Sunday, June 26, 2022

Lord's Day Devotion - Oh What a Savior!


 The bad news is that

 "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."(Romans 3:23 NIV). 
 Furthermore, 

"...the wages of sin is death..."  (Romans 6:23 NIV).  

That's grim news.

Praise the Lord, that's not the end of the story.  The good news is,

 "...the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23 NIV).

Are you scratching your head and asking how we make that leap from death to eternal life, even when that life is a gift?

Remember...when we walk in God's light, 

"Jesus blood purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7 NIV).  

When we accepted this gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and His shed blood, our sins were forgiven and we were granted eternal life.

This is the Gift that keeps on giving.  For, 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV).

In this, 

"Every new day He does not fail..." (Zephaniah 3:5 NIV).

So we have had justification, sanctification and now access to progressive sanctification.  Our chains are gone, we 

"...have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life" (Romans 6:22 NIV).

We cannot thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ enough. 

 "In Him we live and move and have or being" (Acts 17:28 NIV).

Praise the Lord all you saints and children of God.  Let us gather together this Lord's Day to remember Jesus in His death and resurrection and this wonderful facet of our salvation He has accomplished for us.

Throughtfully partake of the broken bread and pass it to one another.  Then, give thanks for the cup of wine symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ which He shed to wash away our sins.

Oh what a Savior that He died for me!  Oh what a Savior that He died for you!  Oh what a Savior that He died for the "whosoever" (John 3:16).

Praise Him!  Praise Him all you blood-bought saints of God!  You have been redeemed.  Our sins are washed away, purified and forgiven.  You have everlasting life!

Commit now to a life of service and worship to the One who died for you.  Submit to Him and transmit Jesus' love and forgiveness to others.  This is good news!

                                                   ~ERC  June 2022~

Based on Romans 3:23; 6:22, 23 NIV.

Sing, O What a Savior That He Died For Me, along with Gospel Hymn at Whitewell Metropolitin Tabernacle Belfast.











Book Review - The Record Keeper - By Charles Martin - 5 July 2022

 


Right off the bat, I'll tell you I'm giving this third-in-a-series of Murphy Shepherd novels a full 5 Star value!  Charles Martin, the author, deserves every single one!  That's not because it's a happily-ever-after story, because it isn't entirely, and because it's as close to sobering reality as one could get despite being fiction.  Martin'll blow your mind with his ingenius work that gives poignant  awareness of an insidious evil that is human trafficking for commercial sex exploitation; truly a travesty in real life.

There are several layers in this faith based narrative that are kept strong throughout, right there alongside the strong righteous characters.  The resident evil character is strong too, but - well, in an evil way.  The layers include weapons, extreme workout; technical 'eyes' controlling; full blast rescue missions (These will likely appeal greatly to male readers - pardon the stereotyping but I think it's true); some tightly held secrets; compassion and love, and so much more.  A very serious and solemn message here regarding greed, lust, evil and darkness.  The author also tweaks his pen and drops articulate spiritual lessons, somewhat akin to Hansel and Gretel's bread crumbs, only these are faith gems that wait for the reader to retrieve en route to the story's conclusion.

Bones, the mentor, and Murph, the mentee, along with Karen, Clay, Casey, Summer, Gunner, Angel and others are a force to be reckoned with against the tsunami of evil perpetuated by, 'whom could it be' (a secret, so I'm not telling) at the opposing helm.  They await that reading tryst with you.

P.S.  You'll really love the record keeper!

                                          ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  They are my honest opinion based on this review copy sent by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson (publishers).

Read review on Goodreads.




























Saturday, June 25, 2022

Book Review - Precious Moments Little Book of Angels - By Precious Moments - Publication Date: 12 July 2022

 


Of course, Precious Moments' books are always cute and endearing with their "signature" illustrations, so this book for young ones is no diferent in that, except that the topic of this one is, 'angels'.  Everyone, young and older, alike, are curious about angels so this is a good introduction to these beings who were created a little higher than human beings.

Children will learn that angels bring messages to human beings, that there are armies of angels available to help us, and that they can be very near us, among other capabilities that can give comfort and assurance of God's care to young children.  However, there is some fine-line caution I wish to make that in the teaching about angels, the young impressionable minds will not place angels above God.  Alert parents will beware of this possibility.

This 34 page message is written in poetry form and each segment is accompanied with a Bible verse taken from the International Children's Bible (ICB).

                                        ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                           June 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.















Friday, June 24, 2022

Book Review - Heirlooms - By Sandra Boyd - Publication Date: 5 July 2022


 Such a wonderful story!  I had to sit and savor it for a day or two before writing about how much I loved it!  The laughter, the tears and sorrow, the fun, the humble pride of a constructive project in the form of a glorious garden and a personalized cookbook, and the exceptionally wholesome and close-knit friendship developed and drawn together in the cauldron of tragically similar circumstances and the need of each other's helpful support, care and love.

Helen and Eunchoi, the two friends and Navy wives, find themselves suddenly widowed and reach out to each other.  Helen, a nurse, and Eunchoi, a Korean lady married to an American man, is a creative,  accomplished seamtress cum gardener cum cook, weather their storms of life, together.  Over the many ensuing years they kept one very painful secret, which the granddaughters Cassidy and Grace are directed to discover upon the death of Helen.  It was a shock to their system but led them to their heirloom of great priceless worth and work.

Heirlooms and legacies from quality lives lived by two faithful Christian women who started it all.  Flowers with respective meaning, a cookbook passed  from grandmother to daughter to granddaughter, each giving their recipes their own 'son-mat' - another  heirloom.  This leads me to mention  the author's great love of things Korean.  This love flows through the pages like a refreshing stream along with the love of people, especially those of neurodiversity (Down Syndrome and Autistic).  You'll discover what 'son-mat' is, 'hanbok', 'halmori' and 'mugunghwa' are and you'll likely know straight away what 'kimchi' is.  These all have special relevance to this historical fiction tale.   Sweeeeeet!

This is a dual story line from the 1958 past of Helen and Eunchoi to the 'present' of granddaughters Cassidy and  Grace.  There are layers of symbolism in the flowers grown, in the Korean terms used and in the faith in God the women come to possess.   I found this narrative to be a good, clean, fulfilling and satisfying read.  I hope all readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.  A definite 5-Star story!

                                          ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                         May 2022

Disclaimer:  This my honest opinion  based on the review  copy sent by NetGalley and the Tyndale House Publishers.  

Read review on Goodreads.


















Thursday, June 23, 2022

Morality - Social Issues Facing the Church - DRINKING


 I don't know about you but one of the things I detest is deceit.  Another is being mocked and I definately do not favor brawling!  Therefore, when I read Proverbs 20:1, I sat up and took note.

"Wine  is a mocker and beer a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise"  (NIV).

Some versions of the Bible say "strong drink" instead of "beer".   I have been informed that generally speaking, 1-2 beers in one go, to a man, is nothing much.  Four or five may make him unable to drive home but after that may either put him to sleep or turn him into that  stumbling brawler.

To see someone drunk disgusts me but I have to tell myself, God still loves that person.  I do not know his or her situation in life nor how he/she got themselves into such degradation.  Not, of course, that whichever the root cause is, do I condone drunkenness.

That may seem like arrogant talk but please bear with me, as I really have learned from a study on this issue, and am trying to learn some compassion.  My apologies to anyone who has been offended by just that bit I have already said.  Please, let us learn together.

In this article I'd like to discuss a few thoughts about drinking and of course, inject biblical references in its regard.  We'll start with some definitions followed by secular research, touching on how big a problem drinking is and so on.  Try not to cling to what you think unless you've done a similar study.  I say this because I've gotten a new perspective or two myself.

Of interest to me, was what "wine" refers to in the Bible.  According to Christianity.com, it was fermented juice or grapes (as one might expect), which means "to boil up" and "to be in a ferment;""foaming up," and sometimes coming in a solid cake of pressed grapes.  There were times when they added water and spices to the wine which would increase its stimulating properties and "take possession" (intoxicate).  "Dibs," is, wine that has been boiled down to a sweet concoction and that was used for the drink offerings presented to the Lord and used at the Lord's Supper.

One very interesting point about wine in those days was that they drank more water with a spike of wine (a dilution).  The reason being was that it was supposed that bacterial organisms were in the drinking water causing sickness, thus adding small volumes of wine to the water would help kill what we now realize  is harmful bacteria, rendering the water safer to drink.  This type of "wine" was the most widely drunk - by younger and older, alike.  At least that's the impression I got.

Bible times alcoholic drinks were mostly "home grown brew," natural productions, whereas today's concentrations are mass produced with a great many additives, unheard of 2000 years ago, added.  Nowadays, heaping helpings of sugar are liberally used.  Additionally, today's drinks use a standard type of yeast, saccharonyces cerevisiae - have fun pronouncing that one - in standardized amounts whereas the yeasts of yesteryears would be whatever had come on the wind and attached itself to the growing, maturing grapes.  The wine of bygones could 'go bad' but todays' are more lasting due to perservatives.

Wine was more commonly drunk to excess among the wealthy patrons during Bible times but nowadays we see this among the poorer of society.  The Bible does give warning of abuse but wine was also seen as a blessing.  The "land that flowed with milk and honey" apparently referred to wine and not actual honey.  The boiled down 'dibs' were sweet and referred to as 'honey'!  Did you realize that?  This I learned from an article called, "Biblical Wine vs Modern Wine - a Poised Perspective".  Anyway, I found it fascinating.  I trust I'm recounting the facts accurately.  You can go check it out for yourself.

Mostly though, the people of those times drank wine after a meal but nowadays we  see folks drinking before, during and after, whether its wine, beer or the stronger drinks.  This brings me to wonder the difference between 'alcoholism' and 'drunkenness'.  Are they one and the same or are they degrees of affectation?

We are all aware of that proverbial frog that gets put into a pot of water which is set on a burner with the flame turned on.  The water, of course, gets increasingly hotter but the frog doesn't realize it until it's too late to hop out.  A person who drinks and  rationalizes the amounts they drink, think they are ok and that they "know their limit," are often in denial.  They become "tipsy" and eventually drunk after a few more drinks.  Doing this over time to a state of drunken intoxication.

As when dominos are set into motion, in turn, repeated intoxication more often than not, leads to alcoholism - the addiction due to the drinker's inability to stop or even control consumption voluntarily outside of intervention.  Intervention  is more often than not, vitally necessary to overcome this physical dependancy in ever increasing, larger quantities of alcohol, and/or psychological compulsion despite the negative consequences.

According to www.niaa.nih.gov, "heavy drinking" is when a man will consume more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 per week.  By contrast, a "binge drinker" is consuming five or more drinks per occasion for men or four or more per occasion for women yet, although considered a 

"deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use, it is still not considered a severe alcohol use disorder"

 that would be termed alcoholism (www.cdc.gov - fact sheets  Binge Drinking/CDC).

The National  Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholishm (nih) terms Binge Drinking as 

"a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.088 g/dL (0.08 percent) or higher" 

in a time frame of two hours.  I won't go too indepth on this as this is only to give an idea for those of us who don't drink, or don't drink much, and so have little clue about drinking and alcoholism.  

This is also not just an adult problem!  Some of the viewed internet articles state that children aged 12 or even younger, even have drinking problems.  Christians must reach out and have compassion for those caught in such webs of deceit and mockery.  Problems are not solved by dulling the mind with drink.  People need to understand this.

In one 2014 study I looked at, it said that 45.8 % of Malaysians consume an excessive amount of alcohol.  In the UK, there are 27% binge drinkers while in Indonesia, the number reached 29 % in an age group of 15 year olds and up.  This could be the consumption of beer, brandy, wine or even the less preferred Shandy.  This was said to be more prevalent in urban areas but that the more risky drinking patterns were more widespread in rural regions and among those of lower socio-economic groups.

Another article written by Kanpai's CEO Jeremy Royston Wong, titled, How the Pandemic [Covid-19] Tranformed the Drinking Culture in Malaysia.  Wong said the orders tripled!  Some customers ordering every 2-3 days and wanting it delivered immediately. (This, by no means, is meant to give free advertising to this company! Neither to advertise, nor to speak negatively of.)

Excessive amounts are certainly harmful to a person's overall health over time, with immediate harmful effects in the form of physical and financial abuse towards family members.  Having said that, could there possibly be any positive benefits of drinking?

According to a Mayo Clinic report, moderate drinking, meaning 1-2 drinks only at the most per day for men and 1 per women, will improve health - by this I'm assuming certain types of wine imbibed.  Supposedly there is reduced risk of developing and dying of heart disease, stroke and even diabetes.  Improved health and longer  life could happen BUT with emphasis on the "moderate" drinking.  

My emphasis on this is not to condone nor restrict.  A wise person will look into this for themself and even consult their physician.  Again, I wish to state I'm exploring this topic mainly for my own information but sharing only for those who might be interested to glean more of an understanding themselves and then go check it out further on their own.

Now for the negative consequences of drinking of those who imbibe excessively, on themselves and towards their loved ones and others.  There's a list:  we all know the disaster of drinking and driving; violent crimes; disrupted sleep; depression; breast cancer; haemorrhagic stroke; liver/pancratic disease; heart failure; interactions with medicatons; and reduced inhibitions; abuse towards others; and last but definitely not least, become an alcoholic.  This list would not preclude other negative effects.  As you can see, the drinker is not the only person who is affected.  (see also Alcohol Use:  Weighing Risks & Benefits - Mayo clinic.)

Once again we see Proverbs 20:1 is bang on; "wine is a mocker...beer, a brawler...anyone led astray by drink is not wise".  Is your disgust or your compassion filtering up in your heart for such people?  If you are one being affected by a loved one with a drinking problem, you may be finding it difficult to have positive thoughts towards the drinker, maybe you even fear for your life.  Do try to get to a safe haven to remove yourself and children - if any- and make the drinker accountable for what is happening.  Pray, and direct him/her to get help for his/herself even while lovingly (if possible) affirming their personage but not condoning their behavior.  

Sounds easier said than done.  No doubt.  Find those who can help you be that boundary line for the good and benefit of your loved one.  Get trusted others to pray with you and be the moral support needed.

Are you wondering about what the Bible has to say?  Aside from Proverbs 20:1 there are numberous other instances about wine, strong drink and drunkards.  King Lemuel's Mom told him it wasn't for kings to drink wine nor crave beer so much so that they would forget themselves and deprive the oppressed of their rights (Proverbs 31:4-5).  Excellent advice, right? 

She continued, let the perishing and those in anguish drink to forget their problems and misery (Proberbs 31:6-7).  Instead, he was to speak up for those who couldn't speak for themselves, judge fairly and defend the rights of the poor and needy.  He'd need all his faculties to be pristinely clear.

While wine or other drink does give a reprieve and help one laugh and be merry, we need to realize it is only a temporary 'fix' (Ecclesiastes 10:9).  When effects wear off, the situation of life is still staring one in the face.

In such cases, could God possibly relieve these problems in a more lasting manner, do you suppose?  Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7 both indicate, "YES!"  We can cast all our cares and anxieties upon the Lord in prayers, petitions, requests and then, of course, thanksgiving.

Telling our Savior all about it will relieve our minds even though our situations may not have magically changed.  We can ask the Lord  for wisdom and help on how to overcome and then wait expectantly for His answer and guidance.  Every time the anxiousness, flashbacks and so on, raise their heads, tell it to the Lord, and don't go to your 'cups'.

Their could be tremdous pressure, especially from within the younger peer groups to join them in their cups and to "make merry".  If they don't, then abuse and ridcule can often be heaped upon  their heads causing them to capitualate and join the 'wild' living.  However, if the Christian man or woman has made a decision to stand fast and to exercise self-control and/or even to abstain, they will be blessed spiritually and honor the Lord with maintained composure, come what may.  As children of God, we are also kings and priests before our Lord and Master.  Like King Lemuel, keep a clear mind to administer God's wisdom, grace, justice and to help the poor and needy (see 1Peter 4:1-4).

Our Heavenly Father is not trying to take something good away from us, His children.  No.  He does not want to see us uninhibited with confused minds nor to wake up from a drunken stupor only to go at it again in a viscious cycle!  That is no life for a child of the King of kings!

Drunkenness brings poverty and clothes the person and likely even his/her family in rags.  There will be woe, sorrow, strife, bruises, bloodshot eyes; deeds of darkness and much gratifying of the desires of the flesh.  This does not paint a pretty picture in the least.

Many will say, "Yes, I know, I know, all that."  There are those already to the point of "in-so-deep" they don't want to, or don't know how to, extracate themselves.  This is where accountability and intervention is desparately needed and not loved ones continuing to enable the drinker.  This is serious.

When we are "in Christ" this is not a state in which to find ourselves - drunkenly alcoholic.  Paul told the Corinthians, that among a list of other "used to be's", was drunkenness.  However, now they were no longer that.  They had been redeemed and freed from such slavery; they were

 "Washed...sanctified...justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).  

That "other life' was all an "act of the flesh" in which people would not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).  The writer of Romans implored his readers to "behave decently" and to "clothe" themselves with  the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:12-14).

This is our bulwark when we are "in Christ".  Realize what is an act of the flesh vs walking in step with the Holy Spirit of God. There is power in the blood of Jesus Christ and dynamic power in living according to God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, the Lord has allowed human  helps as well but it all boils down to, willingness of the heart and living to please the Lord vs gratifying the desires of the flesh.  Like Joshua of old once said, he set before the people of Israel to choose life or death; to choose serving the LORD or serving themselves.  He chose life and faithful service to the Lord.

I do not say all this to condemn anyone caught in this web of drunken deceit.  It is not to further harm but to prayerfully help or even a pre-emptive measure to those who do not have this difficulty - yet - but may be borderline - to be made aware of where drinking leads and all its horrible effects.  

BEWARE.  Get help you need to overcome.

One of the biggest temptations towards a life of drink is peer presure as already noted.  "Social drinkers" is a rationalization towards 'having a drink'.  To me there are pros and cons for allowing this but one must never even deceive oneself.  First Peter 4:1-4 tells us not to live for "evil human desire" but for the "will of God".  

I've heard my Dad tell the story more than once, of a brother who went to pubs to drink socially.  He wanted to reach out to the usual pub-goers, with Christ.  That is a noble cause, right?  Of course right.  It didn't end well, in that case though.  The brother was drawn in and "converted' to that way of living instead of the reverse.

It would take much self-control and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit in order to truly further the kingdom of God in a pub.  May the Lord bless those who do but be very aware of ones own "evil desires" because our hearts are deceitful.  Go in God's strength and not our own or ask for wisdom for a better way to reach out to that set group of people.

For instance, wait for a binge drinker to come out of the pub and drive him home.  Tell the person or leave a message for a more sober version of the person, "I brought you home last night to show you the love of God in a practical way.  God loves you and wants to hear from you."  You could sign it, "a follower of Jesus Christ".  

The Bible describes men who were influenced by wine.  Noah lay shamefully naked in his own tent.  You might argue, that was the privacy of his own home.  Yet his son Ham thought it funny and newsworthy.  Shem and Japheth wouldn't even look in at their father's exposed position.  No, they walked in backwards with a garment to cover their Dad up (see Genesis 9:20-21).

Lot committed incest, twice, by the guile of wine indulgence and his two daughters (see Genesis 19:30-31).  He didn't use self-control.  Elah was so drunk he couldn't defend himself against his assassin (1 Kings 16-8-10) and Belshazzar desecrated the Temple's goblets with wine and drunken carousing at his party.  That is, until he saw the writing on the wall (see Daniel 5:1-6).  So you see, drinking is generally seen in a negative light in Scripture.

There are folks who feel the Scripture also gives us liberty to drink.  Jesus Himself drank wine and He even turned water into wine so the wedding festivities could continue.

Recently, I heard a preacher say people miss the point of this miracle.  It wasn't giving liberty to drink socially and liberally, but to show the power of God in Jesus.  Afterall, Jesus is God and the people of that  day needed to realize Who He was by these 'signs' (Matthew 11:18-19; John 2:1-12). Paul told Timothy to use "a little" wine - medicinally (1 Timothy 5:23) but admonished women not to be addicted to wine (Titus 2:3).

This of course, we must remember that Bible times wine was not as strong as today's concoctions so it couldn't have been as easily intoxicating.  Whatever, we really need to take this matter to the Lord in prayer and decide for ourselves with all this 'evidence' what we, personally, are going to do about it for ourself or on behalf of a loved one.  In the name of Jesus, and before the Holy God, do what YOU decide and keep strict perameters with your decision that should glorify and honor the Lord who gave you freedom in Christ.

If unbelievers are alarmed at the harm alcohol brings, so much more for those of us who belong to Christ. We need to strongly, vigilantly excerise the quality of the fruit of the Spirit which is self-control.  In the past it was called "temperance," meaning abstinence from alcoholic drink.  Although I am not advocating total abstinance in general, it is something  to think about and govern ourselves therewith.

It is not a matter of justifying drink but as in anything we need  to let our moderation be known to all (see Philippians 4:5 KJV).  It is important to know and understand what excess does to a person and therefore limit oneself to a limited amount, not of ones own personalize rationalization of how much one's body can withstand because that would be deceiving oneself.

One's body can become immune to ever increasing amounts.  By choosing, by a matter of determined, Spirit-led choice and decision to only have ONE glass or according to the online guide 1-2 for men, one for women, and sticking to this choice, one would show moderation and self-control and therefore not, excess and intoxication.

Otherwise, there is indeed cause for great alarm towards the worse case eventual scenario, alcoholism, no matter the amount of verbal justification and ego talk.

Advantages or disadvantages of indulgences of wine over beer aside, we need to ask ourselves, "are we looking out for our own interests or for God's?  Do we desire to do His will and go his way in our lives?  Spend time in God's Word, prayer and fellowship with the believers who do not imbibe, or at least not to excess.  Be under the influence of Christ Himself and sing songs of praise from your heart, to Him, instead (Ephesians 5;18-20).

Finally, no doubt drinking can be a deceptive, incidious pursuit.  The element of self-control, through the Holy Sprit needs to be exercised constantly.  Either to commit to NOT, ever, having any drinks socially, or otherwise (even in the privacy of home), OR to sticking to that one moderate amount prescribed and as mentioned earlier (12 fluid oz or 355 ml).

True, depending on the type of drink there are some health benefits.  I think one absolutely NEEDS to be well conscious of, and sensitive to, the Holy Spirit's directions in our lives and let whatever we do honor Him, Jesus and our Heavenly Father - we don't want to give Him a bad reputation because of our actions and behavior.  Remember too, that our liberality to even have that one moderate bit could be a stumbling block for others.

I know one gathering of believers where a number of the brothers are recovered alcoholics, Corthinian-like.  The Lord's Day bread and wine symbols are not bread and wine, rather they are bread and a very nice version of non-alcoholic grape juice.  I love that the brothers and sisters among them are so helpful and showing their care and love in this very practical way.  It is such an exceptionally, commendably Christlike consideration and behavior.  Praise the Lord!

Think of all the good we could do for the Lord with the money we  might otherwise spend on drink.  Think of our Lord's interests for futhering His kingdom and building up others in their most holy faith until Jesus comes or death releases us from all our earthly cares -  which ever comes first in God's timetable for you.  Be wise.

                                                            ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on a youth Bible Study Guide called Moral Issues Facing the Church, by Rob Harison.






















Sunday, June 19, 2022

Book Review - Long Way Home - By Lynn Austin - Publication Date: 21 June 2022

 


I have long wished to read Long Way Home because I've read other Lynn Austin novels and thoroughly enjoyed them.  The award winning, Christy Hall of Fame author has strutted her stuff again and although she reveals some hard truths, this is a novel difficult to put down.  The pathos and story line are vividly sculpted and I felt as if the author truly had the empathy and knowledge of the true plight of the Jews, and soldiers who fought during WWII, thus bringing her reader to similar experience.

As we follow Gisela, Sam and  their families through all the gut-wrenching fears, hopes dashed and denied again and again, the despising and rejecting, the injustices and inhuman treatment suffered by them as Jews on the run and interned in horrendous concentration camps and all they had had to endure, is portrayed in fine tuned manner. When they had to split up, would they ever see one another again?  

Soldiers, those who survived to return home, with their plight of flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD are also given honorable mention.  Indeed Peggy and friends valiantly help Jimmy in the homefront battle of recovery and overcoming.

The several threads of story are wonderfully woven together and interlaced, from the Jewish faith, Christian faith and from loss of faith turned to hope, and are amazingly stitched.  Therefore, so many people, I believe, from so many walks of life will truly wish to read this novel and perhaps even find their faith renewed while overcoming their own stresses and distresses of life, not to mention learning from history even though crafted into fiction.  I believe that the author has authentically and accurately described the horrors of that WWII era to the best of her sterling ability.  

I'm grateful to have had the priviledge to read and review this story.

                                                ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                 March 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.





















Thanks for Fathers - Happy Father's Day 2022

 


Father in Heaven, I praise You for all that You are.  May Your Kingdom come and may Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

ll Your mighty acts of power and surpassing greatness are to be praised with all the breath we, Your children, have.  Let everything that has breath, praise You.

Praise You loudly and clearly even with trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, flute, clashing cymbals, guitar, piano and sweet, melodious voices for inYou we live, move and have our being.  Praise be to You, O Lord God and Heavenly Father

I salute You, Father God.  I salute earthly fathers too who don't always make the perfect mark but do strive to do right by their families.  I suspect it is not always an easy responsibility.

May they be ever more like You, as they look up to You as their perfect example of an ever-loving, faithful, merciful and just Father who always cares, loves, supports, trains & disciplines, and supports His children, as You did and do for us.

We see this bond and relationship You had with Your own Son Jesus Christ.  Thank-You and all praise be to You Father for such a wonderfully steadfast example.

In Jesus name I give You thanks and praise for being  such a Father and also for the earthly ones who do what's right in Your eyes.

                                                           ~ERC  June 2022~

Based on Psalm 150 NIV.

Sing, Praise God From Whom All blessings Flow, along with A Cappella Hymn.















Thursday, June 16, 2022

Meekness Muscles


 It has been said that,

"Meekness is one of the brightest graces which can adorn the Christian character."                                                               - J.C. Ryle -

Another has said, and it has startled me,

"Only the meek will develop all the other attributes" (author unknown).

When we stop and cogitate about meekness, it is somewhat abstract, at least to me, somewhat like grace, or the wind that blows this way and that.  It can't be seen but we see the evidence.  Yet from some quotes of others alongside the Bible, we get a picture of how meekness behaves.  

We find meekness tucked into Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV).

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness faith, meekness and self-control..."

For comparison look at the NIV,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

One translation translates as 'meekness' and the other, as 'gentleness'.  These are synonyms and we can gain some insight from  their respective connotations.

'Meekness,' says one online secular dictionary, is docile, overly compliant, spiritless, tame, yielding, submissiveness" while 'gentleness' is said to be kind, tender, and mild-mannered.  The bible dictionary concurs to a point but does not show the whimpiness of being 'spiritless or overly compliant".  Instead there is quality to being meek.

"...a quality of the heart whereby a person is willing to accept and submit without resistance to the will and desire of someone else, in the case of Christians, this is God".

'Gentleness', says the Bible Dictionary, is, 

"Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior founded in strength and prompted by love."

I love these two definitions.  You can see how they are the same, only different but can be merged.

"Founded in strength" by the choice -  the will and desire" - to please someone else, that is, God.  When we please God, it is "prompted by our love" of God which originated from Him first.

I want to use the word 'meekness' though.  

To give an example of meekness in action, think of a strong, powerful horse that has been well trained.  A bit and bridle and a gentle touch is about all that is needed to make the horse obedient to its rider's will.  Meek as a horse - it has great power and strength but turns and moves according to another's wishes - keeping in step with and attuned to, the rider.

The man Moses was said to be the meekest of all.  Numbers 12:3 NIV says,

"Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were in the face of the earth."

Think about it.  He was well trained and educated in Egyptian culture, society and knowledge. He lived a priviledged life and he never forgot his early training under his mother's tutelage.  Nor did he forget his people nor who he was - almost.

Maybe that's not exactly corrct.  He did forget he was still a Hebrew and he'd be subject to the punishment of Egyptian law for murder, even at the defense of another.  He was still 'in training' and so was sent to God's Wilderness University of Adversity to mind sheep.

Baaaa.

That must have galled him and brought him down a peg or two on the pride spectrum.  God was teaching him meekness which includes the words, 'humble' and 'humility', not to mention a kind of life sentence; after all, he did murder someone.

Continue to recall how Moses led a possible two million or more children of Israel for 40 years through the wilderness.  He was so obedient to God - yes, he made slip ups but mostly he acquiesced to God's will and desire.  All this despite the very trying, often disobedient and complaining Israelites.

In no way could this be seen as spiritless or overly compliant on Moses' part.  This was strength!  Strength under control!  This was a disposition of kindness, gentleness and meekness!

Could you or I sustain so long if put into Moses' sandals even for a day?  He endured much "injury with patience and endurance." I don't think I could do that.  

Our prime and perfect example is our very own Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was led like a lamb to the slaughter".  He was silent.  Meek as a lamb (Isaiah 53:7).

He was humble and meek even when deprived of justice (Acts 8:22).  In this, it might seem that overly compliant nature; I see, however, that strength in meekness as Jesus conforms to His Father's will and desires.  Not Jesus' will but the Father's.

Jesus had no slip ups despite His manhood.  Think of all that divine power of God in Jesus yet how under control He was.

Truly, Jesus is the One who is blessed,

"Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

Jesus got the victory over sin, death, and hell for us, for the whosoever who believes in Him (John 3:16).  All the people of the earth are His inheritance - all those who put their trust in Him and His finished work upon Calvary's cross.  Praise the Father.  Praise the Son.

Thank-You, Jesus for Your meekness.  I'm a sinner, saved by Your grace, love and meekness.

By the meekness & gentleness of Christ we are saved, have forgiveness of sin and gain everlasting life.  That is powerful!  That is strength!

Paul exhorted the Corinthians to 

"put on...meekness..." (2 Corinthians 3:12 KJV).

How do we, as Christians and supposed followers of Jesus Christ do this?  Refer back to Galatians 5:22-23.  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is meekness.  The Holy Spirit indwells each and every believer in Jesus Christ, therefore we have no excuse to dismiss ourselves from putting on meekness.  Meekness is now in our spiritual DNA - so to speak.

As for the physical muscles, so too for the spiritual realm, we need to "lift weights" to strengthen and encourage our meekness muscles to be useful.  It's a process which takes time, effort, training, endurance and practice.  Just like a patient horse trainer trains and disciplines his horse, so too the Holy Spirit can teach, convict, lead and guide us in developing meekness.  

For this, I'm grateful.

Meekness is vital for us to become truly Christlike.  As mentioned in the outset here, "only the meek will develop the other attributes" of the Holy Spirit's fruit.  I don't know if that is l00% accurate to say but believe it is a greatly needed aspect of our walk with Christ and showing and being Jesus to and for others.

This is why I explore this.  We often see the love, joy, peace and perhaps even patience but we forget about the rest of the fruit of the Spirit.  At least, I do.

Let us all,

"Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth ... seek meekness:  it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zephaniah 2:3 KJV).

The NIV inserts 'humble' and 'humility' where we find 'meek' and 'meekness' in the KJV in the above verse.  Whichever, we need to seek it.  If we are humble we will find meekness.  If we are meek we will find humility.  This will be our strength under control - in Christ and through our obedience to the Holy Spirit, living and walking in step with and be in tune with Him.  May our bits and bridles be all we need to do the will and desires of our LORD and Master as we hand the reins over to Him.

May our true beauty be seen from our inner character through the lens of our meekness as we continue to grow this grace.  We can accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God when we are meek.  May we too "inherit the earth" and so be blessed.  

Engage in a lifestyle of meekness.  

Grow those muscles!

                                                    ~ERC  June 2022~

Based on Galatians 5:22-23; Zephaniah 2:3 KJV/NIV.   See also Numbers 11 & 12.

Sing, Meekness and Majesty, along with Graham Kendrick.


 



















Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Get Rid of Jesus!?

 


Don't get rid of Jesus. The chief priests and teachers of the law tried to do that.  They purposefully looked for a way to get rid of Him.  Judas Iscariot fulfilled that way perfectly, and in such a way as to not sitr up the general public.  They couldn't have thought of a better plan themselves.  As we all know from the aftermath of Jesus' arrest, it was a 100% successful coup d'etat.

Jesus was arrested, tried, found supposedly 'guilty', sentenced, crucified and buried.  Done. Washed their hands clean of Him.  They had gotten rid of Jesus.

Or so they thought.

Praise the Lord, Jesus resurrected, was seen on earth by many of His followers, and ascended back to glory.  His Holy Spirit arrived and the number of Christ followers exploded exponentially.  They were fruitful and multiplied.  Everything went perfectly according to God's plan.  What was meant for harm, God turned into good - manifold more until this day.

Ever after people are still trying to get rid of Jesus by getting rid of His people.  Yet, some individuals just want to get rid of Jesus out of their own lives.  They look for ways to do so.  Stop readng the Bible, stop praying, stop meeting together with other believers; making themselves busy with other things as their 'legit' reason for absenting themselves from gathering together with other believers.

This really grips my heart disconsolantly.  Those who once appeared to walk in dedicated love for Jesus, now, for any vast number of reasons, which they believe 'legit', walk away from Jesus.

Oh, and I do not mean that they were never saved in the first place.  No, hearts drifted away more likely because the pleasures of this world dazzled them, or they were disappointed and disillusioned because God just did not come through for them that time...so now, out of spite and disgruntlement, they turn away and get rid of Jesus from their lives.

Pray for them.  Pray for yourself, that you and they will forgive Jesus, that your love for Jesus will be rekindled, renewed and with great revival, upon your/their conviction and repentance.  Judas Iscariot allowed greed to rule and overtake him.  He reacted to the consequences of  his betrayal of Jesus, with remorse, not repentance, thus his sad end.

Instead, with the 'revival' may many more be multiplied and come to Christ through you and them.  Let us treasure Jesus in our hearts and lives, until Jesus gives the shout or death doth us part while we wait for the trumpet blast and beckoning shout.

                                                          ~ERC June 2022~

Based on Luke 22:44 (NIV).






























Monday, June 13, 2022

Morality - Social Issues Facing the Church - DANCING


 I have always loved the idea of dancing and have always wanted to learn despite my two left feet. However, when someone asks, 

"Dancing - Is It Expedient for Believing Christians?"

I want to dance all the more.

Ok, ok,  I know - I need to investigate why someone would ask such a question.  Let's start, at the beginning, which is always a good place to start.  Ha!

Think of the plethora of types of dancing out there:  square dancing, which forever beckons me; The Highland Fling; the foxtrot in a ballroom; tap dancing - clickey-clack, tap, tap, tap; waltz's; line dancing, ballet, salsa, the tango; hip hop; modern dance; cha-cha-cha, the suma'zau of Sabah and so  many more.

Hoh!  I'm out of breath already....

All joking aside, let's try to look at this objectively if possible.  Off the top of their heads, many Christians will out-rightly say, "Dancing is Satanic - just think of tribal warriors working up their emotions in dance and drum beat to then go out to war; or dancing is so sensual in nature; and this next expression, I got from online, dance is "voluptuous pleasures and perpetual excitement".  Another article explained that Christians needed to distance themselves from pagan, idol worship in which dance was an integral part and therefore outrightly condemned dance of any sort in order "to set an example of pious behavior".  Furthermore, the dance hall promotes a lack of order, self-control, reason, uninhibitated passion and certainly lack of Christian spiritual growth.

Phew!  They do have some points there.

Another question posed is, "Would a sincere Christian truly want to be involved and associated with such company?"  Sounds a bit like a guilt trip, but there is a rhetorical question here.

Yet, many folks justify and rationalise dancing with a variety of reasons.  Dances such as zumba are said to be exceptionally good exercise, which can also promote weight loss.  There may be some value in that but godliness, a counter-argument says, has value for all things in this present life and that which is to come (1Timothy 4:8). Is there some other "good exercise" elsewhere that doesn't stir up negative vibes? What is the origin and negative character of zumba and other such dances?  This, one must genuinely research and ask oneself.

Other pro reasons for dancing are that it is fun (I believe so); it's socially accepted; helps develop poise; relieves stress and anxiety; helps make friends; it's only ceremonial; builds up strength and endurance, among other positive sounding rationalizations.

Oh, a big one is "I can dance without having evil thoughts".  On the other hand, can you control the thoughts of others?  You may be ok, but you may also cause another believer to stumble and sin.  One must not create a situation where someone else may look at a woman lustfully, which already means they've committed adultery in his/her heart (Matthew 5:27-28; 18:7).  Jesus' words, not mine.

Yes, I know, that person should control themself and the onus SHOULD NOT be on the dancer!  It's unfair.  However, this reason against dancing does give me pause.  I would not want to be the catalyst causing someone else to sin.  

However, I'm still not 100% convinced and sold out that there are never times or places for dancing and I believe one should consider the individual situation.   For example, a tribal greeting of hospitality is often a dance intended to make one feel part of the group in acceptance, and the villagers may pull a mission worker into their welcome dance. 

Since we are speaking of believers in Jesus Christ who want to follow Him and do His will, we must turn to more specific Bible verses.  There is no "thou shalt not dance" commandment and in fact it has been record that some Biblical characters danced.  Moses' sister Miriam danced and got the other woman to join her.  They sang, danced and played the tambourines.  They did so out of great joy and rejoicing because God their Rescuer, had rescued them from Pharoah and all his people of Egypt.  The Israelites had gotten out of Egypt and out of slavery, to safety.  It had been a miraculous escape.  So they praise the LORD for His mercy, expressing so in dance (Exodus 15:20-21).

King David also danced before 

"the Lord with all  his might" (2 Samuel 6:12-16).  

There were shouts and sounds of music.  He danced and leaped expressing his joy and gladness that the ark of God was coming to the City of David, in East Jerusalem; and additionally, I'd say David's was an act of praise and worship.  God did not condemn him for it although his wife Michal despised him in her heart because of it.

Other instances of women dancing and rejoicing with tambouries, lutes and cymbals in the Old Testament were when the Israelite warriors had be victorious in battle (1 Samuel 18:6).  Hop over now to the New Testament references.  This is our 'Day of Grace' up-to-date guide.  Turn to Luke 15 about the father who had waited for the younger son's return from his riotous living.  Verse 25 says they were celebrating with joy because of it.  We know the older brother didn't approve and was angry because of it. That did not stop the dances of rejoicing.

There's always a 'however', however.  The Bible records dances of lust, amusement and pleasure.  The heathen idol worship displayed by those Israelites who wouldn't wait for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai was a travesty.  They had coerced Aaron into making a golden calf.  The people then partied and became out of control.  They were severely punished by God  for it too (Exodus 32:19-28). 

The enemies who attacked the town of Ziklag, absconding with David and his men's families and loot, were carousing in triumph. There is actually no mention of dancing but I suppose it is assumed.  There was "drinking and reveling" (1 Samuel 30:16 NIV).  Our imaginations can imagine  the sight David saw but it allowed him and his  men to  get their families and possessions back. 

Then there's the notorious sensual dance of Herodias' daughter as revealed to us in Mark 6:14-28.  A dance of amusement Herod and guests enjoyed but which ended in John the Baptizer's head on a charger.  Gruesome. 

From these biblical accounts we can see three categories of dance:  public rejoicing, public worship and the dances of lust, amusement and pleasure.  If we go  through each type of dance we know today - the hip-hop, waltz's and so on as mentioned earlier, which of these three categories do you suppose they'd slot in to?

Some dances I did not really know by sight as to which is which, so I went on line to have a peek.  Oh my, I don't recommend doing that, some of them I had never heard of and they are so obscene!  Others less so but the sensuality is still evident.  Guess which category they fit into?  That's a another rhetorical question.  We all know that answer.

Don't worry, we are getting somewhere with all of this.  Here's a few big words.  Do take the time to look up their meanings, if need be.  Look for 'lasciviousness', 'licentiousness', 'lewdness', 'revelry' and 'wantonness'.  Enough to make one puke...sexual desires, lust; promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters, lacking moral restraints; indecent or offensive; noisy festivities involving drinking large amounts of alcohol and merciless, inhumane behavior and worse..." (Merriam-Webster & dictionary -Oxford).  I think we can safely say it's mostly all "evil", no matter the changes and forms or styles of dances for amusement.  Many of these words are found in the Bible!  They are not favorably used, either.

It is a serious matter to cause another to sin.  We are exhorted in Scripture on this, not to cause others to stumble  and sin even if we ourselves think we  are  strong ("Mattthew 18:6-9).  We are to be salt and light to non-believers but I do  believe we should be to our fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ, as well.

So saying though, each believer must examine themselves and not blame others for their own sin.  It's like a two-sided coin.  One side we each need to behave in such a way that won't cause another to sin; the other side is to realize that when we are tempted, not to blame God or others, but to realize we can be drawn away to wrong behavior by our own evil lust and choices (James 1:14-14).  First Corinthians 10:23 tells us that "all things are lawful but not all are expedient".

We need also to do all things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  If what  we do and allow in our lives cannot be done with a good conscience and faith then it may well NOT be done in Jesus' name.

Yes, we love to spend time with our friends and do enjoyable things together.  It would be an excellent idea of other more healthy activities that could be done in a group:  fishing, hiking, badminton, ice hockey, building a home for  the poor with organizations such a Habitat for Humanity; join  a mission trip; jamming and creating a new song of praise, among others.  Think of these things that could further God's Kingdom and act upon them.  There will be joy in it, believe me.

Charles Stanley noted in his article "A Time to Dance," a title taken from the verses in Ecclesiastes 3, verses 3-4, 

"To everything there is a season...a time to dance...". 
 He believes that Miriam and David's type of dancing was one of those times.  Now is not the time but there is another time coming when Jesus comes back to reign on earth that the public rejoicing and public worship dances will once again arise.

Hopefully all of this is not too disappointing for people,  especially those who love to dance and those like me who would love to learn without tripping all over ones self, to express our joy in rythmic movement of dance.  It's true enough that dancing in its many forms does stir up the flesh, yet I hold an ace.  That is, the instance where I believe there would be no holds barred at this time.

Have you guessed it?  It is the time between ones own husband or wife, as the case may be, that they could have their very own private dance session in the privacy of their very own boudoir.  They can go for it and dance to their own beat.

I also don't really see that the dances of worship to the Lord, or the welcome to a village dance is not for this time.  I could be wrong.

Nevertheless, as Stanley says,

"May the Lord separate all that are His from this pleasure seeking world."

May our joy be in the Lord our strenth.

                                                   ~ERC  April 2022~

Based on a Youth Bible Study Guide about Morality - Social Issues Facing  the Church by Rob Harbison.  Also a tract called, "Dancing - Is It Expedient For Believing Christians" by Tom A. Roach and the tract entitled, "A Time to Dance" by Charles Stanley.

Search the Scriptures for principles to God's way especially when there is no direct black and white, "thou shalt's" or "thou shalt  not's".  In all we do let us please our Savior and Lord with the way we  live and what we allow in our lives.
























Book Review - Tell Me the Stories of Jesus - By R. Albert Mohler, Jr. - Publication Date: 14 June 2022

 


R. Albert Mohler, Jr. has written several books, amongst which, is this Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.  It has been a privilege and a delight to read this work from such a Bible scholar and practitioner of the Word of God.  As this book concentrates on the parables Jesus told while still here on the earth I was enthused to learn more and was not disappointed as the commentary is very good and in fact, I had trouble to highlight even the highlights of what I found to be so interesting because there are so many good points and down-to-earth explanations.  

Mohler, Jr drills down on the essence and meaning as to what he believed Jesus was teaching His disciples and subsequently from which today's church could learn.  It is interesting to note that one of Mohler, Jr's favorite word descriptions is "explosive", as much of what Jesus had to say, he explained, was rather revolutionary to the status quo of the times.  Jesus' stories would harrow up and confront religious leaders, causing more than just a little stir.  Mohler Jr goes on to say that his perspective of these parables stems from his doctrinal convictions and that he does not allegorize the parables.

Some of the parables commented  upon are the wedding feast; the persistant widow, the Sheep and the Goats, and my favorite - the mustard seed of Matthew 13.  These among many more will earn you greater perspective on the Kingdom of God and how God looks at judgment.  I learned a few things about shrewdness which took me by surprize but made sense; about forgiving, especially brothers and sisters-in-Christ, and much, much more.  I beleive that those of us who are "in Christ" will be well benefited to explore what Mohler, Jr has to say in this book.

                                                     ~Eunice C.,  April 2022~

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

Read review on Goodreads.




















Sunday, June 12, 2022

Book Review - Drone Adventure - By Chris Mather - Publication Date: 11 June 2022


 In this day and age of greater drone usage by the general public, this book serves as an excellent 'how-to' of playing by the safety rules.  Chris Mather, the author, weaves those rules adroitly into story form in such a way that children can be made aware of them, yet not be bored to tears by a droning-on list of do's and don'ts.  Extra kudos and salute because it is a father engaging with his two sons - spending valuable and constructive quality and  quantity time with his offspring.  Colorful pictures augment the story line.  Included at the end of the book is word search fun using word associations to flying drones and aviation.  A drone safety song is also suggested, to which children  may listen.

Great going, Chris Mather!  Short, sweet and to the point!

                                              ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                           March 2022

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

Read review on Goodreads.