Prayer - Grace - Full Humility

 Lord, I'm sorry for all the attitudes of mind and heart that do not reflect You and Yours.  Yours is a righteous and holy one, one that is full of meekness and humility.  Show me the better way.

There are wrong attitudes of (name your own), I confess them here and now.  I seek Your merciful forgiveness and gratefully thank You for it.  Through Your Holy Spirit's intervention help me to put on an attitude like Yours and to grow grace - fully more humble.

O Lord, show me the way.  In this way I can act more justly and love mercy as You do, and more consistantly for a more serious step-by-step walk with You.

Make me strong in faith - like Abraham; meek like Moses; strong in You similar to the strength Samson had but to use the strength to walk aright in Your sight.  Make me as courageous as Esther that despite fear, I'd still act justly and for the good and benefit of others.  I lack wisdom, Lord.  Make me wiser than Solomon and never let me forget from Whom the wisdom has come.  May I learn deep humility, and thus imitate Yours, Lord Jesus.

All this I ask in Your name.  Amen.

                                                 ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Proverbs 22:4 ESV and Micah 6:8 NKJV.

Sing, He Walked in Humility, along with Christian Contempary Eternal Worship Music.

The Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)

 

Do you ever need the counsel from the One who has the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and can help instill the fear of the Lord?

Sounds like a mighty force.  The counsel sounds like it would be true and steady.  It sounds like we would learn to speak words of wisdom from this Spirit, the Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Holy Spirit.

May we often go to Him and seek His counsel.  We're sure to get the best.

And as we do so, let's remember to pray for the peace of Christ to guide and guard our hearts, to bring peace to this chaotic world of wars, earthquakes and other natural and/or manmade distasters; peace to our church and our own individual respective family.

He is the Great I AM!

Go to the Spirit of the Lord today.

Love in Him ...

                                                  ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Isaiah 11:2 ESV.

Sing, Rest On Us, along with Elohim Songs.

You Are Invited

 When we pray for our nation, or an adopted one, do we pray that

 "the King of Glory may come in?"  

Do we invite Him?

Pause now to pray for your nation.  Ask for our King of Glory to come in, He who is the Lord of Hosts.

He is our powerful, Almighty Father and God.  And in and through the name of Jesus, there can and will be overwhelming victory in our hearts and in the heart of our nation, for all the people of the nation.  Pray for our King of Glory to be invited into every single last heart from oldest to youngest.

O Lord God, my King of Glory, come and reign in our hearts.  We invite You to come into this nation we live in and the ones we came from and have lived in.

May Your hand work mightily and strongly.  Bring Your righteousness and salvation to those who seek You and who seek Your face, O Father God Almighty.  May we be a generation who chooses You!

May we have clean hands and pure hearts as we humbly bow to You our great and most high King of Heaven.  Establish Yourself in us.   There's a welcome here for You our Lord and King of Glory.  Amen.

                                        ~  ERC September 2026  ~

Based on Psalm 24:1-10 ESV.

Sing, Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates along with Handell's Messiah.

More Fruitful Multiplying Needed (2 Peter 3:18 and 1 John 2:15-17)

 Do you like fruit?  How about fruit like apples, oranges, peaches, plums or even papaya, mangosteens, and dragon fruit?  These are ones I like.

How about 'people fruit'?  Do you like them?  That is, answering God's command to be fruitful and multiply.

When we can bring others to Christ, we will have "people fruit."  May we garner the humility and live according to the Holy Spirit rather than according to our own flesh and desire.

As we draw closer to the Lord and really get to know Him as Friend as well as Savior, we will be more like Him.   As His presence leads and guides us, we will be able to indeed bring many sons and daughters to Christ and into God's kingdom.

May we continue to be fruitfully multiplying.  It's needed.  This fruit will abide forever.  This is worthwhile.

Father God, help us.  We need You and Your strength.  Give us the courage to choose to live and speak well for You.  May our humility be evident to all.  I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on 2 Peter 3:18 and 1 John 2:15-17 ESV.

Sing, Fishers of Men, along with Kid's worship Song, Follow Jesus.

Lord's Day Devotion - Willingness of Humility

 

If we believe that Jesus came to earth with good intentions towards mankind, and if we have accepted His gift of salvation, is it too much to ask for His help?  Is it too much to humble ourselves and submit to His wisdom and grace?

And when He directs us to His word, and/or His people, is it too much to have the willingness to ask for help from those people?  Conversely, is it too much to be the giver of the help?

When our spirits are covered with The Holy Spirit of humility and navigate life and relationships with others from this standpoint and perspective, wouldn't we honor the one most important relationship; that is, the relationship with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord?

Whatever life throws at us, we will be able to endure and persevere and have wisdom and even grace, to see through the fog, fear, helplessness and more, as we willingly humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (see 1 Peter 5:6).

Almighty Heavenly Father, I come to You on bended knees and bowed heart, realizing You are my ultimate Helper.  It's from You I can listen for Your soft and gentle voice of guidance.  Thank You too, for godly men and women, my brothers and sisters-in-Christ, who also willingly listen to You and from whom I can also find help.  If it is our turn to be the giver, give us the willingness of humility to offer the help and follow through with it too.  Grow a humble spirit within me in ever-increasing measure until Jesus comes to call all Your children 'Home' to be with You forever.

Thank You ever so much for sending Jesus with the good intention and good will of saving Your created human beings from their sins.

"Joyful, joyful we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love."*

In Jesus' name we give You our praise as we partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine this Lord's Day, in remembrance of Your willing, humble sacrifice for us, which had been motivated by Your love for us.  Thank You, amen.

                                              ~  ERC  October 2026  ~

Based on 1 Peter 2:13 and Matthew 11:28.

*Sing, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, along with Reawaken Hymns.

More Humility Needed (2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

 

"If My people ... humble themselves and pray ... then I will hear from heaven ..."               (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

More humility is needed.  'If' is the operative word.  It depends on 'me' - whether I bother to humble myself or not.  Whether I bother to acknowledge my weaknesses, limitations and need of dependance upon my heavenly Father, or not.  If I humble myself, then I will pray.  He will hear us.

As I pray and as others join in, we are participating in the Holy Spirit.  We are then able to move in the spiritual realm through our faith in Jesus.

We followers of Jesus Christ are then showing expressions of humility.  Our varying degrees of pride; arrogance and independance from God and His people will all be distilled into this act of humility:  praying always to God as an individual and praying collectively with members of His church.

A lot had to happen in our hearts to get to that point - not as a route ritual or duty, but in sincerity and truth - really praying.

More of this type of humilty is needed.

Bye for now ...

                                            ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV and Philippians 2:1 & 2 ESV/NIV.

Sing If My People Pray, along with Jimmy Owens and Tallowood Baptist Church.

Book Review - Scarlet Shadows - By Jo Szewczyk - Publication Date: 15 October 2026

Serious issues in this adult crime thriller, particularly those dealing with organ transplant donations to sick children, and a person dealing with blindness, pleased me.  In my opinion, it put substance into the narrative.

There was some humor and a great deal of kicking, punching and attacking in line with Taekwondo.  People who know this martial art should be able to relate well, I'm assuming.

However, I felt the story direction swung like an out-of-control pendulum and often I could not connect the characters, nor their actions.  I found it confusing rather than sparking my curiosity regarding the mystery.

The book is tagged as an "adult crime thriller" but wonder if it would appeal more to high school students.  If this were the case, then more of the to-in and fro-ing action may have been better understood as being relating to that niche of audience.

                                               ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                            October 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.

More Scripture Reading Needed (Galatians 5:25 and Matthew 11:29 ESV/KJV)

Here's a quote-of-the-day from NECF Malaysia's Adult Day 38 devotional from 2026.  It reads,

"NBNB (No Bible, No Breakfast) and NSNS (No Scipture, No Sleep)." 

It's a good motto to live by as, no doubt, one can never have too much study and meditation upon Scripture.  In fact, a continual daily diet of Scripture is needed to sustain our souls and spirits and to garner a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As we read, we build the relationship.  That is, reading and putting it into action in our lives.  We can learn from Jesus.  We can learn His gentleness and lowliness of heart (see Matthew 11:29).

The indwelling Holy Spirit will aid and abet us in this discipline, helping us to also keep in step with Him.  By God's grace, we can ...

Let's let God's Word be our anchor, our guide and guard against pride as we live out His truth.

Yoking with Jesus is not a chore.  Let's team up with Him as He says, 

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light ..."

and because of this we will ...

"find rest unto [our] souls" (Matthew 11:29 KJV).

Let's humbly read His Word everyday.  They are wonderful words of life.  We definitely need them!

                                             ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Galatians 5:25 and Matthew 11:29 ESV/KJV.

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

Ai generated illustration of oxen in yoke.

Lord's Day Devotion - All Things (Romans 8:28 ESV)

 Can loosing your eyesight be good?  It's actually creates a lot of panicky emotions.  It turns your world insideout and upsidedown and ya gotta learn a new way of operating life.  'A new norm,' they call it.

How about loosing your life for other people's benefit?  Is that good?

I leave the question hanging.

And then we arrive at the verse ...

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 ESV).

This is a verse that guts us, even as believers in Jesus Christ.  What possible good could come from loosing ones eyesight, or a house or a myriad of other things!

About losing ones life ... how about that?

Well, I'll tell you that Jesus Christ lost His life for mankind in order to rescue them from the consequences of sin.  Losing eyesight and more are consequences of sin, in general.  When Adam and Eve sinned, it brought upon all creation, the deterioration and devastation of every part of creation.

Of course, we have our own sin we choose to commit, so can't blame Adam and Eve entirely.  But God's rescue plan was inititated by Him and He gave the ultimate "all things."  His one and only Son lost His life to save us from our sin consequences.

This was according to God's purpose and plan.  In the plans of our lives, salvation is the ultimate good.

How we navigate life with the loss of our body's functions is tough.  I mean, really tough.  It's a huge struggle.

But in the struggles, we can find good.  We can find God's grace and loving care as we put our trust in Him.  The song, "Leaning on Jesus" comes to mind.

"All of these things" is not what we want or ask for.  However, as we submit to our heavenly Father, we learn they can and do work together for our good.

As we ponder on this information, which may seem callous and heartless to some, know that the level to which we trust the Lord through it all, is the level equal to the good and best purpose for our lives that can be revealed in and through us.

This is what happened when Jesus lost His life for us.  We rejoice in our salvation and that He's alive for our good.

This Lord's Day, let's remember this aspect of His death and resurrection.

Praise Him as you reach for, and partake of, the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of Him and all He has done for us, for you.  We can do this often until He comes.

                                                   ~  ERC  October 2026  ~

Based on Romans 8:28 ESV.

Sing, Leaning On the Everlasting Arms, along with Reawaken.

A Silent Message (Philippians 2:2, 3, 5 and 1 Corinthians 13 ESV)

 

Can they hear it?  Does the church communinty you rub shoulders with make joyful noise creating the loudest message through, ironically, a silent message?

A silent message sent out to observers who witness like-mindedness among the members, could be a loud, observed message.  A message that silently says...

"These people are of one mind!  They are of the same mind, they are in one accord, of the same love for Christ and each other." 

And they continue to witness this testimony.  

Would that these expressions of humility germinate, sprout, and the seedlings grow to maturity making a cohesive company of believers all "shouting" their same purpose and goal-likemindedness. "Shouting" so silently loudly, that many folks are led to focus on Christ.

May many come to Him through this loud yet silent message.  May it joyfully ring throughout your community and beyond.

Bye for now ...

                                                ~  ERC September 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 2:2, 3, and 5 and 1 Corinthians 13 ESV.

Sing, What An Awesome God, along with Phil Wickham.

More Abiding Needed

 All the way from Jesse, King David's father, to King David himself, then wading through all the manifold generations of descendants, to Joseph, Jesus' "supposed father," are 28 generations of geneology.  Then came Jesus.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of "the Branch" that would grow up and out of

 "the stump of Jesse" (see Isaiah 11:1 ESV). 

This was prophecy.

And then Jesus did come ...

"Immanuel - God with us" (Matthew 1:23 ESV).

He infers this prophecy to Himself, with a bit of a twist but the essence of truth and the promise are still there.  He told His disciples,

"I am the vine; you are the branches ... apart from Me you can do nothing"              (John 15:5 ESV).

God's faithfulness in keeping His promise down through so many generations shows we can believe Him and trust Him for all else.  Therefore, we do not need to forsake Him.  We need to keep abiding in Him and His love for us.  

Abide in His love (see John 15:7-9 ESV).

Hang on tight to Jesus.

Bye for now ...

                                            ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Isaiah 11:1-9, Matthew 1 and John 15:5-9 ESV.

Sing, Abide With Me, along with Audrey Assad.

More Love Needed

 More love is always needed, especially God's kind of unconditional love.  The kind of love-in-action described in 1 Corinthians 13, what it does and doesn't do, takes an ever-increasing level of humility to put into action, and then sustain long-term.

"Love never ends" (vs 8 ESV).

Love and charity offered and implemented like a steady, ever-flowing stream is needed.  With our Heavenly Father's sustaining grace and Holy Spirit guidance, our strength is made perfect as we seek our Lord for His help.  When we are weak, we can then remember He is strong (see 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV).

Let's praise the Lord in one accord, with one mind and heart to love Him and our neighbors, whomever they may be.  Let's practice it.

Bye for now ...

                                            ~  ERC September 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 12 ESV.

Sing, Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean (Everlasting Praise), along with Robin Mark.

Prayer - More Using of Our Gifts Needed

 "Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts of grace You have given me and to each of Your individual followers.  Help us to find the opportunities in the church setting, as well as elsewhere, to use them, and in so doing, serve Your people.  May we use these gifts for the good of all who attend gatherings of Your people, so we can all grow in our spiritual lives and relationship with You!  In Your name, Lord Jesus, I ask this.  Amen."

More using of our spiritual gifts as well as other talents and skills are needed.  Let's all use what we've been given, for the glory of God.  It's in Him we trust.

Bye for now ...

                                           ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 ESV.

Sing, Under His Mighty Hand (Humility Before God), along with Prairie Praises.

Praying and Staying (Ephesians 6: especially vs 18 & 23 ESV/KJV)

 Does praying really matter?

You'd think so by the number of times we read about it in the Bible.  Praying means staying.  Staying and abiding in God, under the protective shadow of His wings.

It's like saying, "We need you, Father God!"  It's admitting our limitations.

"Praying always with all prayer ..."  (Ephesians 6:18 KJV).

'Always and all' say something.  It's holding fast to our Heavenly Father, realizing and accepting His care.

It is how we stand firm in our faith.  How we

 "stand against the wiles of the devil" (see Ephesians 6:11 KJV).

It is how we persevere and 

"supplicate for all saints" (vs 18).

There's so much more to be said but the take away from this portion for me is, 

"Praying is staying" 

and this can bring peace, not only for ourselves but to all our brothers and sisters-in-Christ when we regularly engage in talking with the Lord.

May His peace and love surround us, each and every one.  May His grace abound in and through us as we continue to put our faith and trust in God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.

He is love and His love is incorruptible.

Let's sincerely stay under His protection as we routinely dialogue with Him.

And for the record, "Yes," I believe praying really matters.

So be it.

                                       ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 6: especially vs 18 & 23 KJV/ESV.

Sing, In His Presence, along with Sandi Patty.

Lord's Day Devotion - First Love (1 John 4:19 ESV)

 "We love [Him] because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19 ESV/KJV).

Our human love stems from God's.  He's The One who started it.

Because of His love, He had His rescue plan.  He sent Jesus, His One and Only Son into this world.  God's love made the way for the atonement and rescue of our human souls.  And ...

 " ... whosoever believes in Him, shall not persih, but have everlasting life"                     (see John 3:16).

This is how we know Christ's love.  He laid down His life for us (see 1 John 3:16).

But how can we know the charateristics of God's love?

And if we want to know the characteristics of God's love that we receive through Jesus, we can read and meditate upon 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  This is what is often called, 

"God's unconditional love."

As we dwell on this love that rescued us fromthe consequences of our sin:  sickness, death and hell; we can feel the tender-loving care of our heavenly Father.

Jesus certainly ...

 " ... endured all things" for us (see 1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV).  

When we receive the action of His love, then we can love Him back.  Give as we have gotten, back to Him and not to others, for ...

" ... God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16).

This Lord's Day, let's remember God's love that He dared to send His Son to die for us.  Remember that Jesus bought our pardon so that we may be set free.  God's love cost Him everything - costly grace, so we did not and do not have to earn our own salvation.

May all our prayers and praises be to God and Jesus who first loved us.  Take of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of all He has done for us.

Jesus, we give thanks with a grateful heart.  Thanks so much for loving us first.  We could never have helped ourselves.  We love You back.  In Your name we give You our praise and thanksgiving.  Amen.

                                                      ~  ERC  October 2026  ~

Based on 1 John 4:19 ESV.

Sing, How Deep the Father's Love For us, along with Stuart Townend and The Love of God is Greater Far, along with Reawaken.

For This Cause ... (Ephesians 5:21-33 ESV/KJV)

 I understand that it may be economically impossible for the newlywed couple to actually have a place to call their own.  Some cultures insist the son, especially a firstborn son or an only son, continue to live with his parents after his marriage.

But we must always see God's perspective.  His ways and thoughts are always above ours.  We, therefore, must look to Him and His Word to find direction on this matter.

A newlywed Christian couple do well to examine Ephesians 5:21-33 meticulously with a heart and mind geared to obedience to God's will for them.    They absolutely must weigh God's Word in the highest regard over and above anyone elses wishes, including their own.  

Go ahead, read the portion.  Especially note verses 23 through 33.  Read in whichever version you wish but I like the phrase in the KJV which seems to emphasise the point I wish to make.

Verse 31 KJV reads ...

"For this cause ..."

This verse 31 is one that is often quoted without much regard for the fuller passage.  That's my bad - often.  Today, I saw it in contesxt.  It hit me, 

"Oh, yes!  That's why!"

What was the 'this cause'?  Why was the man told to

 "leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife"?  

I know, it sounds so very unfilial to many cultures.

The answer is not blowing in the wind but can be searched for from verses 21 until verse 31.  How well can all that happen in a relationship that needs time and effort to build in a new family unit when a man has not cut the parental apron strings?

Can you get what I'm trying to say? If there is no sovereignty of the new husband-wife relationship under their OWN roof, the marriage will be forever crippled.

God, in His great wisdom and love for Christian couples, moved the apostle Paul, a bachelor of all things, to write these words at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  He must not have been blind to the dynamics of both scenarios.

In this way, the husband will show his greater love for his wife and the wife will be certainly more able to relax and reverence her husband when she's not worried she'll break the rules of the in-laws' house.  Thus, the marital relationship should be able to thrive more readily.

This is my belief, gained not just from heresay, but also from observation of couples who do and who do not follow the Lord's mandate.

P.S.  Please do not let me offend couples who, due to financial standing cannot be on their own through no fault of their own.  May the Lord help them mightily as they do what they can!  And may He open the way for them to

 "leave and cleave" 

and thus gain greater sovereignty.

May our heavenly Father's blessing be upon all married couples who fear the Lord and wish to live for Him until He comes, regardless of where they live.

God bless you and your marriages, everyone!

                                             ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 5;21-33 ESV/KJV.

Sing, The Wedding Song, along with Noel Paul Stookey.

Let There Be Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5: especially vs 2, 4, 8, 9, 15, amd 18-20 ESV)

 

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20 ESV).

The encompassing-ness of this verse is something else.  Look at the 'always' and the 'everything'.  There's no time when not to be giving thanks.

And to whom do we give thanks?  God the Father.  We give this thanks in Jesus' name.

As a further parameter of giving thanks, look at verse 4 of Ephesians 5.  

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out to place, but instead let there be thnksgiving."

Whether there's filthy or foolish talk, or crude joking, or, I'll add, constant critical remarks, we need to replace all these with wholesomeness, generated by thanksgiving and thankfulness.

I'm impressed with verse one also.

"Be ye followers of God, as dear children" (KJV).

Or, as the ESV puts it,

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."

If we are followers and imitators of God, as His children, we will walk circumspectly.  We will do as Jesus has done.

It's like the game many of us have likely played in childhood - Follow-the-Leader.  Each action the leader makes has to be mimicked by all the others as they march in single-file step, one behind the other.  Often the followers will sing,

"We're following the leader,

the leader, the leader.

We're following the leader."*

So, as we follow Jesus our Leader, our actions need to mirror His.  Paul tells the Ephesians some of the ways in which to execute the actions.

Thanksgiving, with wholesome talk seems to be at the top of the list.  So often we forget this.  We can train ourselves to be more pro-active by recording at least one thing a day, no matter how insignificant we may think it is, and give the Lord Jesus our thanks.

When we intentionally seek out the things which we can be thankful for, we may just surprize ourselves.  As we amas a collection of thankful-for items, review them, thankfulness may well well up in our hearts and give us joy in the name of Jesus.

When we walk as God's followers and children we will walk as "children of light" (vs 8), doing what's good and right; we will be filled with the Holy Spirit (vs 18); we will walk wisely (vs15); we will be addressing one another, not with negative words but with singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

For some reason, this amuses me.  Can you imagine that the next time you go to church, and instead of saying "Hello," "How's your week been?" you start singing a psalm or spiritual song to the brother or sister?

If we truly 'walked' in this manner, the joy of thanksgiving will be on our lips and in our demeanor.  I dare you to try it and see what happens.  😀

Father God, we give you our thanks and praise for making us Your sons and daughters and then teaching us ways to follow You.  We may sing, "I will follow You whereever You may go" but we don't always measure up.  Thank You for Your understanding in knowing we are but dust and therefore, often fail.  Help us to joy in our God - that's You, Father and to sing of Your love, mercy and grace, giving thanks always.  May we truly sing Your praises when addressing each other in Your family.

May our speech and actions always please You.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven as we march in step with Jesus and Your Holy Spirit as Your children and followers.  In our Lord Jesus Christ's name, we follow.  Amen.

                                        ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 5: especially vs 2, 4, 8, 9, 15 and 18-20 ESV.

Sing, Now Thank We All Our Father, along with Hymns of Grace.

*Lyrics from the 1953 Disney animated film Peter Pan song called "Following the Leader."  

NOTE:  This does not mean I condone this film.  Following Jesus is the one and only leader for me.

Book Review - The Revival of the Analog Church - By Thom S. Rainer - Publication Date: 6 October 2026

 In my opinion, this is a book Christians should definitely take to heart.  In these post-COVID years, where there are still many vestages of Covid-time practices, I believe this will help a reader, a pastor, a church worker, and members of the oversight, as well as members of congregations, to think more 'analog'.

The author defines all of this well but does not dismiss the 'digital' way either.  There is a better way with analog, and when the advantages are thought through, such as being able to rub shoulders with people - yes, in person, among other benefits and advantages.  I found author Thom S. Rainer's insights very helpful, logical and practical, for keeping in touch - hands-on, so to speak (I really liked one of his ideas about letter/card writing - literally with paper and pen), with other fellow believers and for bringing other sons and daughters into the family of God.

I found that much of what Rainer has to say mirrored some of my own thoughts but of course, he is so much more articulate, constructive and concrete in what he shares.  Therefore, I think every church should have a copy (not digital, ha, ha) of this book in their library and church members should each actively read it and put Rainer's thoughts into their hearts, motivating positive response and action, for God's glory.

Additionally, there are reflection questions at section ends that could help solidify the message of each section in a reader's mind.

It has been a very satisfying read and I rate this book with a 5-Star rating.

                                            ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           April 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.  

In The Throes of Purpose (Ephesians 4:1-3 and 30-32 ESV)

 

It's one thing to be in the throes of carrying out our eternal purpose with the gift of grace God gave us to use when we became His child, and it is another thing to ...

 " ... walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called ..."                (Ephesians 4:1 ESV).

Ephesians 3:1-12 admonishes us to fulfill our purpose.   Ephesians 4 shows us the manner and attitude in which to operate.  We see ...

"All humility, ... gentleness, ... patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ..." (Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV).

As we rub shoulders with one another in our Father's service, the 'oil of humility' and of those other terms of operation, will assist us to achieve more smooth and harmonious relationships in bringing many sons and daughters into the family of God, as well as nourishing our brothers and sisters-in-Christ, thereby building each other up in our faith and walk with Jesus (see Jude 1:20-21 and 24-25 ESV).

If we do not, then we grieve the Holy Spirit.  We are told to ... 

 " ... let all bitterness, ... anger ... slander"

 and more ...

 " ... to be put away ..." (Ephesians 4:30-31 ESV).

Likely these won't disappear overnight but as we prayerfully and humbly seek the Lord's intervention we can ...

 " ... put all these away from us." 

 Instead, we are exhorted, to 

" ... be kind ... tenderhearted, forgiving ..."

How?

" ... as God in Christ forgave you ..." (Ephesians 4:32 ESV).

Let's all endeavor to walk worthy of our calling and give our Lord all glory due His name.

                                                ~   ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 4:1-3 and 30-32 ESV.

Sing, When We All Get to Heaven, along with the Vagle Brothers.

More Stalwart Defence Needed (Ephesians 4:3; 6:10-18 and Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)

 

We can have more like-mindedness to reach out to others with the message of Jesus through our humility and Christlikeness.  This like-mindedness can also lead to the continuance of guarding, protecting, defending, and keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

As we read God's Word and understand His truth so well that we know it and it becomes as if part of our DNA, not only as individuals but collectively as the body of Christ, it will be a defence and a protective shield against false teachers with even the subtlest of truth twisting.  It is also a shield and strong wall against divisiveness, jealousy, gossip, selfishness, pride, resistance to learning and comparing our gifts with others.

Let's take on the armor of God and stand firm, praying in all earnestness to guard, protect, defend and keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and truth.  Let's also take on the character and humble servanthood heart that will bear witness to the world that we have been with Jesus and are still faithfully and steadfastly following Him.  Let's

 "be strong in the Lord and have the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10 ESV).

Bye for now ...

                                              ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 4:3; 6:10-18 and Philippians 2:5-8 ESV.

Sing, Bind Us Together, Lord, along with Chet Valley Hymns.

Lord's Day Devotion - Benefits and Blessings

 

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" Psalm 103:2 ESV.

The psalmist didn't want to forget all the Lord had done for him.  His antidote for forgetfullness was to bless the Lord for each one, giving Him praise.

David, this psalms' psalmist, appears to have written it when he was a senior citizen.  I imagine him looking back over the years of his life, taking stock and giving account of all the Lord had done for him.  He did not want to forget any of them.

But if he had left it until he was older, he may well have forgotten,what those things were.  He must have been making a habit of blessing the Lord all along.

Whatever the case, he was making mention of them now, in this psalm.  They were that He was the one ...

" ... who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases," (Psalm 103:3 ESV).

And more, which you will see if you continue to read the psalm on.

David committed some pretty awful iniquities.  Most people will especially recall what he did to Bathsheba and her husband.  It was atrocious!

We learn though that he did repent and bear consequences in more than one way.  He learned the Lord's forgiveness but also His justice and mercy.

I don't recall any mention of David being sick with disease.  He spent so many years out on the range, he and his men must have met a lot of sickness you'd think.   However, it could also be David's observation in general, that the Lord

 "heals all your diseases."

This could be why he intensely fasted and prayed, begging God to spare the life of his newborn baby he had had with Bathsheba.  The baby did die though - a consequence of David's gross sin.  He fully believed God could but accepted the "NO" answer.  He trusted God was doing right.

David never wanted to forget all of these, having had his life, so to speak,

"redeemed from the pit" (Psalm 103:4).

No doubt David's list was long with all the times the Lord helped him while he was a fugitive all those decades.  Countless benefits, I'd think.

Nowadays, we likely can list a few benefits in each category.  How shall we remember to remember all our Lord and Savior has done for us?

The firm answer points to

 "Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion.  Bless the LORD, O my soul" (Psalm 103:22 ESV)!

The benefit we can put at the top of our list is our salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection.  This Lord's Day, let's bless Him for this saving grace.  Partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance and in blessing the one who died for you.

Heavenly Father, Your benefits are manifold.  We see and know some of them and we bless You for all You have done for us over the many years of life.  We especially give thanks for forgiving our iniquities, transgressions and sins, through Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross, thus buying our salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin.  We give You our praise and bless Your name in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                         ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Psalm 103: especailly 1-3 and 21-22 EAV.

Sing, Who is There Like You, along with Stuart Townend and 10,000 Reasons along with Matt Redman and Hadleigh Baptist Church.

More Forgiving Needed (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV)

 

Why is forgiving someone else so very difficult!?  Our hearts get into twisted knots of resistance, even to the point of disasterous ends at times.

One statement in the 2026 NECF Malaysia Fast & Pray booklet devotion for Day 29 puts it like this ...

" ... forgetting mercy hardens the heart."

So when the tug-of-war in our hearts twists and pulls, let's remember God's mercy and grace, and humbly bow to our Lord who forgives us (see 1 John 1:9).

Let's get rid of all our bitterness, wrath and anger.  And as that NECF author continued ...

"Humility remembers the grace we have received, not merely the wrongs we have suffered."

I like that.  It's good to know and remember.  To me, it is a powerful statement.  We tend, or at least, I tend, to harbor all those wrongs.

More surrendering to our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit's convictions and prompts are needed, thus drawing us towards enough humility to bend our knees in repentance and being able to forgive, even the seemingly unforgivable.

It may take time, but as we do bow to our Savior and use His grace, the needed forgiveness will come.  At least it did for me ...

If not, ask Him to teach you.

Then we can have a fresh start after the "I forgive you's."

In flower language it is said that white tulips speak of forgiveness, peace and a fresh start, while purple hyacinths say, "I forgive you."   Note the above accompanying poster of some of these AI generated flowers in a Ming Dynasty vase.  Perhaps they can help you see the beauty in forgiveness whether you are the forgiver or the forgiven.

Bye for now ...

                                          ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV.

Song, Forgiveness, along with Matthew West and Forgiveness, along with Paramore - Hayley Williams.  (These two songs may be a bit more than what one may be used to as far as the 'tunes', that are not traditional hymn music but the sentiments are what 'say it all'.)

Knee Strengthening (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)

 When we feel weak at the knees, perhaps we could spend a week on those knees, in prayer.  To be in prayer before our heavenly Father, seeking Him, to know Him, and for spiritual strength.

We are named after our Father in heaven.  He named us.  He cared enough for that. He's got plenty of riches too - the riches of His glory.  With these He can and will strengthen us as we bow our knees to Him.

Jesus' Spirit courses through our spiritual veins in our inner being.  This Spirit also strengthens us, helping us to allow Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith.

This is how we become 'strengthened'.  A tree sapling is very tender.  It is often protected and strengthen by posts or little fences to protect it, giving it time to grow stronger and take root more firmly.

This is exactly like how God strengthens His children whom He has named.  With His Spirit, with His word as bulwarks around our hearts even while we are on our knees in communion with Him.

So that ... we become rooted and grounded in love.  On top of all this, so that we ...

"  ... may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ ... that you (we) may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19 ESV).

How precious and strengthening is that!

Now unto You O Father God, we bend our knees and lift our hearts, minds, souls and spirits up to You to be strengthened with Your might in our inner beings.  In Jesus' name we await Your strengthening.  Amen.

                                           ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV.

Sing, Now Unto Him Who Is Able to Keep, along with Divine Hymns.

Book Review - Puma Concolor - By Rene Araneda - Publication Date: 29 September 2026

 The wonderful world of pumas awaits young and curious readers in this adventure with Rene Araneda and team.  Any young reader who wishes to explore these amazing creatures in their natural habitat through the author's eyes will find this read very welcome, I believe.  Such readers may well fall in love with the pumas.  I've come to understand more about them:  their different names they're known by; their habitats; their care of their young, and so much more.  The story in this case, of Rupestre, which I found endearing, was lovely.  What's more, the young readers would learn of the respect due between the pumas in their natural world and their interactions with human beings.  Learning about the meaning of 'concolor' and why a mother puma has a darker tipped tail were interesting tidbits of general information for me.

I believe the serious-minded reader will be truly satisfied with this read.  The great illustrations paired with puma facts and the real-life account Araneda personally experienced, are, in my opinion, major pluses of this children's book.  Very likely the whole blend will inspire many inquisitive minds.

It was noted that this book has been translated from Spanish into English. Kudos to the translator who made a lot of good sense with his excellent translation!

Although I believe this book was meant for children, I feel, it would interest adults as well - it did for me.  For further exploration, there is a list of several documentaries at book's end.  

Overall, I believe this children's educational adventure deserves a 5 Star rating.

                                             ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                          August  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.

For His Eternal Purpose (Ephesians 3:1-13 ESV)

 

The apostle Paul knew his purpose well and took it very seriously.  He lived it out and executed his mission with excellence.  Regarding preaching the message of Jesus he told the Ephesians,

"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of His power" (Ephesians 3:7 ESV).

Paul continued to fulfill his purpose in focused fashion even when beaten, left for dead and incarcerated.  Even then, he did not waste time.  God's gift of grace was bestowed upon him and he would and did treasure it.

" ... The eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord"                   (Ephesians 3:11 ESV).

This is standing up straitght, walking tall with dignity even when knocked down  by those who would pour gasoline upon us and set us alight - figuratively speaking.  Although, I do realize there are those who would do that to God's children - literally.

It reminds me of a debate I recently heard part of.  One debater was a real piece of work, a discordant clanging and clashing cymbol for sure.  I couldn't stand it so I stopped listening.

She was so faith - LESS!  It gushed from her pores.  Her purpose appeared to be to be so loud and disrespectful of her opponent - who was a daughter in God's family - to shut her up, and shame her and discredit the message of Jesus.

This is the kind of person, that even days later, I pray that the Lord will take the blinders off her spiritual eyes that the devil has blinded her with and take the cotten out of her spiritual ears that the devil has stuffed them with so that she can see and hear what Jesus her Savior, who truly died on the cross for her, has done for her because He cares about her.  May she see Him beckoning her to, "Come, My daughter!"  May God grant her the faith to believe.

But I have gotten off track...

Back to the detractors of the gospel of Jesus that brings peace ... 

Similarly to what that lady had been doing to her debate opponent, Paul and Jesus had their detractors.  We will too but neither of these two forgot their purpose.  They steadfastly moved forward to fulfill their missions.  Jesus, of course, being the prime and perfect example, we can follow.

May the light of Jesus be brought to each one in our own spheres of purpose.  May we have boldness and confidence because of our faith in Jesus, and not lose heart no matter the 'beatings' we must take.  Let's not have confidence in our own flesh but see the

 "manifold wisdom of God."  

May it be made known in each individual believer's heart, in each and every collective assemblage of believers and then out into the 'villages and byways' of our neighborhoods and beyond.

Let's know our eternal purpose, take it seriously and execute it well - God helping us each step of the way until Jesus comes ...

Father God, Your ways and thoughts are always higher than mine, and that I could ever have!  Make me Your humble and obedient servant, therefore, so that I will follow Your will and ways with the same attitude as Jesus had as He trod this earth.  

What is my purpose, Father?  Show me the way that I may walk in it.  What thoughts do I need to have?  May Your ways and thoughts be mine too.  Jesus is my Savior and strength.  I trust in Him.

May Your Holy Spirit aid and abet me, helping me to submit to Your plan and instructions for my life - to fulfill my purpose and to execute the good works You have for me to do until Jesus comes.  In Jesus' precious name I ask, amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  September 2026   ~

Based on Ephesians 3:1-13 and Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV.

Sing, When You Speak, along with Jeremy Camp, and Show Me the Way Lord, along with Gospel Songs, The Divine Healer.