Flourishing (Psalm 1:3-4)

 WALKING ALONG STREAMS OF WATER IS always refreshing.  The ambiance of flourishing forest foliage, the sound of streaming water, the cadence of hopefully, unseen insects, the chirps and choruses of happy birds flitting and flying about, and the sound of otherwise stillness, gladdens the eyes and heart.  It can be euphoric.

For me, it brings out gratitude to the Lord and Creator of all the earth.  It's an opportunity to praise my Creator God for all His wonderful creation.

The Psalm 1 psalmist likens the righteous and blessed man to a tree that is planted firmly beside streams of water.  It is flourishing and producing its seasonal fruit and no leaves are withering, nor does strong wind blow it over.

When we delight in the law of the Lord, meditate on His word day and night as the psalm suggests, and follow Him accordingly, we too can be like that tree.  May we each prosper in our souls and bear fruit for Jesus, not just in our own spiritual growth but in being fruitful and multiplying, bringing many sons and daughters into God's family.

May the ambiance of Christ in us gladden God's eye and heart as He sees us so prosper.  I ask in our Lord Jesus's name, amen.

                                               ~  ERC  October 2025  ~

Based onPsalm 1:3.

Sing, Psalm 1 (Everything He Does Shall Prosper), along with The Psalms Project. 

Soul Food (John 6:22-40 ESV)

 

You know that adage, 

"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  Teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime."

I was reminded of this after reading the account of Jesus and the multitude of people (see John 6:22-35 ESV).

The crowds followed Him this particular day because of the day or so prior when he fed them with fish and bread in the wilderness place. Jesus talked to them  about the manna their forefathers had been fed with during the 40 year wilderness wanderings, generations ago.  They had been fed daily in such manner.  

Their feeding in Jesus' day had been a one off.  But now Jesus tells them about the

 "true bread from heaven that gives life."  

This was the Bread who would help them to NOT be hungry again, nor would they be thirsty ever again.

They wanted this bread but I feel that they still didn't quite comprehend.  I think they felt it was a good thing but they still weren't certain sure about it.

If they never had to buy bread again, certainly that was a huge benefit.  BUT Jesus says plainly,

"I am the bread of life" (John 6:35).

when they came to Him they wouldn't need to buy this bread and they wouldn't be hungry or thirsty again.  With Jesus the living Bread of Life, we would not need to 'go fishing' for our food again.

Our soul-food is Jesus.  We do not have to look here or there for any other source to quench the hunger and thirst of our souls.  This is GOOD NEWS!

We won't have to do what King Solomon did.  We won't have to "try everything under the sun" to fill the empty voids of our live.  This is because 

"there is nothing new under the sun" 

now that can satisfy our cravings (see Ecclesiastes 1:9). 

Only Jesus is our soul-food.  It is He who is our Bread of Life.  Partake and be satisfied.  There will still be more, more than enough for everyone, for the rest of your life on earth.

                                                       ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 6:22-40 ESV.

Sing, Jesus, Bread of Life, along with Fernando Ortega.

HAIKU - On the Sabbath (John 5 ESV)

 Jesus on Sabbath

Healed invalid.  "Get up! ... Walk!"

Up he got and walked.

Overzealous Jews,

Angry, persecute Jesus.

Like Father, like Son

Working, even on

Sabbath.  Healing and helping

mankind, His purpose.

But Jesus' words they

could or would not comprehend,

nor believe Jesus.

Jesus had come for

them.  But they rejected life

eternal, sadly.

Let's set our hope in

Jesus.  Receive Him, He is

truth, and brings healing.

            ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 5 ESV.

Sing, Your Grace is Enough, along with Christ Tomlin.

In Spirit and in Truth (John 4:1-26, especially vs 24 ESV)

 

Jesus told the Samaritan woman that neither in her mountain nor in Jerusalem where the Jews worshiped, would people worship (see John 4:19-20).  It was not about the place or location that mattered.  Rather, it had to do with ones' heart, and in spirit and truth (see vs 24).  

When a believer's spirit communes with the Holy Spirit there will also be truth.  There will be confession of any sin that so happens to be in a person's life.  There will then be Jesus' forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).  There is then truth and honesty and genuineness in the heart.

I like the Chinese word for worship which is 'jing bai', which when translated gives some connotation of purity and unity when worshiping (if I have it correct).  Because of this cleanness through the blood of Jesus Christ that washes away our sin, and God's imputing of His righteousness to us, and our progressive sanctification of confession and Jesus' forgiveness, we too have that pure whiteness of heart that in reverence, awe, and humble fear of the Lord, we can worship in genuineness and togetherness.  Therefore, "in spirit and in truth."  In this we can have true collective worship.

                                                    ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 4:1-16, especially vs 24 ESV.

Sing, Spirit and Truth, along with Chris Sayburn, and Jesus Never Fails,  along with Bob's Praise and Worship.

The Tattler Disciples (John 3, especially vs 22, 26-27, 30, 34-35 KJV)

 My dream of someday singing 'You Yi Jian Li Wu' (A Gift) to friends who had yet to accept Christ finally came true.  I was smugly happy and I don't know about you but sometimes when I do mission work I feel very happy.  There's even pride that I can do this,  that rises and puffs me up instead of giving God the glory.  It's as if the messenger is more than the message.

This is why John the Baptizer was impressive.  He must have gained quite a number of disciples with all his preaching and baptizing.  You see, when some of his disciples came to tattle on Jesus, saying that He was baptizing folks too, John put in a good word for Jesus.

"He must increase, but I must decrease" he told them (John 3:30 KJV).

In other words, John was saying, "This is as it should be."

John added,

"A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27 KJV).

It was to Jesus that God the Father had,

"given all things into His hand" (John 3:35).

Jesus was taking up His own mantle and His 'cross' before the literal cross and living out His purpose for which He'd come to earth.  He is the One to whom we should give credit.  

Whatever we have has come from Him and is not of ourselves.  They are gifts from God.  So whatever we use to bring others to believe in the Son Jesus, whether it's our voice, or possessions, or whatever, it's all been given from Him.

Being jealous of another's ministry is not necessary.  If each messenger's message is to promote Jesus, to make Him increase whilst we ourselves decrease, then we are 'doing our job' for His glory.

By grace we do what we do and therefore can freely give God the glory.  Salvation comes from Him.  We can rejoice and be glad in Him and the opportunities He gives us in whichever ministry He purposes for us to do.  But it doesn't eliminate the joy of serving.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the gifts and opportunities you give us to bring Your good news to the people of the earth.  To You be all glory given.  In Your name we praise, amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 3:22, 26-27, 30, 34-35 KJV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Reawaken Hymns, and A Gift, along with Heavenly Melodies.

Apologies:  The Chinese may not be what it should but hopefully it is legible enough.

Lord's Day Devotion - Salvation and Praise (Isaiah 60:18-22 ESV)

 Whether it's prophecy foretelling of a millennial Golden Age to come for Jerusalem and her peoples, or of the foretelling of Christ's birth, death, resurrection and the spread of salvation throughout the earth, the Isaiah 60 verses really shine gloriously.  I especially like verses 18-22.

There is restoration and the fruitfulness and revival that comes through Jesus Christ.  This is what it speaks to me.  We all long for peace and joyful living.  Especially now, in the turbulence of wars with Hamas/Iran and Israel, the seemingly never-ending Russian-Ukraine conflict, and the terrorizing of the people of Goma by M23 and even the threat of a third world war.

To have no more violence, devastation or destruction would be a miracle.  Then for the "walls to be called "Salvation" and the gates "Praise" ... isn't this what we long for?  It presents a wondrous picture for us.  Through Jesus Christ and His shed blood which offers mankind salvation and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, we can have these things in our lives.

The inward struggles and battles of our own beings that often feel like there's no light shining is its own kind of violence, devastation and destruction within us.  We get to feeling into the depths of despair.  But praise be, the LORD God is the everlasting light.  He is our glory.  The sunshine of His love can warm our lives and allow Him to bring the peace, restoration, revival and fruitfulness into our beings and actions.

Jesus is our "wall of salvation" and our "gate called Praise."  As our spirits are uplifted through His and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.  We can have our own personal 'golden age' until He comes to call us Home to be with Him forever.

As we brothers and sisters-in-Christ gather together on Lord's Day, let us remember what our Savior has done for us.  Partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine - those symbols of His death and resurrection - remember this aspect of His redeeming grace in our lives.  May salvation be your wall and praise be your gates.  May Jesus' glory shine from each of us so that our

 "days of mourning shall be ended."  

May we each spiritually prosper and become fruitful in the land wherever He plants us.  May He hasten these days.  

"Come, Jesus Come" 

we pray.

Then give Him all the glory.

                                                      ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on Isaiah 60:18-22 ESV.

Sing, Come, Jesus Come, along with CeCe Winans.

HAIKU - Wedding Joy (John 2:1-11 ESV)

 

Water turned to wine;

Sudden, secret wedding joy;

Jesus saves the day.

First of miracles

displayed in the public scene.

"Draw out now," He said.

His glory revealed -

for the couple - good wine, His

gift -sip wedding joy.

        ~ ERC October 2025 ~

Based on John 2:1-11 ESV.

Sing, He Turned Water Into Wine, alond with Johnny Cash.

In the Beginning (John1:1-12 KJV)

 

There's a lot of nostalgia for me when reading John 1:1-12 specifically in the KJV.  It brings me way back to my growing up years when we attended the Gospel Tent every summer, whether we wanted to attend or not.

My siblings and I were expected to memorize Bible verses.  Depending on our ages we'd start out with three to four word verses per day and progress to longer ones as we grew older.  Eventually, in the teen years, we were given chapters, or major portions of chapters to learn.

These were always from the Gospel of John and the King James Version (KJV).  We'd have fourteen days to learn and recite.  There were prizes to motivate us.  The best prize that we didn't realize at the time was getting God's word into our minds, at least, if not our hearts.

This morning as I read John 1:1-12 so many years later, and so happened to do so in the KJV, it brought back all those memories.  I challenged myself then to see if I could still recite these verses from memory.

Well, we all know that God never fails but we human beings do ... However, I did manage to stumble through, remembering quite a bit.

These Scriptures that are able to make one wise unto salvation (see 2 Timothy 3:15) are indeed also ...

"... profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and for training in righteousness"             (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).

This is what our parents were building into us.  That is, when we would let the Scriptures travel down to our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to use God's Word in our lives to do just that.

This is a precious gift any Christian parent can give to their children.  They say, and I can attest to the fact, that the things learned in childhood, such as  Bible memorization, will stay with a person much better throughout than what we, as adults, try so hard to inculcate.

I really do find it so very difficult to memorize things nowadays in my ahem, more mature years.  So if you are younger, do take advantage of your fewer years and make memorizing God's Word a priority.  In my opinion, you won't regret it.

A parting Bible verse from Psalm 119:11 - perhaps you've memorized this one - says,

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (ESV).

I believe this is a psalm of David and he's talking with God.  Can we say this to Him too?

The KJV says, "hid" instead of "stored up" but both translations are meaningful.  People usually store up and often hide what is extra precious and valuable to them.

From the beginning years of our lives and into adulthood, just think of how much storage one would have.  And if one meditates on it day and night, just think of how God's Word would have trained us in righteousness if we have also taken heed to His words (see Psalm 1:2).

God is our Creator and He has been there from the beginning until now and will be forever.  God and His Word are treasures to treasure that will never diminish in worth.  Let's treasure the Word and His words.

                                          ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 1:1-12 KJV.

Sing, Wonderful Words of Life, along with Joslin Grove Choral.

Book Review - Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest for Kids - By Ashley Erdely - Publication Date: 14 October 2025

 

In this day and age, one could easily use ones' cell phone, take a picture of a plant, namely in this case, a wildflower, and bingo ... discover its name, habitat, find usefulnesses such as medicinal uses besides its beauty, warnings of possible toxic characteristics and so on.  But what's the fun in that?

A hand's-on experience would provide so many more learning-worthy encounters.  This book could aid and guide a child in a serious outdoors, discovery class.  I believe this book to be quite comprehensive in detailing how to identify various wildflowers (of the Pacific Northwest - in the USA).

Honing in on color, perceived number of petals a particular wildflower has, is a start in the discovery process, according to Ashley Erdely, the author.  Erdely goes on to instruct that the month, habitat, climate, elevation and so many other variables, educated a child as to the where and when to find the wildflower in it's blooming state.  These descriptions are accompanied by magnificient photography of the wildflowers, in fields of them and as individual flowers.  In my opinion, this book would be very worth exploring.

There is a whole swathe of potential to explore, from white trilliums and Miner's Lettuce to yellow, blue, pink and purple blossoms and so much more; to poisonous plants to beware of and the bonus - the pollinators such as the birds, bees, beetles and more.   I found this to be very interesting and my curiousity peaked.

Additionally, there are plenty of sidebars with extra information and at book's end, a glossary of terms.  I believe this book would allow one to plan out a provisional itinery of where, when, and what to look for at almost any time of the year in the Pacific Northwest region.  It is like an adventure just waiting to happen, one could have with ones' children.

                                          ~  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.

Full of Grace and Truth (John 1:1-14 ESV)

 Jesus the Word, the Light, the Life was also full of grace and truth.  And from His fullness of these, the believer in Jesus Chrsit has 

"received, grace upon grace: (John 1:16). 

 I see this as another gift He gives to His children.

And if we're gonna ask Jesus "Why'd you do this?" I believe He lovingly answers, "Because I love you."

Indeed, He loved us so much He gave His life for us that we may be redeemed.

And now He takes responsibility for His family members bestowing His spiritual blessings and favor upon us, His children, like good fathers do.  What more, He is our Heavenly Father who loves and cares.  

Yet He is also full of truth and when we sin, the truth is we displease Him and we need to take responsibility for our own actions.  However, when we sincerely confess those wrong doings He is merciful too, and will forgive us all our unrighteousness because He has already atoned for all our sins.

Jesus, who is also God, balances grace and truth so that He can also show us His mercy and together we can form and build our relationship with Him, the Word who was from the beginning.  He is our Creator, Savior and Lord.

He gave His Word to us, His life for us and shined His light upon us and now we can share it all with the people in the world He came to save.  He made this possible for all mankind.  Not many will want Him but some will.

Let's let His light help lead us to shine His light for others.

                                                            ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 1:1-14 ESV.

Sing, Shine, Jesus Shine, along with Graham Hendricks and O Jesus, Full of Turth and Grace, along with Days lane Baptish Church.

Candles of Hope

The anti-climax of the astounding and exciting years spent with Jesus was extremely devastating to His followers.  The disciples and the group of women and others, I'd say, were in shock and they were even likely depressed.  They just couldn't comprehend this culmination of events.  They'd had so much hope of Him redeeming and rescuing Israel.  

On top of that, now His body had disappeared from the tomb!  The women had seen the empty tomb.  Then angels showed up saying Jesus is alive.  Peter (& John) went to check it out and indeed found the tomb empty.  The two on the road to Emmaus, just couldn't figure it out either.  Their 'candle' of hope had been extinguished.  Their minds were such kaleidoscopes of confusion, trying desparately to understand.

Severe disappointment was combusting within them all.  And Jesus appears to the Emmaus two and their...

 " ... hearts burn within them" (v 32).  

Suddenly their eyes and minds are opened and they recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread.  The hope candle is relit.  They hurry back to Jerusalem and relate it all even as Jesus appears among them, speaking, 

"Peace to you" (vs 36).

He explains to them then that His death was not just for redeeming Israel but for all nations (vs 47).  This rescue was not as an insurrection against the Roman Empire but against the forces of evil, namely Satan's kingdom.

Their job now was to ...

" ... proclaim in [Jesus'] name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (v47).

This proclamation would include ...

" ... that repentance for the forgivness of sins" (vs 49).

The tumult of perplexitiy of their minds was now settling, clearing up all that foggyness of blurred thoughts.  Jesus graciously and mercifully opens their understanding through the Sciptures and then gives them their mission commission.  Furthermore, He promised them,

"I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.  But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high" (vs 49).

They were to be the witnesses of hope that could spring eternal* in their hearts and minds of all the peoples in all the nations to whom they would go.  They wouldn't go in their own strength but His through the Holy Spirit.

And after all that devastation of the cross with Jesus' death and 'missing' body, and the dashing of hopes, their hearts were uplifted and rekindled with the hope of Jesus.  So much so that when Jesus ascends and disappears into heaven, they do not collapse again.  Instead, 

"they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalam with great joy" (vs 52).

Jesus, the Light of the world, had lit many new candles of hope.  What else could they do but rejoice!

                                                          ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on Luke 24 ESV/KJV.

Sing, O Sing, Hallelujah, -*Hope Springs Eternal, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Book Review - The Resurrection Maker - By Glenn Cooper - Publication Date: 22 October 2025

 

Initially I was put off by the Big Bang - Zero time ideas fashioned into the prologue, having to reread it a couple of times for better understanding.  There were, eventually, whilst reading forward, interesting spurts of narrative.  However, I mostly found the reading rather ponderous with the many details regarding the stories behind King Arthur, Excaliber, and the Holy Grail, the Qem, physics, switching of time frames from ancient to more recent,  and the like.  No doubt the author must have put a great deal of research into the stories behind these topics as evidenced throughout the narrative.  The onus could possibly be on me but I also took exception to the twisting of biblical stories that were intertwined to make them fit in with the life or rather, resurrection of Jesus.  

There were exciting lengths of chronicle but overall, I didn't quite enjoy the story despite the ingenius creativeness of the mystery/thriller novel.  I have read other of Glenn Cooper's works and found satisfaction therein.  Perhaps it is the subject matter and my personal dislike of having biblical accounts maligned.  Nevertheless, I believe that those potential readers who are 'into' science, namely physics and alchemy, may well find themselves drawn into this particular work by this well-seasoned and accomplished author.

                                            ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           August 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.

Book Review - The Angel Prophecy - By Rob Jones - Publication Date: 21 October 2025

 No doubt there was much action involved for the HARPA team up against evil and protecting the sword.   The evil having been perpetrated by Oriax.  There's plenty of guns and chases and coercion but for some reason I couldn't seem to get hooked into the narrative.  I suppose when biblical elements are turned into an admixture of holy and unholy it feels like the sacred has been tarnished and trampled upon.  However, I do believe this mystery/thriller story has been well written and that potential readers who don't mind this sort of thing, will find much that interests them as the story unfolds.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           October 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Hanah's Sheep and Cattle - By Shira Gorshman - Publication Date: 15 October 2025

 

This story of Hanah's Sheep and Cattle has been endearing.  As the reader follows Hanah in her sojourns, 'traveling' from Palistine to Lithuania to Russia, seeing commune life vs city living in Moscow, we 'endure' the rigors of tending cattle and sheep and then the humiliation and loneliness of life in the city by stark contrast, and of  being seen as 'inferior,' along with Hanah.   The reader will also meet Zionists, Communists and artists.  The horror and effects of the Great Terror under Stalin are touched on as well as the joys, sorrows and exhaustion of motherhood and of being loved by a faithful husband.  

In effect, this narrative is rather autobiographical, even historical, which I liked.  At book's end the true story of the life of the author, Shira Gorshman, is summarized.  Hanah's story reflects it.

Hanah's story has been translated into English from Yiddish, a detail I found of interest.  Additionally, there are translator's notes regarding name spellings and a glossary for terms used whether Yiddish, Russian or otherwise.

All in all, I found this to be a satisfying read and in my opinion, others will like it too.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           May 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Voices and Choices (Luke 23:1-43, especially vs 2, 21, 23, 28, 36, 39 & 43 ESV)

 Voices ... voices are everywhere.  They are around us in crowds, on the busy streets, and in coffee shops, to name a few.  Voices can also be in our heads, inviting, leading, instigating us to good or evil.

As we listen, we may also hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit leading, guiding, comforting and even convicting those of us who belong to Jesus.  Conversely, we may hear the evil one's deceptive, subtle voice urging us to follow him.

These are voices that give us choices.  Like what Joshua of old presented to the people of Israel,

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15 ESV).

After Jesus' arrest, He heard many voices.  There was "the whole company" of religious leaders and scribes and elders of the people who brought Him before Pilate.  They with their many false and slanderous accusations.  Pilate did see through it.  However, what he did next didn't show Jesus truly made impact in his mind and heart, nor that he cared  about Jesus' plight.  Pilate's bad, not Jesus'.

Jesus heard Herod and his men's voices mocking and insulting.  Then that "whole company" who'd managed to rile the crowds, chose Barabbus, an insurrectionist and murderer, over Him, the pure, blameless and spotless man of God.

"Crucify, crucify Him!" 

they shouted (vs 24). 

 These were 

"urgent, demanding"

 voices with

 "loud cries" (vs 23).

These voices prevailed.

Pilate had made his choice, freiendship with Herod, and appeasement and placating the crowds.  He chose to ...

"[deliver] Jesus over to their will" (vs 25).

How solemn! 

Among all that noise was Jesus' voice, warning and pleading with the Daughters of Jerusalem, to not weep for Him but for themselves and their children (vs 28).  Worse things were coming and they needed to prepare.  He pleads the same for us today.  Judgement and punishment are coming, and we need to listen to His voice and prepare.  Can you hear His voice?

Even the criminals' voices unpleasantly chimed in, railing at Jesus, mocking Him.  Then, praise the Lord, we hear the one thief rebuke the other.  He listened to the convicting voice that enlightened him to his true state of depravity, sin and His need for Jesus.  And he asks,

"Jesus remember me when you come into Your kingdom ..." (v 42).

This was an insurrectionist who had wanted to create a kingdom for himself and the other activists.  Yet he recognized that Jesus had a superior kingdom and personage.  He repents and requests entrance into God's everlasing kingdom.

Jesus recognises true repentance and sincerity of heart.  We hear His voice in those agonizing hours speaking and assuring the man,

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise?"

Still yourself down.  Pause in the quiet, considering all these voices.  There's a choice to be made.  Choose whom yoU will serve.  Will you choose to serve yourself and Satan, or will you choose to serve Jesus?

In all the cacophony of voices, can you hear the Savior say, "Come, come to me?"  He will never lead you astray.  He'll only lead you to good and a never ending relationship with Him.  Choose this day whom you will serve.

May the voice you choose be the Master and Savior, Jesus Christ's!

                                                    ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 23:1-43, especially vs, 2, 21 , 23, 28, 36, 39, and 43 ESV.

Sing, I Hear the Savior Say, along with Heavenly Music.

Lord's Day Devotion - Rivers of Living Water (John 7:27-29 ESV/KJV)

 "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"  John 7:38 ESV.

Belief in Jesus is equated with having a river of living water flowing from ones heart.  Or as the KJV puts it, the headwaters is "out of his belly."  Either way, it is a good thing.  'Flowing' indicates  an abundant supply - there's no drought.  'Living water' would portray no stagnation and therefore a healthy environment where there would be healthy living.

Focusing on 'rivers of living water' and comparing it with the expression of Psalm 1:3, which mentions a tree being firmly planted beside,

"streams of water,"

where that tree can flourish, one can note, in a well-balanced habitat.

I'm no scientist or conservationist but as a layman I can know and understand the pleasantness of such an environment.  The birds and the bees, the fish and the trees, and more, will thrive in such eco-systems.

So too, the person who believes in Jesus.  Ones heart, a person's inner core representing their thoughts and feelings will be a thriving hive, so to speak.  This is a believer's inner sanctum where the Holy Spirit indwells.  This river of living water flows from Him (see John 7:39).  Think of it like the mighty roaring flow of Niagara Falls.  It just keeps flowing and flowing.

At the time Jesus had spoken those words, Holy Spirit had not yet come.  But we know that after Jesus' ascension, He did send Holy Spirit on that electric day of Penteccost.

Because of this, this river can flow as streams of living water.  When we guard our hearts and minds and come to Jesus, we too will be a well-balanced eco-system that can be shared with others around us (see Proverbs 4:23).  The hope and prayer being that those with 'thirsty souls' will come to Jesus and drink, quenching their thirst.

Due to Jesus' death and resurrection and ascension, those of us who have believed in Jesus and accepted Him as Savior, now have His Holy Spirit indwelling us.  This in turn allows these rivers of living water to flow within us.  This keeps us spiritually healthy and enjoying the Lord with his spiritual benefits blessing and refresing us.  

For all of this, let's remember Jesus this Lord's Day, giving Him our praise and thanksgiving for His streams of living water.  Pass the broken bread and partake.  Reach for the cup of wine, sipping in remembrance of all He has done for us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for letting us come to You to drink the living water that only You can supply.  Because we have believed in You, You have given us streams and rivers of living water flowing from our hearts.  We give You our heartfelt thanks.  Amen.

                                               ~ ERC  October 2025 ~

Based on John 7:37-39 ESV/KJV.

Sing, Let Anyone Who is Thirsty, along with Don Moen.

Unnerving Days (Luke 21:10-19, esp vs 13-15 ESV)

 

When a reader knuckles down and reads Luke 21 they may find it scary.  In full concentration, read the chapter and especially the part about the wars and rumors of wars, and persecution forecast.  It's unnerving!

Every generation feels like the 'last days' are upon them because it seems that's what is exactly happening in the world in their respective 'today.' There are all those things happening and it is greatly distrubing even to the point of insominia and/or depression for some people as they think about it all.

We try to predict, yeah this'll happen soon.  The end is here.

But in another place Scripture states,

"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36 ESV).

Therefore, we cannot speculate.  What should we do about it then?

I know of one person who sets her alarm for 9 pm each evening.  It's a reminder to stop and pray for the current wars to cease.  For instance, the Russian-Ukraine conflict; the Hamas/Iran/etc-Israel dispute and the M23 rebels in Goma, Congo who wreck terror on every side, and other such conflicts that crop up.  She prays for the victims and their families of these tragedies that have been killed, maimed physically and emotionally and the tragic exigencies that war allows under its cover:  human trafficking, rape and the like.  She prays these people will get help to escape and to heal.

All the misery war brings is immeasurable and yes, we plead with God to stop it all.  We say,

 "Come, Lord Jesus" (see Revelation 22:20)!  

But we need to stop and think of the spiritual aspect.  Do these people know Christ?  Have they accepted Him as Savior yet?  We pray more do come to do so before the end comes.

Regarding persecution, Jesus says something very encouraging to the people who undergo it.  He says they will be brought before various authorities and that,

"This will be your opportunity to bear witness" Luke 21:13 ESV.

What's more, we don't have to prepare speeches.  Jesus instructs further,

"Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict" (Luke 21:14-15 ESV).

Persecution can come in soft and hardcore conditions.  One brother recently told me that many of the debates of Charlie Kirk were discussed at work.  This brother, of course, states his view from a biblical perspective as did Charlie.  He said all those pro-choice and etc people at work dismiss him as not being relevant to today's society.  He speaks.  He's salt.  He does his part in these last days, bearing witness to God's stance and endures this soft persecution.  But they don't want to hear.  Those colleagues are now responsible whether they accept God's view or not.

Those verses (13, 14 & 15) though, bring hope into the dire situation.  May all who go through these things endure until the end.  May God give us all the courage in these scary, unnerving times.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen.

                                                ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 21:10-19, especially verse 13-15 ESV.

Sing, Just a Little While, along with the Gaither singers.

Prayer Support (Luke 22:31-32; Job 1:6-12 ESV)

 

Peter was ready to go both to prison and death with Jesus, he boldly declared. His spirit was definitely willing but his flesh was weak.  We know that he did deny he knew Jesus three times before the cock crew twice, that very day.  He had used his own strength which was not enough to withstand the blast of associated accusations.  So he lied and denied.

Yet there was another element at work.  Satan had demanded to have Peter.  That's cause for pause.  Doesn't it also remind you of Job?  Satan messed with him too, attempting to get Job to curse God to His face (see Job 1:6-12).  Through it all, Job never did curse God.  Job had been a blameless man who feared God and turned away from evil.

Behind the scenes then, and in Peter's case, Satan was at work.  We can never underestimate this spiritual warfare upon those of us who believe and walk in the fear of the Lord.  We too wish to walk uprightly and give glory to God.

That's why it is so important,

"...to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might...putting on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil"                (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV).

It is good if you can pause and read that whole section:  Ephesians 6:10-15, about the armor of God and its uses.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against ... spiritual forces of evil  ..." (vs 12).

Prayer is also an essential part of our 'weaponry'.

"praying at all times in the Spirit" (vs 18).

This shows our dependence upon the Lord.  It acknowledges we cannot fight these spiritual battles on our own strength.  We need the Lord's strength.

This brings me to make note of what Jesus did for Simon Peter.  He prayed for him.  I think this is so precious.  Jesus told Peter,

"But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail ..." (Luke 22:32 ESV).

It's great to have the prayer support of other believers but here was the Lord Himself praying for Peter - how marvelous and wonderful is that!

Jesus went a step further giving him a mission for afterwards ...

"When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32 ESV).

Peter would falter despite his confident statement he'd go to prison and death with Jesus. But, here's the wondrous thing, Peter would return -     

"turned again"

and he would strengthen others to be strong in the Lord.  And if we read the rest of the New Testament and follow Peter's deeds and ministry and read his letters, you'll discover he did do just that.

This gives us hope today.  If we so happen to fail we still have that avenue of repentance and the Lord's forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).

Jesus' tender mercies were shown to Peter again on the seashore.  Jesus also gave him a more specific mission as well.  John records it in John 21:15-17, where Jesus dined with the disciples, for a fish breakfast.  Jesus asks if Peter loves him and Peter says he does.  Jesus then says "Feed my lambs and sheep".

So Peter would not only catch men - this fisher-of-men, but he would also strengthen them and feed them.

Peter's lesson was that he could not do it in  his own strength.  He must rely on Jesus' strength.  He learned that Satan will try to hinder him and/or turn up the heat to all out spiritual attack. To this he needed to be alert, on guard, and fully dressed in the armor of God so he could withstand the wiles of the devil.  But he also knew that Jesus was praying for him.

He is praying for us too.  Jesus' prayer in John 17 shows us this.

"I am praying for them ... for those whom you have given me ..." (John 17:9).

Another verse in Romans concurs,

"Christ Jesus ... who indeed is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34 ESV).

The writer of Hebrews assures us some more,

" ...  He [Jesus] .... always lives to make intercession for us"  Hebrews 7:25.

So even if we have no-one else to give us prayer support, we do have Jesus'.  He's got our backs no matter what.

This really touches my heart and helps to buoy my soul.  I hope it's the same for you too.  May our faith never fail.

Thank You Jesus for Your prayers for me..Amen.

                                                       ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 22:31-32 and Job 1:6-12 (ESV).

Sing, My Faith looks Up to Thee, along with Integrity Music.

       

By Who's Authority? (Luke 20, especially vs 2, 8, 9-18 and 20)

 From infancy to toddler-hood to teenager to adult-hood, we test the boundaries those in authority above us set.  Whether it's parents or guardians in the home, teachers or principals at school, elders, deacons or pastors at church, an employer or bosses at work, there is always someone in authority above us.  And if we think we are the top gun, there's still Someone supreme above all.

We learn about it in Romans 13:1 ESV,

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God..."

There's no getting away from it.

And when some seeming upstart tries to move in on that position of earthly authority, the top gun feels threatened.  Although, of course there is room for those in authority to be accountable.  They are not above the law themselves and should check authenticity of the challenger and the challenges they present.

So you can sort of see it both ways when the religious authorities, who did not, or would not, recognize or acknowledge who Jesus really was.  In Luke 20, where Jesus teaches the people in the temple, those chief priests and scribes demanded to know, 

" ... by what authority do you do these things, or who is it that gave you this authority?"

It was a legitimate question but it was borne out of jealousy creating a very negative innuendo.  But Jesus answers their question with a question and tells a parable about a landowner who plants a vineyard, letting it out for others to tend.  The man expects to harvest for himself but the vineyard tenders beat and kill the messengers and finally the man's son whom they refused to acknowledge and accept.

The vineyard workers had challenged the owner's authority that the messengers and the son carried vicariously.  The viticulturists made great attempt to override this authority in their lives, taking matters into their own hands, and perhaps due to greed, horded greater profit for themselves.  Eventually they had to meet the owner face-to-face and it wasn't a pretty outcome for those operatives.

If the religious leaders of Jesus' time had of been willing to answer Jesus' question, they would have had an answer to their own, especially after that parable.  In the end they strove to hand Jesus over to the authority and jurisdiction of the earthly governor, who ironically got his position of authority from Jesus' Father, God.  Or you could even say from Jesus, Himself.  But we find that ...

"He was despised and rejected by men ... and we esteemed him not" Isaiah 53:3 ESV.

If we present day followers of Jesus Christ truly follow Jesus, we will need to expect similar questioning of our discipleship and the God-given authority we have to preach Christ and the standing up for the principles and truth of God's Word.

This is what happened to Charlie Kirk and thousands of others around the world.  It also happened to the apostles and disciples from New Testament times.  All throughout the ages past, brothers and sisters-in-Christ have stood courageously for their faith in Jesus Christ and who, by His authority preached and practiced the blessed good news of salvation through faith in Jesus (see Matthew 28:18-20, especially vs 18 ESV).

Let us stand strong and live by God's authoity in our lives in submission to Him and His Word.

                                             ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 20:2, 8, 9-18 and 20 ESV.

Sijng, It's Not an Easy Road, along with Single Mother Music Lover.

Lord's Day Devotion - The Pawns of Satan (Luke 22:66-71 ESV/KJV)

"Then said they all, 'Art thou then the Son of God?'  Jesus said, 'you say that I am'"       Luke 23:70 KJV.

Can't you just feel the cold calculating atmosphere this verse presents?  Read it in context of Luke 22:66-70.  This chilling atmosphere steals over your body.  This was NOT a friendly assembly by any stretch of the imagination!

No, this religious assembly of elders, chief priests and scribes were out for blood - literally.  Any teeny-tiny shred of slip up was going to be pounced upon and they'd tear Jesus Himself to shreds.  Certainly it was  a pack of wolves that circled Him and they wanted Him to eat His own words.

They wanted to catch Him with His own words to bring Him down and have Him done away with.  "No mercy' was their motto.

So they ...

 " ... mocked Jesus, smote Him, blindfolded Him and struck Him on the face ..."             (vs 64 KJV).

  They physically assaulted Him and then verbally assaulted Him, twisting His words and accusing Him with them.

"Art Thou the Christ? ... Art Thou the Son of God?" (vs 67 &70),

they asked.  It was not in faith nor seeking to know Him.  It was menance, sarcastic venom, and total unbelief.

They said they wanted answers.  Jesus does answer indirectly but they were too blinded by hate and jealousy to acknowledge and accept the fact that Jesus was (& still is) the Christ, the Son of the living God.

His answer infuriated them further.  But now they had the fodder they needed to get the crowds riled and to put Him to death.

The pawns of Satan, in pure cold hatred, sealed Jesus' destiny on the cross.  When we read further in the gospel according to Luke, we do see though how through this tragedy, good did come.  Jesus atoned for our sin, being that propitiation to appease the wrath of God (see 1 John 2:2), by the shedding of His blood.  

What Satan had meant for harm, God turned into good for all mankind, including those vengeful religious leaders and elders of the people.

We can thank Jesus for going through all this injustice and torment for our souls.  Let us be forever grateful.  Give thanks and praise His name forever.  Make it true worship - in Spirit and truth (see John 4:24 ESV).

Then reach for the broken bread and drink the cup of wine in remembrance of Him on any given Lord's Day.  Remember His loving, sacrificial death and for all He has done for us through it.  For as often as you do, you show what He has done for us through His death and resurrection.  Praise be to Jesus!

Let's declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God most high and give glory to Him and His name.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

Based on Luke 22:66-71 ESV/KJV.

Sing, Yet NOT I But Through Christ in Me, along with City Alight, Hadleigh Baptist Church.

Welcomed and Loved (Luke 15 ESV)

 

The preamble question in a Bible study guide* I recently looked at asked,

"In each of the following pairs of words, which one more accurately describes your image of who God is?  Somber or joyous?  Searching or waiting?  Welcoming or judging?  Explain your answers."

My answer was something like this.  I think these are two sides of the same coin.  God is both somber and joyous, He is both searching and waiting, and He is also welcoming and judging.

I say 'somber', because of the death penalty for sin and that sin that separates mankind from God.  It is a deeply serious matter filled with sadness when an individual does not repent and accept Jesus' gift of salvation.  God is not willing nor is He,

"wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance"                             (2 Peter 3:9 ESV).

On the other hand, God is joyous over even one sinner who repents (see Luke 15:7, 9, 10 ESV).  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is joy (see Galations 5:22-23).  God brings us joy because He is joy.  Therefore, He is joyous.

God is also searching and waiting.  He has infinite patience but He also seeks so that He may hurry up and save the lost.  Some lost don't realize they are lost until they are found.  The Good Shepherd of the Luke parable went searching for the lost sheep.  The sheep was one out of a hundred others but was still of great value to him.

The loving father searched the horizen for his son whom he hoped and likely prayed, would return someday.  It was a random day the repentant prodigal returned.  What's more, how would that father have seen him if he had not been watching (searching) and waiting for him?

Our Heavenly Father seeks and saves the lost but He does not force the lost to be found.  So He waits.  I believe this is God's attitude towards sinners who repent - or even before they do.  He searches and waits for their moment of acknowledging their sin and need of repentance and a Savior to save them.  His arms are outstretched waiting yet welcoming and loving - NOT condemning.  

This brings us to the third couple:  welcoming or judging?  We don't read that the shepherd searching for the 1/100 sheep, that when he found the sheep, berated the sheep until he was blue in the face.  No.  He lifted that sheep out of its desparate state and placed it on his shoulders and brought it home, rejoicing.

The forgiving father didn't berate his returning son either.  He spotted him even though he was still a great way off and he ran to him!  He ran not to slap him in the face but this father had feet of compassion.  Those beautiful fleet feet ran to his son, enabling him to hug him and kiss him (Luke 15 20).  To me, this is like the God I know.

The father did let the son confess, 

"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:21 ESV).

The father allowed the confession of sin and repentancce but then cut him off, ordering the servants to bring the best robe, ring, shoes and to kill the fatted calf.  He was not going to let his son be a servant but to take his place as the son that he was.

Granted, God is a Judge too.  This is also where the somberness comes in.  God is just and sin needs to be paid for.  God is also merciful and loving and joyfully accepts repentant sinners because Jesus has paid the price for our sin debt with His blood.

God is the Judge of that and in the end He will have the final say.  And because He is not willing that any should persih, He patiently waits for all who choose to repent, to repent.  He will not reject nor condemn us when there is genuine repentance.

This then incorporates my image of who God is.

                                                 ~ ERC  September 2025 ~

*Based on Luke 15 ESV.  Also Life Builder Bible Study Guide, PARABLES by John White, Scripture Union.

Sing, The Love of God (is greater far), along with Selah videos.

Illustration credits (sheep picture):  by Sheila Ong.