The Full Injunction

 No matter how old we get, life still throws curve balls at us.  It happened to Peter.

He was praying and fell into a trance.  In the vision he saw food considered unclean to Jews, being offered to him, with the command from a voice from Heaven to

 "rise, kill and eat."

  You can feel Peter's mortification.  He'd never once in his many years ever touched such food!

But the voice told him,

"What God has cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15 KJV).

Enter Cornelius' men.  They stood knocking at Simon the Tanner's door looking for one Simon Peter.  These were Gentile men and considered anathema to the Jews.  In fact, the Jews and Gentiles hated each other.

Nevertheless, God had graciously prepared Peter for this divine appointment and Peter goes with the messengers to Cornelius'.  We know the story that Cornelius' and all who had been in his house that day, came to Christ through Peter's explanations.  They immediately received the Holy Spirit and then were baptized.

I note these because Peter didn't flinch much.  He obediently submitted to God's direction and leading.  It may well have cost him his pride and prejudice.  

I like to think that despite his character, he was humble.  He had grown in humility from his first days of following Jesus; thus, his obedience.

His actions brought the gospel to the Gentiles.  He spearheaded it even though Paul then took up the baton and became the main evangelist to the Gentiles.

Peter was't just reponsible to get Cornelius and household saved and baptized.  NO.  They invited him to

 "tarry certain days" (vs 48).

We aren't told how long that tarrying was, but Peter was still following Jesus' "great commission" to 

"make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... and teaching them to obey/observe all that I have commanded you ..." (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV).

Peter didn't leave these new believers high and dry.  It's good to complete this injunction from Jesus.  It's very important to preach and to teach God's word in its fullness.  It's our responsibilty.

I know of one sister who was saved but then not taught in her church.  She got sidelined into a cult that is very systematic in it's indoctrination of their beliefs to its adherents.  Turns out, she was wanting solid teaching in the truth.  She wasn't taught the truth so now she has imbibed and been blinded by, false doctrine, taking it as gospel truth.

This is a crying shame to all of us believers who do not nurture new believers in the fear and admonition of the Lord (see Ephesians 6:4 KJV), nor build them up in their most holy faith" (see Jude 1:20-21 ESV).  Let's not have Bible Study session that are full of our own opinions and experiences.  Let's REALLY know the Lord through REALLY knowing His word and building a relationship with Him.  Then move forward in obedience to His word no matter your ethnic background.

May we each be convicted of our short-comings in this arena.  May we proactively rectify the situation as it comes to us, especially if there is potential prejucide or racism involved.  Ask the Lord to show you and help you.

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 10 KJV/ESV.

Sing, In Christ Alone, alone with Hadleigh Church.

Turned to the Lord

 Ananias started it off.  He was cautious, but the Lord had told him to

 "Rise and go ..." 

So he went to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus, layed hands on him and Saul received his sight.

Saul received his sight both spiritually and physically, regaining sight and insight on both fronts.  He was baptized and promptly began preaching, proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God.

It is of importance here to see just how far-reaching our actions can be.  From Ananias' obedience, to Saul of Tarsus' humble conversion, we then get Barnabas' bravery in bringing Saul to the apostles.  This encouragement towards Saul and the vindication from the apostles, spearheaded Saul's (who became Paul) work among the Gentiles, even as the Lord had explained to Ananias.

"The church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria" now experienced, "peace and was being built up" (vs 31).

What's more, they were seen to be 

"walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."

And we can't forget the last bit, the church

"multiplied."

Switching over to Peter, we see what he was up to while Paul was sent off to Caesarea and on to Tarsus.  He healed Aeneas.  The results were not to 'worship' Peter nor put him upon a pedestal.  NO.  We read instead,

"And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him [the healed man's] miracle ..."

Pay attention to what they did ...

" ... they turned to the Lord" (vs 35).

Are our actions turning people to the Lord?  I ask myself this too because I'm not so sure of myself. 

Tabitha Dorcas was a woman

 "full of good works and acts of charity."  

She did so much good the people appreciated and loved her.  When she died, they were heartbroken.  They called for Peter.

I find it interesting that Peter did similary to what Jesus had done at times when healing.  He put everyone out.  He did not need an audience.  He went to the core of what was needed.  Quiet.  No audience.  He knelt and prayed.  Then he spoke. 

 "Tabitha, arise." 

 He 

"presented her alive" 

to her people.

The best result should be noted from all this.  It was that,

"Many believed in the Lord" (vs 43)!

Again, we can ask ourselve, "Does what I do turn others to belief in the Lord?"

Let's pray that we live a life of such integrity and steadfast faith in the Lord that our actions and life reflect Jesus to others.  In so doing, pray that we do turn others to the Lord.  It can be a lifelong prayer that sees fruition.

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                             ~ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Acts 9 ESV.

Sing, What You Are, along with Selah Praise Music, and Must I Go Empty Handed, along with Risen Lord.

Lord's Day Devotion - Participation & Suffering

 

Participating and sharing in something, means there is some common bond that otherwise may not have brought people together.  The bond could be environmental,  workmates, mutual friend, or even having gotten caught in the same stuck elevator.

The common bond I refer to here though is that of the bond we have in Christ as followers of Jesus.  It is the relationship we have as a member of the body of Christ.   Each one has the Holy Spirit indwelling, causing us to begin to walk in the Spirit.  We can then say we each

 "participate in the Spirit" (see Philippians 2:1-2 ESV).

We have, therefore, relationship with each other so that when we pray collectively, we are participating and sharing in the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit can even nudge individual believers or groups of believers who are in different parts of the globe, to pray for a common purpose.

For example, a group of believers awakened in the night to gather for urgent pryaer, say in North America, for a lone missionary in far off, shall we say, the African interior regions.  It's an emergency ... a STAT intervention without knowledge even of the situation the missionary is, at that moment, undergoing.

But this "participation in the Spirit" could also be our own personal communion with our Heavenly Father, building our relationship with Him through Jesus and His Holy Spirit.  This is a great gift we have in Christ that should be unwrapped, used and treasured.

We have this because Jesus Christ abolished death through His death and resurrection.  He brought us life, and not only life, but immortality - the gift of salvation and everlasting life.  Jesus, the Light and Life of our life.

With the priveleges of our salvation and the communion we have in the Holy Spirit, there is also another type of sharing.  That is what Paul mentions to Timothy,

 "Share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus ..." (2 Timothy 1:8-10 ESV).

"Suffering for the gospel" is a major thing.  Paul knew what he was talking about because he suffered greatly.  James, the brother of John, was killed to "please the Jews".  John suffered the loss of his brother.  John himself suffered for the gospel of Jesus, as did all the apostles.

We suffer in varying degrees, some more severely even in our times.  We need to pray for each other, especially for those who suffer more severely.

We remember Jesus' suffering for us on the cross, His death and praise God, His resurrection!  Through it all He has cleansed and made us whole.

Let us actively participate and share in the Holy Spirit and even for ...

 " ... the testimony about our Lord" (2 Timothy 1:8).  

We need to be strong and courageous in Him.

For now, this Lord's Day, let us partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine, remembering all Jesus went through for us, to give us what we so sorely needed:  life, everlasting life, and His Holy Sprit through whom we live , move and have our being.

Lord Jesus, thank You so much for all You have done for us, and given us through Your selfless act of redemption on our behalf.  Thank You too, for Your Holy Spirit in whom we have participation and communion with You.  We do not like to think about the suffering part but realize, even You suffered greatly.  Help us to endure and to have courage through Your Holy Spirit.

We ask in Your most precious name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on 2 Timothy 1:8-10 ESV.

Sing, Holy Spirit Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Gathered to Thy Name Lord Jesus, along with Alan Parks.

Effective Philip

 Philip was one of those more 'invisible' people.  We don't hear a lot about him like we do of Peter, James, John and Paul.  Yet he was an effective, despite elusive, evangelist.

It's interesting what's recorded about him in the book of Acts and chapter 8 verse 4-8, and 26-40.  His ministries brought "much joy" to the city of Samaria.

Then we see his willing obedience in a couple of sets of 'twin verbs'.  There's "rise and go" and "and he rose and went."  The Lord had had a specific appointment for him with the Ethiopian eunuch.

The Spirit of the Lord then instructed Philip to "Go over and join" (the Ethiopian in his chariot).  "So Philip ran ... and heard".  Then the eunuch invited, "Come up and sit" (vs 30).  This divine appointment brought this Ethiopian court official to Christ.

Philip was a 'now you see him' and 'now you don't' sort of man.  He himself did't know half of it as he next "found himself" at Azotus because the Spirit of the Lord carried him there.  Can you imagine that experience?

He didn't hone in on this experience though.  He was in Azotus and there he preached.  He continued his ministsrations to the general public.  At last, he "came to Caesarea" (vs40).

Later in Scriptures we find he had a home in this city and several unmarried daughters who prophesied.  He had his house in order.

Would that we could be as humble, obedient and effective as Philip was, as the Lord calls us to do whatever, wherever we find ourselves.  All this until Jesus comes or calls us away to Himself.

                                                       ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 8:4-6 and 26-40 ESV.

Sing, Humble Heart, along with Matt McClery.

POEM - Pretty Pink Flowers

 Pretty pink flowers

nodded at me,

"Hello!" 

they said ever so politely.

They bowed

in the wind,

and were 

there.

Depending on your mood,

they could be

visibly

invisible.

They wouldn't intrude.

But if you wanted,

they could be cheerful.

They gladdened

the eyes,

those 

pretty pink flowers.

If you were sad,

they were

there.

They offered unobtrusive

comfort

and

support.

 

The mad passerby,

glanced at them

but they kept

quiet.

They didn't add fire 

to the ire.

they just 

imperceptably

nodded.

"Take our beauty with you,

if you can -

despite it all,"

they said.

But today, 

Today,

I was happy.

The pretty pink flowers

smiled.

I smiled back.

"See, my family is with me,

keeping me company."

They nodded.  

They had a bit of time.

Those pretty pink flowers,

that nodded

and bowed 

and were

there.

They had done

their job,

Short life span

and all.

Those pretty pink flowers

that had been

there. 

~ERC  February 2026 ~

Sing, Lord I'm Not Okay, But I'm Still Here, along with Upper Room.

Choose Life (Humility)

 Choices.  We all have and make them.  We decide to eat noodles instead of rice; to wear red instead of green or blue.  We decide to speak kind words instead of harsh, unpleasant ones.  There are so many options to choose from.

Moses gave the children of Israel a choice.  They could choose to obey God, or not.  One would bring life while the other would bring death.  The choice should be obvious but he had to actually tell them, "Choose life!"

Joshua also presetned them with a major choice.  He told them they could either choose to serve the LORD, or to serve the idols of the surrounding peoples.  

"Choose this day whom you will serve..." (vs 15).

He added, 

"As for me and my house we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15)! 

This is a choice we can choose today.  Additionally, there are number of entries in this "Humility Series."  If we have read each one and have taken them to heart, there is action needed.  Either we can read and say, "Oh yes, good idea.  Nice"  ...but then forget about it all.  OR, we can choose to meditate further about humility and start the 'gears' moving, practicing the growing in humility.

Should a person choose, "NO," then they will not be very stable (see 2 Peter 3:17).  However, should a person choose "YES," they give God glory with their humble attitude that imitates Jesus'.  He is a firm foundation on which to stand.

Choose life.  Choose the LORD.  Choose to walk in humility with your God who so loves you (John 3:16).

Lord we need Your help.  We definitely can't do all this on our own.  We know You will never fail us because You are forever faithful.  Amen.

Today, and for all our tomorrows granted by God, let's make these good choices.  May they kindle and spark into flame in our heart and life until Jesus comes.  Indeed, ...

" ... It only takes a spark to get a fire going ..."

                                                  ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on 2 Peter 3:17 & 18; Deuteronomy 30:9 & 10 and Joshua 24:15 ESV.

Sing, It Only Takes a Spark to Get a Fire Going, along with Praise Hymn (Pass It On).

The Baptism Hurdle (Humility)

 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV).

Jesus had specific commands for His disciples to execute.  As seen in the above verses, there's "to make," "baptizing," and "teaching."  There are further, given instructions in how to carry these out.

What were they supposed to go and do?  They were to make disciples - not just of their own people, but of all nations.  It wasn't just to get them just inside the kingdom gate either.

They were to baptize these nations all in the same name, that of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The next step was to teach them.  Note specifically what they were to be taught.  They were to obey everything Jesus had commanded them.  They were to teach obedience to Jesus.

Additionally, they were not to be left high and dry once Jesus went back to heaven.  He made a promise

 "to be with [them] to the end of the age."

So Jesus had given His instructions and then a promise with this "last will and testament".  There is much to unpack here but I want to focus on the command to "baptize" and then "to teach to obey."

I purposely link these two commands because baptism seems to be a hurdle for many new believers.  It's a scary action for many as it seems to mark a point of no return in many minds.  At least, this is an observation I have seen in several cases over the years.

We shouldn't forget that baptism does NOT save us.  It is only

 "the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all sin" (see 1 John 1:7 NIV).

  Our acceptance  of God's gift of salvation is what saves us.  Our belief is in Him.  

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). 

 This is a prerequisite to baptism.

Moving on then we can ask just what creates this hurdle for new believers.  I do not have a comprehensive list.  Readers here may be able to add to the ones I name below.

One could be shyness to get up there and confess in front of a group of onlookers.  Another could be that the candidate for baptism comes from a non-Christian family.  The potential baptism-ee, may wish to not upset the apple cart in their family especially if the person is a minor and/or still living under their parents' roof and authority.

How does one weigh the command to obey and honor ones' parents with the command, from Jesus,

 "to obey everyting I have commanded you?"  

This is a serious dilemma for many new believers.  It is one they will need to answer carefully for themselves.

We know that the thief on the cross who had come to faith in Christ did not have opportunity to be baptized, for obvious reasons.  No doubt there have been deathbed conversions as well.  The idea that baptism does not save us can be seen in Mark 16:16 ESV.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be save,"

Yes, this sounds like I contradict myself, but read further ..."

" ... but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

The point is that our repentance, belief and faith in Christ is what saves.  Yet, for the rest of us, I don't for one minute believe it creates a loophole to escape baptism.

Christian living is never easy.  It's not for sissies.  We have the great comfort to know, to understand and to experience Jesus' promise to

 "be with us even to the end of the world."

Jesus' command to "obey everything" will definitely take humility and courage.  Walking humbly and in the fear of the Lord Jesus will help us to obey the baptism hurdle command.  And true obedience is instant.

May I encourage any who struggle with this hurdle to sincerely pray about baptism and the timing.  We still need to obey our parents but we must also obey God and His Word.  Ask the Lord to open up a way to get over the baptism hurdle without knocking anything down.

Lord Jesus, I recently became one of Your followers.  I do want to obey Your command to be baptized.  But I have some hurdles to overcome such as, (      name them        ).  Help me to be obedient to all You command.  Show me Your timing for me in this.  I humbly ask in Your name. Amen.

                                               ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 28:18-20 NIV.  Additional Scriptures:  John 3:18, 36; Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9.

Sing, What Can Wash Away My Sins, along with Park Church.

The Human Race (Humility)

 There is a secret that's not too secret, it's one that most everyone in the world, knows but maybe doesn't acknowledge or wish to.  It's that there is only one race of people and it's called, "The Human Race".

According to an AI Overview,  yes 

"the world over has rougly 10,000 to 24,000 ethinic backgrounds or people groups.  These encompass but don't exclude others, but are represented as Indian, Chinese, whites of many 'flavors,' Africans and so many more.  These get broken down into 'sub-divisions' by culture and linguistic definitions, by indigenous identity, and by country-level data.  Each of those divisions have other classifications as well."

God's wealth of diversity though, equates as one human race.  Furthermore, all are equal human beings and He loves and values each one as if they are the only one in the world.  Each is His treasure.

There's an interesting Sunday School song with lyrics such as,

"If you're black or if you're white

or if you're inbetween, God loves you ..."

What's more, if you're short or tall, skinny or fat, rich or poor, walk straight or with a limp, God loves YOU!

If we make fun of, bully or abuse one people group or even individual because they are not like us - we call that prejudice.  On the flip side, when we favor others because they are like us, that's called partiality.  God does NOT like either scenario.  He calls it SIN (see James 2:9)!  If we are living humbly we will not be prejudiced nor will we engage in favoritism.

Jonah is rather a classic example of this.  When told to go preach to the Ninevites that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days because of their wickedness, Jonah fled.  There was no way he was going to go in and among his sworn enemies.  He was NOT going to warn them.  They could simply suffer their own destruction.  After all, they deserved it.

Those of us who know this Jonah story will understand other of Jonah's thoughts.  He knew God to be merciful and so he did not want to 'waste' his time on these people either in the advent of potential repentance among the people of this city.

Sure enough, when the chastised Jonah finally delivered God's message to the Ninevites, all the citizens 

"from the King down turned from their evil way.  God relented of the disaster that He had said He would do to them, and He did not do it" (Jonah 3:10 ESV).

They repented in sackcloth and ashes!

Oh that just burned Jonah up!  He was 

"exceedingly displeased and  ... angry" (Jonah 4:1).

As Jonah had watched and waited for the destruction to fall upon Nineveh, God had prepared a plant that grew up and gave him shade.  But then it withered.  Anger surged in Jonah's heart again.  Again he needed another lesson in humility and mercy.

We too can learn these lessons.  Jonah did acknowledge that God is,

"a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster." (Jonah 4:2 ESV).

Once we realize this, we will not be unfair or unjust to others.  We will love our neighbors, as we love ourselves.  We will learn to value others just as much as God does, no matter who they are or where they came from or what they look like.

God loves each and everyone of the world and wants to show mercy.  Our humble and repentant hearts will experience this.

When our attitude is more like Jesus' will, we'll have the benefit of humility working in us and in our favor.  We will be less prejudiced and not show partiality.  After all, we are all from the same human race.

Father God, You are the Creator of all the people groups of the human race.  You are so amazing!  It's breathtaking to think of them all.

Help me to love each one the way You do, to value them as equally important.  Help me to show mercy and not be prejudiced nor show partiality.  All this as I practice walking in humility with You.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                ~ ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on on James 2:1-9; Romans 2:11 and the book of Jonah.

Sing, If You're Black or If You're White, along with Ey.

Self-Control and Humility

 

Self-control and humility twin well together.  Self-control stems from humility and of course, the Holy Spirit, since self-control is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit.

We can look at Nehemiah's life.  He was serving the king of Babyon as cupbearer.  He was also a captive from Jerusalem.  He could go nowhere, yet he believed his God was all powerful.

He exercised self-control when he heard from his brother that the great wall of Jerusalem, more specifically, of the inner sanctum area - the City of David - was still in ruins and the gates destroyed by fire.  The protection of the city was greatly lacking.

Nehemiah cried for days on end but he also prayed and waited.  He didn't rush in to the throne room of the king of Babylon, demanding to be let go and sent back to Jerusalem.  No.  He likely would have been killed instantly for such a breech.

Instead, he rushed to the throne room of Heaven, to the King of kings, who in turn, orchestrated it all.  We can make plans but the king's heart is in God's hand and he can turn whichever way He will (see Proverbs 16:9).

We also know,

"Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21 ESV).

Nehemiah knew this and had confidence in His God.  When King Artaxerxes then asked what was troubling Nehemiah, he was ready with his request even though he was afraid.  His great and awesome God did the rest.  Nehemiah got a leave of absence and the authority to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

Unfortunately, Nehemiah had enemies who hated the Jews and who did NOT want that wall rebuilt.  They tried to stop the progress at every turn.

Nehemiah did not say, "Hey!  King Artaxerxes sent me here to do this.  He gave me the authority to do it too.  You guys get lost!"  No.  Once again he exercised self-control and turned to God again and again.

He showed his dependance on God and that he walked humbly with Him.  He showed he believed God was in control so he could restrain himself from lashing out in anger.  He used self-control that stemmed from his humility.

Self-control, being one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, is imbedded in each believer, giving us the potential to develop it within our beings too.  It is part of our Christian standards and values in the Kingdom of God to which we belong.

It can keep us from becoming angry and hurting others.  It can stop us from overeating or undereating.  When we are tempted to do wrong, self-control will stop us if we listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting.  It will also stop us from becoming so proud we don't bother about threats from other people, except to prepare a protective defense if needed.  This is a benefit of humility working in our lives.

Let's be more like Nehemiah who, because of his humility, let self-control grow in his life.  God honored him, helping him and the other construction workers to build that wall around the City of David in just 52 days!  It was a miracle!

Father God, You are our great and awesome God.  You help us at every turn.  We are especially thankful that You sent us Jesus to provide our great salvation, and be a wall or protection around us.  Due to our acceptance of salvation we now have Your Holy Spirit.  In humbleness, we give Your Spirit free control to grow greater self-control in our respective lives.  We are such 'free will' people that we desparately need Your help with this lifelong request.  We ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                              ~ ERC  February 2025  ~

Based on Galatians 5:22-23 ESV and the book of Nehemiah.

Sing, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, along with the Maranatha Singers.

Lord's Day Devotion - Bulldozer People

 Some people are like bulldozers. They plough through people, not caring whom they hurt or harm.  They can be windbags that blast those around them with verbal sewage - those egoistical boasts of what they proudly know - their head knowledge.  God's Word is so succinct in this regard,

"... This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV).

These people of supposed "knowledge" feel so superior they are extremely impatient with others who do not venerate their supposed grandeur, nor match up to them.  They do not let others get a word in edgewise.  If the other does manage a stumbled and stuttered, 'but,' 'but,' or 'do you realize ...' they are swiftly cut off with another verbal barrage.

I call these people 'bulldozers' or 'bulldozer people'.   Often, they actually show their ignorance and misguided assumptions.  It's terrible.  We can smirk at and be repulsed by them in turn as they reveal more and more of their ignorance.  

As believers, though, we need God's help to be restrained by the Holy Spirit and wait for His timing to speak.   The lack of patience and tolerance of the bulldozers, can be significantly contrasted with Jesus' approach.  

Jesus is the only one who is truly omniscient.  He truly knows everything, yet He came humbly, in the form of a servant:  submissive and obedient to His father God.  He did not bulldoze through people except for perhaps, confronting the bulldozer people of his day, such as the Pharisees, those religious leaders.

Mostly, let's hone in on our Lord's patience, which is very much at odds with the 'bulldozers'.  It is borne out in 2 Peter 3:8 & 9, but I share verse 9 specifically ...

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9 ESV).

No matter how much one may impatiently bluster and blither, and spew their minds, the Lord is patient with them.  Bulldozers being blinded by their own pride and beliefs that 'they are RIGHT,' that they are superior one, the Lord is patient with them because He is

 "not willing nor wishing that any should perish." 

 He waits for their repentance.

No matter how long it takes, a day or a 'thousand years,' the Lord is patient.  He has been patient with us.  He has given followers of Jesus the Holy Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is patience (see Galatians 5:22-23).  We can forebear with the bulldozer people because they too, need repentance just like we did, and still do.

Jesus died and rose again for them, just as He did for us.  Now He patiently awaits the individual's decision to repent.

As we ponder on this, this Lord's Day, let's be glad and rejoice Jesus waited for us.  Take of the bread and wine - those symbols of His broken body and His blood shed for us.  It is in Christ alone we can have this hope and experience His patience towards us.  His mercy is new every morning.  His promises are sure.

Thank You, Father God for Your patience and love that sent Jesus to die for us, and to resurrect and live for us now with You, intercedeing for us.  We partake of the bread and drink from the cup in remembrance of this.

We continue to bask in Your love and patience even more than 2000 years later since Jesus ascended back to be with You.  We marvel at Your long-suffering patience but are grateful for it.

Help us to patiently wait for our loved ones' repentance, those we've prayed for for 30 or 40 years or more.  We feel impatient because we too do NOT want or wish them to perish.  

Additionally, help us to have patience with the bulldozer people - the ones who belong to You as well as the ones who don't.  And God forbid if we are one of them!

We ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                 ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on 2 Peter 3:8 & 9 ESV.

Sing, His Mercy is More, along with Keith & Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa.

God Hears the Humble (Humility)

 I love it that when King Josiah was only 8 years old he became king.  In one so young, we might expect a person to be out of control with newly garnered power.  But we read that he did ...

"What was right in the eyes of the Lord" (see 2 Kings 22). 

 He didn't let his position of power and authority go to his head.

On the contrary, he must have been a person characterized by humility.  We can judge by his actions.  The 2nd Kings passage continues that he did not turn right or left but kept straight on to follow the Lord's ways and of his great ancestor King David who loved God.

Despite all the very wicked kings that reigned between King David and King Josiah, including King Josiah's own father, King Josiah did what was right and good as much as possible according to what he knew and imitated from King David.

This goes to show that even when there are wicked people around us or even just those who don't know the Lord that we can still unswervingly follow Jesus and His ways.  It may be difficult but not impossible.

The benefit of King Josiah's humbleness was that the Lord heard his prayers.  So when the Book of the Law was found in the rubble of the temple, which incidently King Josiah had ordered to be repaired, he tore his clothes in consternation.

He realized, that as it was being read to him, that there was so much  he had not been following. What's more, because of all the succesion of wicked kings, the people who were supposed to be "the people of God" and following it's ways, were not so doing.  In fact, many had become as wicked as the kings.

He knew they were all in big trouble and that God would not be happy - an understatement - with them.  He quickly sent men to inquire of the Lord.  He was ready and willing to take the consequences.

Once again, we recall that God hears the prayers of humble people.  When they admit their sins repentantly, God often shows mercy.  Let's see how God answered him.

God told King Josiah that because he was humble and repentant, he'd die in peace and wouldn't see the disaster or feel any punishment that would be coming upon his people.

You see,

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

Let's all continue to grow humility in our hearts, follow the Lord's ways and repent of our sins (see 1 John 1:9).  Then we can listen for God's answers to our prayers; be they what they may.

Almighty Heavenly Father, like King Josiah, I want to do what's right in Your eyes.  Convict me when I sin, so I can continue to do what's right.  May I always be humble and repentant and do what pleases You, all my life long.  Hear my cries, O Father, I wait for Your answers.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen.

                                                       ~  ERC  FEbruary 2026  ~

Based on James 4:6, 2 Kings 22:1 & 2, 11, 13 and 19-20. ESV.

Sing, Lord, Hear My Cry (Psalm 38), along with Psalter's Voice.

God's Sons and Daughters of Encouragement (Humility)

 

At first, his name was Joseph.  But then the apostles like Peter, James and John gave him a new name.  They called him 'Barnabas'.  This means 'son of encouragement.'  

When we read about him in the Scriptures we see some of his encouraging acts of grace and mercy.  He sold a field and brought all the proceeds and set it at the apostles' feet.  The money could then be used to feed the poor and/or to go to preach the good news message of Jesus to others.

Saul, who had been systematically persecuting Christians, got saved.  The Christians were afraid of him and wouldn't allow him to join them, fearing trickery.  However, Barnabas discerned Saul's sincerity and brought him to the apostles, indicating that he believed Saul was truly the Lord's.

I believe Barnabas' actions stemmed from his humility.  This became one of his strengths.  He didn't need to show off  but instead, he quietly found ways and means to encourage others.  He became a bridge for Saul, who later became known as Paul.  This Paul became a mighty man of God, who had great and far-reaching spiritual effects over the millenia, even to us today.  We can attest to these by reading the New Testament, which was mostly composed of Paul's letters to various churches and individuals of yore.

As James 4:10 (NIV) says,

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Not only you, but others too.  Lifting another up may encompass lifting them up from depression, needing a touch of tender, loving care that particular day and so much more.  Such empathy and compassion would help such a person to feel loved and happier, able to go throuigh their day and even to serve the Lord in greater capacity.

Let's pray we can each grow in humility that makes us sons and daughters of encouragement too.  Who knows, your gift may become your new name.

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the times You sent someone to encourage me, someone who was a humble encourager.  May I too grow in humility, and in turn, be able to lift another up in Your name.  I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on James 4:10; Acts 4:36-37 and 11:21-22, 25 & 26 ESV.

Sing, Thy Will, along with Hilary Scott.

Book Review - Blind Pursuit - By Rob Sinclair - Publication Date: 3 March 2026

Blind Pursuit was a jab of pure adrenaline rush for me, perpetuated by active murder, intrique, and layers of lies.  Lea never quite trusts Denis as she investigates for the 'rat', to flush it out, all the while poor Callum, in foggy haze, complicates and overall, throws curve balls into the mix.  Iranians, Russians and questionable elements from questionable places are thrown into the mix and kept the narrative tickingly mysterious. I did love and appreciate the bursts of humor injected into the chaos, which made me laugh right out loud.

The switchbacks from 'before' and 'present' times annoyed me.  It was another type of annoyance to have to interrupt my reading as I found this to be a difficult-to-put-it-down sort of read, so that the first annoyance was overridden when I had to take breaks.  All in all, this was a gripping and most satisfying read, thus I give it a 5-Star rating.

                                                 ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                                 March 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.  

Book Review - When Justice Comes (Book 3 Tupelo Grove Saga)) - By Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - Publication Date: 3 March 2026

 

When Justice Comes is the third and final book in the Tupelo Grove Saga series.  The heart-stopping, pulse-racing tempo never flags as the dangerous and dire race escalates towards the adoption-of-Simon deadline.  Hez and Savannah, Michael Willard, Savannah's Dad, among others, collide and scramble to outdue each other.  Some want to cover up misdeeds, especially of the illegal nature,while others wish to expose them towards gaining justice, as the book title would indicate.  Help comes from God as well as from another unexpected source.

I found the narrative believable and the characters authentic.  Although there are two authors writing I feel it is seamless.  There were no blatant jumps from one writing style to another that I could detect.  Therefore, the story ran with excellent connectivity.

As always, I appreciated the interjections about God, prayer and faith.  These are a big plus for me.  This book also offers discussion questions at book's end and touches on some of the issues encountered in the narrative such as:  adoption rules in certain states; the idea of forgiveness for even terrible offences; dealing with grief and more.

I was well satisfied with this tale from beginning to ending.  I give this book a 5-Star rating.

                                              ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           November 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. 

Actually, more than 200.  It's more like 360 reviews.

  

Better Leadership (Humility)

 

There are times we meet leaders who love to flex the power of their position.  It can be a real trial and people will walk as if on eggshells to keep equilibrium without the power play of rage and vindictiveness weighing in.  This type of leader uses fear to control those under their power and authority.

No doubt there are times when leadership needs to be firm and make ultimate decisions.  If they can do so with the good and benefit of the 'followers'' interests in mind, after hearing them out, this is acceptable and reasonable, even if not always appreciated.

We come across such scenarios at home, school, offices and even at church.  It would be so good and pleasant if leaders would learn humility.  They could build greater trust between themselves and those under their authority.  They could better remember to be kind, to admit their own mistakes; thinking more of others' interests and how to benefit the whole population under their scope of authority and not their own self-interest.

Most likely the 'followers' response would be greater trust and greater cooperation, not to mention greater respect for the one in leadership positions.  This may not happen overnight but with consistent and persistent 'better leadership' it is hoped that even if slowly, it would be surely, and there would be flourishing on both sides of the equation.

We can pray in Jesus' name, it does.

Lord Jesus, You have been and still are, the best leader, ever!  While You walked this earth You were meek, loving, caring and humble.  We take our example from You and try to imitate You in this attitude.  So sorry for all the times we have failed in this.  We ask now for Your help for whoever finds themself at one time or another, in a position of leadership, to be able to lead with marked humility.  We ask in Your name Jesus, amen.

                                                      ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 2:3-4 ESV.

Sing, Refiner's Fire, along with Brian Doerksen as a prayer.

Good and Pleasant Unity (Humility)

 "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Psalm 133:1).

It's good when siblings can get along well together, taking good care of each other.  Sometimes though, there are conflicts.  However, when the 'oil of humility' is regularly applied there are benefits that can make these relationships better and run more smoothly, like a well oiled bicycle.

With humility, we become wiser, more godly, gentle and patient.  The good and pleasant feelings become stronger and there will be greater unity.  This can be the same whether at home, school, the office or  particularly, at church. 

Moses, Aaron and Miriam are a famous Bible trio who demonstrate this goodness and pleasantness, for the most part.  Yet, they did have their serious conflicts as well. 

The first display of brotherly love and affection that's recorded in the Bible in regards to these siblings seems to be when Miriam watched over her baby brother Moses when he was in a basket set afloat on the Nile River.  She watched until he was safely in the arms of his own mother once again (as a nursemaid) and of Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him.

Much later in Moses' life, we see the trio interacting again.  God had asked Moses to lead the Israelites' Egyptian escape from centuries of slavery.  Aaron and Miriam took up their parts too.  Aaron became Moses' spokesperson while Miriam worked with the women.  She even led the ladies in a celebratory dance after they safely escaped Egypt and Pharaoh's tyranny.

Discord came when Aaron and Miriam got proud and racist.  They said that since Moses was married to a foreigner that he shouldn't be the leader.  This was a grave accusation as it was GOD who had made Moses the designated leader.

Aaron was punished by not being allowed to enter the Promised Land, which may not seem like much to us but it was everything to the Israelites back then.  Miriam became snow-white with leprosy.  This in and of itself was a mercy God gave her but she still  had to be quarantined for a week, ostracized from the company of Israelites.   Aaron admitted it had been a sin and a very foolish slight and wrong (see Numbers 12:10-12).

Due to their jealousy and pride, they brought disgrace and loss of respect upon themselves.  On the other hand, repentance and humility brought greater wisdom and unity.  In turn, there was good and pleasant fellowship stemming from their newly learned humility.

Let's learn to live together in humility, thereby cultivating good and pleasant unity among our siblings at home and brothers and sisters-in-Christ at church.

Abba Father, there are times when it is so challenging to live with siblings and/or our church sibs.  Help us all to inculcate deeper humility so we can develop and keep good and pleasant unity.  May we be more helpful and kind to each other, thinking them more significant then ourselves.  Let the attitude of Jesus be ever more ours as we imitate Him.  I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Proverbs 11:2, Ephesians 4:1-3, Psalm 133:1 and the book of Exodus.

Sing, How Good and Pleasant It Is, along with Divine Hymns and Lord I Need Your Help, along with Upper Room.

Lord's Day Devotion - God is Immense

"God is Immense." 

 I heard this phrase from one of Alistair Begg's sermons about God's grace.  The phrase stuck with me and I wondered at its parameters.  There are none of course, because God is infiinte.  He cannot be measured.

Trying to define God's immensity leaves us mostly speechless.  By illustration we have the saying, "It's only a drop the bucket."  Or another one, "It's only the tip of the iceburg."  There is so much depth, wideth, height, and core mass, it's all beyond our comprehension and even broadest imagination.

Just think of the universe He created for us human beings to live in.  The earth, and all the other planets, the sun, moon and stars - 'out there' beyond the beyond; it's sooooooo vast!

Think of it.  God plunked it all easily into space, time, matter and energy:  galaxies, stars and planets.  None of us could ever plan it.

Besides His Creator -ness, we could explore God's love, goodness, grace, mercy, His righteousness and more.  Most is inconceivable to us.  How can we even begin to fathom this 'drop in the bucket' or 'tip of iceburg'?

If we're to know God, we must explore the Holy Scriptures

 "which are able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus," 

and more.  Would this be enough to begin? 

Partly.  Begg did mention the word 'experience,' which he went on to define.  Spend time with Him, read and meditate on the scripture.  Listen to Him.  Don't babble on ourselves if we wish to hear from Him.  Then whatever the Lord is saying to us, we need to put it into practice in our lives.

Praying and seeing how the Lord works in our lives, gives us the experience with God.  This is how we can begin to truly know our immense God who loves us.

It's been said that the life of a Christian is not a religion but a relationship with God, Most High.  Building up this relationship with our Heavenly Father, God, is essential to coming to know Him.  We have to connect regularly with Him who first loved us (see 1 John 4:19 NIV).

In closing, I'd like to leave this verse from John, who must have also begun to realize the vastness of God and Jesus.  He wrote,

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, - the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.  Amen" (John 21:25 KJV).

This is the God who loved us and sent Jesus to buy our pardon and provide salvation for the 'whosoever will' who accept His gift (see John 3:16).  This Lord's Day, as you meditate upon what God has done for us through Jesus, burst into praise as you partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine.  As you reach for these emblems representing Jesus' sacrifice for us, be in awe and full of gratitude.  He is our God of Wonders!

Let's then sing, "Hallelujah!" until He comes.  We will have all eternity to know Him and His immeseness more, not as theory or head knowledge but in practice, experience and relationship. 

 No book can contain the whole.

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Romans 8:31-39 ESV and 2 Timothy 3:15.

Sing, God of Wonders, along with Paul Baloche.

Book Review - A Dutiful Daughter - by Evelyn Hood - Publication Date: 28 February 2026

 There's a quick-paced and down-to-earth, homespun feel to this narrative, I felt.  In my opinion, it is partially developed through coloquial Scottish speech in the mill town of Paisley, Scotland in the 1920's.  It's seen in the cameraderie of Mirren, Ella, Grace, Robbie and even Joe.  Sadness and sorrow, joys and victories, mark the lives of these 'ordinary' citizens trying to earn their living, often under less than ideal circumstances.

Issues such as workers conditions were exposed, socialism, revolutionary actions, incest, rape and child abuse; staying true to ones' promises and more, surface throughout.  Endearing and frustrating family connections and a time when some of the townfolk immigrated to Canada and/or America, looking for a "better life" garnish the tale.  The account also touches on the fate, state and plight of returning veterans, who had been injured in more ways than one.

I found this far from boring.  The serious elements were tempered by some of the fun and joys of the time (post WWI).  What's more, romance seasoned the works, although it did not override the story.  All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me.

                                                        ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                                  February 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.