Book Review - The Amish Ballerina - By Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter - Publication Date: 1 October 2025

 

Stories of life among the Amish are always of great interest to me.  Indeed, this one kept my interest and curiosity alive throughout.  An Amish ballerina seemed very unlikely to me but inquisitiveness got the better of me and I found myself flipping through the pages to discover what Arie was up to.

Arie was very secretly into ballet dancing, a no-no frowned upon by the Amish.  The dynamics of the issue for Arie mirrored an inner struggle.  Would she be able to embrace her Amish-ness, or not?

I was very satisfied with this clean story not only because of the Amish element but the added faith-based input and the dash of romance.  There was some extra 'meat' in regards to time the authors, Richelle Brunstetter with Wanda E. Brunstetter,  must have put in to researching both ballet moves and the drill team of synchronized horse demonstrations, so that she could describe them with enjoyment for the reader.  It was a lovely touch too, to find a recipe at book's end that refers to the soup Brenda makes for her family.

Overall, I believe that the author has treated the Amish with dignity and respect; another great point in favor of this book.

                                               ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Hidden Family Secrets, The Paisley Women Series Book 1 - By Evelyn Hood - Publication Date: 30 September 2025

Sometimes there are too many secrets.  The question is, to tell them or not; which would be more hurtful?  A tough call judging from this story, I found.

For me, this has been an enjoyable story and a quick read.  I like the family togetherness and the community spirit.  I liked that Mary, Meg, and Margaret, especially, did so many good deeds without broadcasting them.  I felt so sorry for William and Colin.  Duncan Todd was something else.

The story is set back in the 1700's when trades such as weaving and cobblers together with their apprentices were a thing, and making a good living therefrom.

This is the first book in the historical fiction series called The Paisley Women.  I look forward to hopefully having opportunity to read sequels from author Evelyn Hood in the near future.

                                             ~ Eunice C.  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           September 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Our Everything (Luke 14:25-33, especially vs 33 ESV)

 

Peter, Andrew, James and John left all and followed Jesus.  Matthew Levi got up from his lucrative customs job to follow Jesus.  It seems like it was easy for them to turn away from their livelihoods and incomes.

Would you be able to do that in order to follow Jesus?  There would be not necessarily be a fixed income.  This verse could strike you cold ...

"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33 ESV).

To cut off all apron strings of life as you know it and leave the comfort zone would be a big challenge for most people I think.  The things of earth that we treasure, are not easy to renounce.

Our hearts are often so wrapped up in things that we may be entangled by them.  Yet as we hear from the Lord, a gentle master, may we begin to loosen those bonds and begin to follow Jesus with a heart of love and devotion that then relinquishes that which we once held dearer.

It may not be that we're asked to give our job, incomes and possessions up physically but to renounce them in the importance they have in our heart and life.  Are these things the master or is Jesus our Master?  These are questions we have to ask ourselves.  Do we use our life and possessions for His glory as we follow Him or do they take first place?  We can test and examine these for ourselves, asking the Lord to reveal our state through His Holy Spirit's interaction in our lives.

Each person's respective challenge will be different I believe but the process to becoming a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ will be rewarding in a firmer relationship with Him.  May He be our everything.

O Jesus, Friend unfailing, may we each be able to say clearly to You, "How dear you are to me" and so follow You unencumbered all the days of our lives.  Amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 14:25-32, especially vs 32 ESV.

Sing, O Jesus, Friend Unfailing, along with Geraldine Latty.

Lord's Day Devotion - The Found Son (Luke 15:11-32, especially vs 32 ESV)

 

It's wonderful to be found, isn't it!  It's also great to find lost things and especially lost people.  If you've ever been lost as a child, for instance, and thankfully found, it'd make a very long-lasting impression - one of profound relief and thankfullness.

The story of the father's great love and mercy upon that second son, the one whom many refer to as the "prodigal son," terms him 'lost' but 'found'.  But how did the son get lost in the first place?

He rather lost himself but then found himself when he came to his senses.  His father expressed it with joy.  Speaking to his eldest son who incidently seemed to still be lost, he declared, 

"... your brother was dead, and is alive, he was lost, and is found" (vs 32 ESV).

Indeed, a fitting time to celebrate!

We can celebrate too along with our Savior Jesus.  We were lost in sin, but our Savior found us like He'd talked about in His parable about the one lost sheep out of a hundred (see Luke 15:5), where the good shepherd sought that sheep until it was found.  He searched for us and found us.

As we partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine this Lord's Day, let us remember what He did for us.  He died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day, completing salvation's work on our behalf (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

We who believe are His found sons and daughters.  So brothers and sisters-in-Christ, let's rejoice and celebrate the One who loves us, who sought and found us.  The one whose mercy and grace was so freely poured out for us.  In Him we have redemption through His shed blood.  He gave His life that we might live.  He searched for us that we might be found.  Appreciate Him.

Let's praise Him and give Him our heartfelt thanks.

                                              ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 15:11-32, especially vs 32 ESV.

Sing, Celebrate, Jesus Celebrate, along with Praise God.

She Glorified God ( Luke 14:10-17 ESV)

 

People live with chronic pain and/or disabilities of all kinds.  It's no fun and endurance levels are pushed beyond, beyond.  They live like this for years on end seeking relief and cures.  Often, there are none.

Many family members do not fully understand why the sufferer withdraws from family gatherings and other social events.  Much misunderstanding ensues and so the sufferer tends to isolate his or herself - dropping out of life, so to speak.

That's why it is so wonderful that the lady who suffered a "disabling spirit," which caused her to be bent over, unable to stand up straight for 18 years, was healed by Jesus!  This lady was freed from her disability. 

 Her response?  

"She glorified God."  

Wow!  Awesome!

Yet, the reaction of the ruler of the synagogue was indignant.  He hadn't cared for the woman and was only interested in everyone strictly adhering to the rules, many of which may have been those "unwritten rules."

There already were ongoing leniencies in regards to rescuing an animal on the Sabbath day.  Why could not Jesus rescue a human sufferer who had likely been sidelined by society!?

Jesus called the ruler out by His response.  

What's more, I see it as symbolic that He rescued all mankind who were "in the ditch" of sin.  He's healed all of us who have accepted His free gift of salvation.  Healed from the wages of sin and have been given the gift of God so that those who believe won't suffer the pain and agony Hell will bring - not just for an earth lifetime but for all eternity.

We need to praise the Lord for all of this!

And those who have ongoing chronic pain and/or disability, let the rest of us try to be more compassionate and understanding.  Let's be a support as the opportunities present themselves even if it's only to lend a listening ear.  May we all glorify God.

                                              ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 13:10-17 ESV.

Sing, Awesome God, along with Michael W. Smith.

Set Free By Christ

 It's so reassuring to read Galatians 5:1 (ESV).

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

I comforted myself with this verse, yet again after someone asked again about a certain situation I had been in years ago that was one of spiritual abuse.  A situation that perpetuated being controlled by people and many unwritten rules rather than by the Holy Spirit and God's Word.

When asked about why not 'come back' which they were essentially asking, I said, "Oh, I'm so free right now!"  They were shocked.

Their way is "the only true way." Or so they imply.  I feel sorry for them.  Others reading this may have been trapped in similar spiritual bondage in a church setting.  Control maintained by adhering only to specific church brethren writings as commentary and deemed almost on par with God's Word, although it more than likely wouldn't be admitted to.  It is entrapment.

No doubt those commentaries are helps but when maintained and insinuated as "the only way - the one place" and not allowing the Holy Spirit to teach more freely, therein is the spiritual bondage I mean.  Many may not realize the cage they are in but once broken free, one is free indeed.

Free, not to do my own will, nor the will of the brethren and their writings but to do the Lord's will as He leads and guides through His Word and His Holy Spirit.

Step back, read God's Word.  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you directly.  See what He has to say.  Christ has set us free.  We can stand firm in this knowledge and understanding.  And definitely, I would not submit to the yoke of slavery to that spiritual abuse again, at least as far as I can help it and have awareness of.

I hope and pray the same for any and all who are experiencing such bondage.  May you break free and be free indeed.  Have confidence in the Lord, His Word and the empowering, guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I ask this for you and for me in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Galatians 5:1 (ESV).

Sing, Christ is Enough, along with Hillsong.

Castle Peles (Luke 12:27 ESV)

 

"Consider the lilies, how they grow:  they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Luke 12:27 ESV).

Solomon was an extremely wealthy Israelite king.  Think of how he gilded his palace and the temple with gold.  God had blessesd him much over and above his best asset, his wisdom.  It must have all been rather magnificent to see.

The phrase, "all his glory" says it all.

Similarly, the grandness of Castle Peles in Sinaia, Romania is beautiful to see.  This castle was originally the summer home and hunting "lodge" of King Carol I and his wife Queen Elizabeth and their young daughter Maria.  It is a bit old and musty inside now, after all it's had its hay day back 1883.  Construction finished then although there were improvements until 1914.  Today one can still see men maintaining the edifice.  

During it's prime the inside must have been plenty grand as even now there's much that can make a visitor "ooo" and "aah".   Yet outside, as one takes in the view of the Carpathian Mountains, the evergreen trees and flowers dancing in the wind, I found these even more magnificent.  Truly, the 'lilies' are arrayed more gloriously.  God's handiwork cannot ever be outdone!

It is a glorious thought and brings praise to our lips to the Creator of the world who is our Heavenly Father.  Praise too to Jesus Christ, His Son, who left the splendor of heaven to this world tainted by mankind's sin.

Creation had been marred but Jesus came to save us.  Even as this present world spins with global warming and consequences of accumulated sin, we have the hope of Christ and His beauty that far outshines anything manmade no matter how grand!

Let's turn our eyes upon Jesus, as a line of a hymn goes.  "Look full into His face" and trust Him.  Then enjoy the beauty of His creation and His mercy and grace; we can still find and experience them.

Praise the Lord for His "lilies".  

Creator God, You are so marvellous and so is Your creation.  Turn our eyes and hearts ever towards You and Your splendor.  May we remember to fix our eyes upon You to see Your glory for ever and ever, Amen.

                                                    ~ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 12:27 ESV.
Sing, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, along with Sovereign Grace Music and If That Isn't Love, along with Dottie Rambo and Brentwood Benson.

Enter In (Luke 21:52 ESV)

 

Knowing the truth and then turning away from it or just becoming immune to it is a sad thing.  More so, because the truth sets us free (see John 3:32).

When you take a look at the lawyers, a.k.a. the scribes, of Bible times, see what Jesus had to say about them,

"Woe to you lawyers!  For you have taken away the key of knowledge.  You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering" (Luke 11:52 ESV).

How does that make you feel to read that?

The lawyers were the ones to write out all the law and other Scriptures for the Jews.  They would know all those Scriptures very well in their heads.  After copying them out time and again they'd likely have been able to recite great portions of God's word.  But it seems as it was just a mechanical exercise for them.  They'd not "entered in".  They did not take these words to heart.  They were not allowing them to seep into their whole being and allow them to govern their lives.

Even worse, they hindered others from so doing.

It is a heads up to me to be aware of this sort of thing in my own life.  Knowing the holy Scriptures from my youth up can tend to make me feel, "Oh, I know that already" and the Word of God just rolls off me like water off a duck's back.  I hadn't let it enter into my soul and spirit nor allowed the Holy Spirit to do His work in me.

When I do not act or behave in a Christlike manner it could well cause others to turn aside and not 'enter in'.  Woe be to me then, too!

Lord, help me to be what I should be in Your sight so that I do not cause havoc to others especially in the hindering them to come to You.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.

                                                ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 11:52 ESV
Sing, Awake My Soul, along with Hillsong.

The Lamb's List (Luke 10 esp vs 20 ESV)

 It's fun to write our name in the sand or carve it on a tree, "so and so was here".  It's exciting even to see ones name in print in a magazine, news article or on a book cover.  What's more, perhaps, a scholar has made the dean's list at some university.  All these can be pretty thrilling.

The ultimate best place, however, is to have ones' name 

"written in Heaven" (Luke 10:20 ESV).

If you've made the Lamb's List, you've found the most important place to see it written.

There are lots of great and wonderful places to have ones name inscribed, there are lots of wonderful testimonies to God's intervention and blessings in our lives.  But the greatest is to have salvation through Jesus Christ and then to carry His name into all the world, adding more names to the Lamb's List.

In this we can truly rejoice (see Revelation 5:8-14; 7:9-10; Revelation 20:12, 15 and 21:27 ESV).

                                                       ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 10: especially verse 20 ESV.

Sing, The Lamb's Book of Life/Passion (Worship Lyric Video, along with Vectored media.

A Fit Follower (Luke 9 esp vs 62 ESV)

 It wasn't easy to follow Jesus.  His disciples were often perplexed and bewildered and left to wonder, being either rendered speechless or putting their foot in their mouth - a least Peter did.

When they got sent out to preach and heal they couldn't take extra baggage.  They had to be minimalists.  When Jesus asks them to feed the crowd of 5000 men - wherever were they to get all that food!?  They must have been astonished at the 12 baskets of left overs...

When Jesus foretells His death they were commanded not to tell this to anyone.  And they were afraid to ask more.  They just couldn't understand!

The picture Jesus painted for them of taking up the cross and following Him required sacrifice - the giving up of comforts and such.  They were to

 "lose their life for [His] sake" (vs 24).

  It was a lot to take in.

Peter puts his foot in his mouth on the Mount of Transfiguration and a voice said,

 "This is my Son, my Chosen One, listen to Him!"

That must have been a bit creepy especially after the appearance of Moses and Elijah.  Thrilling at first but they disappear and there's Jesus standing alone and then the voice.  Again Peter, James and John must keep this secret until much later.

The disciples had been going town to town and village to village preaching and healing, and casting out demons.  Yet, here was a 'stubborn case'.  The unclean spirit just would not come out of the lad.

Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration and Jesus with one commanding rebuke, makes the demon leave the boy.  Astonishment for all present ensued.

In another instance, to John, it felt like someone was casting out demons without being authorized by Jesus to do so.  Maybe he was jealous for Jesus (or himself).  They must have been scratching their heads when Jesus told him not to stop the person.  Jessus' name was still getting the credit.

They get rebuked again when they want to call down fire from heaven to consume the people who did not welcome Jesus.  Sometimes we want to 'defend and protect' Jesus but there seems to be a time and place for this.  He is the one to avenge.  Not us.  I think Jesus was teaching them it was the dawn of the day of grace and no longer the "eye for an eye" era.

Mission was just plain out of the comfort zone.  Jesus had nowhere to lay His head.  He'd said farewell to those at home.  He was purposeful and commited to the task His Father had sent Him to accomplish.

There could be no wishy-washyness for the life of a Jesus follower.  Jesus told a potential follower,

 "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 ESV).

Yet the blessings of storing up treasure in Heaven, of being with Jesus in close friendship must have created a new life for all those early disciples.  Their life was never the same and they eventually took on that same deep dedication to their calling.  They definitely became 'fit'.

We can too.  Our life is in the Lord and we can follow Him and have that same friendship with Him.  Just expect the unexpected.  There will be surprize, astonishment, perplexity and bewilderment at all the wonderful works and goodness of the Lord as He leads us all the way Home.

Let's follow Jesus.

                                                  ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 9, especially vs 62 ESV.

Sing, Jesus I My Cross Have Taken, along with Thankful Barabbas.

Women of Today (Luke 8:1-3 ESV)

 

Here we have some women again.  

"Women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities:  Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means" (vs 2 & 3).

I read into this that these women were so grateful and thankful that they'd follow Jesus (& the disciples) wherever they went.  They provided for them, not with what donations people along the way had given but 

"out of their own means" (emphasis mine).

Perhaps they were something like the bustling woman of Proverbs 31 who earned out of her own right.  Or, they could've been given from their husband's earnings, which he generously shared with them.

This is not stated in the passage.  The willingness to spend out of their own pockets to provide for Jesus and His disciples would not have been a simple task.

Men with bigger appetites - 12 of them, plus Jesus - would cost a small fortune.  They'd be extra hungry due to their travels by shank's pony.  On top of that, other necessities, although Jesus seemed to not need much and travelled light.  But add in these ladies and the "many others" in the group, just keeping all 'in food' would indeed cost a pretty penny.

But these women were still willing to give to the cause of

 "proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God"

 to the peoples of the cities and villages they trekked to.  So not only did they give monetary means, they gave their own strength and time to the furthering of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God - storing up treasure in Heaven, for Jesus.

What wonderful examples these women of worth were for us women of today.  May we be found as worthy and willing for Jesus too!  We may not 'go out on the road,' so to speak, but we can provide for those who do in whatever way we can.

John Wesley once put it,

"Do all the good you can,

by all the means you can,

in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can,

to all the people you can,

as long as ever you can".

Lord Jesus, may we women of today and many others be touched by the example of the worthy women of Your days on earth.  Out of hearts of gratitude, thanksgiving and love for all you had done for them, gave of their means, time and effort to help spread Your good news.  May we too, be so motivated and cheerfully give what we can, where, and when we can, as long as ever we can.  In Your precious name we ask and give our heartfelt thanks.  Amen.

                                                        ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 8:1-3 ESV.

Sing, Grateful, along with Elevation.

Pilgrimage Highways

The three of us were in the car.  We were driving on a rural dirt road headed for the main and paved road.   A few paces back from that road, the car spluttered and died.  Try as she might, the driver could not re-start the car.  The verdict she sheepishly said softly, "We're out of petrol!"

"Never mind," said a voice from the back seat, "We're almost to the intersection and there's a petrol station just 'round the corner.  I'll push the car."

The driver chuckled.  You see, she and the other passenger were in their early 70's and the voice belonged to the 'youngster' of about 60 plus years.

The 'younster' insisted, "Never mind, I'll try ..."

And then the 'youngster' woke up from her dream.  Ah-h-h, saved by the awakening!

But I'm thinking of today's verse-of-the-day by YouVersion phone app.  It reads,

 "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion" (Psalm 84:5 ESV).

Or, as the NIV puts it, "who have set their hearts on pilgrimage ...."

The strength of the 60 plus year old's muscles and heart, may or may not have been able to push that smallish-sized car around the corner, onto the highway of the petrol station but her determination to try was set.  She would have used her own strength and willingness even if not the actual capability and capacity of heart strength to do so.  Maybe there would have been some chivalrous man come to the ladies' aid, which would have been a godsend.

So too, along our spiritual Christian journey, we need to put our strength in the Lord, and in the power of His might (see Ephesians 6:10).  We need to set our hearts to it.  More so, our hearts should actually be the highway on this earthly pilgrimage.  Do we crave the presence of the Lord?

The reference to "the highways to Zion" denotes symbolically, Jerusalem, where the temple with God's presence resided.  The people of Israel faced and focused and abided on a commitment to God.

At least, the singer/songwriter of the sons of Korah, did.  Their songs were to be sung by these people, turning their hearts to the highways to Zion and dependance on their Heavenly Father.  It was in Him they'd get their strength and have their strength renewed (see Isaiah 40:31).

May each of us children of God focus on Him spending time in His presence and thereby gain our strength and refreshing and renewal of spirit from Him.

Please, Jesus, I ask in Your name.  Amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 84:5 ESV.

Sing, My Life is in You Lord, My Strength is in You, Lord along with Divine Hymns.

P.S. The photo of the car was not what the one in the dream looked like but I do like the look of this one.

A Tough Call (Luke 6:32-36, esp vs 32 and 35-36)

 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them ... But love your enemies, and do good ... expecting nothing in return ... be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV).

These verses direct the follower of Jesus Christ to doing good even to those one would not be naturally inclined to help.  Helping an enemy in distress is generally not on a person's agenda but we followers are commanded to be merciful as our Father is.

Like Father, like son (or daughter), but it's a tough call for sure!  Who wants to be of service to "thorns in our flesh"?  I don't know about you but it takes effort in my heart, like a wrestling match, as to which attitude will come to the fore.

Will it be a turning away, will it be a reluctant giving of help, or will with the grace of God and the bestowing of mercy, giving with a willing, cheerful helping hand?  Pray that the Christ like attitude and action will win out.

Why?

Because God loves those enemies even as much as He loves me.  The downtrodden, infirm, and poor also need our love and care.  God's people are the ones to fulfill such needs.

Abba Father, thank You for Your love and care.  Your mercy is even upon us as is Your gracious hand.  As Your children, help us to do as Jesus would.  After all we too were once Your 'enemies' but You gave Your all, for us.  May Your Holy Spirit mold and shape us to be more like Your son Jesus.  May our natural bent be to love our enemies and do good to them because our life is in You.  This is a tall order, I think, but with Your Holy Spirit's help, we can.  In Jesus' name I ask, Amen.

                                            ERC  August 2025.

Based on Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV.

Sing, All Because of Mercy, along with Casting Crowns.

Fishing Boat Pulpit (Luke 5:1-11 ESV)

 Jesus met Simon Peter right where he was at; his fishing boat and his nets.  Simon and his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were likely disheartened after an all nighter out on the sea with nothing to show for it.

But Jesus was after a different kind of 'fish' and asked to use Simon's boat as a pulpit, of all things!  Actually, Jesus didn't ask, He just stepped into Simon's boat and told him

 "to put out a little from the land" (vs 3). 

This was kinda right in Simon's face.  But of course, Simon had the option to put out or not.   However, he seemed willing enough to oblige and then Jesus could more easily preach to the crowd upon the seashore.

I think we sometimes need such awakenings.  I picture Simon continuing to wash his nets but with his ear cocked, listening to Jesus' words.

Subtle, but effective method of teaching, don't you think?  There are times I'd like to take a believer-in-Jesus friend to say, a coffee shop, and talk about Jesus.  I speak a little louder than necessary, just enough to be heard at the next tables and I'd ask something like, "OK, you say Jesus is your best friend,  how did that happen?  Why is He so good to you?" Or some such questions that as my friend answers, others may overhear and even while they sip and sup their tea or coffee and their food, they could hear the message of Jesus explained.  That would be a coffee shop pulpit.

Anyway, Jesus paid His pulpit renting dues, again right where Simon Peter would be most impacted.  Skeptically, he moves out to the deeper waters and

 "let down [his] nets for a catch" (vs 4).

Lo and behold, they ...

"... enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking" (vs 5)!

He had to call his partners James and John to the rescue.  They could hear, I imagine, Jesus chuckling.  Simon Peter though, was struck as if by lightning.  He falls on his knees before Jesus and admits he's a sinful man.

Jesus then tells Simon,

"Do not be afraid:  from now on you will be catcing men" (vs 10).

Jesus commissioned Simon Peter for his life's purposeful work.  When we read the rest of the story and into the book of Acts and even Peter's writings we see he fulfilled that purpose.

It would be good to stop and reflect.  Have we been impacted and/or struck in  a highly significant manner similar to Peter's experience?  Or maybe it was the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit nudging, convicting and challenging us.  How will we respond?

Let's have our ears cocked for the Holy Spirit's guidance, ready to listen and take obedient action despite any misgivings we may have.  Don't be afraid.

                                                  ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 5:1-11 ESV.

Sing, Fishers of Men, along with Believe.

Acceptable Offerings

 

What is it that makes an offering acceptable to God?  Here's what God commanded Moses to speak to the people of Israel on the topic,

"When you offer a sacrifice of peace [or fellowship] offering to the LORD, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted" (vs 5).

Peace, or otherwise called, fellowship, offerings were voluntary.  However, there were still criteria and boundaries - terms and conditions - for what and how one was to offer these.

When they made these fellowship offerings to God, the priests and the offerer could share the meat or other food offered.   They could still eat it on the second day but not on the third day after having offered the offering.  It was considered 'tainted' on the third day.  It would therefore be unacceptable to God.

All sacrifices and offerings had to be "without blemish".  If the food was tainted then it would have 'blemish'.  It was then a serious offense to God to keep and eat it.  These leftovers were supposed to be burned up.

Acceptable offerings would be characterized by the willingness of the offerers.  How joyfully and generously they'd offer.  Also these would need to have been funded from legitimate sources, one sister pointed out to us at a Bible study.

Making it somewhat relatable to our day and age, one could offer hospitablity to a brother or sister-in-Christ for instance.  They may stay a day or two and you'd be happy and gladly have them in your home.  But what if the stay was extended to the third or more days?  Would the willingness, joy and generosity still be there?

This could be a test of acceptability before God.  Patience and perseverence to continue until the need was no longer needed.  If one flinches and falters in giving of the hospitality offering, I think one could consider this offering 'blemished' and therefore unacceptable to the Lord.

The song, "Freely, freely  You have received, Freely, freely give" is ringing through my mind.  We may need to check our initial motives in making our offerings.

When we give without reluctance or under compulsion, but rather freely, joyfully and generously, these are acceptable to God.  Let's support needy believers as the need arises and according to what we can give.

If one hasn't yet found a need to offer to, one can still set aside an amount as 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs,

" ... save it to the extent that God has blessed you ..." (unknown version but could be a paraphrase).

Or, as the ESV reads,

" ... store it up, as He may prosper ..."

Then, as needed, one is ready.  There's that "posture of readiness' to do good works in the service of our Lord and for His peoples' benefit.

We might add,

" ... and for the furtherance of the gospel."

A favorite marriage motto verse of my husband and I is found in Galations.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galations 6:9 & 10 ESV).

These are acceptable offerings that please the Lord as we cheerfully offer these fellowship offerings in praise and heartfelt gratitude to Him.  The best such offering however, would be ourselves.  By God's grace let us continue to offer our acceptable offerings to Him.

Amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  August 2025  ~

Based on Leviticus 19:5-8 ESV.  Also see, 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Chronicles 29:17B; 2 Corinthians 9:5-6; and 1 Corinthians 16:2.  Secondly, based on B. Study about offerings, How to Give to God - The Bible Unpacked by Paul Mallison.

Sing, We Are An Offering, along with Christ Christian and Living Sacrifice, also along with Chris Christian.

Lord's Day Devotion - "I'm A Sinner" (Luke 7:29 & 30 ESV)

 I find these verses such sad commentary ...

"When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him"            (Luke 7:29 & 30 ESV).

The first part is great.  It's the second part about the Pharisees and lawyers that is sad.  The very ones who should be setting examples due to their religious leadership roles and the knowledge of God's Laws, steadfastly refused John's baptism.  I suppose they thought they had impeccable portfolios of behavior according to "God's Law" and therefore exempt.  They surely don't need to repent of any sins nor receive baptism!

This attitude continued and even became more ingrained when relating to Jesus.  The holier-than-thou stance blinded them to who Jesus truly was.

How blessed though the people were who had repented and were baptised.  I like the phrase like even, 

"the tax collectors too!"

These were a despised group who were notorious for dubious dealings whilst collecting taxes for the Romans.  These tax collectors being their own kinsfolk and thus looked upon with even greater despicableness and contempt due to their extorting money out of their own poeple.

But even the tax collectors acknowledged their own wrong.  This is such stark contrast to the religious leaders bearing.  

This puts one in mind of Jesus' parable of the two men who went to pray.  The first extolled himself proudly with a litany of all his accomplishements and self-righteousness.  The second pray-er could barely lift his head and admitted, "I'm a sinner," but just the same asking God for mercy (see Luke 18:9-14).

May we not be characterized by pride but be truly humble before the Lord, seeking His grace and mercy every day.  This is greater wisdom.

We see Jesus who humbled Himself and even "fulfilled all righteousness" by being baptized by John the Baptizer Himself.  He is the only one who never had had to do this.  In Him was NO sin (see 1 John 3:5).  Therefore there was nothing for Him to repent of (see Philippians 2:4-11).

He could then be our spotless Lamb of God who sacrificed Himself for us (see 1 Peter 1:19).  Let us followers of Jesus Christ ponder on these things as we partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine in remembrance of His death and resurrection, this Lord's Day.

In Him we have redemption and the chance to repent and be saved receiving His forgiveness and salvation.  This in turn leading to our baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Thank You Jesus for blessing us with Your salvation and making us Your disciples.  May we be humble followers all our days.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 7:29 & 30 ESV.

Sing, Lamb of God, along with The Maranatha Singers.

The Holy Spirit Descended (Luke 4 ESV)

 The Spirit of the Lord was seen ... 

" ... descending on Him like a dove ... as Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters of the Jordan River ..." (see Mark 1:10 & 11 ESV).

We see Jesus heading to the wilderness next.  Luke records that Jesus was ... 

" ... full of the Holy Spirit ...and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness" (Luke 4:1 ESV).

We knew that that's when He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and was then tested by Satan with temptations that could have brought many others down.

We know that our blessed Jesus did not succumb to these wiles of the devil.  Praise be to Jesus!

In no way diminished, Jesus ... 

" ... returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee ... and He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all" (Luke 4:14 & 15 ESV).

Then Jesus finds and reads from the scroll,

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me" (vs 18).

His comment when He'd finished reading was ...

 "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in Your hearing" (Luke 4:21 ESV).

After that we read of Him healing and teaching.  The Holy Spirit had filled Him leading Him into the wilderness temptation but He overcame and in the power of the Holy Spirit He taught and publically read the Scriptures.

He notates for His hearers that the portions read have already been "fulfilled," thus, indirectly referring to Himself.

He taught and healed in the power of the HolySpirit.  This is what the Holy Spirit led Jesus to do.  I believe that those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior have this same Holy Spirit indwelling them.  Jesus sent Him to the disciples after He ascended back to Heaven.  From that time on the Holy Spirit has been active within believers.

It is up to us to listen for the Holy Spirit's leading and then go about our days filled with the Holy Spirit who then empowers us to do works for Jesus as they arise in our daily life.

Thank You Jesus for the gift of salvation and of Your Holy Spirit who indwells us.  Your good and perfect gifts are wonderful! Amen.

                                               ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 4 ESV.

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

Prayer - Bring Out the Best (Luke 6:31 & 32 ESV)

 There's people we have to see, often on a daily basis.  People who aren't necessarily family but with whom we still interact with for good or bad, whether we want to or not.  There are those who bring out the worst in us no matter how hard we try not to let them disturb our peace of mind.

But then, for a follower of Jesus Christ, we can turn it into opportunities to test, in a fierce crucible even, our Christ-like grace, character and attitudes.  We can let Jesus help us turn it into bringing out our best Christ-likeness instead.

Oh Lord, give us the fortitude to navigate with "thorns-in-the-flesh" people.

I suppose You'd say, "I love them as much as I love You."

Okay, Lord, but I definitely NEED YOUR help!  May Your Holy Spirit work mightily in me to overcome and bring out Your -ness ness.

Then we can give You our praise and thanks from grateful hearts and Your glory can be exalted, O God, over all the environment and situations in which we respectively live.

Only by Your grace can we do this.  Help us to keep this in mind in those crucial moments when we'd much rather let our old nature take over.  May Your Holy Spirit fill us to let You be in charge of those moments.

In Jesus' name I pray from the depth of my heart to ask.  Amen.

                                          ~ ERC  August 2025  ~

Based on Luke 6:31 & 32 ESV.

Sing, Holy Spirit Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Book Review - Mastering Chronic Pain: How Peak Resilience Unlocks Your Potential - By Dr. Sahar Swidan and Dr. Matthew Bennett - Publication Date: 4 September 2025

 

In my opinion, this book is a message of hope and comunication feeding directly into the hearts and minds of those who suffer from chronic pain.  The word 'resilience' is a key word thoughout as the complete book title indicates.  If I'm understanding the authors correctly, the book offers a progressive chain of action that is important to note when talking about mastering chronic pain.

As a potential reader would read through this book, they can expect some significant technical jargon given the topic.  However, I believe even laymen will be able to understand what is described regarding managing and mastering chronic pain.  What's more, I feel that those who suffer such pain will definitely be able to relate, learning a wealth of beneficial information, not just to cope but to cultivate resilience, helping themselves to 'come back to life' and enabling a better quality of life.

Furthermore, there is good information on the nature of pain and how it works on the body systems, intertwining and entangling, captivating them in vicious cycles of pain unless there is intervention, not with medication, per se, but with other actions as prescribed in this book.  For example, explanations about how pain works on the nerves, gut, the brain, the pschological elements and more, setting them afire.  Then helpful suggestions on how to help oneself in these areas.

Once again, I'll say that I feel the authors are thankfully bringing hope to those who suffer chronic pain, teaching them how to apply certain breathing exercises, giving questions for reflection, journaling and other things to try to reframe their pain story.

The authors really seem to cover a broad spectrum of all that is inter-connected to the management and mastering of chronic pain.  I reckon most readers, whether they are the actual sufferers, or the family and friends and support group, will all have satisfaction when gaining this knowledge and understanding and be able to reach for that desired peak resilience to master the chronic pain, together, one little bit at a time - slow and steady though it may be.

                                          ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                       September 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.