temple in which to worship God.  No.  God  stirred their hearts to go once the king's heart had been stirred to release them.  They were eager to go despite the depressing and dangerous conditions they'd see and have to deal with upon arrival.

This was all part and parcel of the steps of reconciliation.  If the discipline - of all those 70 years, and hardships along the way - had not hurt in the correct places, restoration could not have been effected.  It would have been judgment and nothing much would have been accomplished by their exile.

What was the lesson the Jewish people were supposed to have learned?  Turn to 2 Chronicles 12:6-8 again.  Note especially, verse 8,

"...so they will learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands."

So the first batch of returnees went back to Jerusalem.  The first thing they made was the altar!  WOW!  Doesn't that just thrill your heart and shiver your timbers?!

"Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the law of Moses the man of God" (Ezra 3:2 NIV).

I just love that!

Their discipline by the hand of God, had done its  work.  Their exile time had  had a limit of  70 years and the goal was to move towards and affect restoration, in increments of trust building.  Seems this 'test' passed muster.

Oh, when we discipline our children, let's patiently keep the purpose in mind.  In our church settings, let us keep the discipline's best outcome of restoration in mind.  Be sure we are not vindictively and self-righteously raking anyone over the coals.  Let it be discipline towards restoration, not judgement to the destruction of our fellow brother or sister-in-Christ, nor of our own offspring.  No abusive victimizing should ever enter into the equation.

Remember how God our loving Heavenly Father metes out the proper corrective measures.  Follow His Supreme example to the best of our ability and plead with Him for wisdom to do as He did and does when we lack it (which is probably always).  

May His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Amen.

                                                    ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on Ezra 1 and 3.

Discipline Can Hurt

 

Children are wont to misbehaviour and disobedience.  Parents should therefore, be wont to discipline and correction.  Our Heavenly Father God is perfectly and steadfastly wont to the job in the lives of His willful children.  We can see this also in God's dealings with the Israelites time and again.  Through the wilderness wanderings and then in the Promised Land, God was with them; leading, guiding and correcting. 

Through the wilderness wanderings and then in the Promised Land, God was with them.  At times these children of Israel were obedient but at times they were not.  In fact, they eventually became increasingly disobedient and turned away from God who was with them and loved them and cared for them.  What was this heavenly Father to do with such wayward children?

Discipline.

The nation of Israel, after the reign of King Solomon split into two and became known as the house of Israel or the Northern Kingdom and the House of Judah, aka the Southern Kingdom.  This was because King Solomon had turned to other gods  instead of being steadfast with the one true God who was the God of Israel.

As the years went along, the Northern Kingdom was so corrupt and wicked, there seemed no remedy to be found for their restoration.  Another nation came and removed them from Israel and as we've learned earlier, were scattered and dispersed among the conquering empire.  To this day these people cannot be found; although there have been claims of various people groups to be some of the Lost Tribes.  This was actually NOT discipline but judgment. Restoration was not to be found.  Of course, in the end God will ferret the descendants out as we read in Scripture that the 12 apostles will reign over the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation  21:12; Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:30; James 1:1 and Ezra 6:17).  We see that God  still has these ones in His mind.

In the Southern Kingdom's case, they had the ups and downs of worshiping God with good kings interspersed with bad kings that led their hearts away from their Yahweh.  There was that slide though in the end despite the faithfulness of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah's constant proclaiming the warnings of coming punishment and the consequences for no repentance. The people continued in their  disobedience, rebellion and idolatry and the overwhelming injustices dished out to the poor, needy, widows and the fatherless.

God's discipline  came in stages.  First King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took away the king and nobles and some of the articles of the temple worship.  This echelon of those who could rule and keep the nation somewhat stable in order that the plebians could go about their daily routine and businesses and evil without much of a  care in the world.

Did this make those who remained in the land stop and take note as God had given opportunity?  As you read through Kings and Chronicles you'll see it didn't.  No repentance.

King Nebuchadnezzazar came again and removed another level - craftsmen and the  like.  Businesses and commerce ground to a halt.  Still, Father God looked for repentance from those who remained.  Notta chance.

The third and final time King Nebuchadnezzar swooped in, he killed all those false teachers and prophets who sat in the gates.  Then he took all the rest of the people except the poorest of the poor back to Babylon.  Would these people ever learn their lesson that serving God is better than any other supposed god?

These steps of discipline were meant to hurt to the point of waking the children up to their misdeeds.  The seventy years of  exile taught them this.  They learned.  Then they would be restored in their hearts, and to their Promised Land, to the rebuilding of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem out of the rubble and ruin to once again engage in true worship of their one true God.

It is helpful to see how God disciplines.  As parents we can see how to discipline our own children.  Steps of discipline as the 'heat' its turned up - not to  destroy our children but to discipline them towards obedience and other desirable behavior that pleases the Lord and subsequently, the parents.

When our offspring learn to obey us, the parents, they will learn to obey the Lord, His Word and the Holy Spirit's nudging more willingly from the heart.  They will learn that their actions have reactions or consequences whether for good or bad.

We cannot forget though to restore the relationship - also in stages as the trust is built up.  Privileges restored as obedience is evidenced.  The Lord, being the same yesterday and today and forever, deals with us His children in very similar fashion today.  May we be willing to live under the protection of His authority and will in our lives.  Draw near to God beause He is near to us.

Accept His discipline even when He may take what is dearest to us away for a time, such as a beloved, loved one, our business, money, job and so on.  Turn to Him, lean on Him and His Word.  Trust in Him come what may.

It is so very interesting to note that God restored Judah to their land and in Ezra 6:17 we note something of note.  Israel as the Northern Kingdom, because of their judgment for unrepentant hearts, did not get to come back.  However, we see that Ezra and the Southern Kingdom returnees offered sacrifices for all the 12 tribes when they dedicated the new house of God; 

"twelve male goats one for each of the tribes of Israel."  

Isn't that a wonder!?

I like it that  even James, in James 1:1 is thinking of these tribes - inclusive of all twelve.  They had not been forgotten all those years later.  James wrote his  missive to,

"... the twelve tribes scattered among the nations."

Somewhere, out there, may these words get out to those "lost" ones and turn and seek the Lord.

We may have a child who has wandered away from us as did the prodigal son.  Thankfully the prodigal son repented and humbly returned home.  However, we know that some sons or daughters have drifted away from us or maybe because of "tough love," parental discipline that had to ask the child to remove themselves from the home, which is exceedingly painful and  sorrowful enough but there is the heartache and break of those who refuse repentance, to return and have restoration.  We still pray and hope for this anyway.

God still knows where they are and has His eye on them.  He's the one who knows the depths of our hearts.  He's the one who can bring our children back to Him and us when the hearts are willing.  Pray for that because while there's life there's hope.  Only God knows, so I can't give 100% guarantee of a child's return but let us put our hope, trust and faith in our Heavenly Father, the One who cares for you and me and "the lost ones".

He wants restoration between Him and us, between parents and children; between leaders and church members and between husbands and wives and so many other relationships.  May God's discipline and the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in our lives bring forth what our Heavenly Father desires in the children.  May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.

                                                      ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on 2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Chrsonicles 36:11-21 and Stephen Armstrong's verse by verse talk on Restoring God's People series, Talk #2.

Judgment vs Discipline

 When one thinks of the distinction between  judgment and discipline in action, one would see that they look very much alike.  Oh, except for one major dissimilarity.

Judgment ends in destruction while discipline has purpose to teach  a lesson and bring restoration because the one, or ones, receiving the discipline have shown repentance and willingness to seek the Lord and learn from this training in  righteousness.

I have just learned this difference explained so well by listening to a verse by verse podcast with a speaker named Stephen  Armstrong.  This is a big revelation to me and I'm grateful to learn of it.

Recently, I read through the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah which show God's dealings with the House of Israel and of Judah - the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, respectively.  What each of these kingdoms suffered looked very similar.  Each of their cities was destroyed, the wall and temple in ruins while the people were taken away into captivity.

The Northern Kingdom folks were scattered among the nations and to this day cannot be found, yet the Southern Kingdom citizens were only in exile  for 70 years and then brought back to Jerusalem and had their kingdom, wall and temple restored.  

Why did God treat the two differently?

Ah,  the Southern Kingdom showed bursts of repentance throughout their history when they had kings that did right in the eyes of the LORD.  They also learned a valuable lesson from their captivity.  God still  had to give the punishment  for sin - sin always has its consequences - but He also brought about the restoration.  They had to learn the lesson and see the difference between serving the Lord and serving the kings of other lands (2  Chronicles 12:6-8).

This is a great lesson for  us too, whom are we serving?  Which king?  King Jesus or King Self?  Let us each examine our own lives and repent of what needs repentance.  Seek the Lord daily and make any necessary changes towards God honoring behavior and attitudes.  May the fruit of righteousness be evident in our lives and may peace reign in our lives, minds, and hearts.

                                                   ~ERC  February 2022~

Based on 1 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 12:1-8 (NIV) & podcast.

Book Review - The Unwanted Corpse - By Elizabeth Bailey - Publication Date: 6 April 2022

 

Having a corpse dumped at one's doorstep did not constitute an ordinary day even for the Fanshawes, oh, except perhaps, for Ottilia Fanshawe, otherwise known as Lady Fan.  She had thought she'd left the detective life behind though when she married Lord Francis Fanshaw and had Baby Luke.  However, she was very much mistaken.

When the corpse showed up and was addressed to Lady Fan, what could she do?!   She just had to know who the chap was, who had done him in and why.  Also, the curiosity of knowing who had dumped him there so unceremoniously.

Richenda Vexford definitely had a hand in it as did several young toffs who fluttered around Richenda.  What info they were privy too and who was lying, kerflummoxed and maxed out Lady Fan's detective skill to great challenge.  It was not an easy task to squeeze out the facts of the matter.  Thankfully, she had her husband Fan, mother-in-law Sybilla, and her niece Lizzy's sleuthing assistance.  Even the Mr. Maplewood pitched in to help.

What a romantic, or not, relationship between Lizzy and Maplewood, was it all above board?  The angst of it all pestered and persisted throughout the narrative, keeping the reader second guessing right along with Lizzy and Maplewood themselves.  

This story has a historical setting from a way back to 1794, so I detected some era culture to be imbued within the pages as whispered strokes in the way they addressed each other, the great use of horses and carriages even in "high speed" gallop chase which lend to the effect.  The feature which had the most impact was the health issue of the corpse (ahem, before he expired), which today, with the advancements of treatment in the medical field, would more than likely have not been  such a grave problem. and therefore smacks of the time and place in place.

I  did like the book as it was quite clean of objectionable-to-me conduct between couples and in fact portrayed much decorum.  This then, emphasised the aborted misconduct of Richenda when she was retrieved.  Some readers may have met Lady Fan before as this book is the eighth in the Lady Fan Mysteries series.

                                                ~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.