Be Still and Know

 

Be still, sit still, wait ... why?  For what?  For one, to know that God is God.  This is a lot.

If our days are busy and jammed packed, how can one be still and sit still?

Early morning, even before the birds begin to sing, when it is still dark out, there's stillness.  It's a great time to sit and be still.  As night turns to day, the stillness can accompany you.  

Meditating on the omnipotence or the omnipresence of God or of one of the other of God's attributes will help to begin to 'know God' just a titch.  Psalm 46 invites, 

"Come and see the works of the LORD ..." 

 Among His works you'll find 

"He makes wars to cease."  

He makes them cease and not just in a localized place.  He makes them cease, 

"to the ends of the earth".  

He breaks and burns the weapons!  War is an ugly powerful, evil force but our God, our omnipotent God, is even so much more powerful!

"Be still and know I am God," says God. 

 Think of His almighty power in this instance.  What is it you want?  What do you need Him to do for you or for certain others?

I like what Naomi said to Ruth after Ruth had asked Boaz to do his kinsmen duty towards her.  Ruth had done her part.  However, the ladies didn't know what the outcome would be.  They had to wait.  Naomi said,

"Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today" (Ruth 3:18 ESV).

The KJV replaces, "Wait," with "Sit still." 

We can wait but not necessarily sit still.  We may fidget and/or our minds swirl  with 'what if's' and the like.  When we do sit still and wait patiently then we will be able to discern and get to know God more.  

In the stillness of the hour our hearts and minds can become still and begin to know God.  Let us be still, sit still and wait.  

Learn to know God.

                                                  ~ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 46:7-11 especially vs 11 and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 14 Sept by Karen Huang.

Sing, Be Still and Know That I Am God, along with Christopher Walker.

Photos credits:  Darlene Lewis.

Making A New Foreign Friend

 

Welcoming a foreigner into our midst can be tough.  All those pre-conceived, stereotyping beliefs and prejudices to overcome.  One may have or not even realize one has these against 'that type,'  which places a 'great wall' barrier of grief between the foreigner and the local.  Often it's the foreigner who has to take the battering ram of initiative to this wall of separation.  It sure is difficult!

It's wonderful that God has concern not just for the fatherless and widow, but that He loves the foreigner!  He commanded the Israelites to love them too.  Why?  Because they were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.

They would know how it felt.  Now it was time for them to 'pass it along'.  Any of us who currently are foreigners will know the feel of never quite 'fitting in' !  So we too can reach out to the one who sticks out in a crowd.

But this should not let the locals off the hook.  Don't make the foreigner have to do 98% of the work bridging the gap.  Get out of your clicks and comfort zones and meet the foreigner 98% instead.  You just never know when you'll make a wonderful new friend!

Blessing will flow in both directions.  Abraham was blessed when he entertained strangers that actually turned out to be angels (see Genesis 18:1-15).  The widow of Zarephath opened her home to Elijah (see 1 Kings 17:9-24).  The blessing in both cases were reciprocal.

Of course, seeking for blessing should not be the motivating factor.  It should be 'the thing' a believer in Christ does out of the goodness of heart that salvation brought us.  It needs to be unconditional, like God's love.

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

Another good verse to couple with that is Hebrews 13:2 (ESV).

"Do not neglect to entertain strangers, for there by some have entertained angels unawares ..."

I'll never forget the time when one sister-in-Christ did this for me.  She was the local and I the foreigner.  She'd load up her little ones, drive for 20 minutes or more, pick me and my little one up, and drive those 20 plus minutes back to her home.  There we lunched together, had good conversation and prayed together.  Then she had to load up her children again and drive me home, turn around and go all the way back to her place again.  It was a labor of love and kindness that turned into a strong friendship.  We certainly were both blessed!

Be alert for such opportunities.  That sister would do that every week!  It was not a one-off encounter.  Whether or not the foreigner ends up a friend, persistance in making the connections in welcoming the foreign neighbor or the one who shows up at church, is what our Heavenly Father commands us to do.  Love them.  Feed them. Clothe them.  Be blessed in so doing.

                                                ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Deuteronomy 10:17-20 especially vs 18.  Also, Our Daily Bread, Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 13 Sept - by Sheridan Voysey.

Sing, God So Loved - We the Kingdom, along with Hadleigh Baptist Church.

Clam Up

 If an oyster gets irritated, does it clam up?  

 Just asking…

 It may clam up and make a pearl out of the irritant.  Whaddayah think?

 When our LORD asks us to “Be still” and “wait patiently for Him,” it could be the time for us to clam up too.  If we clam up, our tongues can “be still”.

 Then with effort, our minds can be made still as we trust Him  and “wait patiently for Him” to act on our behalf.

 What can we “be still” from?  In the midst of our rage, can we trust Him?  In rage and resentment from waves of acute-chronic-acute irritation in a marital relationship?  Still, from turmoil at work or school?  Still from seeing injustice upon injustice and from evil that prospers?

 Can our anger be stilled?

 Perhaps…

 As we trust in the LORD and do good, as we delight in the Lord, as we commit our way to Him showing Him our trust, then He will act on our behalf.  He will calm the troubled seas of our mind and heart.

 Oh, the irritants may not be removed because He wants to make a pearl out of you.  As you clam up and be still in mind and tongue, then He can work.  He will help us find a way through it all.  He walks with us (see Psalm 23:4).

 The commandment here is to…

 ” refrain from anger, and forsake wrath”.  

 If we operate with such intense emotion, the Word of God says it “tends only to evil” (vs 8).  We will only make matters worse.

 Anger itself is not a sin - yet, but action in an uncontrolled manner tends towards evil as the verse tells us.  When anger drives us to do good deeds to help those in distress, experience injustices and evil, then that anger is put to good and constructive use.  However, be still in the LORD’s presence seek His will and allow the Holy Spirit to show us the way.  Listen for His voice in the stillness.

 One sister wrote,

 “Allow the stillness of God’s presence to renew our strength and grant us the wisdom we need to tackle the challenges we face each day…” (Kimya Loder).

 We can turn this into a prayer and use it as a motto for ourselves.

 This is how ‘pearls’ are made in our souls and spirits.  So let’s clam up and trust our Lord to help us become more like Him.  Let’s become the most exquisite pearls we can be for His glory.  Spend time with Him.  Be still and wait patiently for Him.

 Lord, we wait patiently for You.  Take our anger, and in the stillness of Your presence turn it into good.  You seek pearls.  Help us to become them as You walk with us through our valleys of irritants.  Bring forth the righteousness You desire for each of us.  Act on our behalf.  As we are still, let us hear Your voice, gentle, consoling and giving guidance.  Still our hearts and minds, anxieties and anger that is sinful.  I beseech You in Your name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                 ~ERC  February 2025 ~

 Based on Psalm 37:5-7 and Our Daily Bread - Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 12 Sept - by Kimya Loder.

 Sing - Be Still and Know, along with CeCe Williams.

 

 

Good Book - If I Were You - By Lynn Austin

 I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical work of fiction by Lynn Austin.  I have read several of her books and in my opinion she's an excellent writer.  I find her consistant in her wonderful way with words.  This book is no exception to that.

The story is set in England leading up to and throughout WWII and its aftermath.  It deals with the disparagies between the weathly upper crust aristocrasy vs the servant class, where never the twain should mingle.  The interactions between Audrey and Eve bear this out in the most interesting of ways.

As life took its painful twists and turns for the two girls-cum-women, their courage and stalwartness became evident.  It led them into all sorts of adventures but also more pain.  Opportunity for tears and laughter are sprinkled throughout the narrative, making the reader feel very much a part of the unfolding drama and able to feel the horror and terror of living through the war at ground zero.  

I really like that it is a faith based read dealing with trust in God and those who have lost their faith.  Themes of repentance and forgiveness and of the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep. It really touches the heart.

This book has truly been a satisfying read.  5-Star kudos to Lynn Austin!

                                                 ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Heavenly or Earthly Wisdom?

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" James 3:17 and 18.

I used to think descriptions of wisdom could be found squarely in the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, the wisest man who'd ever lived, and who wasn't God.  But these two verses in James struck me, oh, here's a wonderful explanation from the New Testament.  Heavenly wisdom at its finest, and if we lack such wisdom we can ask God for it (see James 1:5-8).

By contrast is earthly wisdom - there is some - but it won't ever measure up to God's heavenly wisdom.   Earthly wisdom is not so pretty and is generally marked by selfish motivation.  This type produces 

"disorder and every vile practice" (see vs 16) 

whereas heavenly wisdom results in righteousness and peace.  Which would you choose even if it may not make sense to you?  

It's amusing to see what else is written about God's wisdom.

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV).

In times of decision making, difficult situations, counseling a friend in need and the like, would you go for earthly or heavenly wisdom?

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am reminded to seek God's wisdom.  I can ask the Lord to reveal to me through His Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  Then we can show others our "good deeds" that stem from our faith in the Lord and the 

"humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13).

As I sit here writing "I look up to the hills from whence comes my help" (see Psalm 121:102).  Smack dab in front of me is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah on the Island of Borneo.  It's outliine is as clear as clear can be.  A fortress of rock.  Cloud and mist cover have not obscured it yet.  In fact the sun doth shine strongly forth as it peeks through a foothill cleft nearby, giving warmth and light.

Gazing at the structure of the familiar peaks, the strength, sturdiness and fixedness are felt.  I equate that to God's wisdom - sure and steadfast.  Reliable, no matter how foolish earthly wisdom mocks it.

For example, a Chrsitian brother or sister wants to do mission work in Goma, D.R. Congo.  Here the M23 actively terrorize the area.  What can we say?

We can definitely pray for that brother or sister's safety and that God grants them a double portion of His wisdom as they go about their mission and ministry to the people of that city and the surrounding areas.  These people, who live in constant threat of terror touching them, need to know Christ too and the peace that passes all understanding especially in the midst of  this terror!  In fact, just two days before I was writing the rough draft for this blog entry, 1200 people were slaughtered!  May all brothers and sisters-in-Christ go with God and His heavenly wisdom wherever they are and in whatever circumstance they may find themself in.  

Which wisdom would you choose?

                                                    ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on James 3:13-18 and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 11 Sept by Sheridan Voysey.

Sing, To You Be the Glory, along with Matt Maher and Kari Kibe.

Book Review - Disposable - Sarah Jones - Publication Date: 18 February 2025

 When a person has lived long enough their true colors will inevitably be discovered.  Observers will see, yes, they've 'manned up' and the 'good' can be seen.  On the other hand, very much the opposite, where the 'bad' and 'ugly' show up, big as life.

Such is the case as seen in this book, Disposable.  The many shortcomings and injustices within the American society and system pre-existed and fomented, but it was COVID that showed those true colors, above ground.

The 'disposable' people, Sarah Jones, the book's author explains, were located at the lower echelons of wealth and position.  These were/are the ones residing in very poor conditions, in nursing homes, if they were lucky enough to afford it, homeless shelters, and prisons; or who worked at such places as courier services' warehouses for online shopping, for instance.  The treatment these people suffered especially during covid has been detailed in this, shall we call it, 'accounting' book.

I believe the serious-minded reader will take their time to thoughtfully read through this book.  The author, I feel, is constructively sharing a deep and somber message, yet one that has a sharp tone to hopefully capture someones' attention.

The inequalities of social injustice and desparities abounded between rich and poor, black and white America.  No doubt these issues happen wherever human beings live but Jones' examples stem from real people's real deep-seated experiences of 'Covid victims' that have come to her attention and especially brought blatantly to the surface.

In my opinion everyone should read this 'message' especially policy makers, whether conservative or democrat.  The message that social justice needs to be implimented and upheld is the caring attitude and action, I get from reading this book.  Do check it out.

I give this book my 5-Star rating.

                                             ~Eunice C.,  Blogger/Reviewer~

                                                          November 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

   

Book Review - Surviving Vesuvius - By Christopher Harrisson - Publication Date: 18 February 2025

 

A child who is interested in history, geography, science re: earthquakes and volcanoes, and of archeology should have a wonderful field day with this book.  Step-by-step, the day Mt. Vesuvius erupted, is explained out based largely on the actual account by Plimy the Younger.  There are speech bubbles for added interest and the illustrations I believe, will pique engrossment.

There's a list of a cast of characters, a map, a timeline of events of Pompei and of the eruption, and a glossary of terms used throughout this children's very informative and educational offering.  In my humble opinion, it's a definite lure for any busy, inquisitive, scientifically-minded child who can read on their own.  Of course it would also make an excellent tool for any parent or grandparent seeking greater and meaningful interaction with their children or grandchildren.  The book could be read together for great discoveries and memories made of time spent in each other's company.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                             January 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

If Your Heart Were A Teapot

 

The Dim Sum brunch was underway but the tea was tardy getting to the table.  It did finally arrive and was poured into the awaiting cups.  Those around the table brought the filled cups to their mouths.  What was the tea flavor?  Could they guess?  Some took a sniff or two then sipped.  Some just sipped.  They pondered momentarily, assessing and testing the taste.

Hmmm ... Flowery, floral aroma and delicate upon the palate.  "Is this jasmine tea?" one sipper asked.  "Yes," said the one who had ordered the tea.  "Ah," said the sipper, sipping some more sips.

What you put into the teapot is what you get poured out into your cup.  Similarly, if your heart is a teapot, what sort of 'leaves' or 'flowers' are in it?  I asked one friend this question.  Her answer was "children".  Sure enough she is very good with children, the naughtier the better for her.  She does wondrous mission work among children.

To have a good spot of tea requires good leaves.  What pours out of ones' heart will reveal the type of 'leaves' being used in your heart teapot.  Often the reveal of the heart, which also engages the mind, will come out in our words, attitudes and actions.  

As James says,

"No human being can tame the tongue" (James 3:8).

I used to think there was no hope for me then.  But when I was writing this blog entry, it hit me, "Hey, that says no HUMAN being can tame the tongue, BUT the Lord our God can do it through the Holy Spirit who indwells me.  So there is hope then.  As I surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading, self-control can come along with the taming of the tongue.  Hurray, I don't need to duct tape my mouth shut nor suck my thumb!

Let's all be reminded that each believer in Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit's indwelling.  The fruit of the Spirit can help with the patience, meekness and self-control aspects, for instance.  These are the premium quality 'leaves' we need to cultivate.  Then the kindness, goodness and love of Jesus can be poured out into the 'cups' of those we meet and interact with.  What's more, the aroma will be velvety, fragrant, mellow and soothing.

It must be the Holy Spirit who comes to tame these tongues of ours.  When we co-operate with Him, He will aid and abet us, influencing our words and actions to be more like Jesus'.  Give Him your will.

Lord, all I am, all I have, all I say and do, lead me along; influence me.  Make my heart a willing 'teapot' using those premium quality fruit of the Spirit 'leaves' steeped to that al dente - ness needed before being poured out into the cups of my friends, family and others I meet along the journey of life.  I beg You in Your name Jesus.  Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on James 3:2-11 and Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 Our Daily Bread - 9 Sept by Jennifer Benson Schuldt.

Sing, Hymn of the Holy Spirit, along with Pat Barret.

Follow Him, Immediately

 When I hear stories of God at work in other peoples' lives I'm truly excited and amazed at what He accomplishes through them and/or for them.  It's like one day they had been contentedly going about their routine, everyday life not expecting any change, when suddenly Jesus comes along in the middle of them minding their own business, doing their ordinary work and He invites,

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".

He said that to Peter and his brother Andrew.  The brothers seemingly didn't bat an eye.  They

 "immediately left their nets and followed him" (vs 20).  

Further along Jesus calls to James and John who had been busily mending their nets along with their father.  The two men's response was also that, 

"immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him" (vs 22).

What a day they had!  What a next three years they had!  What's more, what a rest of their lives they had!  No more ordinary, run-of-the-mill days for them!  You can read about it in the gospels and the book of Acts.

This could happen to any of us followers of Jesus Christ.  Such a call can take us totally by surprize and BOOM!  There's no turning back for the one who obediently heeds the call.  

There was one sister-in-Christ who took up the plea to pray for a certain group of people, daily, at a certain time of day.  She would be joining myriads of folks worldwide to do so.  For more than a year she did so.  Then ...

Then one day she heard the Lord's voice, "You go to them!"   What a shock!  She wasn't sure how to go though.  She is still awaiting direction but the prayer has deepened.  In addition to praying for their salvation, she prays for those who will be willing to welcome them into their churches, homes and lives, helping to build them up in their most holy faith and to the family of God.

She also still prays, "Where to, Lord? and How?"  These have yet to be revealed.  She's a bit afraid but based on others who did get the unique-to-them call and accepted their mission, she knows God has great and amazing things for her to accomplish despite what it might cost.

May you too, discern our Lord's call on your life and go forth as He directs.  You just never know what wonderful experiences and opportunities await when you make yourself available.  Follow Him, immediately.

                                                     ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Matthew 4:18-22 and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 8 Sept by Amy Boucher Pye.

Sing, Available, along with Elevation Worship.  (Disclaimer:  Please note I heard that Elevation sometimes is not quite true to doctrine in God's Word, so therefore I do not endorse across the board what they produce.  I do like this song.) .  

Book Review - The Enemy Within - By Rob Sinclair - Publication Date: 15 February 2025

 

Thrilling thriller.  Plenty of guns, weapons, secrets, spies, twists of fate and the like to keep the heart racing in this one.  Once again, all with James Ryker in the thick of it.

I like that the setting is in Eastern Europe involving none other place than the Ukraine, Donbas, and Russia.  Despite this being a work of fiction, the author seems to explain some of the given unrest in the area, which appears to hinge on the history of these areas and their intermittent grips and grasps at each others' throats.  Some of the storys' characters, namely Roman Mintos and his men, were striving for automony of Donbas in a patriotic endeavor to achieve his goal.  

The story's timeframe triggers from about 2014 to 2022.  The two-pronged timeframes made it confusing and distracting for me as I read.  However, it eventually smoothened out and came together for me.

                                            ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           February 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Healing Acts of Kindness

 Acts of kindness given quietly and meaningfully to a grieving heart will be remembered even years and decades later.  They help heal the heart.

To know someone had cared in that moment and showed empathy despite not necessarily understanding the full depth and impact of the recipient's heartache, trauma or difficulty, touches the heartstrings in significant ways.  Grief often blinds and blurs a person's mind and usual details can be left out.

There was a couple who lost their baby girl to leukemia.  She had been their firstborn child.  She was not quite sixteen months old when she was carried to the arms of Jesus.

At the funeral, baby girl lay in her coffin dressed in her best.  It was a bright red one which had been given to her for Chinese New Year finery just months prior.  As the mother sat gazing at her little one, she suddenly realized, "Oh, I forgot flowers!"  Mother found out that her friend had gotten a bouquest of flowers and arranged a handful in her wee one's hands.  Like I said, small acts of kindness go a long way to aid a wounded heart to heal and find comfort.

The mother had also been going through a litany in her mind.  "Baby Girl will never reach sweet sixteen.  She will never get married."

As soon as that last thought crossed her mind, the Lord spoke to her.  "This is her wedding day."  The mother was stunned.  True, her baby had a festive dress on and flowers in her hands.  She had gone to be with Jesus.  Despite the grief, the Lord's words of kindness and hope, comforted the mother's hurting heart.

In the book of Ruth, Boaz showed kindness to Naomi and Ruth.  These two ladies had grieving hearts but Ruth showed kindness to her mother-in-law.  Boaz "never stopped" showing his kindness to both the women.

There is a line written by Alyson Kieda in Our Daily Bread 2023.  She remarked about such acts of kindness.  She wrote,

 "As God used ... Boaz to help transform the grief of another, He can work through us to show kindness and empathy to others in pain."

When you yourself have gone through grief and pain, and have been comforted in various ways by others, you will be able to understand some of what another is experiencing.  Find ways to bring similar comfort.  There will be times when we are the givers and times when we will be the receivers of such acts of kindness.

Empathy in action creates acts of kindness that go a long way.  Recall that Boaz's acts of kindness produced Obed, who begat Jesse, who begat David, who centuries later, begat Jesus Christ.  That was over a thousand years of after effects!

For that mother who lost her baby daughter its been just over three decades and although there is still some heartache that never quite goes away, the act of kindness shown by her friend lives on in her heart, having nudged the transforming process of her grief into healing and being able to eventually continue living herself.

Let's each be reminded to be on the alert for when and how and what to do in order to bring healing acts of kindness to those working through grief and other forms of trauma.  Don't stop.

                                                 ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Ruth 2:20 (and 5-12).  Also, Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 7 Sept by Alyson Kieda.

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

Becoming A Nobody

 Are you a NOBODY?  There's one at the church I attend.  I respect him although there are those who only do to a limited degree and he sometimes gets scolded by them.  He is available for almost everything asked and not asked of him even though he may have less skill and talent than others.  He is there.  He is ready.  He is willing to be used for the Master's use.

The part of the Philippians' passage that reads,

"...not that I ...am already perfect ..."

really describes him.  He still,

"...presses on to make [what is asked of him] [his] own, because Christ Jesus has made [him] His own" (Philippians 3:14 ESV).

Another sister-in-Christ recently handed me her business card.  She has quite the list of accredation to her name.  They are listed front and back of the card.   Her husband, looking over her shoulder, said with a proud grin, "She needs a third page".  Some of her credits have yet to be listed. (Oh, don't get me wrong, she's actually a very nice person and I like talking with her.)  She uses her abilities and training for the Lord and to help bring justice and hope to those who can't help themselves - those "poor and needy" Jesus talks about.

Paul's list in Philippians 3:4-14 just kind of reminded me of this sister's  list.  Paul said that whatever he had attained and gained and whatever his pedigree, he counted it,

"... for loss for the sake of Christ" (vs 7).

All Paul's former prestige and accolades were nothing compared to what he had in Christ.  He preferred to know Christ and the

 "... power of His resurrection and [to] share in his sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible [he] may attain the resurrection from the dead" (vs10-11). 

 This is what he came to value above all else.

He was once a Somebody who became a Nobody for Christ.  So in our careers and strivings to attain our dreams and goals in life to support ourselves and families, keep this perspective in view.  What is it that I value above all else?  Am I willing to become a Nobody for Christ?  Are my heart and soul ready?

It could be humbling for us especially when viewed through society's eyes or with some family members who do not understand us but it is like Christ who humbled Himself and became a man (see Philippians 2:5-11).  Jesus was a man who was despised and rejected but whom God acknowledged and loved.  He said, 

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (see Matthew 3:17 ESV).

Wow!  As followers of Jesus Christ we have become children of God who ought to become more and more like Christ, with whom our God and Heavenly Father is well pleased.  This is what nobodies do.  May Christ's grace abound in all our hearts as we go forth as a 'Nobody'.

Are you a Nobody?

                                                ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Philippians 3:4-14 (ESV).

Sing, To Be Like Christ, along with River Valley Worship.

                                       

Lord's Day Devotion - Promises That Bring Joy

 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill                                               His promises to her" (Luke 1:45)!

When read it in context, this verse lights up.  Mary the mother-to-be of Jesus is told she will conceive and give birth to the "Son of the Most High" and be given the "throne of His father David"!  He would be called "the son of God" and she was to give Him the name, "Jesus."  This was astounding news for such a young teen.  Yet, she humbly believed that the Lord would fulfil His promises to her and she would be blessed because of her belief.

The Lord fulfills His promises even today.  His word tells me He will be with me wherever I go (See Joshua 1:9 & Matthew 28:20).  If it hadn't been for these verses of promise, I wouldn't have done half the things in life that I did do.  

We can never underestimate God's promises.  We can trust what He says.  Because of Mary's belief, generations that followed were also blessed when they believed.  Jesus, Savior, Redeemer and Friend bought our salvation and rescued us from sin, Satan, and Hell and eternal loneliness and death - the consequences of our sin.

One day soon, Jesus will call all those, who by faith, have believed in Him and accepted Him as Savior and Lord.  He promises to come back for us and take us to be with Him forever.  No more separation from God.  No more loneliness but eternal life and joy.  When I think of this promise, it's the one that gives me the most joy. 

May joy flood the heart of all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ this Lord's Day as we partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of all Jesus has done for us - even the keeping of His promises.

I praise You, Father God, because You are trustworthy.  You are the One true God and the One who keeps all Your promises, come what may.  Thank You for the fulfilled promise of Jesus who became my Savior.  Thank You for the promise of His return for me, someday soon.  This gives me joy.   I look forward to and to being with You for all eternity, together with all those who have believed.  In Jesus name I give You my thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Based on Luke 1:26-38 and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 10 Sept - by Cindy Hess Kapper

Sing, When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound, along with the Hymn Club.

God is for Us

 "What shall I say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31 ESV)?

This verse appears to have been plucked out from the middle of somewhere.  It must be from a very special and powerful scenario.  And do you get this feeling it should be read in context of its position in Romans chapter 8?  Read and see that with God on our side we can be victorious even when our present time of suffering may be overwhelming.

Even if you read a couple of verses previous to this verse 31, there is so much happening or that has happened on the follower of Jesus Christ's behalf.  The few verses beyond verse 31, actually to the end of the chapter (vs 39) are packed with how "God is for us".  Read them and you'll see for yourself.  Our God who loves, is so amazing.

Thankfully, because of our faith in Jesus Christ we have His Holy Spirit's indwelling.  The Spirit helps in our weaknesses and He teaches us how to pray as we ought.  That sounds like we don't simply give Him our Christmas wish list, so to speak.

"How we ought" can encompass much.  If someone is against us, for example, do we pray them out of our lives?  Or should we 'ought' to pray for as much resolution as possible in a relationship and/or that one who is yet to come to Christ, that they do put their faith in Jesus, accepting Him as their Lord and Savior.

It's tough to be a Christian because of these sorts of things.  It takes obedience to our Lord's way and will of how we ought to govern our lives and behave as Jesus would.

God loves us too. His love will work all our present difficulties together for our good.  Our 'oughts' put into action can bring about this good as God loves us, and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and we follow.

After all, God called us for His purpose.  He's got us covered.  God's golden chain does not lie heavily around our necks.  This is God's family secret for us who believe, showing He is indeed, 'for us'.

He knew us even before we knew ourselves.  Doesn't this give you hope and reassurance?  The omniscient, loving God KNOWS me!  Say that again, "The omniscient, loving God KNOWS, ME!"  It's comforting and overcomes our darkest storms and thoughts.  I can begin to trust Him with me.  I can begin and continue to trust as He is going to work all the things happening in my life, together, for my good.

He foreknew me and also predestined me to be conformed to His image.  That's the part where we 'ought' to pray and obey so we become more like Jesus in character and actions.

We know God is for us because He sent His only Son to the cross on our behalf.  He died and raised again on the third day.  God is a living, alive, God.  He called us,  justified us and glorified us through this demonstration of His love for us. 

All these things work together for our good so we can be "more than conquerors."  Those things we conquer as individuals will be differently respective but we will be conquerors as He helps us through our personal weaknesses and as we pray and obey as we ought.

As we go through the thicks and thins and ups and downs of life, remember nothing can separate us from God's love.  Since young I have particularly liked the last three verses of Romans 8.  There is even a song with those words.

The apostle Paul was sure that nothing could separate us from God's love.  He's written quite an impressive list of things that we may think could be against us but that Paul was sure were not.  They are:  neither death, life, angels, rulers, present things, nor things to come, nor powers, height, depth, nor anything else in all creation.  None of these will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Is He your Lord?  Is He your God?  Is He your Savior?  If He is, then He is for you.  Our God is for us, He's not against us no matter what.

Can you, no, will you believe this?  In God we can surely put our trust.  Trust Him.

Father God, surely in You we can put our trust.  You are for us.  With you we can be more than conquerors.  From the bottom of my heart I thank You in Jesus name.  Through Your Holy Spirit's help I can overcome all that overwhelms.  May I ever grow more like Jesus.  Amen.

                                               ~ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Romans 8 ESV.

Sing, More Than Conquerors, along with Steven Curtis Chapman and You Whispered Hope, along with Divine Healer.

A Letter From Christ

 

In this day and age we don't get too many letters in the mail.  It's the age of short text messages via WhatsApp, WeChat and so on.  They're quick and easy to tap out without much effort or stress.  It's a red-letter day when we get an actual letter or postcard in the snail mail letter box.  Eagerly, we slit open the envelop, pull out the letter and read what a friend has taken the time to sit down and write.

Has a 'letter from Christ" ever come your way?  Second Corinthians 3:3 reads,

"You show you are a letter from Christ ... written ... with the Spirit of the living God."

When I read this verse this morning, I felt,"'Ugh-oh', have I been a good letter to read?"  What words and actions have I displayed to others in representing Christ who is my Savior?   Since I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, how much do I allow the Holy Spirit of the living God to write "on the tablets of [my] human [heart]"?

When people see me coming are they getting  a wonderful letter from Christ or not?  Is the fruit of the Spirit ripe and fragrant?  These are good questions with which I need to examine myself without making excuses for certain behaviors exhibited that wouldn't have been written by Christ.

One of the most well known letters from Christ to the world was Billy Graham.  He was such a man of God with integrity.  So many billions of people worldwide heard his gospel messages and trusted in Christ because 'as a letter from Christ,' Billy Graham had very clear and precise writing.  He was exemplary.

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Corninthians said he didn't really need the written with paper and ink letter but that they themselves were a letter from Christ ... written ... with the Spirit of the living God".  I want to be such a letter too.  I make it my prayer.  May it be each and every child of God's prayer too.  We can open our human hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to begin writing.  Pray that what other people 'read' will be a clear, precise and heartwarming, transforming letter from Christ.

                                              ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV.

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

Loved and Well Pleased

 "You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11).

When you read this verse of Scripture in context you will observe the speaker is God the Father speaking from Heaven at Jesus' baptism.  He loves His Son and He is well pleased with Him.

If you have a son, or a daughter, you do love him or her.  A parent is not always well pleased with them though.  But when the offspring choose to follow the way they should, the parents are well pleased.

Jesus told John the Baptizer He wanted to fulfill all righteousness, therefore He wanted to be baptized even though He didn't need to be.  This made God the Father well pleased and He made sure Jesus His Son knew it and that others heard those words too.  Being so acknowledged in front of others gives a person an extra sense of truly being known and loved by those who should love them and show their care.

It doesn't hurt to let ones' children know when the parent is well pleased with them.  It's one way to show them you really do love them.  A child's doubts can be lessened and even eradicated.  When our children do what they should and then extra over and above, it makes the parents' hearts even more well pleased.

When I see my children's walk with the Lord in their adult years, it makes my heart well pleased.  There was a time earlier on while they were still in high school and university, when they so happened to be altogether that really pleased my heart.  One played the drums, one the guitar and another the piano and his own vocal chords - singing.  Oh, how the praises of Jesus they played and produced together, cheered and warmed me so that my heart sang and was well pleased.

No doubt you can think of instances when the children you love have made your hearts swell with happy gratefullness.  Thank the Lord for them.  In this way we can grasp with greater understanding how God felt that day His Son insisted on being baptized.

Heavenly Father, how Your heart must have sung as You saw Your Son Jesus being baptized, obediently fulfilling all acts of righteousness.  Your Holy Spirit and Your voice were seen and heard that day by Jesus and those others in attendance.  Thank You for letting us see too and get glimpses of this Father-Son relationship through our own earthly relationships with our children.  Help parents everywhere to not only love their children but to speak gracious words of encouragement to them especially when they are well pleased with them.  We also ask that our children will walk closely with Jesus all their days.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

                                                  ~ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Mark 1:11.

Sing, All Our Praise and Worship, along with Destination Music.

         

HAIKU - Garden Peace

 A-w-e-some!  Flower feast.

Garden hues abuzz, blending.

Spectacular sight.

Sit a while.  Breathe.

Bask in the calming, peaceful

Beauty.  God is here.

Soul and Spirit steep

in garden peace.  Tension creeps

away.  A-w-e-some peace.

~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on friend MJB's Summer garden.  Photo summer of 2024.  Also Philippians 4:7 "...the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Sing, Peace, along with Bethel Music.