The CAT - Scanner (TT)

 

Ever feel like you've been CAT-scanned (CT Scan) by someones' eyes?  They look you over from head to toe, and toe to head and maybe more than once.  The eyes seem to bore right through your skin, and into your brain as if checking the wit level, as well as the general appearance vibe.  Do they want to acccept you into their circle or will they dismiss you as being nothing much for them to take notice of?

They judge you for how you 'appear'.  It can be very disconcerting, to say the least.  And the CAT-Scanner may verbalize their contempt, with a judgemental, "Huh!" making you feel smaller and worse than a dust mite.  Vocalizing judgements upon someone is so very hurtful, whether directly expressed, or on the gossip line; either way, damage is done.

If we know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such criticisms, let's remember to withhold being guilty of so doing ourselves, upon others.  Once again, what we think about or harbor in our hearts, will often spew from our mouths (see Matthew 12:34).

Ask the Lord's help to rein in and tame our tongues.  May we  speak good and pleasant, encouraging words of blessing instead.

The Bible does instruct on how to go about confronting someone who may not be walking in the way of the Lord.  We can follow the instructions and do so in a loving and caring manner as we get guidance and wisdom from the Lord to so do.

Lord Jesus, I'm often guilty of judgemental thoughts.  I even open my mouth and vocalize them.  I'm sorry, Lord.  Fill my mouth with words of love.  Help me to love others the way You do and to do to them as I'd have them do to me.  Powerfully rein in and tame my tongue through Your Holy Spirit's intervention and empowerment.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV).  Also, 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 20 - The Judgemental Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Lord, Tame My Tongue, along with Serenity (Listen to it prayerfully.)

Photo credits to Gregory Scott and his cat Blinkz.

Recind Rude Retorts (TT)

Was just talking about some rude and annoying people with some friends.  You know, those rude ones that watch videos or take phone calls and speak loudly at the next table at a restaruant, or in other public places.  They do so without compunction or muting their sound.

These are the ones, I told my friends, that I wish I had a stash of inexpensive ear buds to dole out to them.  I'd say something like, "Oh, I noticed you don't have any of these, it would be great if you'd use them,"  while I handed them a set.

Alas, even "inexpensive ones" are not so cheap.  At least, that I've found as yet.

What's to be done with these sorts of people?  Is being rude back an answer?  Like, "Here, I want to see the video too?'  OR, to begin to talk really loudly oneself to override their 'loud' conversation?

Oh, human nature would just LOVE to do that!!!

But Christ in me is not rude.  In 1 Corinthians 13, the "LOVE" chapter, we discover that one characteristic of love is that it is not rude.  God is LOVE.  Jesus Christ is God.  Therefore, Jesus is LOVE, too, and love is not rude.

As believers in Jesus Christ and His followers, we must not be rude either.

We need to bite our tongues and those quick rude retaliating retorts to rude people.  Sigh ...  Being a Christian is not easy.

Deborah Smith Pegues in her book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, uses the verse, Isaiah 35:8 from the MSG (Message) Bible.  It reads,

"There will be a highway called Holy Road.  No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road.  It's for God's people exclusively."

I like that.  A highway for the exclusive brethern and 'sistern' who are not rude or rebellious!  Let's keep to this highway.  We can with Holy Spirit's help.  Pray for Him to convict and remind us to keep our words, thoughts and actions polite, civil in private as well as in public.  It's a difficult task I've found.

However, wouldn't you like others to treat you this way too?  I sure would!

Father God, there are times we so want to lash out in rudeness to those who are rude.  Yet pointing a finger at them means I've got three pointing back at myself.  May I, with Your love and Jesus' show that love and kindness and respect to others whom you also love even though they are rude.  Help me to recind rude retorts and even thoughts and actions.  May Your love, that is NOT rude, be the oil in my gears and so bring You glory and honor instead.  So help me, God.  I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Isaiah 35:8 MSG and 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 19 - The Rude Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, What You Are, Speaks So Loud, along with Selah Praise Music.

Note:  The photo accompanying above is an old Roman highway (FYI).

                                        

Say, "NO" to Intimidation (TT)

 Several species of birds, fish and animals can puff themselves up to a bigger size, to create a more intimidating look.  Animals or birds inflate with air while sea creatures do so with water.  This serves them well to appear more formidable to would-be predators.

The one I find more interesting is the Siamang (a type of gibbon, which is an ape.  They are an endangered species found in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.)  According to an AI overview, these Siamang can 

"inflate their throat sac to the size of their head, using this as a vocal display and a threat display."

One of the greatest threats to these Siamangs is perpetrated by human beings as they clear habitat land for growing palm oil plantations.  Sadly, their intimidation tactics don't work very well against human beings.

The point here though is that there are bullies who puff themselves up to threaten others, to manipulate them into subservience in order to accomplish what the perpetrator wants.  Supervisors or bosses may yell at laborers to goad them into working harder or faster.  School teachers may carry a rattan stick and scream at the students.  A mother may hold a wooden spoon in her hand and shout for her children to do their homework.  Quite often this is out-of-control behavior and not seen to be good.

No doubt, the workers, students and children need to behave and work diligently but a more kind and gentle approach would be more Christ like.  I must check myself in this.

Let's not be like the giant Goliath who used insults and laughter to belittle and intimidate David the shepherd boy.  David had a calm answer.  He'd fight in the name of the LORD his God whom Goliath had defied.  We know from reading the Bible story that David won that battle over Goliath that day (see 1 Samuel 17).

True enough, intimidators have likely been intimidated themselves, and they are just using the same mode of operation as they were brought up with.  Maybe they can be helped by our calm words, especially as they see we have not been moved and cowed by their rough behavior.

If left unchecked, though, the impact an intimidator has on those who feel they can't defend themselves will stir up resentment, anger and even rebellion; so says Deborah Smith Pegue in her book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue.  Such intimidationrs can also cause physical and/or emotional problems in those who live under the thumb of such bullies.

Once again, let us examine ourselves to see if we are such a person who tries to dominate another.  Remember that God made us human beings in His own image; male and female.  He told Adam and Eve they had dominion over the birds, fish and all that creep upon the earth (see Genesis 1:26-28).

God did not say male human beings to dominate female human beings, nor visa versa.  No, male and female were both made to be of equal value and together have dominion over the earth's fauna.  Not that that gives license to abuse the animal kingdom, by the way.

Keep these in mind, learning to treat each other with the love, mercy and grace of God.  Cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us for His glory and honor.  If we belong to Christ we have the Holy Spirit indwelling who will aid us in this endeavor.

By the grace of God, let us be more like Jesus and treat each other as being precious in His sight, because we are.

                                                           ~  ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on 1 Samuel 17 especially verse 44.  Also, 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 18 - The Intimidating Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Overcomer, along with Mandisa.

Speaking Truth Graciously (TT)

 

There are white lies and half truths that are still not truth.  These are often told in order to spare the hearer from shock or shame, or the teller from retribution and incrimination.  But they seem to be considered 'ok' by many in society and even in families.

On the other hand, some folks believe in telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Well, isn't that good and righteous, especially if you are a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ?

Of course we need to tell the truth but do we have to be tactless?  Some people have few to no inhibitions to then speak blatant truth.  Truth can hurt us.  That's right.  

Like Deborah Smith Pegues shares in her book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, 

"How painful are honest words" Job exclaimed (Job 6 25 NIV)!

So how can we tell the truth diplomatically, in a less painful manner and not be deceitful?  Pegues suggest a balancing between grace and truth; let them work together.

Certainly, if we are quick to listen and slow to become angry and slow to speak, we will be able to have time to think and to form our words in less hasty manner allowing for greater diplomacy in what and how we bring truth to another in a loving and caring attitude and speech.

Definitely, time to consult the Lord for His grace and wisdom for what to say is needed, as well.  I think of Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes.  Nehemiah had prayed for days when he heard the Jerusalem wall was still in ruins.  He said that he,

"sat down and wept.  For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven ..." (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV).

Time and prayer and true emotion expressed.  He was in the right frame of mind even though the King noted his sadness and asked him what was wrong.  Nehemiah still didn't blurt out an answer.  He said a quick prayer for God's help, showing his dependence upon God.

"Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king ..."                       (Nehemiah 2:4 & 5 NIV).

This is a good habit to form as we watch our words, so we can speak with greater tact, balancing truth with grace.  After all,

"...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17)

Pegues notes.

He's our example and it's needful to go to Him for grace and truth.

I like what else Pegues says about engaging grace and truth simultaneously.  She says,

"We must understand that extending grace and telling the truth are not mutually exclusive concepts.  We can tell the truth tactfully ... Jesus never allowed His graciousness to prevent Him from imparting the truth" (p. 72).

Practice makes perfect, they say. So when opportunities for speaking truth graciously, with tact, come our way, let us remember to put this knowledge into practice.  White lies and half truths will NOT be needed and we will be encouraged to speak the truth in love, seasoned with the salt of grace.  

Let's make it a prayer, asking the Lord for His wisdom and grace to be infused into our thoughts, hearts and tongues.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are often so quick to speak our minds.  As your children we also want to speak truth but often go about it tactlessly.  Remind us to use grace and to stop and think and pray and seek Your wisdom as the opportunities arise.  We ask in Jesus' name, amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:1-4 NIV and John 1:14 & 17 NIV.  Also, Deborah Smith Pegues' book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 17 - The Tactless Tongue.

Sing, I Can Do All Things, along with Christian Music, Strive to Be.

Link:  Half-Truths.

Book Review - Dead Reckoning - By Rob Sinclair - Publication Date: 23 June 2025

 This story encompasses Simon Peake's (a.k.a. 'Hades') involvement in his active duty role, and then, the after.  It was interesting to see how the author pulled the two time frames together, but was it all necessary and for the greater good?  Peake would like to know.  How could a 'before' life come back to bite him!  I felt that there was a thoughtful thread to consider in how active duty affects the soldier; what was seen and done, whether rightly or wrongly, in order for goverments to achieve covert ends.  There was sadness and tragedy, some romance peppered with frustrations.  Overall, I found this type of story was a bit too much for me but readers who are intrigued by Covered Ops, violence, blood, guts and gore, will very likely apprciate this thriller.

                                                ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                              June 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Lord's Day Devotion - Focus On Him

 When I read Revelation 4 and 5, I felt the focal point was on

 "the one who sat upon the throne" (4:2).  

Indeed, He is the one to keep our eyes on.  I didn't want to get distracted by side-tracking to symbolism of who each of the four living creatures or the twenty-four elders represent.  A reader can figure that out later.

These creatures and elders' response to Him seated on throne was worship.  They were focused on HIM, the One John described as looking as

 "a Lion" 

and 

"a Lamb as it had been slain."

They saw His holiness and cried out, 

"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty" (vs 8).  

And later, after the elders cast their crowns at the feet of the One on the throne, said,

"Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created" (vs 11).

The act of casting their crowns at His feet and bowing on their knees shows acknowledgemnt of one greater than them.  He is the One worthy of all praise.  

They acknowledged His character as being, holy.  They acknowledged Him as Creator of all things, the Almighty God, King of kings, and Lord of lords; the Lion, with strength and power and in the ultimate position of authority.  Definitely He is the One far superior to them!

They also acknowledged Him as the Lamb who had been slain, their Savior; the One who redeemed them and

 "who lives forever and ever" 

- the everlasting God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was and still is the One to worship!  Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, let's focus solely on Him, His character, who He is and what He has done for us, this Lord's Day.  Let's meditate upon these as we reach for the broken bread and the cup of wine to remember Him in His death and resurrection.  We have a great almighty God and Savior!  Focus on Him!

Worship Him!

Lord God Almighty, You are indeed the One and Only worthy of all our worship and praise.  You have done so much for us through Jesus our Savior and Lord.  We acknowledge Your greatness and Your holiness, and that in Jesus alone is our salvation.  Let all the redeemed of the Lord, say so.  Amen!

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2025  ~

Based on Revelation 4 and 5.

Sing, Worthy of Worship, along with Christ In Him, and Holy Forever, along with christomlinmusic, and Thou Art Worthy, along with skyebleed.

Sweet, Floral Scents (TT)

 If you've ever watched C-Dramas you'll be very familiar with harsh words being spoken.  Harsh, verbal abusive words are spewed like deluges of torrential 'rains' upon the poor protagonist victim, often a female family member.  Sometimes, it is continued by co-workers in an office setting.

It may be good to view one or two of these dramas so we can get a good idea of what a barrage of harsh words sounds like and the effects it has upon the victim.  Get a feel for it.

Upon reflection and introspection of ourself, see if we might be a perpetrator of such harmful and harsh words.  Maybe we have been a recipient of such words growing up and think this pattern is 'normal' and 'needful' to carry on the contemptible legacy and to attain good character results in our 'victims'.  But, how did it feel to you at the time?  NOT good, I'd think.  So let's stop and consider this and train ourselves as children of God, to find the antidotal antonym of 'harsh'.

Proverbs 15:1 uses the word 'soft' (ESV) and in the NIV, 'gentle'.

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Synonyms of 'soft' and 'gentle' in this context are:  kind, kindly, tender, humane, merciful, and more.  Slowly but hopefully, surely, we can have a 'tongue fast,' as Deborah Smith Pegues calls it in her book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, from the harsh words we curse others with, breaking the habit and  mindset to replacing them and using healthy words, tones, and gestures; thus building a habit of using all those 'gentle' synonyms within us and then using them to build others up.  Try it.  See the more positive results.  Be encouraged.

We will need to be repentant and confess the wrong of the harsh words and attitudes.  Our Heavenly Father is merciful and gracious, and forgiving.  Let His way characterize us, His children.

When there are times we need to correct, reprove or exhort our own children, or others elsewhere in our work or church related roles, choose to speak words of life, using the 'soft' answer.

Pegues uses the term "the law of kindness" from Proverbs 31:26 NKJV where the noble woman of worth makes it her law.  Let us be men and women who use this law, following it on a regular basis.

As the Proverbs 15:1 verse states, "harsh words stir up anger."  Eventually, there will be anger and resentment.  This turns to bitterness in the soul.  Forthwith, comes revenge and other cunning words and works of retaliation.

We need to ask ourselves which portrait legacy we wish to pass on to a future generation or to charactherize our present workplace and church setting.  To continue the perpetration or to cut it off and build anew to portray God's way through Jesus and the Holy Spirit's work within us towards producing abundant fruit of the Spirit.  It's a choice, which do you choose?

Do we want to look like a North American November tree, denuded of its leaves, bleak and dreary and gray?  Or, do we wish to be like April and May tress with budding and blooming apple blossoms delighting the eyes and scenting the air with their sweet, floral fragrance?  The choice is yours...

Lord, help us all, forgive us our tresspasses against others of the harsh words we speak and have spoken aplenty.  Cloak us with your mercy and grace so we can speak anew with refreshing gentle words that will build others up and improve our relationships.

Heal the hurts we've perpetrated upon our children, our co-workers, our fellow church members, our neighbors and all others we meet and have met.  Give us the courage to apologize to those we've hurt, at least the ones we know of and can remember having hurt.  Help us to put the law of kindness into effect and install  as our daily modus operandi.  We ask in Jesus' name, amen.

                                                         ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 15:1 and Deborah smith Pegues' book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue - Day 16 - The Harsh Tongue.

Sing, Victory In His Name, along with The Sowers.  This may be a bit wild for some but please see the lyrics and understand the sentiments.  When the Lord is with us we can have victory in His name to overcome even the worst of our habits. May the Lord enable and empower you.  Let Him be the King who governs your life and not your habit that inhibits you.

Reined In and Tamped Down (TT)

 

Hold the thought that as we age, we become more wise and prudent and less of a 'know-it-wll'.  At least it is hoped, and that we can conceal, without telling half truths, that we actually do have fair and above average knowledge on certain subjects.  Perhaps it was our major in university and has become our job; so, yes, we do know this topic of discussion.

Scripture tells us though, that,

"A prudent man conceals knowledge ..." (Proverbs 12:23 ESV).

Tamping down what we know, Deborah Smith Pegues tells us in her book 30 Days to Taming YOUR  Tongue, allows others to feel more comfortable sharing their views, ideas and thoughts on a matter.  This allows more timid and/or those of lower self-esteem to have a chance and the courage to speak up with input that could be just as valuable as what we may already know like the back of our hand.

Relationships with others could well improve because they have felt heard and valued.  So let's consider NOT being the show offs next time our area of expertise comes up.  I believe it's not to say we can't lend our, perhaps more accurate, knowledge but it's good to take a step back and hear what others can add.

I like this advice Pegues has to say.  It does prick the conscience and like an acupunture needle, poke the point needed to get better circulation moving again.  Indeed, like she says, its a good lesson and opportunity to learn some good ole fashioned humility.

It's not so much of biting your tongue, as it it allowing the Holy Spirit in any given follower of Jesus Christ, to assist us in pulling on the reins and saying, "Whoa!" to us.  The choice is up to the individual to say, "Neigh," oops, "Nay," or "Yeas".  May the Lord help us all.

Gracious Heavenly Father, You know us and our tendencies to show off what we know.  Help us to show the meekness and humility of Jesus Christ in our life as You teach us Your ways in the situations where we'd just LOVE to let our tongues a galloping pace in spouting what we know, like we are master jockeys on the topic - even if we actually are.  Lord, restrain us especially as we age.  We want to be more prudent men and women of God.  We ask in Jesus' name, amen.

                                                         ~ ERC  May 2025  ~

Based on Proverbs 12:23 ESV.  also, 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue - Chapter 15 - The Know-It-All Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Wonderful Words of Life, along with the Joslin Grove Choral Music group and Speak (Words Bring Life), along with Trent and Siobhan.

Book Review - Born Inside a Nest So Small - By Iza Trapani - Publication Date: 10 June 2025

 This has been a very pleasant read.  After all, who isn't intriqued by hummingbirds?  I was really happy to be able to read this educational, children's book telling of the flight and lives of hummingbirds.  Besides the story line, which is written in poetry, there are short and interesting clips about these birds.  I learned a thing or two about them myself.

The illustrations are lovely and I believe will surely catch and keep an interested child's eye and attention.  At book's end, the reader will discover a list of further references should he or she care to learn more about these exquisite creatures that flit, flutter and hover.

                                                ~ 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.

Book Review - Where Secrets Lie - by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker - Publication Date: 3 June 2025

 

This second book in the Tupelo Grove series could be a stand alone narrative but I feel it would be best to be able to read the first in the series to get better connection of the characters, such as of Jess, Simon, Savannah, and Hez, among others.  

There are growing tensions as Savannah tries to save Tupelo Grove University (TGU) from going belly up, all the while attempting to figure out how the artifact smuggling chain continues.  She does so with the help of Hez and Simon along with a few others.  There is murder,  with shocking reveals and the comfort of Cody the unique, likeable dog.  

As usual, I like the faith-based input and how Jesus figured in some of the peoples' lives.  This is always a plus for me.  What's more, book club readers will find helpful discussion questions at book's end.  In my opinion, readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers will no doubt enjoy reading this novel and feel the satisfaction of a story well told.

                                         ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                         March 2025

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Read review on Goodreads.

Cynical Apples (TT)

 

Like a rotten apple in a basket of apples can infect the whole basketful, so too a cynical person can affect a whole group of people.  Their distrust and self-interest murmuring and complaining, along with their questioning the sincerity of the speaker or giver or helper leaves cynical dust in their wake.  

For instance, should a boss or church member do something good for them or invite them out for a meal, they question the motives.  Disgruntlement can spread like wildfire among a group quicker than one could say a thankful, "thank you" of gratitude.

Deborah Smith Pegue says in her book, 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, that 

"cynicism is venom."

She goes on to say it ...

" ... poisons your spirit and that of others."

We need to be wary of such people of cynical mind and heart.  What's in the heart will come out of the mouth.  Pegue says she finds it best to distance herself from such toxic persons.

This is good advice to protect oneslf from becoming a 'cynical apple' oneself.  However, the thought crossed my mind, "How did this cynical person come to be?  What caused him (or her) to become like this?"

It may be beneficial to draw that person aside from the group to counsel, if they are willing.  Perhaps they will open up to the root cause and seek healing of their soul, spirit and heart.  As these attitudes are generally built up over time into habits, it will take time to unravel and create wholesome habits instead.  So patience may well be needed break down long-standing strongholds.

Like Matthew 18:15-20 instructs, if someone sins against you,

 "go and tell him his fault ... if he listens, you have gained a brother." 

If not you take two or three others and if he still doesn't listen, then he is brought before the church and if he still refuses to listen, then and only then, distance yourself from that brother or sister.  If this is done in a loving and caring manner, positive change may result.  Pray that it does.

No doubt the church setting is different in dynamics from an office setting but the principles of the process may be able to be applied in some form that fits the situation.  If, by the grace of God one finds oneself in a toxic office setting and you can still be the salt and light, may God give you abundant grace and fortify you to persevere with His grace and mercy until such a time things change or He directs you to another place!

Whatever the situation, if the Matthew verses have been applied but there is no change in cynicism, then Psalm 1:1 may well need to be put into effect.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers."

This is the verse Pegues brings to our attention and is wisdom from above.  If the cynical apple can't be removed, then remove the good apples from the cynical one (also Pegues idea).  As in COVID times, remove oneself and distance oneself from that which can infect and affect you, if at all possible.  May our Heavenly Father give you the grace if you cannot.

Heavenly Father, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!  There are times and situations You put us in, in order to develop our Christian character, attitudes and the fruit of Your Holy Spirit within us.  Should it be to be plunked down in the midst of cynical people, Lord, HELP US!

We will definitely need it!  Keep us sweet and smiling with the joy of the Lord for as long as it takes.  May we win over the situation with Your grace and love.  Help us to pour it out upon them even as You develop in our own beings that which is needful.  Otherwise, Lord, take us out of and away from them;  give us Your escape route.  In the name of Your Son Jesus we ask.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 1:1 and Matthew 18:15-20 ESV.  Also loosely based on 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 14 - The Cynical Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, What You Are, Speaks So Loud, along with Selah Praise Music.

Lord's Day Devotion - Finds Us So Doing

 

When the Lord puts us in charge of His possessions, let's be sure to be good and faithful servants.  Whether we have less or more, let us be found to be using it for His glory and honor.  I think many will term this 'good stewardship'.  By being caring and administering what we are given, may we be found to be faithful and wise servants of the Lord.  Verse 45 of Matther 24 reads,

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time" (NIV)?

This reference hails back to the time when the Israelites of old were to give a tithe of a tenth of all they had.  Whatever crops and livestock or earnings they had, especially of the firstfruits of all their labor, they were to bring it to the LORD at the temple of God, whom they worshiped.

They could also bring offerings - freewill and otherwise.  In this way, they were providing for the Levites, the priestly tribe who were doing 'the Lord's work'.  If the Israelites from all the other tribes did not fulfill this tithing and offering, then the Levites would become destitute and hiungry.  These were their 'household' of the times.  

Certainly, in our day and age, we need to be sure we have fulfilled our duty to our own households - food, clothing, shelter, education and the like.  The physical aspect is important but do not neglect the spiritual food of teaching our children and others under our care of the mercies of God, His goodness and especially introducing them to Jesus and salvation of their souls through Him.  These are very important!

But what else has the Lord put us in charge of?  His household, the Kingdom of God, right?  Are there servants of the Lord in fulltime ministry who are in need because they are not in secular work with steady income?

This is what we, who do have possessions need to ascertain and then faithfully AND wisely administer as the Lord and wisdom leads.  We do this until Jesus comes to call us home to be with Him forever.  Let's bring Him glory. 

When we look at John 17:4, we see Jesus completed His commission on earth.  Jesus spoke with God His Father and said, 

"I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do ..."

Jesus said He prayed for those His Father had given Him (vs 9);  He protected and kept them safe (vs 12); He had given them God's word (vs 14) and sanctified them with God's truth (vs 17).

Furthermore, Jesus did this,

"for those who will believe in Jesus through their message" ( vs 20).

Jesus came so that we would have life through His name and the act of mercy and grace of dying on the cross to redeem us and atone for our sins.  In this Jesus was wise and faithful.

In our own personal commission, given by God, let us too, be found wise and faithful.  Let us have good stewardship over our possessions and in how we use what we have been given for the good and benefit of God's household and for bringing many sons to glory.

Here is a poignant example of someone who is currently in ongoing desparate times but offers and shares what he has, not neglecting his family, nor the family of God, nor the neighbors who need the Lord. I quote what one brother wrote to me...

"A Starving Neighbour

15 to 20 people have died by starvation in the immediate village where G. lives since the M23 invaded the city (Goma). One large man who was a pastor had not eaten in 5 days. He died. While G, and C. were feeding porridge to the children of their village, some children came to him and said that a lady in one house was starving. Could he bring her some porridge? He brought the porridge, but she was unconscious. They could not open her mouth to get food in. C, G’s wife, got hot water and towels and warmed up her jaws. The spoon method did not work, so G. went to the pharmacy and bought a syringe and squirted the porridge into her mouth. Eventually she began to respond, and she is still alive today. She can only beg for survival for herself and her 6 children.

 

Despite the continual destitution, this situation is slightly improved from what it was. If G. gets a translation job, which is few and far between these days, he divides the proceeds into three parts. One-third for the 15 children in his orphanage. One-third for feeding the assembly. And one-third to feed his family. He said he had gone one stretch during this present dilemma for four days without food. Some days when he has food he sits down to eat, but when he thinks of the children and neighbours who are starving, he cannot eat. Brother B. is able to work with his three-wheel delivery motorcycle cart. When he gets paid for a job, he gives 20% to help feed the assembly. Brother G. has gone back to work as a teacher in a private school. Sister C. is a Tutsi so she is able to do some small business, such as selling vegetables. Others in the assembly have no source of food or income except when the assembly is able to help them. Many of them don't eat every day. I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat. Mark 8:2"*

Our 'talent' may only be one or it could be ten or more.  No matter.  Use what we have and let the Lord find us faithful until He comes.  Perhaps today!

Now as we bow our heads in thanksgiving to the One who died for us, let us remember all Jesus has done for us in the past and for all He promises that is to come.  Partake now of the broken bread this Lord's Day and of the cup of wine, in gratitude for His wisdom and faithfulness towards us.  To God be the glory!

Thank You, Jesus for fulfilling Your commission that God sent You to do.  We know and understand that as the fully human part of You,  it was a torment and struggle to go through with all the pain and agony, especially having Your Father turn His face away when all our sin was put upon You and You were made sin for us.  Yet, because You are fully God - Immanuel - God come in the flesh, You bore our sin and sorrows at Calvary.  Thus, Your Master, God, found You faithful.  All praise be to You, Jesus!  Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Matthew 24:42-47 and John 17 (NIV).

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Reawaken.

*Quotation used by permission and names withheld for security reasons.

You're An Angel! (TT)

 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).

Corrupt communication does much harm to others.  It is unwholesome talk that does not edify, build up or benefit the hearer.  Don't let it come out of your mouth.  Keep the gates closed!

When I think of "corrupt or unwholesome talk," I used to only associate it with foul language and swearing.  I hadn't connected the Ephesians 4:29 verse with belittling words before.  But it really makes sense to me to do so now that it was pointed out to me.

Words that tear another down instead of building them up are certainly corrupt and unwholesome.  To constantly be called 'stupid' or 'lazy' hits at a person's self-esteem.  The synapse of a person's brain begins to call themself by those terms and they come to think and act them out as well.

No doubt we can think of many other belittling words and actions that hurt another, often intentionally used.  Let's consciously eliminate these from our vocabulary as well as the attitudes of the heart that propagate them.

In other words, as followers of Jesus Christ, we need to actually follow Him and speak what builds another up, not just in their holy faith but even in their self worth.  God loves people so we should too and one way to do so is to give encouraging words, compliments (NOT flattery though) of "good job," "well done," and the like.

From personal experience, I'll never forget when a child told me, "You're an angel!"  It was over a small act of hospitality towards him and I felt the act didn't really merit the title but it sure made my day!  A lift gift for sure.

No one had ever called me an angel before, nor since, come to think of it, ha, ha, but it made an impression and gladdened the day.  His mother must have used similar terms very often in order for such a young chap to vocalize them as well. He could be generous with his beneficial words.  The Mom had made it her habit and inculcated it into her son in so doing.

We can change the unwholesome habit into well-placed words of affirmation and respect, creating a new habit of building others up.  If it's not your natural bent, it could be a challenge but not an imposssilbe one.  

Seek the Lord and His strength and ask Him to give you reminders to speak only what helps and heals and to keep the gates locked up tight on that which does not.

Father God, thank You so much for loving us and caring about us and being concerned for our well being.  You have spoken blessings over us, Your children, and built us up through our faith in Jesus Christ.  May we ever come to be more like Him in our attitudes and in our words we speak to others.  May they be good and helpful words, words which build them up and not belittling words which tear them down.  Make us 'angels' - so to speak.

May Your Holy Spirit actively govern what we think and say.  May He help us eliminate the unwholesome and promote the beneficial words that bring hope and healing to others.  This Your chidlren ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                              ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:29 (ESV & NIV).  Also, 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues - Chapter 13 - The Belittling Tongue.

Sing, Unwholesome Talk, along with His Sheep Scripture Song.

Check out this related link:  Betrayal-Proof Gates.

FYI:  I do not believe that a person becomes an angel.  I believe that God created angels as a different entity to human beings.  However, in our language, generally speaking, 'angels' are seen as very good and helpful beings that people think of favorably; therefore this is the context I use the term in this article.

Betrayal-Proof Gates (TT)

 

The feeling of having been betrayed is very deeply devastating.  This especially when it is perpetrated by someone you thought had been a 'best friend,' or even a close family member - certainly our Dad, Mom or sibling, or our 'bestie' would NOT betray us.

Well, it did and does happen and that's awful!  So sorry if it has happened to you!

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for money.  There was no repentance, only remorse and he came to a very sad end.  We can appreciate then that Jesus turned what was meant to harm Him into a mammoth saving grace for all mankind!

Gossipers add to betrayal.  Someone did not keep your secret and therefore the news spread and it got back to you.  Deborah Smith Pegues in her book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue says that betrayal is worse than gossip because it is more deliberate and personal and designed to hurt somone.

Proverbs 11:13 NIV declares,

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."

As a follower of Jesus Christ, let's learn to be more trustworthy and keep our lips sealed.  By way of illustration in how we can do this I have used the following anecdote before but I believe it to be useful here too.

One time in a Sunday School lesson, a brother told us who were children at the time, "God put two sets of gates on your mouth.  One set is your lips and the other is your teeth.  You  have to open your lips AND teeth in order to let the words out clearly."  These two sets of 'gates' remind us to speak slowly and to be more careful of what we say.  It is our choice to open or close these 'gates'.

Just like on a cattle, sheep or horse farm, you gotta keep those gates closed so the animals don't escape.  So too, keep those 'gates' closed so the 'beastly' words do not escape.

I do remember well and it is not a pleasant memory of a time I had been betrayed by someone near and I thought, dear, to me.  However, it was done and it took ages to be able to forgive that person.  If we belong to the Lord, we do need to be able to forgive the betrayer even if he or she never repents or apologizes.

We must also be aware of ourselves.  Do we cause another harm?  Do I have 'betraying-another-tendencies'?  Keep the betrayal-proof gates firmly shut in both our words and actions.  Become a trustworthy person in whom others can safely confide.

Lord Jesus, You are The Word, who always speaks good and beneficial words to us.  You never mis-speak.  Your words and actions are always for our good, and definitely NOT to harm us. This is greatly appreciated.  We give You our heartfelt thanks.

So saying, Lord, help me to keep watch over my lips and teeth; tame them, so that these 'gates' only open to speak good words, words of life to and about others.  I ask in Your name, amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 11:18 NIV and 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 12 The Betraying Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Man of Sorrows, along with Reawaken.

No Meddling Medals (TT)

 

"Ay, yai, yai!   Look at this verse!"

"But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evil doer or as a meddler"       (1 Peter 4:15 ESV).

Do you see that?  A meddler is on par with a murderer, thief and an evil doer!

Meddling in others' affairs is a very serious offense and sin to God by the looks of it.  If ones suffering is from meddling, then it appears to be a 'just reward.'

Most of us have likely been at the brunt of meddling.  "Curiosity killed the cat," and the 'cats' have few inhibitions.  They come to you asking all manner of personal questions.  It can be very annoying, upsetting and make one feel angry.  The hasty tongue may well be employed but for the grace of God and Holy Spirit's conviction to reign in our own tongues.

It's best to tread the fine line between genuine concern and outright meddling with great sensitivity even in a good friend's business.  Even if one has good intentions, the intrusion may not be welcome.  As a follower of Jesus Christ we have Holy Spirit to guide us as to what to ask, how to ask it and when to ask it.  What's more, we can ask the Lord for His wisdom and discernemnt.  We can also examine ourselves as to our own motives in "wanting to know".

We will not gain any medal for perceived meddling!  If we live idle lives we may well end up,

"meddling in other peoples' business" (see 2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT).

So let's be on our guard that we don't do this to other people.

It's amusing what Deborah Smith Pegues commented about in her book 30 Days to Taming the Tongue.  She mentioned that another person said,

"... one reason why people who mind their own business are successful is that they have so little competition" (Day 11, p. 54).

Lord, help me to only be interested in another's business when You guide me to help in valid ways.  I would genuinely like to reach out with a sincere helping hand.  I'm sorry for the times I was a busybody and meddled.  May I have the right motivation and not for some selfish gain, rather to further Your Kingdom and/or nurture all especially those of the household of faith.  In Your name Lord Jesus I ask.  Amen.

                                           ~ ERC  May 2025  ~

Based on 1 Peter 4:15 (ESV) and loosely on 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing,  Living Waters, along with Keith and Kristyn Gettty.

Lord's Day Devotion - Hallelujah, Amen!

 It was quite euphoric to listen to the Keith and Kristyn Getty song, Come, Christians, Join to Sing, I felt.  It almost felt like I was in heaven with the multitudes of the redeemed before the throne of our Redeemer.  What will it be in time to come!  We can only get earthly glimpses through such songs; "Hallelujah, Amen!"

I'm looking forward to that day when we can all be together with Christ in our 'forever home'.  Are you?

One Lord's Day when the apostle John was "in the Spirit," he was privileged to have a good look around Heaven sometime before he left the world.  He saw living creatures and elders fall down in worship the "one who sat upon the throne."  Angels chimed in too; thousand upon thousands of them.

Are you geting the glorious picture of what we believers in Jesus Christ have to look forward to?  All praise be ...

"... to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever" (see Revelation 5:12 ESV)!

"Hallelujah, Amen," as they sing in chorus in Come, Christians, Join to Sing.

This Lord's Day may all praise and honor spring forth like an effervescent fountain, in all thanksgiving and gratitude to our Savior Jesus Christ.  Let's remember Him in His death and resurrection, brothers and sisters-in-Christ.

Partake of the broken bread symbol of His body broken for us.  Drink of the cup of wine symbol of His blood shed for us; His life blood which purchased us.  It is the value of our souls.  Burst forth and sing, then.  Let the joy of the Lord and all He has done for you, be your strength.

Praise Him.  Sing, Christians, sing!

All Praise, glory and honor be to You, oh Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  We sing Your praises from joyful, thankful hearts.  Thank You so much ... Looking forward to giving You our praise for all eternity ahead.  In Your name Lord Jesus we give You our praise and worship.

                                                         ~ ERC   May 2025 ~

Based on Revelation 4 and 5 and the Getty Song.

Sing, Come, Christians, Join to Sing, along with Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Keith and Kristyn Getty.

"Tongue Fast" (TT)

 

Reading about "The Gossiping Tongue' in Deborah Smith Pegues' book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, I was intrigued by her exclamation of "tongue fast!"  This is in regards to another person trying to engage her in gossip.  She said she points to her tongue and says, "tongue fast!".

Wow.  This coupled with her idea when hearing slanderous talk is excellent steerage.  She mentions "conversation sifter".  When I first read the term, my eyes saw it as "conversation shifter".

But its sifter, not shifter.

However, when I thought, oh, to be able to shift a conversation, perhaps somewhat bluntly, to more healthy talk would be wonderful using word alternatives such as Philippians 4:8 offers.  These are honorable, just, pure, lovely and so on.

The notion of sifter on the other hand weeds out the negative and leaves the good which is also, honorable and just and so on.  So either way we can take a better stance, by sifting and then shifting the conversation or cutting it off altogether with "tongue fast!" so one doesn't engage in, and /or hear the malice continued.

I really like Pegues 'tool' suggestions.  Let's beware with which our tongues wag; whether to tear someone down or to build someone up.  May our words, which stem from our minds and hearts, be acceptable in God's sight (see Psalm 19:14).

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

Lord, I come to You now in humble confession of the times I heartlessly have spoken gossip about certain people.  Help me to learn the "tongue fast!"  Govern my heart and mind so that what comes out will be words that are acceptable to You and for the good and benefit of others.  Otherwise, let me be like the monkey that clamps its hands over its mouth and speaks no evil, so to speak.  May I learn to be a sifter and a shifter of conversation that is unhealthy.  Instead may I, along with all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ speak virtuous words that are honorable, true, noble, lovely and so on.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Proberbs 18:8 (NIV) and loosely on 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Changed, along with Hannah Kerr.

HAIKU - Orchid Blooms and Joy

 Are you serious?

Orchid-ing?  It's no orchid -

-inary day!  Blooms.

Orchids are plant - tas -

- tic.  Rooting for my orchid -

-inary day.  Joy!

~ERC  May 2025~

Book Review - NetGalley's Social Media Handbook - By NetGalley - Publication Date: 1 October 2024

There are helpful pictures and diagrams within this handbook's pages.  In my opinion, the tips and suggestions for using social media, as the title purports, give great leverage for building up ones own networking.  Although I have read a similar aid before, I found this to be a good review as well as an avenue to learning potential new skills.

                                              ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                               June 2025 

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary copy sent by NetGalley and We Are Bookish.

Read review on Goodreads.

Lord's Day Devotion - So They Believe

 "How then will they call on Him whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?  And how are thy to hear without someone preaching" (Romans 10:14 ESV).

Just look at this verse.  Read it again, slowly.  If a person doesn't believe in something or someone they will not call on them.  Why should they?  Perhaps they have never heard about the Lord Jesus before so they were never given the choice to believe or to not believe.  You can't believe in something or someone you've never heard about.  Someone HAS to tell them about Jesus.  Then the choice is up to them.  Very logical thinking.

Once they've heard, the choice is up to them.  And the result of believing is ...

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"  (Romans 10:13 ESV).

This is the promise we have in Christ!  But who will rise up to preach Him?  You have heard and believed, will you then go and tell others who have not had the chance?

I ask this of myself too.

But if it is left up to that ambivalant 'someone,' likely 'no one' will do it.  The insinuation then is for 'everyone' to do it.    It's like some of the prophets of old who volunteered, saying,

"Here I am, send me."

The disciples were told, 

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (see Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15).  

This is the what we term, "The Great Commission" and it is to all believers.  No excuses heard to not obey.

I do admire those who can witness as naturally as breathing and speak of Jesus from their heart.  They are not necessarily top orators of the world, but simple everyday language coupled with godly behavior goes a long way in sharing the love of Jesus with others.

If anyone lacks wisdom - ask of God and it will be given generously by Him (See James 1:5).  Yes, some believers find it easier than others but everyone has the responsibility to share the good news.  

We have received of the Lord.  Freely He gave.  Let us then follow His ultimate example and not so much out of duty, but out of our love, gratitude and thanksgiving offer this good news about how Jesus saves, to others who as yet, do not know because no one has ever told them.

Let's keep this in mind brothers and sisters-in-Christ even as we partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine this Lord's Day.  These are the symbols with which we remind ourselves of Jesus' sacrifice for us.  He gave His 'all' for us.  Let us choose to give our 'all' to Him in declaring His salvation to everyone who will believe because we told them, they heard and had the chance to choose to believe.

Lord Jesus, we remember the travail of Your love for us in dying on the cross to provide salvation for our souls.  We thank You so much.  May we each then have the courage and obedience to choose to tell those who do not know You, so they can believe too.  I ask in Your precious name, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  May 2025 ~

Based on Romans 10:14 ESV.

Sing, Into a Tent Where a Gypsy Boy Lay, along with The Oak Ridge Boys.