The Anger Emotion (Counseling book Chap 8)

 In his book, Counseling Friends in Need, Harold J. Sala talks about emotions in how they are a natural part of our beings, yet they can get out of control.  He asks though, if God is

 "pleased by our succuming to our emotions".  

What counts, he continues, is "the victory" over those emotions that threaten to overwhelm us (see 2 Corinthians 2:14).

Anger is one of the most common emotions that can explode and implode our calm.  It can be like a volcano ready and waiting at any second to erupt into its destructive course, obliterating everything and everyone in its path, like Mt. Vesuvius' eruption.

Yet, Ephesians 4:26 exhorts,

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (ESV).

Somewhere as the pendulum swings, anger crosses the line into sin.  What a person does with the anger has potential for good or for destruction. Best to get it reined in before night fall.

The victory can be ours, in Christ.  We have the Holy Spirit's help.  We have the avenue to confess wrongful anger to the Lord, gaining His forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  As we practice this, victory can come.

Naturally,  there are irritants that kindle and cause our anger in the first place.  Our anger can stem from a build up over years and years of irritants, abuse and trauma, so much so that the anger has become ingrained rage.  I don't mean to sound glib and flippant.  There is likely no overnight charm.  However, removing, if possible, some of these sources could help but ultimately we'll need to be mindful of exercising self-control with the Lord's help.  His help will be essetntial.

We can make it a point of prayer, seeking our Lord's help and the help of someone in our lives who can keep us accountable in being an overcomer.  We can be

 "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (see Romans 8:37-39 ESV).  

No scheme of man can knock you down from a determined path of recovery while walking with the Lord.

This reminds me of the poem Footprints where there were two sets of footprints of two people who had been walking side by side.  But then the author looks back and sees where there is then only one set of footprints.  Those had been the worst of times.  She's is heartbroken that Jesus would no longer be walking beside her.  She questions this!  Why doesn't He care!!  Where IS He?  That's when the still soft voice comforts, "That's when I carried you."

His presence IS with us.  Talk with Him.

Our Lord and Savior loves us too much to let us wallow in fomenting anger.  That's why the injunction to not let the sun go down on our anger is so important.  We cannot deny our emotions but we also should not let them control us.

I realize this sounds easier said than done, and we'd likely mess up multiple times, but with Christ, all things are possible. 

"Yet not I but through Christ in me" (see Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Let's trust Jesus and let Him take control  Seek out friends you trust to lend a hand and an empathic ear.

Father God, thank-You for the emotions you have granted us.  Yet we desparately need Your help to keep them in check and to gain victory over the destructiveness they can bring when we willfully allow them full freedom.  May self-control under Your full control develop purposefully in our lives.  Make a way for us each and every day.

We humbly ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:26 ESV and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala - Chapter 8 - Using the Bible to Counsel Emotional Problems, pages 154-162.

Sing, I Trust Jesus, along with Matthew West, and Jenn Johnson.  Concentrate on the sentiments of the lyrics.

Give Him a Call

 "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth"                     Psalm 145:18 (ESV).

Just reading that verse is a comfort to the soul but it also holds the sincere reader accountable.  We must call on the LORD in truth.  Then we can tell Him all.

I was reading a devotion from the YouVersion Bible Reading Plans entitled Playing in the Dirt, Day 3/10.   The Dayspring author wrote,

"Bare your soul to Him without expecting Him to 'fix it' and see what happens.  You might find that His presence is peaceful, and in it is all the comfort you seek."

The times when we feel no one cares or is listening, remember our Lord is always near.  His ear is always open and ready to hear our call.  Spend time in His presence.  Sing the song In His Presence along with Sandi Patty.  It is so succinct.  Sing and then give Him a call now.  Be in His presence.

Lord Jesus, there are times when I feel there is no one there for me.  But Your are.  In Your presence now, there is comfort.  I don't need to hold back my words or emotions.  You know my true inner feelings already but I still must share them.  I must tell you the truth of the matter.  It is so wonderful to be with You and speaking with You and know you do listen and care.  I can get to know You and Your heart even as You comfort me.  I know that my situation may not be "fixed" right here and now.  However just knowing You are with me is a boon to my soul.  I feel your peace infusing me.  Thank You Lord Jesus for the blest assurance and reassurance I can have in You.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 145:18 ESV.

Sing, In His Preseence, along with Sandi Patty.  See link above.

Deal Generously and Lend

 

"It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice" (Psalm 112:5 ESV.

Giving in a right and fair manner and doing so generously is good.  The word 'lends' is also mentioned.  If someone asks to borrow whatever, be it money, time or possessions (I assume), the lender does well when it is given generously but also with justice.

Knowing the reason for the lending is likely wise counsel though.  That'd be part of the 'justice' issue.  If we are moved to lend or give, let it not be done in half measures, but with generosity.

Whether one is the giver or the recipient, both can feel how 'well' the exchange is.  For instance, after a recent move in a new area, church members helped bless a couple with various kitchen items such as a portable oven, an electric kettle, a pot, utensils and the like.  A lovely piece of furniture arrived from another sister-in-Christ.  It certainly was 'well;' well given and well received.

It's wonderful when this love and kindness characterizes the followers of Jesus Christ.  He is, after all, our supreme example.  One brother, James Banks, by name, wrote in Our Daily Bread 2024 that,

"God has been generous with us, giving us life and forgiveness.  Let's be generous in sharing His love and our resources with those in need."

Giving will never go out of style, so let's remember to give as our Savior has done.

Thank You, Father God, for the gift of Your son Jesus who gave His life for us.  He freely and wholeheartedly gave as did You.  Help each of us, Your children, to do likewise in whichever capacity Your Holy Spirit directs.  May we deal and conduct ourselves, well, well.  In Jesus' name, amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 112:5 ESV and Our Daily Bread 2024 June/July/Aug - 2 June - by James Banks.

Sing, Try a Little Kindness, along with Glen Colton.

Book Review - Washing My Mother's Body - Joy Harpo - Publication Date: 1 April 2025

 

Those of us who've lost our mothers will surely be able to relate to the sentiments of this author's grief processing.  As I read, I felt that the words could well be helpful to others, especially for those who were unable to have been present at the time of  the mother's departing moments as happened to Joy Harpo, the author.  

On the other hand, since the illlustrations seemed to be more culturally and personally specific for the author's situation, to me, as artful and symbolic though they may be, they did not reach out, generally speaking, and therefore, it may be the same scenario to other potential readers of the world.   Overall, though, this book could well be a comfort for those made motherless.

                                           ~ Eunice C.,   Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                            April 2025

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by Net Galley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Silent Mistresses (3rd book in the Vatican Chronicles series) by John Rigoli, Diane Cummings & Lisa Cerasoli - Publication Date: 31 March 2025

 As this mystery-cum-thriller is based on true happenings in the history of the Roman Catholic church, I had to believe that the events eluded to in this novel were plausible.  It made for a really good story and gave my heart a few zinging nips of adrenaline as I read through.  No wonder Sister Maria Caruso, who was an advocate for truth, had some excitement in her otherwise placid life. 

The authors of Silent Mistresses may appear to be putting a negative spin on the Roman Catholic church but as the book's characters thrash out consequences of certain actions of the church, to expose the secrets and the plight of those involved, I thought it wasn't so much about the church in general, per se, rather on some of their deplorable practices they unreaonably attempted to uphold.

Priests, fathers, bishops, popes and general church adherents may be surprized but also find this of interest.  I enjoyed the story as there were those who were especially championing female victims.  I feel most other potential readers will enjoy reading this third book in the Vatican Chronicles series.

                                         ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           March 2025 

Read review on Goodreads.

Come Together to Worship

 

When we worship the Lord alone we can experience a wonderful and precious time of communing with Him.  We can really open up our hearts and pour out our appreciation and adoration for even the private things only He and you know about in your relationship with Him.  These times are needed often.

When believers meet together to worship in spirit and truth, it is even more powerful in other ways.  The Holy Spirit joins our hearts, minds and spirits together so we can experience His presence and power.

In turn, this encourages each other and can help maintain greater unity of Spirit in the community of believers.  This stimulates further spiritual growth towards maturity in Christian living and in Christ, strengthening our faith in Him.  Because of bonds of community individuals will feel less alone.  At least these are ideal advantages of meeting corporately (IN PERSON, NOT  online!!), to worship our Savior and Lord.

When we view Revelation 4 and 5, the four beasts started the chain reaction of worship.  The 24 elders took up the praise, then the thousands upon thousands of angels chimed in and even all creatures on earth and under the sea blended in their praise.  They spurred one another on to praise and worship and adore the One on the throne.  In corporate worship in our churches and other gatherings of believers, this power of praise can be at work too.

When the people of Israel were assembled together Ezra read to them out of the Book of the Law.  What they heard moved them to repentance.  For a quarter of the day they made confession!  That 'church' service lasted a lo-o-o-o-ng lime!

Confession prompted the Israelites worship.  I believe this is because God is holy and He wants us to be holy too.  His forgiveness sparked by our conviction and confession and repentance gives us joy.  It also gives us a clear and clean conscience enabling us to worship in our Lord's presence, truly in spirit and in the truth (see Nehemiah 9:3 ESV).

Let's praise and adore Him for all He has done for us.  Great is our God and greatly to be praised - together.

                                                ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Nehemiah 9:3 (ESV).

Sing Song of Repentance, along with New Wine Worship and Build My Life, along with Chris Tomlin (for group singing change the pronoun 'my' to 'our').   Also, Purify My Heart, along with  Brian Doerksen.

Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship - Part 2

 It's interesting and surprizing to see the different beings worshipping the Lamb in that heavenly scene John saw.  There were the four flying beasts.  There were the 24 elders.  Multitudes, that is, "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," of angels.  Then, this is the surprizing bit for me, there was 

"every creature in heaven or on earth and in the sea"

 all giving praise and worship together!

So if your child asks if there are animals in heaven, I think this suggests an affirmative answer.  Maybe its not their particular deceased pet dog or gerbil but there is indication of creatures other than human or angelic ones residing in Heaven and worshipping Jesus, the One on the throne.

John also observes the different forms of worship.  Some bow down or fall down to worship.  Some have harps and golden vials and prayers, which give off an aroma as if of incense. Some sang a new song.  Yikes!  Is that allowed?  The angels worshippped with loud voices, uttering their praise.  Then every creature had their input.

Sometimes we get caught up with "we must do it this way."  However, here we see variety.  The primary, important thing is that they were worshipping the One who is the Creator God.  Worshipping him for Who He is and what He has done for us.

Speaking of Creator God ... He Himself created so much variety.  Wouldn't His creatures then worship in a variety of ways?  The ultimate purpose is to worship our Redeemer.  Are we?  Or are we getting caught up in pettiness of the 'how'?  Worship will be diminished if so.

Isn't worship the response of our hearts?  Isn't it appreciative awe for Who our Savior is and for what He has done for me (us) - all the redeemed who by faith have accepted Him as Savior and hopefully, Lord.

Compare your worship with Revelation 4 and 5's description.   There may be similarities and differences.  If it's the appreciative, thankful heart's response it'll all still be worship.  The worship our One true God and Savior deserve for they are worthy of our worship.

Do the elders in your church give praise?  Are there musical instruments?  Ha!  This is often a controversial item.  Does it really need to be?  They'll be used in Heaven.  Watch out!  There may be angels in our church midst, but we just can't see them.  At least, most of us can't.

The churches I have attended are mostly on the much quieter side than what I imagine that heavenly scene of Revelation 4 and 5 seem to be.  No animals in these city churches either.  Ha, ha.

In fact, last Lord's Day I saw a church member escorting a cat out.  The dear thing.  After church, Incidently, one sister gave it a whole can of cat food.  Perhaps, it'll be back.  Oh, I haven't heard really loud voices in praise either unless it was in Sunday School and some mischievous child decided to vent his lungs to full capacity.  Smile.

In some very rural churches I've experienced some of the most invigorating, euphoric, comprehensive times of worship as together a major number of the villagers gathered together, dressed in their best and eagerly ready for their time of worship.  Loudly or softly, with music and even their special dances, giving their offering of praise and worship to the Lord, with abandon.  Their focus was the Lord.

You know, I believe that the degree to which we comprehend whom we worship and what He has done for us, our worship will be all the more wholesome and we will give greater vent.  Use those lungs!

Some may say, I'm of this or that culture.  In our culture we are not so expressive.  Well, I ask, do you see yourself of heaven's culture first and foremost, or are you of your own ethnic background first and foremost? 

These are things to consider.

When we see Jesus as the Lion, Lamb, our Redeemer, the One on the throne of Heaven and as our Lord and Savior, as seen in Revelation 4 and 5, we will know He is worthy of all the worship and praise we can offer up.

Jesus, my Redeemer, You are my life, my joy, my salvation.  You are the great magnificent One who sits on the throne in Heaven, forever and ever.  You are worthy O Lord to recieve all glory and honor.  You are the Holy One, who lives for ever and ever.  Your kindness, love, mercy and grace extend to me.  Great are You Lord!  You have set me free by your power and almighty outstretched arms.  You are the Eternal God Who gave me eternal life.  All praise be to you!

You are awsome!  Thank You, Jesus. 

Let's sing, some worship songs at this juncture.  Sing How Great is the Greatness of God along with Keith and Kristyn Getty; O Lord My God, When I in Awesome Wonder, along with Worship4You and Jesus, My Redeemer, accompanied with Chris Tomlin.

As the meditations of these songs echo in our minds and hearts, let's remember Jesus because of who He is and what all He has done for us.  Reach for and partake of the broken bread with praise upon our lips.  Joyfully drink of the cup of wine as we worship Him in spirit and truth.  In Him we live and move and have our being.

Sing with loud praises - Worthy is the Lamb along with Michael Smith. Our Lord God, Almighty, the Lamb is worthy of all our worship.

                                                   ~ ERC February 2025 ~

Based on Revelation 4 & 5 (KJV).  Study Guide, Christian Disciplines - Lesson 10 - Worship - Life Builder Bible Study - Christian Character.

Sing the songs as indicated throughout the devotion above.

See also, Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship  - Part 1.

In His Presence

 

Be still and know that God is God.  Be in His presence to get to know Him.  When we know Him, then we can bow in worship.  As we worship in 'spirit and truth' and with reverence and awe, our praise and thanksgiving will fill our hearts to overflowing (see John 4:23-24).  We will worship whenever and wherever we are as His presence goes with us. 

In the presence of the Lord our King of kings and Lord of lords, we bow down. We admit and confess our sins in repentance.  We become more honest and open and tell Him all.  He already knows it all anyway.  Distractions have been removed so we can fully focus on him.  Rather, in His presence we are so enraptured, we may not realize there are 'attempted' distractions.

The Lord of all the earth is here!  Wholeheartedly we worship.  The Holy Spirit intercedes.  He guides.  He shows us the way to worship, giving us the words as we bask in the Lord's presence.  or, tremble before Him in earnestness of the hour.

When we picture the One on the throne as John described in Revelation 4 and 5, we get a glimpse of what it'll be like in heaven around the throne of God.  But we can bring that vision into our bedroom, devotional area, work, or school or wherever we are worshipping.  What an awesome God we have and serve.  Commune with Him with the Holy Spirit and our spirit.

Worshipping, fasting and praying interact in His presence.  One author wrote that fasting

 "sharpens our focus on God in worship and prayer ..."

It also demonstrates 

"our earnestness and devotion to God" (Paul Mallison).

We 

"worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus ..." (Philippians 3:3 ESV).

Realizing our Lord's presence with us, His almightiness and authority we can worship with reverence and awe, in fear and trembling with our redeemed spirit joined with His Holy Spirit.

In truth and repentance we can then freely and wholeheartedly sing praise, pray and voice our thanksgiving.

Have you ever been in the presence of a world leader or king?  Yes, they are only men or women.  Nevertheless, they command a presence, an aura, if you will, of the power they wield.  It will make you feel 'trembly'.  What's more, in the presence of the Lord of all Heaven and Earth!!  He is the great I AM!

There may well be trembling as we worship in His presence as we acknowledge He is the Superior One and only true God - the Almighty powerful One.

Heavenly Father, You are our Almighty God.  We come into Your presence bowing our hearts in fear and trembling.  Yet with the confidence we have in Jesus, we come.  You are the approachable, forgiving and giving God.  We feel glad we can be by Your side, getting to know You.  In perfect peace in Your presence, we pray and sing our praise in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on John 4:23-4 and Philippians 3:3 ESV.

Sing, In His Presence, along with Sandi Patty and Holy Spirit Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Worshipful Hearts of Love

 The song, I the Lord of Sea and Sky came to mind this morning.  Our one true God is creator of all heaven and earth and all that in them are.  He it is too, who is our Rescuer through Jesus our Savior.  He is Lord of everything.

He is worthy of our worship and praise, our service to Him and our giving of sacrifices, offerings and tithes.  This is our heart's response to who He is and what He has done for us.  May we have hearts of love to speak God's Word out of worship and gratitude to our Sovereign God, and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

                                            ~ERC  March 2025 ~

Sing along in worhipful tune the indicated song above.

Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship - Part 1

 Lord, help us to see more clearly who You are and what You have done for us.  We want to be able to worship You more fully.  You are worthy of worship and praise, but it's good for us to undersatnd more of why.  In Your name we ask, Amen.

Take time to listen to (& sing along) this song of worship and praise:  Worthy of Worship, Worthy of Praise, along with Lifeway Traditional.

When you think of worship, what images come to your mind?  Is it people bowing down to idols?  Or, is it people standing, even raising their arms in praise as they sing praise?  Or is it something else in your mind?

When we read Revelation 4 we see through John's eyes, the styles of worship he observed.  I read Revelation 4 & 5 in both the ESV and the KJV.  In this instance I found the KJV more expressive and therefore felt I could 'see' what John saw more readily.  Just saying ...

He saw a door to heaven open.  He heard a voice like a trumpet sound.  He saw breathtaking, awesome beauty.  There was a throne with

 "one sitting on it that looked like jasper".  

There were blood-red gemstones known as sardine stones.  Oh, and jasper stones come in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, brown, green and blue - multi-colored with swirly patterns, bands or speckles (according to AI Overview).  On top of those was a rainbow and emerald colors.  There was lightning and thunder coming from the throne and in front of the throne was

"a sea of glass like unto crystal" .

If we have crystal chandeliers we feel, "Wow!".  Imagine a whole sea of it!  The reflections upon it from all the kaleidoscope of colors upon this 'sea' must have been beyond magnificent!  Are you getting an amazing picture of this heavenly beauty?

John saw 24 elders on 24 seats.  Incidently, I read recently that they are representative of all of us who are redeemed by the blood of Christ.  They were clothed in white garments and gold crowns.  Hold this thought of the gold crowns, for later.

Seeing the four flying beasts would have been somewhat unsettling for me.  They were full of eyes and then their heads or faces were different from the next one.  There was one that looked like a lion, another like a calf.  One had the face of a man while the fourth was like a flying eagle.  Each of them had six wings.  I doubt many of us have ever encountered such beings in our lifetime.

But there they were giving praise and worship to the One on the throne, as John recorded.  They did so day and night!  This in turn sparked off the 24 elders to offer their worship to the throned One as well.  They even cast down their crowns in acknowledgement that the One on the throne was greater than they and it was He who was worthy of the worship and praise.

It is significant to note that the focal point of the heavenly scene was the throne and more specifically the One who sat upon it.  All the beauty put aside, the most important aspect was HE.  He was and is the One to worship.  He is the One worthy of worship and praise.  God's holy character, His position and authority deem Him the One worthy to be worshippped and praised.

Next on stage, John saw some other activity (Read Revelation 5).  There's a mighty angel-proclaimer looking for someone to open the scroll and break the seals.  Alas, there didn't seem to be anyone worthy to do so.

Ever see a grown man cry?  John cried.  But then one of the elders told him not to.  I like to think the angel patted John on the shoulder and said, "There, there John.  No need to weep, someone has indeed been found to open the scroll and seals."

So John dries his eyes, sees the Lamb take the scroll from the One seated on the throne.  Glory be!  Perhaps, John blinks a few times to clear the tears then goes on to describe Jesus.  He sees Jesus as both a Lion and a Lamb.

As the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" we can see Who He is.  He is King and Head of  Judah.  He is strength and power.  He is almighty God.

As "a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain" we see what Jesus has done for us.  He is the One who had been sacrificed to redeem us.  He is Jesus our Savior.

He is the One who redeemed us to God by His blood.  The "us" meaning people from every "kindred, tongue, people and nation."  He made us kings and priests so we can reign with Him on the earth.

As those who worshippped and sang praise in the heavenly scene, let's join our voices and pause now to sing,

"Thou Art Worthy" O Lord, to receive glory, glory and honor, along with Blood Covenant.

Bow down your hearts and minds now and even your whole body.  Worship Him for Who He is and what He has done for us.  Cast down all your crowns.  Acknowledge He alone is worthy of all praise.  He alone is the Holy One.

Sing, Cry Holy - We Fall Down, along with Chris Tomlin.

Then remember Him in His death and resurrection glory this Lord's Day by partaking of the broken bread and drinking of the cup of wine.  Do this until He comes.

Indeed, Lord, You are worthy of all worship and praise.  You alone are Holy.  Amen.

                                                      ~ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Revelation 4-5 KJV.  Also the study guide, Christian Disciplines - Lesson 10 - Worship - Life Builder Bible Study - Christian Character.

Sing the songs as indicated throughout the devotion above.

Holy, NOT Holey

 

If you want to drain off water from spaghetti noodles, you need a strainer or sieve, at best.  If you want to boil some soup you need a pot that's not holey.  If we're to be holy because our God is holy, we cannot have holey holiness.

However - ok this might sound a bit confusing but do stay with me - we may need to be holey like a sieve in some aspects but also like a pot without holey-ness.  Let me explain.  

A sieve - like life, can drain off all the things in our supposed holy that are not holy.  As the Holy Spirit convicts, we can repent and seek our Savior's forgiveness.  Then we 

"go and sin no more" (see John 8:11).

On the other hand, capture the holy in a pot so there's less chance of it escaping.  Yes, in one sense, when we came to Christ through faith, God imputed His righteousness to us.  That is through His justification.  Then He strongly nudges us to live a holy life.  That is progressive sanctification.

There is nothing we can do to diminish Christ's work in us as far as what God has given us.  That's eternal.  The other side of the coin is our human responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ where we can tarnish His name and our own reputation along with His by forgetting ourselves and allowing the holy living, instead of the impurities, to drain away through a sieve, so to speak.

You know, when God saved and rescued the children of Israel out of Egypt, He told them, 

"For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God.  You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:45 ESV).

As believers in Jesus Christ and receiving salvation through Him, we have a similar parallel injunction.  Look at this ...

" ... but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV).

First Timothy 1:9 adds, 

"He saved us and called us to a holy life."

After all, God rescued and saved us from degradation and His wrath like He did for the Israelites from centuries of drugery.  He did a lot for us out of His great grace and mercy and love.  The least we can do for Him is to live a wholesome holy life.  We've been called to it.

See what Peter wrote (I think he found out by experience).  He said, 

"to be holy, in all your conduct" [emphasis mine].  

'All' is the operative word here.  If we are only holy in certain areas of our lives, then we are holey and not very holy.

Essentially, we were made holy by God through Jesus.  We were given the tools, so to speak, and put in a pot.  He saved us.  And He called us to a holy life (see 2 Timothy 1:6-10 especially vs 9).  Our mandate from heaven is to be holy in all our conduct.  Let's be.

                                                  ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Leviticus 11:45; 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV.  The idea of Holy vs Holey came from Our Daily Bread June/July/Aug 2024 by Elisa Morgan.

Sing, Holy (Jesus You Are), along with Matt Redman.

Be A Discipler

 From childhood to adulthood there have been godly, mature Christians along the way who influenced me towards godliness.  These are brothers and sisters-in-Christ who took the Great Commission seriously.  Not only did they steer me towards salvation but also engaged the second part of that commission 'to make disciples' (see Matthew 28:19-20).

This biblical mandate takes ongoing effort and commitment to help 'grow' another believer to maturity.  At various times and seasons there will be others who 'take over'.  For example, Timothy's mother and grandmother greatly influenced and taught him faith and God's word.  Later, the apostle Paul 'took over'.

In 1 Thessalonians 2 we see Paul discipling a whole congregation of believers through a letter since it was too dangerous for him to be with them in person.  He didn't leave them shepherdless.  He was able to send Timothy, whom he'd discipled and trained up, to them to encourage and guide them.

Did Paul do this for fame and glory?  No.  His motivation was to declare the gospel of God in the midst of conflict.  There was persecution going on there.  It was no doubt a scary time.  The Thessalonians needed the encouragement and guidance to navigate their Christian lives through their "valley of the shadow of death".

As I wrote that I remembered that someone close to me told of the believers he knows of and has had a hand in discipling.  They live in Goma, D. R. Congo.  The M23 terror group has been raking and raking through the area terrorizing.  They've taken over Goma.

This created havoc and people were looting stores and shops and warehouses to get food.  The Christians did not participate in thievery.  Now the Christians don't have enough food.  On top of that, young Christian teenagers and men have to go into hiding.  They are susceptible to being kidnapped at any time of day or night.  Yes, the M23 will even break into homes and hospitals in the middle of the night to snatch such young men, forcing them to become a member of their violent gang.

Out of a hundred or more believers in the church, less than ten showed up for Sunday service, for safety's sake.  This is what these Christians are currently enduring.  Scary?

Of course!  Sounds terrifying!  And what the believers in Thessalonica experienced was scary too.  The desparation.  The hunger, perhaps.  The constant threat of alarm and harm were ever present.  In addition to discipling there needed to be encouragement through this gale force storm.

Paul could do so because he himself endured much.  For safety's sake he had had to flee the city.  Why would he continue?  Well, another of his motivations was to please God and not man (see vs 1-6).

In vs 4 we see God tests the heart.  Is it true to pleasing God even in the crucible?  We each will need to face up to this question at some point in our life.  Paul used his own example to disciple the Thessalonians through theirs.

Paul, Timothy and Silas were all out - wholehearted.  My own motivation for giving myself to other people has been rather tepid by comparison.  I have only had a vague idea to please God in discipling others to learn of Jesus and His way.  I haven't seriously thought of what my motivation was, to begin with.  It's been more of a duty to pass on from one generation to the next.  I have liked to please men under the guise of pleasing God.  This needs to change!

God's Word through Paul guides and disciples still.  Paul's similes were that he did so "like a nursing mother" and "like a father".  A mother's tender care to nuture, feed and clothe, while a father's guidance gave right direction through exhortation, encouragement and transforming grace to walk in a manner worthy of God.

From right motivation to the 'how to' of discipling, Paul's example is so helpful.  Stop and consider it.  Let's make it our practice too.  Having greater understanding of this role will bring about a more holistic mode of discipling with greater integrity bringing praise and glory to God.

So Paul had right motivation and method.  He also had a goal in nurturing the Thessalonians towards maturity in Chrsit.  He wanted them to "walk in a manner worthy of God," "to increase and abound in love for one another" and to "establish their hearts, to be blameless before God and Father at the coming of Christ."  Lofty goals (see 1 Thessalonians 2:12 and 3:12-13).

All of this came at a cost for Paul.  He suffered and was shamefully treated.  He worked around the clock to earn his own room and board while still teaching and preaching and discipling.  He was hindered by Satan from further speaking in Thessalonica and was driven out of the area. 

 If we engage in active discipling, I believe we will surely pay the price too but as we invest in the lives of others know too the cost of God's grace when He sent His one and only Son to earth to earn our salvation.  I've heard believers call this 'costly grace' and it is not to be taken for granted.  If someone is discipling you, be sure to be thankful.  Give God praise that you can be found using your 'talents' for Him in His service.

Despite the tiredness and suffering Paul must have endured, there were happy results for all his hard work.  The people ...

 "accepted God's Word as the Word of God and NOT of man; they became imitatiors of the Judean churches of God in Christ Jesus" and "even suffered for their faith"         (see vs 13-16).

When we see our 'children' walking with the Lord it gives us pleasure and thankfulness to the Lord.  Paul's hope, joy, and crown were found in these Thessalonian believers.  They were his treasure he stored up in heaven and when Jesus returns, I believe Paul will hear Jesus say, "well done, good and faithful servant".

May each of us brothers and sisters-in-Christ be encouraged by Paul's example.  Invest in other Christians' lives, not as busybodies but as a discipler.  All the 'hard labor' and suffering we may encounter will be worth it when we see those disciples grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and come to maturity in Him.

Getting back to those who influenced me to live well for Christ were those who taught me to love Jesus, to be interested in reading the Bible, to have compassion and greater empathy for others, who helped build up my most holy faith and to have integrity in faith.  That is, to walk the talk to be true, not hide the truth and to remove falseness.  

Besides my parents, there were Sunday School teachers, a man of faith and compassion, another brother who taught a group of us as adults, and a sister-in-Christ friend.  I thank God for all of these who were willing to 'work hard in the Lord' not just for me but for countless others.  They did it all to please the Lord.

                                                       ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on 1 Thessalonians 2, and Bible Study Guide - Chrisitan Disciplines, Life Builder - Christian Character - Chapter 12 - Discipling.

Sing, Bringing In the Sheaves, along with The Mansion Singers.

Joyful Satisfaction in Giving

 

I feel greatly satisfied when giving money especially if I have earned it myself in the first place.  Of course, anything earned is the Lord's provision.  There is also joy because, whether given directly or anonymously, the recipient has been helped in some way.  

How about you?  Does giving give you joy and satisfaction?

King David was jubilant.  At first take is seems he is boasting about his giving, and that turned me off.  But if a reader digs deeper in the focus passage, you will get a different perspective.  Joyful news one just has to tell!

David's desire was to build a permanent dwelling for God to dwell among the people of Israel.  It was a good desire for sure.  However, God had told him he could not.  David didn't sit back and complain or become depressed because he was told, "NO!".

He was pro-active.  He listed gold and silver items and more of what he was able to give.  These were building materials put into a treasury for the specific purpose of building the temple.  The building fund, if you will.

His son Solomon would be the one to build the temple.  The temple would be for God, not man.  King David gathered his people to tell them this and gave his giving list.  He then challenged his people,

"Who will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD" (vs 5)?

Leaders of homes, tribes, commanders and officers gave for the service of God's house.  The result was

 "the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD.  David the king also rejoiced greatly" (vs 9).

What a magnificent, euphoric moment that must have been!

I know of one small city church who has also given much over the years to help rural congregations build churches and access roads to interior villages.  It's amazing when the people give 'wholeheartedly' and with joy!

Yes, there could be the danger of bragging but to be able to list out and show the congregation what their giving has accomplished, it can encourage and bring joyful satisfaction in giving, as a believer in Jesus Christ is wont to do.  

Just writing this makes me feel like praising the Lord for His provision that allows His people to provide for others.  Break out in song, Praise the Savior!  Or, Give of Your Best to the Master.

The people of Israel along with King David, worshipped and praised God.  They blessed Him and 

"paid homage to the Lord ..." (vs 20).

This all looks grand on paper.  It is good though if we check our attitudes towards giving compared to those of Israel.  Ask yourself, "Is my giving wholehearted?"  "Do I have joyful satisfaction in giving?"

I suppose that the measure of wholehearted willingness of giving will be equivalent to the level of joy.  Let's give

 "freely and wholeheartedly" (vs 9).  

Check for stinginess and hesitancy in the inner sanctums of our hearts.  Are there other hindrances?  Are they real reasons for not giving with joyful abandon?  Perhaps we don't realize God is the Giver of what we have in the first place.  We don't understand God's character of being THE Giver of all time and eternity.

Take note of what David praised God for (see vs 10-19).  David said God was the God of Israel.  Is He your God?  In prayer and praise do you address God as the God of _________ (tuck your name in that blank)?  David also praised God for His greatness, power, glory, victory and majesty.  He declared and acknowledged God's ownership of all that's in heaven and on earth.  

Recall that David was the King of Israel but he's saying, God is actually THE King.  He praised and said that the kingdom belongs to God and He was to be exalted over all.  He further declares that all riches, and honor belong to God and He makes things great and gives strength to all.  God's name is holy.

If you ever are at a loss for words of how to praise and adore God, read those verses.  Praise will really bubble forth and you will be on a roll with your own adoration articulations.

The most important element David mentioned was in verse 14,

"For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You".

In all our giving, let's keep this in mind.  It will help to overcome hesitancy in giving of what we are able.  May all glory be to God, as He motivates our giving and directs to whom or for what purpose to give (see Deuteronomy 16:17 & 2 Corinthians 9:).

Take a time out now to praise and thank him for what He has giving you and more importantly what you have been able to give to Him and for His purposes.

When a need presents itself, we get our hearts tested.  Recite that vs 14 to yourself and then go forth with your free will offering.  Give wholeheartedly, willingly, and joyfully.  Burst forth in praise and worship.  May each and everyone of us have joyful satisfaction in giving.

Heavenly Father, God, we Your people love and adore You, for You alone are our great and almighty Giver of all things.  You especially gave Your one and only son Jesus for our salvation.  It was such a huge sacrifice!  How it must have hurt Your heart to do that to Your son.  Yet now He is our Savior and Lord.  It is a precious, costly gift and we bless and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank You for our possessions, our time and energy.  All such come from you alone.  Spur us on to give freely and willingly as You did.  Thank You for Your perfect example and the example of king David and his people so long ago and that still reverbrates down to us, Your chosen children-in-Christ.  In Jesus' name we give You our praise.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on 1 Chronicles 29:1-20 ESV and Christian Disciplines - Chapter 11 - Giving - from Bible Study Guide - Life Builder Christian Character.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Master, along with Reflection and Freely, Freely You Have Received, along with Chet Valley Churches.

Book Review - Stellar Stories for Boys of the Future - by Francesca Cavallo - Publication Date: 20 March 2025

 When a reader sets out to read through this book, they first read the introduction; a very good place to start.  I believe it to be very important as it sets the tone and gives explanation to the allegorical stories.  I'd say parents should be encouraged to read it as well as the stories that follow, along with their children.

This book offers a series of short stories with pointed lessons imbedded in the 'fun'.  There are several planets on which differnt sorts of people or creatures feature.  Each one sets up another facet of helping boys in particular but also everyone in general, take another look at the stereotyping way of seeing masculinity.  Additionally, there is mention of LGBTQIA+ issues.

I would have to say I don't fully agree with all the author has had to say but everyone has their right to their own view.  There was, shall we say, 'an afterward' by a Ruth Whippman giving further insight of the message, which I felt was helpful.

I'm of the opinion that many children of today will like these imaginative stories.

                                              ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                             March 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

When Routine Gets Upset

 When our daily routines are, well, routine, we may not turn to the Lord very often to seek His guidance.  We may forget to ask, "What do you have to say to me today, Lord?"

When it rains we remember to bring our umbrella.  When a stick gets caught in the bicycle spokes, you may go for a tumble or before that happens, stop and figure out how to get it out.  

Similarly, when the routine gets upset, then we call out to the Lord - hopefully - to seek His direction in time of crisis or the 'what now, Lord?" situations in life'.

This is what King Jehosphaphat of Judah did when he heard the most alarming news of a great multitude of enemies ganging up and coming in to attack.

Naturally, he was afraid.  But this spurred him on in determination to seek the LORD's counsel.  Scripture says,

 "he set his face to seek the LORD" (vs 3).

  He meant business.

On top of this he fasted and 

"proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" (vs 3).

They were all in the same predicament and all assembled together to 

"seek help from the LORD" (vs 4 ESV).

It was a dire situation and they desparately needed help.  We too, have this avenue of help and grace whether for 'small' or 'big' circumstances.  Our immediate response to trouble can be as Jehoshaphat's to seek the Lord and discern His guidance.

It's interesting to note Jehoshaphats's prayer and how he, the King of Judah, perceived himself.  As a king he could command and his command would be carried out asap.  He had authority and power to do that.

In his prayer though, he acknowledges that it was God who ruled over all nations and that He was the one with the power and might.  He was basically saying God is the ultimate authority.  In fact, he said that he and his people were 

"powerless against the great horde that [was] coming against [them]."

And,

"[they did] not know what to do, but [their] eyes [were] on [Him]."

So King Jehoshaphat saw himself as powerless and in need of God's power and guidance.  If this isn't humility, what is!

Every king of Judah (or Israel, for that matter), was supposed to have written out the then Scriptures and the Law as given to Moses.  These were also to be regularly read aloud.  There's evidence that King Jehosphaphat must have done so.  He makes references in his prayer of God's past help.  So he knew the history of his ancestors and people.

He gives God a mini-history rundown of how He'd helped them at other times of powerlessness,  and now need His intervention once again in similar situation.  

He has his say and then he waits.  All Judah waits with him, expectantly.  

I'm impressed that even the ...

 "little ones, their wives and their children" 

... all await God's guidance.  It's not just a select few who were interested.  No all were in earnest.  Their routine had been drastically upset.  So they wait ...

The answer comes flooding in as the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel a descendant of Asaph, a Levite from among the singer-songwriter worship leaders.  The congregation bows down and worships, singing praise even before they take action.

We'd all love to have such swift, direct guidance, in point form direction.  However, we don't always get that but there are some principles to glean here that I learned may help us in our non-routine situations.

There is, of course, acknowledging in humility, that God has all the power, authority and wisdom.  There is also fasting.  Knowledge of Scripture is important too.  The Holy Spirit can bring to mind specific words to our minds that can give direction.  So routinely read your Bible and pray every day.  The more we read God's Word and meditate upon it, the more the Lord is able to guide us.  We need attentive, obedient ears sensitive to hearing His guidance.

We need to remember that the battle is not ours but God's.  We've sought His help so we ought to let Him.  Give the reigns to Him even when taking action you discern He has shown you.

King Jehoshaphat and all Judah needed to heed the 

"stand firm and hold your position"

order in order to see the Lord work His ambush upon the enemies.  They had donned the armor and were in position, but they still stood firm and watched.

It puts me in mind of putting on the armor of God, for us now.  Often it is a spiritual warfare battle.  Put all the armor on and

 "having done all, to stand ..." (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV).

We then stand and pray, holding our position and see how the Lord will guide.  That is when we will see 

" the salvation of the Lord on our behalf".

He is with us wherever we go.

Don't forget to worship Him and give Him your thanks.  The inhabitants of Judah gave praise in a "very loud voice."  They did  so even BEFORE they saw the Lord's ambush.  Sing praise now to our almighty God.

Sometimes we may feel God's guidance is too good to be true, or perhaps, not good enough.  It just doesn't seem right.  It should have been like this or like that!  I like that King Jehoshaphat and his people didn't hesitate.  They had sincerely asked and they accepted the LORD's guidance.  

It was an unusual way for them to 'go to war' but God's answer was as it was and it was the right answer for them at that time.  They confidently and with praise went forth to do as guided.  They did not forget to worship, praise and to give their htanks.

What's more, was the strange battle forerunners.  King Jehosphaphat commanded the group of singers to be at the forefront.  They led the army!  They did not have armor or weapons.  They wore "holy attire"!  And they sang!

Most army commanders are all into stealth and camouflage modes.  Here the army moved out being led by singers as opposed to Stingers.  You'd kind of think that they would be announcing their arrival and battle positions.  Strange but true in God's army handbook.  I wonder what Sun Tzu, the renowned ancient Chinese military army strategist who wrote the book The Art of War, would have to say about that.  What a chuckle.  (I haven't read it but who knows, he may have used such tactics too.)  I digress.

In spiritual warfare, let's remember how to fight the enemy of our souls.  Read God's handbook - the Bible - stand firm, pray, fast, obey and sing praise, in the name of Jesus.  He deserves our praise for He is worthy.

There are ways to seek the Lord's guidance and apply them to our respective situations in life especially when the routine gets upset.  

What's happening in your life right now?  Seek His guidance.  He's there for you.

                                                 ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (ESV) and Christian Disciplines, lesson 9 - Guidance - Life Builders Bible Study, Christian Character.

Sing, Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart, along with Maranatha Singers and Holy Forever, along with CeCe Williams.

The Bottom Line

 Dramas, book reading, language learning, writing, tending to a blog or vlog and doing housework among so many other possible activities and responsibilities compete for a person's time and attention.  How is one to manage them all!

Well, for one, a person could reduce and/or eliminate activities that are more 'false,' those areas of our life that one lifts up their souls and spirits to.  There's no blessing in falseness.  Seek the Lord and His righteousness especially if that activity has become borderline or an actual addiction.

In this journey of life, if we have not already discovered what gifts, talents and skills we have, we can go find out.  Then use them.  We can learn to manage our time, and use our gifts.  Let's be diligent.

It's like the parable where the master gave talents to his servants, expecting them to use them wisely and earn profit.  Five, two, and one talent were dispensed to three different servants.  The first two earned their respective amount more.  The third didn't bother.  He buried his, not using it at all making flimsy excuse.

When Jesus entrusts 'talents' to us His children, and we see Him as our Lord and Master, what will we do with those talents?  Will we use them at home, at work, in our neighborhood and church?

Those first two servants were commended when their master returned.  He said, 

"Well done good and faithful servant."

What wonderful acknowlegement of their service and efforts on His behalf.

We all know what happened to the servant who buried his talent.  The master was none too pleased and had him banished and severely punished.

This is NOT to insinuate at all, that a believer could lose his or her salvation.  NO!  There just won't be any reward.  There will be no blessing.  A wasted life ... That third fellow did not know his master's character at all.  Let us each learn to know our Master and Savior Jesus Christ and be proactive in seeking opportunities to use our 'talents' for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God and to build up our brothers and sisters-in-Christ in their most holy faith.  We need to use them to show love one to another in the family of God and to win souls for Christ.

The bottom line is time management in order to use your 'talent(s)' more effectively.  How will we arrange or rearrange or eliminate activities and responsibilities that rob our time?

Let's give of our best to the Master.

                                                                 ~ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Matthew 25:14-30 and Christian Disciplines - Lesson 8 - Managing Time and Gifts - Life Builder Bible Study - Christian Character.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Maser, along with Reflection.

Don't Forget Your Mantle

 When you got dressed this morning did you top off by putting on a mantle of compassion?  As we gird ourselves with empathy and compassion be on the look out for those who especially need it, which, well, could be just about anyone.  We may just encourage someone along the way, showing them the love of Christ.

Jesus is often said to have had compassion on the crowds and individuals among whom He walked and encountered.  He characteristically went out of His way to engage with one here and one there.

Compassion spearheads action.  Look at Matthew 14:14 ESV.

"When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick".

That's what Jesus did and does.  He seeks and saves the lost (see Luke 19:10).

In Mark 6:34, He again had compassion on a great crowd,

"because they were like sheep without a shepherd."

His compassion then led Him 

"to teach them many things" (Mark 6:34 ESV).

That took a long time because the day waned and the disciples were thinking it's more than time for everyone to go home.  The people would be getting hungry and there were no restaurants nearby in that "desolate place."

Jesus' hospitality was to turn five loaves of bread and two fish into a feast, feeding 5000 men (and likely along with their wives and children).  There were even leftovers to talk about and take home.

When we combine compassionate hearts with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, forgving one another and finish off with the love of God, 

"Which binds them all together in perfect harmony"(Colossians 3:12-19 ESV),

our actions for the day ought to indeed show Christ's love, just as Jesus' did.

Don't forget to don your mantle.

                                               ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV) and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 24 Sept - by Patricia Raybon.

Sing, The Love of God is Greater Far, along with the Gaithers Vocal Band.

Lord's Day Devotion - Lift Up Your Heads

 Standing at a height, say in a mountain area, the breeze brushing across your face, gently buffeting your hair, and with misty clouds dampening your cheeks, you lift up your head and eyes to the majestic mountain.  This not in worship of the created but in appreciation of the Creator.

Our creator God created such loveliness for His pleasure but He shares it with us.  It is to Him we raise our eyes beyond the scene.  It is to Him, we lift up our faces, souls and spirits.

The imaginery I relate to best when reading Psalm 24 is of a big city of ancient times where they were protected by walls and large fortified gates.  It is these gates I picutre to be opened in grand fanfare, for the Lord of glory to come in with all pomp and glory.

It would be like a king returning from a hunt or a victorious war, "Open the gate, King David, has returned!"  The gate keepers swiftly open, welcoming him.  The citizens line the streets in glad euphoric welcome and greeting.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, there was similar vibe.  This is letting the king of glory in, in the physical sense.  But what about the spiritual sense?  Yes, brothers and sisters-in-Christ, accepting Jesus as Savior allowed the King in.  However, the psalmist answered his own question, "Who is this king of glory?"  His answer was,

"The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle" (Psalm 24:8 ESV).

LORD, signifies God and Master.  All others are servants.  We may have let our Savior Jesus in through the gates of our hearts but have we allowed the LORD to open all the doors of our hearts?  Have we allowed HIM to actually be Lord and Master?

Flipping back to verse 4, David said those who have clean hands and a pure heart and 

"Who does not lift up his soul to what is false" 

as the ones who ascend the hill of the LORD and stand in His holy place.  These among other wonderful benefits.

Look at that again.  Does it convict?  It does me.  What do you lift up your soul to?  Please, not to falseness.  If our doors and gates are opening to false things, we can repent and seek the Lord's forgiveness.  Then let Him be Lord of your life.

If you are standing on a mountain of falseness and those false breezes and mists you cherish, cherish you, repent.  Close those doors and gates.  Then there will be room for the King of Glory to come in.  There will be, room for you to invite the Lord of glory to come in.  There will be jubilant gladness. There will be the clean hands and pure heart, blessing and 

"righteousness from the God of his salvation. "  

Lift up your heads and face to Him.

Search and examine your hearts this Lord's Day.  Yes, Jesus has made us worthy to remember Him in His death and resurrection by partaking of the symbols of broken bread and drinking of the cup of wine.  Yet, we still need to be responsible for our thoughts, actions and behavior.  There is blessing in repentance from the false and renewal of the true and allowing His righteousness to characterize us.  Lift up your heads to HIM.

Open the gates and doors of your heart to Him.  Let His Spirit entrance.  Seek His face.

It may be that the generation or two before you began to seek the Lord and to open their gates and doors to the Lord.  Or it may have only begun in your generation, with you.  It doesn't matter because each one still can be that one to make Jesus, not only Savior but also the Lord of their life.

Seek the face of God, allow the Lord of hosts, the King of glory to come in.  Open the gates and doors.

Blessed Jesus, thank You for being our Savior and willing to be our Lord.  May we indeed lift up our heads and hearts to you and truly make you our Lord, as well.  May we joyfully shout,

 "Open the gates and doors!  The King of glory's coming in!"

                                                  ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 24 ESV.

Sing, Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (Truro), along with,  First Plymouth Church, Lincoln Nebraska.

Photo taken from my own church bulletin.