Lord's Day Devotion - Interceding For Us (Hebrews 7)

 

"Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:24& 25 NIV).

Jesus' qualifications to make it His permanent work to intercede for those who have faith in Him come from His living forever thereby enabling Him to have that permanent priesthood.  What's more, the phrase saves completely completes the total package.  Having such access to Jesus' intercession on the believers' behalf will never be unavailable.

Life with Christ is never at a half measure, at least coming from His side of the relationship.  Words like permanent, forever, completely and always, give us this broad confidence to trust this Intercessor who interceded on our behalf.  Jesus lives to do this for us.  It's His thing.

So there we can see Him up there in heaven at the right hand of God speaking good words about us (see Hebrews 1:33 & Acts 2:33).  He's on our side because we have come to God through Him.

This being saved is not a half-baked job either.  NO.  He "saves completely".  Our sin, sorrows and suffering were all borne by Jesus our Savior (see Isaiah 53:4, 6, 10 & 12).  These Isaiah verses are so very familiar to us that we may take them for granted and skim lightly over them.  Reread them through again.  Impress them upon your hearts and minds what it is exactly saying.    What has our Intercessor done for us?

"He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12).

Like David penned in Psalm 51:1 & 2, Jesus,

"blotted out my transgressions and cleansed me from my sin".

Jesus' initial interceding for us is big.  And when we have a broken, contrite and repentant heart, God will not despise us (see Psalm 51:17).

This was David's consolation and ours too, today.

He blots out our transgressions.

I cannot get this into my mind enough.  As we cry out for His mercy, He hears us and has already answered us through Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.  Our blessed Savior not only took the transgressions but He took up and carried our weaknesses and sorrows (see Isaiah 53:4 NLT, NIV).  

What are your weaknesses?  He's carrying them.  What are your sorrows?  He's carrying those too.

Transgressions, weaknesses and sorrows are all part of what and how Jesus intercedes for each and every believer who has put their hope, trust and faith in Him.  It is always ongoing, permanent and forever!  Praise the Lord.  

Say, "Hallelujah!"

Whilst here on earth it is so comforting to live every day knowing Jesus is there for us.  He made all our sins and sorrows His very own.  He was made sin for us!!

What is your response to Him?

David's sin had been very wicked - adultery and murder.  He repented and God forgave Him and blotted out His transgression.  Still, though, he had to take the punishment for his wicked wrongs, the life of four of his sons were taken (see 2 Samuel 12:1-10 & 13 & 14).

Then David wrote Psalm 51, crying out for God's mercy.  It is a Psalm prayer we also have access to, along with God's mercy and forgiveness when we truly repent.

Let us partake of the bread and drink of wine this Lord's Day, with all this action on Jesus' part in mind.  Remember He is interceding for us still up there at the right hand of God.

Give thanks with a grateful, purified and surrendered heart.

Lord Jesus, we cannot fully imagine all the sorrow You went through in carrying our sins and sorrows upon Yourself.  We can only humbly give You our grateful thanks and praise for it all.  Also for Your forgiveness and ongoing interceding.  What a great Intercessor You are!  Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.  In Your name we give our grateful thanks.  Amen.

                                                  ~ERC  March 2024~

Based on Hebrews 7:7, 24-25 NIV.

Sing, Hillsong Worship Christian Worship songs.  Worship Him.

Unshakeable Hope (Hebrews 6)

 Hope is not always a sure thing.  We can hope it doesn't rain so we can go on that picnic at the beach with our children.  We can hope we can have an extra wedge of apple pie after dinner or get that longed for promotion.  These do not always happen though, so in life we need to learn not to obsess on our expectations, rather put our trust and hope in God.

Hope in God is always a sure thing just like all His unshakeable promises.  You can read about some of them in the God's Unshakeable Promises article.  God never lies.

What is this hope?  It is putting ones faith in Jesus Christ our living hope.  Besides eternal life He gives us His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We do not have to do a bunch of good works to make ourselves good enough for Jesus to accept us.  NO.  Jesus is our righteousness and source of living hope.  When we put our faith and hope in Him, He gives us His rigthteousness.  What's more, through His Holy Spirit He transforms our character and how we behave because He forgives us and we become His child (see John 1:12-13).

Hope is something we can't see with our eyes but when we hope in Jesus it becomes an unshakeable bond.  Our hope comes through the forgiveness of our sins and His giving us eternal life, which in turn, comes from God.

Going to be with Jesus is our future but we have to have faith and learn to await God's timing.  In the meantime, curry patience and strengthen your hope in Him.

Abraham and Noah were righteous men who had faith in God.  It took time but God fulfilled His promises to them.  Zacchaeus, the short man who climbed a tree, did so because he hoped Jesus would pass by and he could get a glimpse of Him.

Jesus' hope for Zacchaeus was that he would repent of his wrongs and become righteous, which he did.  Before that he'd been a greedy man who cheated people out of their hard-earned money.  He paid it back, having taken hold of the unshakeable hope in Jesus (see Luke 19:1-10).

Wait and see what God will do for you when you put your hope in Him.  Trust in Jesus' unshakeable hope He offers you.

Heavenly Father, in You we do put our hope.  We have confidence in You through Jesus, knowing that what You say You'll do, You'll do.  This hope of eternal life and of transformation is sure because You do not lie.  Thank You for Your Holy Spirit's help too who convicts and brings us to repentance.  Help us each to take firm hold of this hope until You come for us and may it burn strong within us.  In Jesus' name we ask.  Amen.

                                                      ~ERC  March 2024~

Based on Hebrews 6:14, 18; Romans 4:6 and Hebrews 11:1.

Sing, Living Hope, along with Phil Wickham.

Inherited Promise (Hebrews 6)

 As you can see from a previous blog entry, God's Unshakeable Promises, the promise God made to Abraham came true.  Then it was passed down to Isaac his son, then to Jacob and his sons.  From just a few people they became about two million!

One particular son of Jacob named Judah, inherited the promise.  This is the tribe through which Jesus came.  Today, this tribe is called Jews.  There are about 15.2 million of them despite Hitler's attempted extermination of them during WWII.  Not to only pinpoint him, as bad as he was, as there were others who instigated pogroms throughout time to eradicate them.  However, can you see how God kept His promise to Abraham?

There's a fun song children have been known to sing in Sunday School, which goes as follows...

"Father Abraham had many sons,

Many sons had Father Abraham;

I am one of them and so are you,

So let's all praise the Lord!"

Similarly, all followers of Jesus Christ who have put their faith and trust in Him have inherited that promise God made to Abraham.  Abraham hoped to have a son and because of his faith and patience, he received him.  When we put our faith and hope in Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life and become God's children (see John 3:16 & 1:12 & 13 NIV).

This is God's promise to us who believe.  He also promised us rest when we come to Him (see Hebrews 4:9-11).  When we follow Abraham's steadfast example, we can be encouraged to definitely put our faith and hope in God's unshakeable promises.

We can have sons and daughters-in-Christ when we tell out this message of Jesus to others, praying they too accept Christ through faith.  Together, we can sing the Father Abraham song again and again, praising the Lord with glad thankfulness.

Heavenly Father, once again thank You for keeping Your promise not just to Abraham but to his descendants as well.  In this we can gain some understanding that You will keep Your promises to us today so many thousands of years later.  Thank You for the faith and hope in You that we've inherited.  In Jesus' name, amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  March 2024 ~

Based on Hebrews 6:13-20 and Romans 4:11.

Sing, Father Abraham, along with Ministers Hub.

Book Review - Nowhere, Exactly - By M. G. Vassanji - Publication Date: 26 March 2024

 It is hoped that readers will respect this author by taking thoughtful, unhurried reading sessions of his dissertations (my word) in this biographical-like literary offering.  Authors are often vulnerable to critics and skeptics so I feel this author has bravely stated many issues dealing with multicultural interest, syncretism, assimilation, acceptance of immigrants (even of those born in the adopted country and have become citizens thereof) by those who are the supposed, 'real' citizens of the 'new' chosen country.  

In my opinion, M. G. Vassanji, the author, doesn't mince his words and cuts straight to the core issues.  He deals with the good, the bad and the ugly; the frustrations and the bittersweet joys.  So much of what he has had to say resonated with me and I could really relate with what this Indian-African author has had to share.  However, I did get bogged down some by, ironically he proves his point, some topics he chose to tackle but I was able to understand the general idea.

It shocked me some as to what he had to say about such household names as David Livingstone and even Mahatma Gandi.  I feel it's good for an author to stir up a reader, so any reader who has courage and integrity, should read this book.  It has been good and even healing in some ways to read of others' similar struggles in view of trying to 'fit in' while still maintaining ones own original heritage.  The book title is so, so appropo!!!

Thank-you, M. G. Vassanji!

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                         February 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

God's Unshakeable Promises (Hebrews 6)

 

WHEN someone keeps their promise to you it feels really good.  Sometimes though, through no real fault of their own, those promises do get broken.  They didn’t purposely break that promise to meet you for afternoon tea or for that game of badminton but some unforeseen circumstance came along so the promise didn’t get fulfilled.

 With God, we don’t have to worry about that.  His promises never ever get broken, no matter what.

“For no matter how many promises God has made they are “Yes” in Christ …” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

 All God’s promises are guaranteed and confirmed.  They are certain and sure, like an anchor that keeps a ship from floating away.  For example, God’s promise to Abraham was kept although it may have looked like it wasn’t.  Abraham was so old that he biologically couldn’t have a son.  But God promised he would anyway and that his descendants would be too many to count!

 Could you have believed this for yourself?

 It may have been hard to believe but read this …Twenty-five years after God had promised, Abraham did have a son whom he named Isaac.

 Isaac got married and had the twins Esau and Jacob.  Following God’s chain of descendants, Jacob got married and had twelve sons and one daughter.  Before they knew it, there were 70 of them and they immigrated to Egypt.  Four hundred and thirty years later there were about two million or more descendants.  So many!

 This is beginning to sound like too many to count!  Even though Abraham didn’t see all of them, he still believed it would happen and it did because God was the One who made the promise.  By faith, Abraham believed it.

 God’s unshakeable promise to us is that when we believe in Jesus we will have everlasting life (see John 3:16).  There are many other promises that go with this too.  Put your faith in God and His Word.  They will be like an anchor to your soul, holding you firm and steadfast.

 Heavenly Father, it feels good to be able to trust You, knowing You always keep Your promises.  Thank You for this spiritual anchor especially when everything around us changes.  You are always the same so we can hang on to You, our unshakeable One.  In Jesus name we give You our thanks.  Amen.

                              ~ ERC  March 2024 ~

 Based on Hebrews 6:19 & 20; 11:8-29 and 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Sing, We Have an Anchor, along with Northern Baptist Association.

 

Lord's Day Devotion - Altar Call (Numbers 7)

 Do you have an altar in your home? I don’t mean the real kind at which adherents burn joss sticks and offer fruit, flowers and food such as chicken or special dishes.  For ones own devotions and time out with the Lord, I don’t mean a literal altar but a place you have dedicated to be with Him, preferably without distraction.

 A place where one can speak with the Lord from the heart, and rest in His presence.  A place of surrender to Him and perhaps even to choose to decide some sacrifice you’d like to make with your life or means in order to honor Him and for His glory.  A place to sit still and listen for His voice and response to your desires, requests, petitions and laments.  Or just a place to read His word and to understand it, get wisdom from it and to then decide how to apply it to your life.  

 Have you heard your altar call?

 In the Numbers 7 verses we see that Moses, 

“anointed and consecrated the altar and all is utensils” (vs 2) … when the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar…” (vs 10).

 I believe that altar to have been the Altar of Burnt Offering.  This altar is described as symbolizing atonement, consecration, commitment and/or surrender to God.  

 If read in context, the above verses relate the first use, the dedication of the Altar of Burnt Offering itself.  Each representative of the tribes of Israel brought the exact same offerings, each showing unity and agreement to this way of relating with God who went with them wherever they went.

 Stop and think about all this symbolism we can get from the literal acts of the Israelites so long ago.  They took all of these rules and regulations seriously because they wanted to obey and honor God.  That was their original hearts’ intentions.

 It started with Moses going to his tent of meeting with God.  He did this on a daily basis.  He couldn’t seem to live without it.  He needed God.  He needed this relationship with Him.  He needed to depend upon God, his Yahweh.

 Saying tent of meeting gives that greater sense of connection than calling it Tabernacle.  At least to me it does.  When we meet with our heavenly father on a daily basis, it is not to perpetuate a ritual or something to tick off a check list for the day.  No it is a place to seek Him and show our dependence upon Him as our life line, like David once wrote,

“... as the deer pants for water so my soul longs after You” (Psalm 42:1).

 Let us approach this altar and throne of grace out of our own heart’s longing, desire and necessity, approaching with confidence.  Don’t live without it.  Let us live to obey and honor our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ and our personal living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1-3).

 Respond and thank Him for your altar call.

Then partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine, in remembrance of all Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection.  This Lord's Day let's rededicate ourselves to our 'altars' where we meet with Jesus, our friend and confidante. 

 Heavenly Father, I appreciate You because I can come spend time with You daily - without ceasing.  Thank You for opportunities to commune with You through Jesus, and to offer up myself as a living sacrifice upon Your altar of burnt offering - so to speak - and for the time spent with You, listening for Your voice.  Thank You in Jesus’ name.

                                ~ERC  March 2024 ~

 Based on Numbers 7:1, 10-11, 84 and 88 NIV.

Sing, Heavenly Father We Appreciate You, along with the Maranatha Singers.

Warning RE Good & Evil (Hebrews 5)

 

The past few Bible study nights our group has been looking at moral issues facing the Church.  The most recent topic was about the New Age Movement, which granted, may have phased out some nowadays, yet there are plenty of people who are still mesmerized by its lure.  We were wondering why even followers of Jesus Christ would be drawn in to it.

 It was reasoned that many of us just don’t know the Scriptures well.  Many, even long-time believers, don’t ‘eat’ from the manna of God’s Word daily nor do they ruminate upon it to discover and familiarize themselves with God’s will and ways.  Therefore, it is difficult for many to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil according to God’s succinct word and in God’s sight.

 Many Christians are still only drinking milk instead of chewing on meat.  Therefore, they do not mature in Christ and can be easily swayed away from the truth.  This is a sad affliction.  However, one does not have to stay in this uneducated, sickly state.

 God our Heavenly Father wants the followers of Jesus Christ to grow spiritually.  Perhaps reading only a verse or two and memorizing them at first.  Then learning and refreshing oneself with the stories of old like Noah and the Flood; David and Goliath and all the wonderful life of Jesus as you follow Him from town and village as He walked upon this earth, turning water into wine, healing the sick and lame and so much more.  Then move on to more difficult passages and topics such as baptism and the trinity.  

 As we read and understand and put it all into obedient practice there will be spiritual growth.  There will be more obedient and mature relationship with Christ.  Our walk with God will become more unshakeable with a greater sense and ability to discern the truth from the false teaching.

 This is an absolute must that God wants us to learn.  It is a wanting, a keen desire, to learn what God says is righteousness.  That which is righteous in HIS eyes and not the eyes of current society.  I’ll repeat, He wants us to know the difference between what is right and good versus what is evil in His sight.

 Regularly read God’s Word, understand it and obey it.  When you choose to follow the good and reject the evil, you’ve learned about, it shows that you are indeed maturing in Christ.  Be sure to hide God’s Word in your hearts so you won’t sin against God but also so you will know the truth that sets you free (see Psalm 119:11 and John 8:31 & 32).

 There will be less lure and going astray into New Age practices and any other such deception of the evil one.  Shoot for the truth.

 Abba Father, I want my walk with You in order to mature.  Help me to be diligent to read Your word and obey it so I can grow in understanding and to be capable with Your help, to differentiate between what is good and what is evil in Your sight.  I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

                               ~ ERC  March 2024 ~

 Based on Hebrews 5:11-14, especially verses 13 & 14.

Sing,  I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life, along with Quiz Worx.

Reference:  Moral Issues Facing the Church - Lessons by Rob Harbison.

Check out this link:  Morality:  Social Issues Facing the Church - New Age Movement.

 

Meeting on Purpose (Numbers 7)

 

Moses started it.  Oh but maybe not totally exactly him.  Didn’t Adam do it too? That’s right, a meeting with God in the ‘cool of the day’ for Adam (see Genesis 3:8) and Moses in his prepared place, the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:7-11).

 It had been their habits and wont to converse and commune with the LORD; Adam among the Garden of Eden foliage and Moses in the tent he had set up for that particular purpose of meeting with God and hearing from Him.

“Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it ‘tent of meeting’.  Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.  And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrance to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent … The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend …” (Exodus 33:7-11).

 Moses’ purpose produced a tent - so simple and nothing fancy - in which to meet God.  He placed it at a distance from the main camp, no doubt reducing daily distractions so as to pay more focused attention.  

 Anyone could go there though, to inquire of the LORD.  When Moses went, everyone took notice.  The people of Israel stood up at their own family tent and watched.  When they saw the pillar of cloud, they knew God had showed up too.  They worshipped Him then (see Exodus 33:10).

 What Moses set in place for himself, God honored.  He honored it by showing up and speaking face to face with Moses.  Isn’t God so gracious!  Moses had picked the time and place and God had come to the appointment.

 God liked this idea of Moses’ and expanded it, fleshing it out and prescribing holy boundaries and bringing the tent of meeting place into the camp.  It was like God’s official stamp of approval.

 God centralized it and had all of Israel set up their tents around the enlarged Tabernacle or tent of meeting.    God had pitched HIS tent smack dab in the middle.  He was so pleased they wanted to meet with Him, and interact, converse and commune with Him.  It was like Him saying, “You wanted me to come, so I come on a grand scale.  No mistaking my desire to be with you all.  I will be in your midst.  Gather around me.  I’m here.”

 What is your heart’s desire?

 Metaphorically speaking, do you have a pitched tent?  He’s just waiting for you to show your hand.  You beckon, He’ll come.

 Looking at Numbers 7:89, we see Moses’ practice was still in practice from his earlier days.

“When Moses entered the tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony (Covenant).  And he spoke with him.”

 God was still showing up and so was Moses.  He was still listening and hearing from God.  As we progress through life, we can continue such a practice, meeting up with our Heavenly Father - meeting Him on purpose.

 Heavenly Father, I’m so glad You still wish to commune and converse with me.  I like meeting and talking with You.  I’ll try to learn to listen more though and to remove distractions that pull at my eyes, ears, time and attention.  As Samuel once said to You,

“Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening” (see 1 Samuel 3:7-11).

 In Jesus’ name I come to You.  Amen.

                              ~ ERC  March 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 7:89 and Exodus 88:7-11.

Sing, The Savior is Waiting, along with ber cap.

 

HIs Precious Jewel

 

Ten year old Fairy Girl was in tears.  She lamented, “No matter what I do I get scolded.  If I try to answer and defend myself they say I’m talking back and scold me.  If I just stand quiet and look at my feet, they call me a stone.  I hate it.  It is all because I’m a girl and all the others are boys and I’m supposed to look after them all and they don’t have to do anything!”

 And the tears flowed.

 “It really does sound unfair to you Fairy Girl.  I’m so sorry you have to go through all this,” said the Teacher as she hugged Fairy Girl.  “It must really hurt your feelings.”

 “Yes!” sobbed Fairy Girl.

 “It is quite an unhappy situation for you Fairy Girl and I can sense your anger too.”

 “Of course,” she hiccuped.  “I am angry but I don’t know what to do.  I don’t like being called a stone.”

 “Hmm.  This is a very hard situation but let me think about it,” the teacher replied.

 Because it was Sunday School lesson time, the Teacher carried on with the lesson.  It was about David and Goliath.  The teacher pointed out a comparison.  David was a shepherd boy - young, maybe in his teens.  He was quite good looking apparently and had strength, skill and energy to kill a lion and a bear, barehanded.  His weapons were a sling shot and five smooth stones for this new challenge.

 Goliath was a different story.  He was nine feet tall - likely as tall as up to the ceiling in this classroom.  He was a full grown man and an experienced warrior.  He had so much armor to protect his body; a sword, spear, shield and javelin.  Oh he was proud of himself and was rearing and ready to fight in his own strength.

 “How does this look to you Fairy Girl?  Oh and to you too, Krissy (the other student)?”

 “Is it fair?  Will it be a fair fight?”

 “No!” they replied.

 “It certainly does look unfair but you know what?” the teacher queried.  “David had a secret weapon.  Can you guess what it was?”

 “No.”

 “It was his fear and trust in the Lord.  He told Goliath, “I come against you in the name of the Lord!”

 "David didn't use his own strength like Goliath intended to do, but he used God’s strength.  He is so much more powerful than anyone or anything!  Did you know that?”

 The teacher continued the story…

 “David took up his slingshot and one of his five smooth stones, slung that sling around and let loose.  The stone hit Goliath in the forehead and he fell down dead.”

 “It was an amazing victory,” remarked the teacher. “It had been an unfair fight and it had looked like Goliath would win, but he didn’t because of David’s faith and trust in His God.  He used God’s strength.  He honored God and God honored him.”

A few days later, the teacher had had time to think and to see Fairy Girl again.  She told her, stones can be useful.  There are ordinary stones like David used and there are precious stones.  “Here, look at these images of precious stones on the internet.  I like these cornflower blue sapphires the best.  They are beautiful, like you Fairy Girl.  The next time you are labeled a stone, think of what David the Shepherd boy did with an ordinary looking stone.  Then think of these beautiful blue sapphire stones.”

 The teacher told her that these beautiful stones are called gems and they are very precious and expensive.  “You, Fairy Girl, are very precious to God.  He calls you His precious jewel.  He loves you and cares about you.  He actually knows all the unfair things that have happened to you.

 You can get through by using God’s strength.  We can pray that somehow He will sort out your BIG problem and help you in a surprising way.”

 “You don’t want to be throwing stones at anyone but you can ask for the Lord to help you to get through it all and even to resolve such unfairness and frustrations.  Trust, obey and honor God and He will honor you, Fairy Girl.”

 And so too, for each and every one of us reading this.  We each encounter maddening, irksome, unfair and depressing situations.  Come to the Lord and seek His help.  Go through your days declaring, “I’ll get through in the name of the LORD.  He is my strength and song.”

 Wait and see what surprising things He’ll do for you.  He makes all things beautiful in His time.  For now, remember, you too are His precious stone or jewel - beautiful, enduring, full of hope and strength. 

                                  ~ ERC  March 2024 ~

Based on 1 Samuel 17:50-53 and Malachi 3:16-17 (KJV).

Sing, When He Cometh, along with The N Crew.

 

Book Review - The Pick-Pocket Orphans - By Lindsey Hutchinson - Publication Date: 21 March 2024

 What a delightful story despite the hardships encountered by Alice and BJ.  This is a work of historical fiction that follows Britist convicts to Australia and talks of the cruelites experienced by them.  The reader will also discover surprizing threads of kindness stitched throughout.  I was sorry  to reach the end of the story which seemed to have come around so quickly.  However, it does seem to me that there could well be a sequel to look forward to.  I hope so.  In my opinion, this is a great and clean read that even preteens could read.

                                                  ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                                     March 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Priestly Blessing Verses (Numbers 6)

 The more I read the priestly blessing verses, the more endearing they are to me.   The words themselves don't change but I think of and feel the waves of emotion I believe could well have been a motivating force in perpetuating the nightly uttering of them.  At least I imagine it.

"The LORD said to Moses, Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them:  'The LORD bless and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face towards you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:22-27).

Combined, the verses plus the emotion, give wonderful impact, peace and purpose.  The name of the LORD gets put upon each and every individual Israelite from young and old, and they could potentially rest in peace throughout the night.  This knowing and being assured of the LORD's presence and that He is there for them.  Not only that, His face shines upon them (I like to think of, in acceptance of them) because His face is turned towards them.  His graciousness and peace would see them through the night.  What a wonderful nightcap with which to blanket them.

Seems very much like He loves them and has their backs.  What do you think?

No doubt Aaron being human despite being high priest, may have felt little to no emotion at a nightly ritual.  Maybe at times he could have sighed and said, "Not again.  I'm so tired.  Can't I skip a night?"

Yet, I also like to think that he did care for these often unruly and grumbling people and recalled God did choose them.  These are His people and they need encouagement and blessing too, no matter what.

Aaron was their go-between between them and God.  He couldn't let them down despite what his own personal feelings may have been.  God's graciousness needed to characterise him too.  He needed to get himself out and up before all that congregation of motley chosen ones and turn his face towards them and speak peace.  God was invisible but Aaron was the visible 'face-of-God,' so-to-speak, to these people.

I've mentioned it before but will relate it again.  One mission school I know of  strongly suggested each parent say this Numbers' blessing upon their child each and every school day morning before releasing their child to the day's study.

While the car engine warmed up, with the children seat-belted in, the mother I know of, would mostly remember to do so, even over the other children going to other schools.  Mostly, the children never complained about it.

Even now, years later, when this mother remembers, she will bless her children in her heart although they may no longer be at home.  She tries to rememhber to bless other children and people too, say in a Sunday School class or a phone call.

Everyone who loves the Lord can do this for others.  It is a way to show ones love and care for others who may well need the extra impact and income of peace and assurance in their life.  They may well need to know, that no matter what, the Lord still cares for them enough to turn His face towards them and shine upon them.

You could be the only link for them of one who cares and loves, demonstrating how God their heavenly father cares for them.  You may well be Jesus to them!

I rather like it when at the end of a service at church, one of the brothers gets up and says a benediction over us.  It feels wonderful.  It feels like having been hugged with unconditional love and care.

Find someone to bless with these priestly blessing verses today.  May the Lord indeed be gracious to one and all reading this.

Father God, Your blessings upon me are indeed comforting and reassuring.  Your graciousness really does give me peace.  To know and understand You care about me enough to turn towards me in accepting unconditional love is so encouraging and heart-warming.  I find it difficult to find and enough of the right words to give You thanks.  Just know, Father, that it is with great gratitude and thanksgiving I praise and pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                        ~ERC  March 2024~

Based on Numbers 6:22-27 NIV.

Sing, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, along with Sing and Make Music to the Lord and May the Good Lord Bless You, along with The Collingsworth Family and the Gaither Music TV.

Book Review - Lies We Told - By Roberta Kagan - Publication Date: 20 March 2024

Once again the hardships of living in Nazi Germany during WWII are portrayed in this fourth book in the Margot's Secret series of historical fiction.  This tale takes the reader to Frankfurt with Margot where she works under the Nazi radar as a waitress.  The layers of danger pulsate and enwrap Margot as she struggles desparately to survive and protect her as yet unborn child.   

Readers will find it difficult to put the book down hoping upon hope that all will work out, never knowing what will happen even at the next moment and so they will very likely be carried along holding their hearts in their throats as I did.

The authoress, Roberta Kagan allows for major peeks inside the Dachau concentration camp and exposes its many horrors.  Here you will meet others from the former books in this series and you will wonder if Margot will ever see or hear from Max again.

Some readers may not appreciate intimate relationship details of which there are some.

I dub this saga a 4-Star performance.

                                                   ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Murder in Moscow - By Kelly Oliver - Publication Date: 19 March 2024

Flicks of humor, danger and suspense zip through this entertaining historical tale as  Aunt Fiona Figg and Kittie Lane, along with Poppy-poo, strike again, this time in Moscow.  The setting time frame involves the time Russia pulled out of the war (WWI).  The murder of the Cheka chief turns things up a notch and the protagonists must scurry.

There are several true-to-life characters personified within this tale with others such as Archie and Frederick Fredericks garnered along side them and whom we meet again here from the first and second books in this Fiona Figg and Kittie Lane mystery series.

Murder in Moscow has been an enjoyable read that ended with a satisfactory smile upon my face.  Although this novel can thrive as a stand alone work, anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes-like detecting will most likely like this third-in-a-series saga and wish they'd also read the previous offerings just as cleverly orchestrated by authoress Kelly Oliver.

Three cheers and a 4-Star rating from me.

                                               ~Eunice C.  Reviwer/Blogger~

                                                             March 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Honoring God

 Can young primary school students serve and honor God?

YES!

Samuel, a descendant of Abraham, loved, honored and obeyed God.  When he was brought to the Tabernacle at the tender age of three by his mother Hannah, he began to serve, honor and faithfully obey God.

Living in the Tabernacle he learned from Eli, the then High Priest.  Eli became like a father figure to him.  We can see that later in Samuel's life that he had lived and honored God in the capactiy of prophet and judge among the Israelites.

By contrast, Eli's own sons became very wicked and corrupt.  They were eventually killed in battle.

Just how can a young student serve and honor God?  Certainly, when they come to church and chairs and rooms need to be set-up or tided, they could do these simple tasks.  They could begin to learn a musical instrument and eventually play it for times of worship and rejoicing in the Lord.

Other angles are to show love to one another through kindness and even praying for one another.  Obeying the Lord of course, and one's parents are big ones.  Praying and trusting in God always, will show you honor God too.

Worshiping or bowing down to any picture or image that represents God or Jesus is wrong and dishonors God.  You may ask, "...even a cross?"  "Yes," I say.  It is an inanimate object - a thing, not the Person of Christ.  The young student must worship their Creator, not a thing. No idols are allowed.

The Israelites had the Ark of the Covenant which rested in the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle.  It was the place where God's presence dwelt among the people.

However, the Israelites took this for granted and began to see and use this Ark of the Covenant as a charm or idol.  They took it into battle and were seemingly very proud of it, feeling, for sure we will win because of it.  Afterall, it looked very grand and glittered with gold.

This ark was visible and could be seen, whereas, it took faith to see the invisible God.  But eventually the Israelites replaced God in their hearts with this visible representation.  This is something we must not do.

Similarly, I personally do not even like to wear a cross necklace or earrings to avoid any misunderstanding.  A cross is NOT a charm nor a thing to be worshiped.  We must worship GOD, Himself through our faith in Jesus Christ.

During High Priest Eli's and Samuel's time, the Israelites made a big mistake.  They took that Ark of the Covenant into battle with them.  The Philistines, against whom they fought, won.  They 'stole' the Ark of the Covenant from the Israelites as a snub against God and a big sneer at the Israelites.

The Israelites had not obeyed nor honored God; therefore, God could not honor them.  Eli's two wicked sons died in that battle too.  Upon hearing of the ark's capture, Eli died.

Since the Israelites had forgotten God, God had had to wake them up by taking that representation of Himself that they so cherished, away from them.  They had forgotten that it is GOD who saves, not an object, not matter how much it represented Him.

God 's presence goes with us wherever we are and we can worship Him though He is invisible.  We do not need pictures or objects that represent God.

When the Philistines stole the ark of the Covenant they were jubilant.  That quickly turned to horror for them.  Many of them got sick and/or had lots of troubles.  When they placed this ark in the temple of their god Dagon, Dagon fell down and broke into pieces.

The Philistines quickly came to realize that the God of the Israelites was indeed more powerful than their false god.  They sent the ark back to the Israelites.

Thankfully, we learn that the Israelites saw the error of their ways and repented.  God always likes to see this in us nowadays too.  They repented, cried out to God for help and He heard them.  They decided to honor God and once again make sacrifices to Him.

Even though God is invisible to us, He is still be with us.  He is with us through His Holy Spirit's indwelling when we accept Jesus as Savior.  Then we need to...

Honor God by respecting Him, obeying and serving Him while loving others.

I highly respect Hannah in the honoring God department.  She vowed to dedicate her baby to the Lord should He open her womb for her to conceive and bear a child.  Samuel was that baby and she honored her vow that she made before the Lord.  When Samuel was weaned, generally believed to be around the age of three, she took him to Eli and left him there to be of service.  Hannah had honored God and He honored her.  What's more, young Samuel did too.  So can young primary schoolers today.  Just as God's word teaches,

"Those who honor ME I will honor" (1 Samuel 2:30).

                                                   ~ERC  March 2024~

Based on 1 Samuel 1-7 and Kawan Grace Resource P4d Lesson 3.

Sing, I Will Honor God, along with Mc Ace Ph.