Lord's Day Devotion - Shame - Free

 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16 ESV)

The gospel is there, available, ready and waiting for everyone.  Those who believe, receive. It is not just for one group of people either.  No one needs to work for it.  There is power in the gospel.  There is no need to be ashamed of the gospel; Paul, the writer of this verse, was not.

Some people do hide their faith in Jesus.  It's safer for them.  We call these people secret Christians.  But the power of the gospel cannot be hidden in our lives.  The truth will come out in our actions and even in our speech.  Eventually, our salvation will be known, similarly as to how Peter's manner of speech gave him away that he was a friend of Jesus' (see Matthew 26:73).

This is different than being ashamed of the gospel.  It means you have the faith or appear to certain people as having it but don't want certain groups of people, perhaps schoolmates, or other employees where you work.  Still, the truth may be eventually revealed.  Light cannot be hid in the dark.

Fear of being ridiculed and/or receiving mild persecution may keep us trapped in shame and fear.  But Jesus paid the cost of the gospel of salvation, received through faith and belief in His work on the cross.

Being trapped in the fear and shame of the gospel is crippling and stunts our spiritual growth and our testimony to others.  Let's pray and ask the Lord to free us from such fear so we have the boldness and courage to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ from rooftops.

This Lord's Day, as we remember Jesus in His death and resurrection, let's remember what it cost Him to gain our salvation for us.  Also, remember there is power from God that can enable us to shed our fear of man, and replace it with the fear of God and open life in Christ.

As we remember, reach for and partake of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine, those symbols representing His sacrifice.  He openly hung on a shameful cross to bear our shame and set us free from it.

Adam and Eve's naked shame was covered with an attempted fig leaf covering. However, it was not enough and they still felt shame, as they should have.   In contrast, Jesus covers our shame by the power of His blood, death and resurrection.  Know this power and be set free.

Lord Jesus, once again we cannot thank You enough for going through all the suffering and sacrifice of the cross to buy our pardon and offer the gift of salvation.  Thank You for this power of God now in us, and working through us.  May we have the courage and boldness to openly declair Your name and live for You - shame free.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 1:16 ESV.

Sing, His Robes For Mine, along with Hymns of Grace 2021.

God's Fellow Workers (1 Corinthians 3: especially vs 6-9 ESV)

 

When we have the mind of Christ and understand that His mind is the top mind that can never ever be surpassed by any mere human being, we begin to have some wisdom.

What's more, we will know that when and if we plant and water something it is only God who causes it to grow.

I got some clippings from a friend a couple of weeks ago.  I planted them and watered them and they did grow.  They especially liked being put out in the rain to let God water them.  He really encouraged them to grow well.

So the planter person could not boast of that growth.  We realize that ...

" ... neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV).

So let's apply this to doing God's work.  We may have a smaller or a bigger part in it but we need to let God do His part too.  He's the one to supply the growth.  We cannot boast or take sides with the one who plants nor the one who waters.  We can only boast in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

This is something the apostle Paul addressed with the Corinthians who had been taking sides with their favorite leader, whether Apollos, Paul or Cephas, respectively causing divisions and quarrels.

We do well to realize that they, and we in our day, are

 "God's fellow workers ... [His] field and [His] building" (vs. 9).  

Ownership belongs to Him.  Draw near to Him and so maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We belong to Christ and not to any one particular leader.  Boast in Jesus alone.

                                              ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 3: especially vs 6 & 9 ESV.

Sing, How Deep the Father's Love For Us, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Good and Helpful Answers (1 Corhinthians 2: especially vs 14-16 ESV)

 

We have the mind of Christ because we have His Holy Spirit indwelling us.  That is, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, He indwells.  This does not necessarily mean we fully understand our Lord's mind.

"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him"                              (1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV).

A natural person cannot, a spiritual one, may, that's why obedience to HIS instructions are imperative.  He knows the full picture, we only partially know and understand.

We can get wisdom, knowledge and understanding imparted through the Holy Spirit.  There is need then to be still and listen for His guidance and direction.

Some things, I'd say, we'll never fully know or understand in our life time.  God is so BIG and no one can fathom His mind.  But when we go to be with Him, I believe either it won't matter so much or He'll give us the full scope when we meet Him.

So, the element of trust in Him comes in here.  Trust that He will always know what's best for us and in that trust we can rest, abide and obey Him.

The other day I told a friend I wanted to pick her brain for a specific reason.  She was willing and gave me some helpful answers.

I think that because we have found a Friend in Jesus, that we can 'pick His brain' for some specific reasons too.  We may not always get the exact answer we were looking for but there will be helpful direction.  His mind is the most brilliant of all - they will be good and helpful answers. 

 I trust Him.

                                             ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 2: especially vs 14-16 ESV.

Sing, Trust and Obey, along with The Celebration Choir.

Benedictions that Warm the Heart (Hebrews 13:20 & 21)

 

Do you like benedictions?  I do.  They are so caring.  My church began adding them after the closing prayers.  I always feel blessed by them and leave with a happy smile on my face and a warm heart within.

Aaron, the first High Priest of God over Israel, used to say a good night benediction over the nation.  He'd raise his arms and bless them saying,

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace ..." (Numbers 6:22-26 ESV).

It was said nightly like a bedtime prayer.  Night-night, tuck you in, sleep well, of course, but it was so much more.  By so doing, God told Moses that Aaron would be putting His ...

" ... name upon the people of Israel, and I [He, God] will bless them"                  (Numbers 6:27 ESV).

The writer of Hebrews wanted to bless the Hebrews too.  It would resignate, with them deeply because of the High Priests' nightly benediction pronounced over them.  This is something that even though they'd become Christian Hebrews, they could understand and appreciate it and be heart-warmed.

But this benediction also had an exhortation imbedded in it.  We don't just have the privelege of being blessed, we have responsibility too - a two-sided coin portfolio.  Each follower of Jesus Christ has been blessed with this benediction too.

Peace is pronounced over us in the name of the God of peace but part of the blessing stems from being equipped ...

 " ... with everything good that [we] may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ ..." (Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV).

So, as we go forth we may experience the happy smile and warm heart but we need to be equipped and use what God has given us through our faith in Jesus Christ for the good and benefit of the congregation of believers and beyond, and do His will, thus giving all glory and honor to Him forever and ever.  

                  GOD BLESS YOU!

                                                     ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Hebrews 13:20 & 21, Numbers 6:22-27 ESV.

Sing, A Mother's Prayer (Numbers 6 :22-27) Cry Out Worship.  Also, Numbers 6:22-27 - The Bible Song.

Boast In Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV and especially vs 10 & 17 ESV.

 Have you ever published something?  Perhaps a magazine or newspaper article, or a book?  Was it self-published or had the writings gone through a publishing house?  Some people do self-publish books.

But as we begin to read 1 Corinthians chapter 1, (and other of Pauls' opening lines of letters he wrote) we see he didn't exactly "self- publish" his letter.  His authority came from God.  He greeted them, 

"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Sosthenes our brother ..." (1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV).

He establishes his right and authority to "speak" to his Corinthian audience by telling them, #1, he was called to be an apostle by Jesus Christ Himself, and #2, through the will of God.  It's important to note this especially.  You'll see why as we move through the letter.

God and Jesus Christ were his witnesses, so to speak, and the One who ordained him.  Therefore, he writes in confidence and expectation that the Corinthians will heed his words of wisdom.  He is not just spouting off offhand.

There forever being enmity between God and Satan, Satan can't leave well enough alone.  The Corinthian church had been happily established but now division came.  Satan was using the 'divide and conquer' method.

Paul had to pull them back, reminding them of their need to all agree in the name of their Lord Jesus Christ (vs 10).  They should not have divisions among them and that they should be united in the same mind and the same judgment (vs 10).

The leader among them to follow, was and should be, their same mind, Christ, not Paul, not Apollos and not Cephas.

Very likely these three were stalwart and godly men of God.  But they were human beings, not God.  They needed to make and maintain Christ as central to their service and worship.  Otherwise, Paul stated his fear that,

"...the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (vs 17 ESV).

Not that the cross and the work Jesus had done upon it would in and of itself be diminished but rather that the people would tarnish His name and word and so bring dishonor upon Jesus' work upon the cross and upon Jesus Himself and even upon the followers of Jesus Christ, for that matter, who were not showing too much brotherly love and had marred the unity of the Spirit.

Self-centeredness leads to inflated ego and boasting in self.  But Christ-centeredness leads to boasting in Jesus Christ and all He has done for us.  It leads to living for Him and being the light and salt in the world.  It leads to bringing others to Christ.  And it leads to unity in Christ and His Holy Spirit thereby resisting the devil so he would flee from them.  Then we'd have something to write about, and even publish.

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV and vs 10 & 17 ESV especially.

Sing, All My Boast Is In Jesus, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

HAIKU - Many Sparrows

 God's eye is on the sparrows.  He sees when they fall.  Know that His eye is also on you.  He sees and knows when you stumble and fall.  He knows when you are in trouble, alone and in despair.  he knows, He loves, He cares.  Let Him comfort you, hold you fast for He is a constant faithful friend who cares for you and me. 

"For you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:21-31 ESV).

Sparrows flutter and

flit, "Chirp, Chirp," hop, hop in the trees,

and upon the ground.

Foraging; peck, hop,

peck, hop, hop for seeds, flit

flutter, dust-bath clean.

Oops, a sparrow fell

out of the tree.  Sits stunned, still.

Drooping, dragging wing.

Poor dear sparrow, God

saw it.  Values it.  He made

it.  Fear not.  You see?

Do you see?  You are

worth more than many sparrows,

to God.  His eyes see.

                      ~ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 10:29-31 ESV.

Sing, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, along with Ethel Waters.

Validates and Vindicates (Romans 16 ESV)

 

It was quite the exercise to circle the park six times in one go.  After calculation it added up to only 4.8 km!  "Groan!" I said as I staggerd, half faintingly to the car to drive home.  That's not much compared to some people who can even jog, yes, that's right, jog, running circles around me ... zoom!  They flash by, again.

It was also quite the exercise to read my way through the letter to the Romans.  It's taken more than a month to accomplish.  I staggered through it, but persevered and found many nuggets of God's Word to enjoy.  Here I am at last, at the farewell salutations.

It is a relief to have something 'easier' and joyful to read.  All the greetings to this person and that, and even Paul's commendation of sisters Phoebe and Prisca, and brother Aquila, and many others named there.  I chuckle as Paul adds,

" ... but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well" (vs 4).

Why'd he have to addend that?  If you'd read through the whole book of Romans you understand the humor and irony in that statement, he facetiousness of it.  There is also the point that Paul was making throughout.

He was the 'minister' to the Gentiles and he validates and vindicates them.  He has also exhorted both Gentiles and Jews in the Roman assembly of believers, reminding them of their unity in Christ and all it had entailed.

Anyway, It amused me to see his choice of words.  And in the end they were to

 "greet one another with a holy kiss" (v. 16).  

In addition to that,  to show further solidarity Paul appended,

"All the churches of Christ greet you ..." (vs 16 ESV).

As Paul ends his letter, so I end this series of commentary upon the letter to the Romans, saying to my readers ...

" ... to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ.  Amen"                  (Roman 16:27 ESV).

All glory be to God.

                                                         ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 16 ESV.

Sing, Glory to God on High, along with Isle of Man Methodist Church.

Lord's Day Devotion - Marks of the Lord Jesus

 Do you have any scars on your body?  Any marks that won't fade all the days of your life?

Maybe you got them in childhoood from going down a slide headfirst and you knocked your head on the end and had to get stitches in your forehead.  Or maybe you got cut on barbed wire or from a knife accident or surgery scars.

There are so many ways marks can appear on our bodies.  Cuts, scrapes, tatoos and the like mark our bodies.  Some of these show ownership.  Slaves may have been branded with hot irons and/or specific tatoos.

For instance, in the Old Testament (OT) times, after six years of service, a servant could choose to be legally bound to a master, forever.  The master would bore his ear through with an aul.

" ... and he would serve him forever" (Exodus 21:6 ESV).

A female servant could do the same (see Deuteronomy 15:17).  These were marks of loyalty, commitment and ownership.

During World War II, those interned in Hitler's concentration camps had prisoner numbers tatooed upon their upper left chest or the outer side of the left forearm.  These marks were marks of contempt and dehumanization.

The Apostle Paul remarks in Galatians that he bore in his body ...

" ...the marks of Jesus" (Galations 6:17 ESV).

When we read through the book of Acts, we discover many of Paul's hardships and persecution at the hands of men who hated the name of Jesus whom he preached.  He'd been whipped, and stoned and left for dead, to name a couple off hand.  He used these marks as proof of the authority he had in Christ to be teaching and preaching what he did.  In fact, to even be writing as he was.

Most importantly, we come to our own Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the redemption of our souls, and to bring new life to our spirits, healing the relationship between God and man.  

The obvious marks our Savior has, are the nail prints and the scar in His side from the spear that had pierced Him.  In time to come, these marks of Jesus Christ will show His true identity.

Revelation 1:7 mentions it ...

"Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him.  Even so.  Amen" (ESV  [emphasis mine]).

This is a soon-coming day being referred to.  The eye witness to Jesus' marks, of his death and resurrection, is namely Thomas.  He demanded to see the nailmarks in Jesus' hands and feet and place his hand into Jesus' side where the spear had pierced Him, otherwise he wouldn't believe this was truly Jesus who'd arisen from the dead (see John 20:25-27).

Jesus encouraged Thomas to do just that. 

 "See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.  Touch Me and see.  For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have" (Luke 24:39 ESV).

After saying this, Jesus showed not only Thomas, but all who had been in that upper room hide-away, His hands and His feet (see Luke 24:40 ESV).

There had even been OT prophecises of these marks.  Isaiah 53:5 tells us,

"But He was pierced for our transgression, He was crushed for our iniquities, upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed" (ESV).

There was the OT prophecy, there was the actual real time as-it-happens' marks, and the post resurrection confirmation of these piercings upon Jesus' body.  Then there's the future sightings prophesied to happen in time to come.

Our Lord Jesus' marks show us how much He loved us, that He would go through all this for our sakes.  They also show us His loyalty and commitment and obedience to His Father's will that He would carry out God's plan of salvation to full capacity and God's satisfaction.

The LORD crushed Jesus and brought Him grief as Jesus brought Himself as an offering and sacrifice for our souls.

"Out of anguish of His soul He [God] shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous and He shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:10-11 ESV).

We ourselves may or may not have our own "marks of the Lord Jesus" for the testimony we bear for Him.  But we do have the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ upon our souls and spirits that, 

"blood of Jesus Christ that washes away our sin" (1 John 1:7).

God sees this upon our hearts and is satisfied.

We belong to Him now.  Ownership of our souls and very lives, is His.  He bought us.  Do you see yourself now as His loyal and committed servant?

Ponder all of this on any given Lord's Day as we, His children and bondservants, gather together to remember Him in His death and resurrection.  Reach for and partake of that broken bread and drink of that cup of wine in remembrance of all Jesus suffered for our sakes.  Remember those marks that prove it.  Praise His holy name.  Serve Him faithfully evermore.

Lord Jesus, we humbly bow before You in adoration and thankfulness.  Those marks You bore for us, Your children, get to us.  It hurts to think of all that pain and suffering You endured.  Yet, with hearts hurting within us, we thank You for going through with it all.  May we each be fully committed to loyally serving You until You call us home.  In Your name we give You priase.  Amen.

                                                 ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Galations 6:17-18 ESV.

Sing, The Love of God is Greater Far, along with and Because He Loved Me, along with klassenp1 (choir).

Open-Hearted Welcome (Romans15: especially vs 2 & 5-6 ESV)

 

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up ... May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:2, 5-6 ESV).

Observe the reason for pleasing one's neighbor.  It was for his good.  That "good" specifically, was to build him up.  It was not to be manipulated or favored for other special treatment.

So like a prayer, God was asked to grant the Roman believers endurance, and encouragement.  Why?  So that they could live in harmony, be in accord with Christ Jesus and have one voice to glorify God.

This was not to please their own self and their own preferences.  When you read through the whole letter to the Romans you'll see all the conflicts and issues that had arisen because they wanted to impose their own Jewish-ness or Gentile-ness.  These elements had been strongly imbedded into their beings - minds and hearts.

But now they needed to learn the new way in Christ.  It would take endurance because these issues would surface again and again and needed God's endurance to overcome.

They also needed God's encouragement to motivate them towards God's most excellent way.  So when they glorified God it would not be tainted by dissension but by one voice, in togetherness, in one accord and harmony.  They needed to do this attuning of their hearts and minds so that they could willingly and open-heartedly welcome one another as Christ had welcomed each of them (see vs7).  And this hope they had in Christ could then fill them with all joy and peace in believing, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

And so, Paul encouraged them with confidence, even though he had used some strong language as he pointed out various "reminders," as he called them, to instruct them in The Christian Way (see vs 14-15 ESV).

God and Father, to You we lift up our hearts and minds in one accord to glorify You.  It's only in You we have genuine endurance and encouragement to be one in Christ and to keep the unity of the Holy Spirit.  We can only thank You for all of this and forgiving us hope that we can indeed live in harmony with other believers of diverse backgrounds.  Thank You so much for the book of Romans that reveals these issues to us.  In Jesus' name we give You our thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 15: especially vs 2, 5 & 6 ESV.

Sing, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, along with Marantha Singers.

Food and Drink (Romans 14 ESV)

 "You are what you eat," is a slogan and book title by a nutritionist named Victor Lindlahr.  He said that our health is linked to the food we eat.  The 'for better or for worse' scenario comes to the fore.

Yes, I know that Paul was not talking about diet and health in Romans 14 but it is true that our diet can reflect our cultural and/or religious backgrounds.  The adherents to these backgrounds will indeed tend to have mirrored health, depending on the foods they eat.

But still, this was not Paul's point I believe.  When the food a person eats stems from religious and even cultural beliefs, and each respective person believes he or she is RIGHT!  that's where clashes could likely have broken out as each try to gain dominance.

Once again we are reminded of the Roman congregation of believers' backgrounds.  The Jews had food restrictions a mile long derived from the Law of Moses God had given to the Israelites and that was passed down through the ages - for more than one millenia!  

Cogitate on that a while.  How ingrained that'd be!  How right these laws would be as fixed in the minds of these religious devotees!  Enter the Gentiles who'd even eat pork and other foods sold in markets, food that had often been offered to idols first.  You get the picture!

Paul articulately addresses this issue in one magnificent, professional, fluid flourish of his mind and pen.  He wrote,

"I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean" (Romans 14:14 ESV).

And he even says,

"Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him" (Romans 14:3 ESV).

That evens things up nicely.  Paul doesn't leave it at that though because if this is just a mechanical do or don't  on your own strength case, it would likely fail miserably.

"None of us lives to himself" (Romans 14:7).

You won't be able to do it alone.  You need the Lord and the fellowship of the believers in support.  And if a believer of whatever background grieves another brother or sister by what they eat in front of them, they are

"no longer walking in love" (vs. 15).

That puts it bluntly and Paul adds warning,

"Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God" (vs 20).

Check it out.  Ask yourself,  "Am I ME-centered, or CHRIST-centered?!" 

I know a brother who eats with others - co-workers - but because they abstain from certain foods and he wants to eat with them to try to keep harmonious relationship as best he can for greater efficiency and healthy work environment, he'll join them in the type of food choice they make, even though it's not his favorite.  This is sacrifice to himself for the good of all.  He keeps his faith between himself and God, and eats what they eat.

What's more, when believers in Jesus Christ meet with other believers we can do ...

"... what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v. 19).

I realize this is not an easy road to travel, especially when certain things have been ingrained in us since childhood as if it's part of our DNA, but then again when we abstain or partake, in love and humility, the love of God by-the-way, it all helps to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

In so doing, we "do not destroy the work of God" for the sake of food or for the sake of whatever the quarrel is about.  Let not pride and "my right way" stumble another nor divide a congregation of believers.  Food and drink are not as important as peace and unity of Sprit among the people of God.

May our Lord bless the sacrifices we make in these types of circumstances.  God bless us all as we walk humbly with Him.

So be it, Lord.  Amen.

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 14 ESV.

Sing, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, along with Alan Parks.

Walk Properly in Daylight (Romans 13 ESV)

 I'm always curious and somewhat astonished when God's Word lumps certain immoral actions together, some of which may not be considered as bad as others.  Yet, here is a Bible verse that sees them all on par.

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkennes, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy" (Romans 13:13 ESV).

In my mind quarreling and jealousy are not near as bad as the others included on that list.  Perhaps, what they could lead to though, if left unchecked, is where the evil lies.

It's kind of like the Pharisee and the Tax Collector's attitudes and stances as they prayed and even why they'd come to pray in the first place.

One came to exalt himself, telling God how good he was - how morally upright he was.  In contrast, the tax collector humbly admitted his sinfulness, begging God for mercy.  "I'm a sinner," he outrightly confessed (see Luke 18:9-14).

Self-righteousness does not justify us.  So when we think one type of sin is worse than another, or that because we've lived a good-living life and haven't hurt anyone, we are justified in God's sight, we are blind to truth.

As Paul encouraged the Roman congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers,

"Cast off the works of darkness" (Roman 13:12 ESV).

Darkness that we think is light.  Let's understand how God sees us and our acitons.  Instead let's, 

" ... put on the armor of light ..." and "walk properly as in the daytime"                (Romans 13:12 & 13).

Allow the light of God and His Word to illuminate even to our most inner and intimate thoughts and intents of heart.

Paul adds something of major import ...

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Romans 13:14 ESV).

Don't put temptation in temptation's way to test your own temptation thresholds.  We need to search our hearts and minds in the 'daylight' of God's Word and Holy Spirit conviction, thus avoiding all the immorality, even the bits we think aren't that bad.

                                                    ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 13 ESV.

Sing, When We Walk With the Lord (Trust and Obey), along with the Isle of man Methodist Church choir.

Book Review - Disposable Wives - By Lynda Drews - Publication Date: 12 May 2026

 

Disposable Wives is of interest but not exactly a riveting read.  In fits and starts it did briefly grab my attention but then lagged where details bogged the story down.  However, I did keep in mind that this book is based on true life events.  Some accuracy in those details needed telling, I believe.

A  reader will encounter the story mainly through Pauline's and Xavier's eyes.  Pauline was a sister to Elvira who was one of Jean Philippe Sosquet's unfortunate, disposable wives.  Xavier was many things but functioned largely as a translater in this story.

One is taken through the runup to the alleged crimes, through the trials and what came afterwards.  How could one truly like a book though that's about such a dispicable man.  Yet,  I feel some small spark of justice has been done by mention of the three respective wives.  They have not been completely lost to buried history.

                                             ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                            May 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Heart Burn (Romans 12 ESV)

 

Once the people of God begin to humbly walk in a Christian way - remembering that no matter the walk of life and cultural and/or religious background they are from - they will be more unified, walking in the Spirit and in the unity of the Spirit God gave them.  There will be a bond of peace.  They will be more able to,

"... present [their] bodies as a lving sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God"               (Romans 12:1 ESV).

This will be their "spiritual worship," their way of life.

There will be transformation and renewal of mind, discernment of God's will.  All very important as is not thinking too highly of themselves (vs 2 & 3).  There will be love and genuine affection for each other and together, their service for the Lord will be

 "fervent in spirit" (v. 11).

There will be rejoicing, patience, constant prayer and so much more.  You will see it when you read Romans 12.  

Harmony.  This is not just a work the Lord loves, rather the action, and state of being in harmony He wants.  Harmony.  Unity.  Paul pushes these points and explains how to achieve it.  Jesus and Gentiles alike being addressed here.  Please, please, please, I hear in Paul's words ...

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (vs 18).

Ths is the pro-active actions the assembly of believers in Rome could work on.  This is part and parcel of the "Christian Way".  It would take guts, they'd have to be living sacrifices.  They'd have to sacrifice, daily, all their own thoughts, ideas and opinions that stemmed from their upbringing whether religious and/or cultural.  Instead they'd need to seek out the better, more excellent way in Christ.

New thinking according to their "new creation in Christ" being.  And if they wanted to get revenge - leave it to God because

 "vengeance belonged to Him" (see v 19).

Furthermore, if they really and truly were concerned for their enemy, they'd be radical.  What?  Feed them?  Give them drink when and where needed?  They'd find out what those enemies needed and supply it.  That will get to the enemy and, 

"heap burning coals on his head" (v 20).

I'd think even on your own.  Perhaps not on your head but on your heart - you'd have heart burn.  Because, to be able to do genuine good to anyone you consider an enemy, the heart will need certain emotions burned away.  Emotions of anger, rebellion, revenge, and the like.  Showing goodness and kindness will cost and therefore, a sacrifice of our natural inclinations.  

No doubt we've all felt these.  Our Lord will be well-pleased when we can be more like Him in these matters.  May God get the glory from our lives that reflect Him.  This is acceptable to Him.

                                                  ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 12 ESV.

Sing, There is One Gospel, along with City Alight.

Mother's Day 2026 - While You Can

 Another year, another Mother's Day.  Lots of endearing words and sentiments flood the lines, read and said.  But for some people there are now only fond memories.

We love to remember the nurturing and wise actions of our Moms.  Granted some mother's haven't made the mark but I'd like to honor those who have.

Mothers teach and comfort, give unconditional love, are our top fan in our personal fan club and have enduring influence, even now, after she [they] has /have passed.

And so we lift our glasses in honor of her and good, noble mothers everywhere - the globe over.

Thanks to our Lord who gave us diligent, wise moms on whom we could rely.  Best of all to Mothers who feared the Lord and taught their children to love Jesus who first loved them.

We celebrate and give our Mothers honor and praise and thanks for all they've done for us from the womb to the tomb.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" (Proverbs 31:31 NIV).

Indeed, I deeply thank my own Mom, especially for the covering of prayers she prayed over and for me for all the decades of her life.

Mother's everywhere, let's encourage each other whatever stage of parenting we are at.  It's not an easy job but with God's help, we can do it.  Sit down and have a cuppa with yours while you still can.

                          HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2026!

                                                      ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Proverbs 31:31.

Sing, My Beautiful Mommy, Living Water Worship Kids.

The Christian Way (Romans 11: expecially 1-2 and 13 ESV)

 

What a mastermind the apostle Paul must have been!  I would dearly love to know what his IQ must have been.  I suppose there were no such data collecting standards during his time but he must have been quite a genius.

Look at his writings and sleuth for his background bio to get some clue of it.   He often used his trump cards to great effect too.  It can be especially noted in the book of Acts in how he outmanuevers getting a whipping by stating his Roman citizenship or breaks up dissession against him and the like.

You can see how he levels the ground in Romans chapter 11 in a most elegant and eloquent way.  If you recall, this book of Romans was written to Christians on Rome.  The major cultural background had been Gentile believers until the returned-to-Rome Jews who'd become Christians had joined the congregation.

Of course there'd be cultural clashes!!

Even though the common denominator was that both cultures now had a new culture, that of being Christian, the influence of their Gentile-ness and their Jewish-ness was strong and vying for prominence.  This brought conflict.

Paul's letter sought to bring peace, awareness and a unity of Spirit in the bond of that peace.  Therefore, he starts this section of letter with stating,

"I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham ... God has not rejected his        people ..." (Romans 11:1 & 2 ESV).

For the Jews, this message likely brought assurance.  Paul could tie it to them directly, so they'd listen.  For the Gentiles, though, it may have ruffled feathers.

So Paul reveals another trump card down in verse 31.

"Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry ..."

Ah-ha!  He snags their attention too, and goes on to give word pictures of how neigher group should become arrogant nor force cultrueal beliefs upon the other.

I love what he tells them in no uncertain terms,

" ... do not be arrogant toward the branches.  If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you ...." (vs 18).

They all had been

 "chosen by grace" (vs. 5), 

therefore it was 

"no longer on the basis of works" (vs 6). 

 And so Paul dealt with a major issue with aplomb, reassurance, and exhortation, pulling them together by God's grace, to see the Christian Way, unifying them to give God glory. 

 All glory be to God!

Amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 11: especially vs 1-2, 13 ESV.

Sing, We Are One in the Spirit, along with Sounds Like Reign.

God's Righteousness (Romans 10: especially vs 3 & 21 ESV)

 

It's easily said ... 

"God's righteouusness". 

 But do we know what we're talking about?  I asked myself that.  "What does it mean?"

The easy answer is, "Oh, He is sinless, has always been sinless and will be forever sinless."  He is perfect, holy, faithful.  All this is 100% correct.  He is totally incapable of sinning.  Therefore, we say God is righteous.  He IS righteousness.

We cannot, should not be, ignorant of this but many are.  Many think they can become righteous by doing good deeds by being good, kind, and morally upright.  They don't harm anyone.  They think if they live like this long enough they'll hopefully earn enough merit to call themself "righteous" and to be righteousness.

Don't get me wrong.  A good-living person can be appreciated especially when their benevolence touches you.  But the thing is, that these types of people do have a major flaw.  That is, they

" have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3 ESV).

You see, when God breathed into Adam's nostrils the breath of life, (see Genesis 2:7 ESV), Adam had not yet sinned.  He was capable of it but was as yet in an innocent state.  He had not yet done good or bad.  We know that he eventually did do wrong and sinned.  In that innocent state he could not be called 'righteousness'.

His actions showed that he had not submitted to the righteousness of God.

This helps me see the difference.  This is what the Jewish Christians in Rome needed to understand for themselves too.  Before calling the kettle black, they had to look at themselves first and see this.

God had given the Israelite nation of old, the Law to live by.  That's how they could calculate their wrongdoings and level of righteousness by how well they upheld those Laws of God.

In the final analysis they were unable to

 "establish their own righteousness" (Romans 1:3 ESV).  

And even though God ...

" ... held out [His] hands [all day long] to these disobedient and contrary people" (vs 21)

they did not submit themselves to God's righteousness.

This is the crux of the matter.  We cannot 'go it' alone, even if we think we can.  Adam and Eve thought they could.  They put the bandaid of fig leaves over their nakedness - the first ever 'cover up' of sin - but they still knew they were wrong.  They tried to hide from holy and righteous God.

Actually, in light of today's current events re: the Israel - USA - Iran war, verse 21 makes me want to cry.  God is beseeching Israel.

"But to Israel He said, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Romans 10:21 KJV).

"All day long ..." God has been holding out His hands to them.  He did so way back in Bible times and I believe He is still doing so today.  If only they would not be ignorant of this stance!

And not only to those in Israel, but to those in the USA and those in Iran; hey, in fact to the world over ... God's hands are stretched out to one and all who would come willingly to seek Him and His righteousness.  Others have.  Why not you?

Let's not be foolish nations and people to go on living in ignorance.  God wants to impart and impute His righteousness to YOU!

Come as your are - whether you are a good-living person or a bad one.  Submit to Him through Jesus.  Be established in God's righteousness - believe.

                                                   ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 10: especially vs 3 and 21 ESV.

Sing, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, along with Chet Valley Songs and Hymns.

The Stumbling Stone (Romans 9 especially vs 30-31 ESV)

 Curiosity may lead a reader of the letter to the Romans to wonder just to whom this letter was written.  Was it to the Jews?  Was it to the Gentiles?

It may be discovered that the group of Christians in Rome had been mostly of the Gentile variety.  They had been living by the faith that had saved them.  They had been made righteous by that which had not come from following the Halakha (Jewish religious law).  Rather, it had been by faith.  And it was through faith and Holy Spirit's guidance they now lived and led sanctified lives.

At that time Rome had opened up its borders once again to allow Jews who had formerly been expelled by Emperor Claudius around A.D.49.  They began to return roughly around A.D.52.

When returning Christian Jews found the congregation of Gentile believers things got somewhat topsy-turvey.  Confusion about needing to follow the Jewish laws spiked.  Thus, Paul's letter to the Roman believers.

He reminded them that it had been by faith in Jesus Christ that they'd been saved, not by works.  Not by following the Law.  This was part of the stumbling stone and "rock of offense" that needed to be navigated.

Picture someone intentionally placing a stone, not a small one, in the well-worn path hundreds of people filed by everyday, for years and years.  That walkway had been clear, with no serious obstacle for years on end.  Now, suddenly, a stumbling stone appears.

Half asleep morning pedestrians walk by, businessmen and women hurrying, hurrying hurrying by, clutching their briefcases, laptops and coffee, intent on getting to work and almost trip but see the stone last minute, managing to overcome this moring blip.  Even the blindman who traversed this way daily, 'saw it' with his trusty white cane.  He continued unhindered on his way to work.

Then some, at slightly slower pace, engrossed in their phone screens, came along and stumbled over that stone.  Flashes of anger well up, many cursing and kicking that stone.  How dare it be there, distrubing their addictive screen viewings! They finally circumvent the obstruction, and continue on their way in annoyance, huffing, puffing and spluttering.

The Jews of Rome stumbled in much the same way.  It was understandable.  They'd been taught since birth about adhering to all these Laws, as it was the way to righteousness and pleasing God.

But they had accepted Jesus as Savior through faith.  It was difficult though to separate and retrain their minds to give up the Law as a means of being made holy and righteous before God.  It was so very difficult.

Paul graciously leads them through it showing them the stumbling stone.  He could do it because he had gone through all this himself.

Jesus Christ had been the stumbling stone and rock of offense for him and them but now they must be reminded of the very way in which they'd come to Christ in the first place.  It had been through faith and not by works of righteousness.  Right?

It's so true even today, that after many years of thinking one way, having been brought up in one particular culture or another, that it could well clash with God's standards and values of Christian living.

What are the "stumbling stones" for you?  Are they going to trip you up?  We each need to examine them in the light of Scripture and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit if we sincerely want to navigate around the stumbling stones, to live well for Christ.

By God's grace, let's do that.

                                                   ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Romans 9: especially vs 30-31 ESV.

Sing, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, along with Sovereign Grace Music.

The Spirit of Slavery (Romans 8: especially vs 12-16 ESV)

 Fear can make a person a slave.  A slave to whatever or whomever creates the fear within.  Fear that takes hold and controls even our very breath if that were possible.  This can be referred to as

 "the spirit of slavery" (Romans 8:15 ESV).

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they did NOT receive such a spirit.  It is the Spirit of God and of adoption into God's family we have received.

This Spirit - the Holy Spirit - clicks in our spirit and heart and mind causing us to know and acknowledge God is our father to whom we belong.  We cannot help to cry out to Him,

"Abba!  Father!" (vs 15).

We can be led by this Spirit, knowing then we are "children of God" (vs16).  We have an almighty and powerful Father who has our backs.  We no longer need to have crippling fear nor be slaves to that fear.  With this Spirit of God we can then

 "put to death the deeds of the body" (vs 13 ESV). 

 This frees us to live according to the Spirit rather than be controlled by our fears.

And when those fears begin to raise their ugly heads in our minds and hearts, cry out, "Abba!  Father!"  We remind ourselves to whom we belong, thereby relinguishing the fear and death-giving slavery.  Therefore, we can live.

Let's give all our praise, worship and service to our God and King and Savior Jesus Christ.  We can do so by the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.

Amen.  

So be it.

                                                    ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 8: especially vs 12-16 ESV).

Sing, Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer along with Sovereign Grace Music.

My Mind vs My Flesh (Romans 7:6, 23-25 ESV)

 

Reading through the letter to the Romans feels like one continuous sermon, at least so far.  It is something one has to read slowly and maybe even backtrack to keep the thread of the thoughts before moving forward once again.

It feels like it is difficult to comment upon but it is interesting as it is causing one to use ones' full concentration.  It's a letter one really needs to read through for oneself, too.

It gives life and hope and greater understanding even if one can only grasp tidbits with ones' fingertips.  But thank God we can begin to understand this new way of life through the Holy Spirit helping us to live by the Spirit and to serve the Lord, not by following a set of rules (although they are good rules) but

 "to do so through keeping in step with the Holy Spirit" (see Romans 7:6 ESV).

In this way we can be fed with the meat of the word of God and

 "delight in the law of God, in [our] inner being" ( vs 21).

And do you ever feel wishy-washy or yo-yo like?  First you feel like you can do this Christian life of discipline with the Lord's strength and then you fail?

It's good to know that a stalwart mighty man of God like the Apostle Paul was battling this struggle too.  But it wasn't really that he or we are yo-yo's.  He explained it like this,

" ... but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members" (Romans 7:23 ESV).

Paul despairs some, but then gives God thanks, that through Jesus Christ our Lord we get help.  He acknowledges that he serves,

" ... the law of God with [his] mind, but with [his] flesh [he] serves the law of sin" (Romans 7:25 ESV).

And then we get the breath of fresh air as we skip into Romans 8 ...

We are no longer condemned by this, at least for those of us who are "in Christ Jesus".

We have been set free through the Spirit of life in Christ.  Thus when we keep in step more consciously, as we walk humbly in the fear of the Lord, we are empowered to choose to walk aright, despite the struggle.  May God's Word and His Spirit shape our mind, heart and life.

Lord, help us all.  Amen.

                                              ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 7 especially vs 6, 23-25 ESV.

Sing, Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me, along with City Alight.

Alive in Christ (Romans 6:17-19 & 22 ESV)

 When God formed Adam out of the dust, Adam was still inert.  That is, until God

 "breathed into [Adam's] nostrils the breath of life and man became a living creature" (Genesis 2:7 ESV).

Before that breath of life entered into Adam's nostrils, he was body and soul and spirit.  Yet the spirit was not yet alive.  He only became "a living creature" when God's breath entered into his nostrils.

Mankind is body, soul and spirit.  This is different than the animal kingdom.  Our pets and safari beasts, birds of the air and the fish of the sea have body and soul.  Only mankind, whether male or female are body, soul and spirit.

But the instant Adam sinned, he died.  You may argue - no he didn't.  He lived to be 930 years old (see Genesis 5:5).  I tell you, it was not his body that died that day.  It was his spirit.

Ever since then any human baby in the womb and then born, has a dead spirit in their body and soul.  We all become 

"slaves of sin" (Romans 6:17).  

We cannot help ourselves.

No penance or atoning action on our part can ever make our spirit alive.  We can only be set free from sin and its consequences through our faith in the free gift of God He bought for us through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.

Jesua paid the penalty for our sin.  That sin that caused dead spirits within us.  And praise God, the instant we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us. The slave chains of sin are broken and fallen off and be become new creatures in Christ.

The Holy Spirit breathes into us the "breath of life" and we become new creatures in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).  Our spirits become alive once again.  No longer are we slaves to sin but 

"have become slaves of God" (see Romans 6:22).

We can now

 "present our members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification"           (Romans 6:19).  

This is because we are now united with Jesus and spiritually reborn - a new creation                    (2 Cor. 5:17).

We have been set free from sin.  We are new in Christ.  Our spirits are alive.  Now we must show the fruit of this, living sanctified lives.  The Holy Spirit and God's Word providing the guidance as our souls (the mind, will and emotions) choose to do what's right in God's eyes.

                                                 ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 6:17-19 and 22 ESV).

Sing, Alive In Christ, along with Reawaken.

True Power (Romans 5:6-11 ESV)

 Power is often shown off in plays that attempt to boost the ego and of the one displaying their body built bodies, or the beauty on their faces and the like.  People vainly try to show how strong they are and they dont' need anyone's help.   They get rather defensive to preserve the illusion.

We don't like others to see our weaknesses and limitations.  Some people's are more obvious, like a person on crutches or sitting in a wheelchair.  I mean NO offense to anyone in such situations.

I'm just saying, even supposedly "able bodied" folks desparately want to cover any flaws.  But we are all human beings and therefore we are weak.  We have been weak since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden.

Once we can acknowledge our weaknesses, flaws, and sinfulness, that's exactly when we can get the help we so desparately need. Did you know it?

"For while we were still weak (or without strength [KJV]), at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6 ESV)

Did you get that?

" ... while we were still weak ..."

This is when Christ scooped in and fulfilled His act of being able to justify us, to die for our sin, weaknesses and limitations.  He did so to give us His strength and righteousness.  He is our true 'power source,' if you will.

We were sinners and ungodly and without strength. 

 "But God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 ESV).

If you read through the whole chapter 5 of Romans, you'll see short phrases that read, "much more," or "much more than" and even the single word, "abounded."

"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (see v. 20).

These superlatives acknowledge we are weak but that our Almighty God who is always strong, sent us the One, His only begotten Son, Jesus, to give us His strength.  When through faith in Christ and His death, we accept this gift, we then become empowered through His Holy Spirit who then indwells us.

He gives us His strength to lean on.  We don't have to go it alone.

"Much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God" (v. 9).

"...much more, now that we are reconciled, shall wbe saved by His life" (V. 10).

"...much more than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ ..."        (v. 11).

Let's be glad and rejoice "much more" that we, by God's grace, can be made strong.  This is true power and it is measureless and never gets exhausted.

All glory be to God.

                                                 ~  ERC  April 2026  ~

Based on Romans 5:6-11 ESV.

Sing, Lord, My Rock, My Redeemer, along with Sovereign Grace Music.