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.

                                         

Lord's Day Devotion - Jesus, The Branch

 

We know and believe that God is faithful in keeping His promises.  He promised He'd send a Messiah and He did.  We see it fulfilled in Jesus - Immanuel - God with us.  Praise the Lord for this!

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel" (which means, God with us)" (Matthew 1:23 ESV).

Immanuel, our Savior, the Messiah, "the anointed one," is the one who specifically and purposely came to fix a major problem, and save a group from a crisis.

And didn't Jesus do just that ~  He came to save His people from their sins and this spilled over for the Gentiles benefit too.  He came to seek and to save the lost.  That is whom this Messiah came to save.  And He did (see Matthew 1:21 and Luke 19:10 ESV).

He died a cruel death upon the cross at Calvary.  He rose again for our justification and He's alive and I'm redeemed, along with all my other brothers and sisters-in-Christ the world over.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Furthermore, Jesus is the Branch mentioned in Isaiah 11:1-9.  This is why I say God has kept His promise not only to Israel but to the "whosoever will" who should accept His offer of salvation (see John 3:16).

Jesus is the shoot and branch that came out of the stump of Jesse, His ancestor of something like 28 or 29 generations past.  Jesus is the royal descendant of King David.  He came up out of a seemingly dead stump or line which was raised up again and brought new life.

He brought righteousness and peace.  God kept His promise even to so many generations down the lineage.  It's rather mind-blowing but it startles one into the realization of just how much God cares about us and also how much we can trust Him because He keeps and has kept His promise.

And now we can delight in Him and all He has done for us through Jesus Messiah.  Indeed He is righteous and faithful!

This Lord's Day, let's remember our faithful God and Savior who is our priest and king.  Jesus the branch being of the same trunk as God, sharing the same divine life and 'material' as our Creator God.  He is the Branch who came as the Messiah to save us from our crisis of the penalty of our sins.

Take of the broken bread, drink of the cup of wine in sacred solemn reverence, but also in joyful, glad thanksgiving for His salvation of our souls!

Thank You, Jesus!

                                                  ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Isaiah 11:1-9; Matthew 1:21; Jeremiah 23:5-6 and 33:14-22 and Luke 19:10 ESV.

Sing, Hallelujah chorus of Handels Messiah, along with the Royal Choral Society.

Book Review - Korean Black - By JP Blome - Publication Date: 25 September 2026

 Tragedy is tough to overcome especially when you've seen somthing horrendous.  The effects often roar silently, rumbling in waves and aftershocks of silent grief even years later.  The 'victims' become strong in their overcoming.  Such was the case for Yi Seo and her Dad, along with Wendy and Liam who became a very supportive and close-knit, caring family.  I really like this aspect of the Korean Black story.  The mysteries and masks and secrets of Korean Black added lure, as did the reasoning and development behind them, which Yi Seo and Liam created and breathed, setting the rythmn and beat tempo.

The worlds of designers and music were an interesting mix in my opinion.  About 10% of the way into reading the book, the word that came to mind was 'intricate'.  As I read further into the novel, I found it an intoxicating balance between the two lines or lives, that Yi Seo lived:  fashion and song, coupled with healing.

Another thing I appreciated was the multicultural thread of interest that ran through this living, 'breathing' story.  The romance angles were icing on the cake in this hard-to-put down account.  For me, two other words, tender and compassionate, help in describing this good book.  I believe other potential readers will find it just as riveting a read.  

A 5 Star rating from me.

                                           ~ 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.

And more than ....

More Punctuality Needed

 Ugh, late again and they made all the others wait.  So they cheerfully sang a song they'd heard at camp ...

"What we want is more punctuality,

More punctuality,

More punctuality;

What we want is more punctuality,

We were here on time.

We were here on time x2

what we want is more punctuality,

We were here on time."

And then they all clapped enthusiastically.

The late ones, sheepishly, at least, sat down as soon as possible, attempting to blend in ...

The singers were not sure if the latecomers were truly sorry or not since they made a habit of being late, no matter the time of any event.   They seemed rather incorrigible.

Sigh ...

It was like they felt themselves to be more important than everyone else.  This obviously was not an attitude of humility nor was it looking out for the other peoples' intersts.  Rather, they

 "counted themselves more significant" (Philippians 2:3 & 4 ESV).

But where there's life, there is hope.  Where the Holy Spirit indwells, the one indwelt can and ought to change this lack of punctuality into being on time.  

Because ...

What we need is more humble punctuality, but not to get proud of that either ... Here's hoping ...

Bye for now ...

                                             ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on James 3:17 & 18.

Song, Be In Time, along with Hymns of Praise.

Incidently, it is exceedingly important to be on time to receive Jesus as Savior in the here and now.  Once Jesus comes to call all believers up to heaven, it will be forever too late.

Imitating NOT Comparing

 God of wonders, beyond our comprehension, You are the best!  You are the "most-est" of all.  We cannot compare ourselves to You even one iota.  Yet we still desire to emulate Your son Jesus Christ.  We desire to be more like Him; to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered.  We wish to avoid comparing ourselves with others.  Help us Father.

Like Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he exhorted ...

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves.  But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding"                             (2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV).

Cain got jealous and angry at Abel, comparing himself with his brother.  It led to murder.

Hearts full of 'self' are a huge hindrance towards humility and becoming Christlike.  I tell you, just so you know.

Nothing we can do or be, can compare to our Jesus Christ but we can allow the Holy Spirit to move and nudge us towards being more like Him.  In this can be found more humble hearts.

Let's pray for that.

Bye for now...

                                            ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV.

Sing, God of Wonders, along with Chris Tomlin.

HAIKU & A PRAYER of Blessing and Hope - The Little Bundle

 "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds" (Psalm 9:1 ESV).

We can observe the psalmist's thanksgiving for all the Lord has done and how it swelled his heart and lips with praise. He seems to be declaring and recounting His wonderful deeds.  And they are indeed, good deeds.

It is very good and one of the most wonderful recent things our LORD has given to us to tell about, it is a baby boy grandson.  Our first of many, I hope ... haha.

Praise You Father and Lord of my heart for the safe arrival of little boy S____.  May he grow up before You as a tender plant that is well nurtured in every way.  May he grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with both You and all mankind.

Give the Grandparents the wisdom and understanding to have good influence in his life and to pass on the love of Jesus, so His will and ways will be instilled.

May he live under Your Lordship in every relationship and let him be willingly taught by You, walking with a meek and humble heart, yet with Your courage and peace guiding him.

I ask this in Jesus name, amen.

That is the prayer of blessing and hope.  Now here's the Haiku...

HAIKU - The Little Bundle

The Grandparents did

not know they were old enough

for that title.  Joy.

 

The Little Bundle

of joy slept soundly.  Snuggled

in swaddling blankets

Then, in their arms, he

slept on, unaware of the

moments of rapture.

Sleep well, Little One,

Jesus loves you, and wraps you

in His tender care.

        ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Psalm 9:1 ESV.

Sing, Because He Lives, along with the Gaither Vocal Band Music.

NOTE:

This song was chosen because of the line, "How sweet to hold a newborn baby."

Soon, But Not Specifically Soon

 Jesus is coming soon, He's coming to get us.  "Us" as in His followers, made children of God through Him.  But, "soon"?  Well, no specific date is stated.  But the hope of us hearing that trumpet of God is out there, ready or not.

What kind of a trumpet?  I don't know.  A shofar?  I don't know but it matters not.  I believe I'll know it when I hear it, just like knowing my Good Shepherd, Jesus' voice.  A sheep who follows the Good Shepherd, will KNOW it instinctively, I believe.  And up we'll go to meet Him in the air and be with Him forever and ever.

Isn't this encouraging?!

Thank You, Jesus.

Jesus come!

Bye for now ...

                                               ~  ERC  August  2026  ~

Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV.

Sing, Soon and Very Soon, along with Andrae Crouch and Emmanuel Church Eastleigh.

Lord's Day Devotion - Boast in Jesus

 

Lord, You are just and righteous, Your love is steadfast and unmoveable.  You've done so much for us, Your followers, through Your death and resurrection.  In You may we only boast.  To boast of Your goodness and love and especially of the salvation You earned for us.

Help me to have the humility needed so that no matter my achievements, my boasts will always, ever, be in You.

I ask in Your name Lord Jesus even this Lord's Day that through all this blest assurance we will know and understand Your love and wish to be surrounded by Your presence in our lives.  We take of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine, symbols of what you went through for us.  In this may we always boast.  Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  September 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 3:8 and Proverbs 27:2 ESV.

Sing, All My Boast is in Jesus, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Self-Control Needed

 More self-control is needed, so I'm glad that self-control is one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

Why?

Because it is often difficult to impliment.  Therefore, followers of Jesus Christ have this advantage - if we so employ this potential.

How so?

It is a benefit of humility.  It stops us from having to have the last word; it helps us to give soft answers; from over or under eating and from becoming proud - obviously - along with a whole list of other things.

We can ask the Lord Jesus to teach us these in greater measure as we walk in step with Him, enabling us to walk in greater humility - just like He did when He walked this earth.

Let's honor God by humbly exercising Holy Spirit-led self - control.  In Him is our strength.

Bye for now...

                                             ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on Galatians 5:22-23ESV.

Sing, Give Me Self-Control, along with Soverign Grace Music.

Cycle of Grace and Humility

 It's tricky talking about being humble.  The very moment I do, I feel prickles in my mind that say, "Uh-oh, are you sure you're humble?  Sounds like some tinge of pridefulness."

But I'm glad God gives more grace ...

"But He gives more grace.  Therefore, it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6 ESV).

So, I suppose cultivating God's grace will help me become more humble.  The humble are given more grace. A cycle of grace and humility then can become intertwined in ever-increasing measures.

This cycle can then help me towards humble repentance.  And God hears and answers those who pray.  We can then humbly listen for His voice and answers.

Let's all grow humility in our hearts and cultivate God's grace in our lives.  That's not too tricky, I don't think.

Bye for now ...

                                                  ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on James 4:6 ESV.

Sing, God of Every Grace, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Book Review - After the Betrayal (Duty and Betrayal Series Book 3) - By Roberta Kagan - Publication Date: 16 September 2026

 Manifold are the stories that have been untold, but do unfold in historical works of fiction such as Roberta Kagan can create.  This After the Betrayal is a prime example.  It is timeset in Hitler's Germany during WWII.  Atrocities and cruelty abound even among members of an SS Officer's family against whom the 'weaker' members suffer.  Despite that, we are told of kind and caring Germans who stuck their necks out to hide, protect and care for Jewish people.  Both ends of this spectrum are seen in this book.

Although this book can be a stand alone, it would be helpful to read Books 1 and 2 in this Duty and Betrayal Series to draw and weave the ends together in greater pleasure and enjoyment.  Either way, we meet good folks like Greta, Ziggy, Hermann, Lily, Ruth, Rebecca and others; and the not so good, like Ludwig and Alex.  Each expose their true characters.

We learn of the dangers of those who hid folks in their homes, of the Partisans and other groups of resistance people, with their varying successes and devastating consequences.  We learn of Hitler's sadistic project against those with disabilites: anything NOT Aryan and 'whole'.

As Kagan masterfully weaves her story, I often felt maximun emotional impact.  I believe potential readers would come to 'feel' some of what those characters portraying the strife of those days revealed, even down into their souls.  The author keeps the kettle boiling with the pathos the whole way through, adding a well executed ending.

5-Star rating, from me.

                                              ~  Eunice C.   Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                              September 2026

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

Read reviewo on Goodreads.

Encouragers Needed

 

More encouragers are needed.

Just think of this case scenario...

You drive along mountainous terrain having torrential rains come in unprecedented deluges.

The mountainsides begin to tremble, shake and slide.  Then there's an avalanche of earth, trees, and boulders.  They thunder and tumble down the slopes, landing in your path as if someone had purposefully upended a cornucopia of malice and shook it out, blocking your road and escape.

There's no way around, under, over or through.  You are stunned and stuck!  What are you thinking?  How are you feeling?

Time has stopped.

Numbness of brain and thought paralyze.  You feel hopeless and helpless.

What's to be done!?

How about this case #2 scenario ...

There is a river wide and wild that eventually slims down to rocky banks, of meandering twists and turns.  But then there's a great big granite rock in the middle of the flowing river.  But look, the river has found a way around and continues to rush onwards.  It smoothes and polishes that rock as it streams by.

In both cases, there are obstacles.  In the first scenario, one cannot help oneself.  Dependance upon others is needed to remove the debris so you can continue the journey.

In the second instance, you paddle your own canoe around the obstacles, finding a pathway as does the river.  Or, you portage.  You've been able to 'move on'.

Life is so much like both of these sequence of events.  There are times we need help from others.  There are times we take a deep breath and carry on.

For believers, no doubt , we pray and show our dependance upon the Lord, our strength and helper.

We never know the depth of another person's life's struggles and situation.  If we can humble ourselves and offer some form of encouragment to them, whether in word or deed or both, be sure you may well be the one helping to remove the debris, from soneone's life - if not physically perhaps mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually.

Whatever, let's be sensitive to the people in our paths who need encouragement.  Let's be the one to give another brother or sister-in-Christ the lift gift!

It is very often needed ...

Bye for now ...

                                              ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on James 4:10 and Acts 4:36.

Sing, Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11, along with Steve Green.

Book Review - Daughters of the Wreckage - By Stefanie Koens - Publication Date: 15 September 2026

 

What a fascinating story!  I found it to be one of those very difficult-to-put-down novels, and was disgruntled when I had to do just that to do life.  Based on a true-life story that harkened back to the 1600's, a ship named Batavia enroute to Batavia (present day Jakarta, Indonesia), sailed from Amsterdam, Holland.  It got shipwrecked on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.  Then a whole horror story happened!

This historical narrative runs along a two time frame setting from 1628 and the "present" day.  The two dovetail as Saskia experiences the nightmare of events whilst Tess 'digs' them up and discovers the history.  Several of the book's characters named were actual, true-to-life characters that helped shape the tale as it unfolded.  My favorite character was Aris.

Besides the actual history parts of the story, I appreciated the faith-based injections as well as the sweet romance that wafted its fragrances, softly, in threads throughout.  In my opinion, this has been a great way to become more aware of events from history despite the horrendousness thereof, and the people of those times and places can be remembered once again.

                                            ~  Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                             August 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.  

Less Finger-Pointing Needed

 

There's the old mother's proverb that instructs,

"If you point your finger at someone else, you still have three fingers pointing back at yourself."

In other words, don't be judgemental and critical of others.  We have our own foibles.  And it's good to be reminded that when there's better relationship between and among people, there will be less finger-pointing at others.

Similarly, Jesus told the accusing crowd that humilitated the woman allegedly caught in adultery ... And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them,

"Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her"                 (John 8:7 ESV).

If you continue to read the story of what came after Jesus said those words, you'll see that one-by-one, from the eldest to the youngest, the crowds turned away and dispersed.

Let's be humble, truly see the other person.  In many cases, our own assumptions, prejudices, or the negative gossip regarding others, is false and unfounded.

Let's see what's actually behind a person and not make snap judgements.

Don't be the pot that calls the kettle black when you yourself are not without sin.

Lord Jesus, preserve us from self-righteousness and being critical of others.  Help us to humbly see the situation through Your eyes and so respond as You would.  Amen.

Bye for now ...

                                      ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on John 8:4 ESV.

Sing, Jesus Said, Judge Not that Ye Be Not Judged, along with scriptural thinking songs.