Earnest Longing (2 Corinthians 5:1`-5 ESV/KJV)

 May our "inner selves" be renewed day by day allowing spiritual growth to abound and our relationship with Jesus to become stronger every day (see 2 Corithians 4:16 ESV).

And as the tabernacle we live in dissolves, we can earnestly long for our heavenly dwelling more and more.  That has been the case with several believers in Jesus Christ I have known.

My Dad was one of them.  He'd be heard to say that "Perhaps Today" it would happen.  This is NOT to say he was suicidal.  No way!

Rather, he expectantly awaited the rapure of all the saints of God to go up to be with Jesus, en masse.  Then we would be together forever, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Getting to see Jesus was more his focus though.  In the end, some of Dad's children longed for him to go, even solo, because of his being 'trapped' in his earthly body and the declined mental capacity that Alzheimer's Disease ravished.

It was so devasting to witness.  And so we 'groaned' about his earthly body, when he no longer could even think of "perhaps today".

One day, we, God's children, will have our mortal flesh "swallowed up" by everlasing life, and changed bodies.  Until then, our guarantor, the Holy Spirit, indwells us teaching us patience.

So we can, praise the Lord, singing, "Hallelujah!" every day as we ...

 " ... long to put on our heavenly dwelling" (vs 2).

We earnestly long for and patiently wait ... perhaps today!

                                              ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV/KJV.

Sing, When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound, along with Grace Bible Church.

                

Father's Day 2026 - A Surprize

 

My Mom was a nurse.  Dad was not, but one day he surprized me with nurse-like ministration.  I can still recall it almost as if it had been yesterday.

I had had a cold and my sinuses were so blocked I definitely could not breathe through my nose.  What's worse, eating was virtually impossible.

In misery I quietly got up from the dining table and went and lay down on the living room sofa.  There I suffered it out, almost in tears.

Silently, my Dad approached and brought some sort of magic.  He told me to close my mouth and sniff as he squirted some de-clogging sinus sauce into one nostril.

"I can't," I quavered.

"Try anyway," Dad insisted.

I tried and oh glory be - instant relief!

He repeated the exercise with nostril #2.

In shocked surprize, I could breathe and eat again.  I hadn't known my Dad could do that.

I don't recall ever thanking him for it either.  Shame on me!  But as I think back, I see his compassion that moved and compelled him to bring his daugther relief.

No doubt there are many good Dad's everywhere who would act similarly on behalf of their offspring.  I take my hat off to all of them, but especially to my Dad even though he's been gone to glory for serveral years.

God our Heavenly Father is every bit as good and compassionate.  In fact, He is the most perfect Father of all time and eternity.  We can have a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  

I really appreciate this relationship but I do need to remember to thank Him often.  All my praise and worship should be to Him as an offering of sacrifice from my lips (see Hebrews 13:15).

Let's all do that but don't forget to thank and honor your earthly fathers too.  Surprize them with it while you still can.

To all the good fathers out there ...

                                       HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 2026!

                                                   ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Read Hebrews 13:15; Exodus 20:12 ESV.

Sing, Good, Good Father, along with Chris Tomlin.

Old Age (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

 

Again and again, God's Word comforts.  Despite the suffering, we endure and focus on eternal things.

When we visit old age or assisted living homes we can observe the

 "wasting away"

 and 

"the affliction"

 that overcomes our bodies as we age.  It's uncomfortable and unsettling to see.  We can't wait to get out of there and go home.

But the scene lingers in our minds especially since we ourselves may be aging and already feeling the decline, and wear and tear upon our bodies.  Aches here, pains there; more wrinkly wrinkles, liver spots on our arms and so forth.

Paul told the Corinthians,

" ... death is at work in us, but life in you (vs 12)," 

and 

"knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence" (vs 14).

He then assured them,

"So we do not lose heart" (vs 16 ESV).

Paul reminded them that this state of decay was only temporary suffering.  He goes on to tell them to look at the positive focus, that despite the bodily devastation,

 " ... the inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

God is so gracious!

He contiued, it's

 "light and momentary" 

but by compasrison we look beyond to the eternal glory we will enjoy.  Look to the unseen rather than dwell on the seen.

The "seen are transient" but the "unseen are eternal" (vs 18).

It's easy for us to say while we are still able-bodied.  But we can meditate on these Scripture verses now, preparing our hearts for the further incapacitation that may come as we age further.

Think on the time to come that is eternal and when we have our imperishable bodies.  For the here and now, we can build ourselves up in our inner beings, in our spiritual growth and relationship with our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's comfort, conviction and guidance.  I find comfort in this.  Maybe you do too...

So don't lose heart.

                                                  ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV.

Sing, Eternal Weight of Glory (Wendall Kimbrough 2016), along with Breathe Back Ministries.

The Lifted Veil (2 Corinthians 3:14-18 ESV)

 "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed" (2 Corinthians 3:16 ESV).

The veil over the minds and hearts of the unsaved will be lifted.  This only happens when they turn to the Lord.  Christ will take it away.

This is an assurance we can rest in.  It can spur us on when we flag and feel discouraged when we pray for unsaved relatives and friends to come to Christ.

Some of us have been praying for the salvation of unbelieveing relatives and friends for decades.  It seems like nothing is moving and there is no breakthrough.

We can continue though, through thick and thin that they will turn to the Lord.  He will then lift that veil that blinds their minds and hearts, keeping them from seeing Jesus, keeping them satisfied with their own good works and supposed build up of merits, and keeping them from coming humbly to Jesus for their sufficiency.

We can persist in prayer that they too will,

 "with unveiled face, [that they, along with us will] behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed ..." (vs 18).

Pray that the Lord who is the Spirit, will work mightily to see this through.

Abba Father, in Jesus' name and through Your Holy Spirit, we continue to plead for the salvation of our relatives and friends who need Jesus.  Cause them to turn to the Lord, unveil their minds and hearts, so that they come to Christ before it is forever too late.  May they too, experience freedom in Christ.  

May the 'burning house' of their hearts be doused with the water of Your Word.  We ask this in Your Son Jesus' most precious name.  

Amen.

                                          ~ ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 3:14-18 ESV.

Sing, We the Kingdom - The Veil, along with We the Kingdom and My Life is in Your Hands, along with Kirk Franklin.

Photo Credits:  Jane Koh.  China's Manmade Stone Marvel Bridge that's lasted more than a millenium.

Sufficiency From God (2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV)

 

Are you sufficient?  Or is whatever sufficiency we have, actually coming from God?  The correct answer is that He has,

" ... made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant ..." and this, " ... of the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV).

Paul claimed this for himself and Timothy.  It was God's will for them to have this sufficiency.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have the same sufficiency too.  When we (or others) may feel we don't have what it takes to serve the Lord in whatever capacity, know that of course we don't!

It has to, it must, only come from God through His will and Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us.  It's only through Him that we have our strength for the good deeds He has for us to do.

When we rest on this knowledge, we will do much for Christ, whether it's preaching the gospel, or sharing the Word in order to build up the chgurch in their most holy faith.  May His Spirit continue to give life to the work we've been ordained to do for Him.

Let's make good use of such opportunities because He makes us sufficient for the task.  Onward ho, brothers and sisters-in-Christ!  To God be the glory and honor.  Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 3:5 & 6 ESV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with The Worship Initiative.

Photo Credits:  Jane Koh. 

Welcome Back the Repentant (2 Corinthians 2: especially verse 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV)

 There are preachers and pastors who have done wrong.  I mean, majorly wrong.  Wrong, such as adultery or embezzling church funds for personal use.  Some have even done time in prison.

Some have repented and shown genuine transformation.  What do we do then, as members of the congregation?  Do we continue to spurn them even when they humbly return?

Several years back, we heard of such a high-profile senior pastor, who had to serve time in a neighboring country.  After some years he was invited to speak at a church in the country and city near me.

When this pastor's coming to town was reported, the very first reaction of many and I admit, even of myself was, "Has he truly repented?"

Later, I heard from a reliable source, sister-in-Christ and friend, that he was truly a changed man - changed for good.  Do we then continue to shun the brother?

The apostle Paul addressed the case of the man who'd commited incest with his father's wife (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-3).  In the second letter to the Corinthians he wrote,

"For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough. So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow"                     (2 Corinthians 2:6 & 7 ESV).

He went on to tell the Corinthians that he'd forgive anyone they would forgive, in the presence of God (see vs 10 ESV).

In our hearts, there will be those judgemental struggles for sure.  Has the person truly repented!?  And we watch and watch every move he or she makes, our eagle eyes on them.  We forget that when we point a finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at ourselves.

Paul continued that we need to forgive, since we are in the presence of Christ,

" ... so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV).

Satan wants to divide and conquer, but the Holy Spirit wants us to have unity of Spirit in the bond of peace.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is God an He is infinitely more powerful than Satan and his minions.

Let us therefore move forward in the mighty name of Jesus and forgive not just verbally,  but mentally and with our hearts as we once again welcome the repentant one back into our midst.

So be it, Father.  

Amen.

                                                    ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 2: especially vs 6, 7, 10 & 11 ESV.

Sing,  Lord I Need You, along with Matt Maher.

Comfort & Participation (2 Corinthians 1:1-11, espcially vs 3, 4, and 11)

 Two key words stand out at me.  They are 'comfort' and 'participation'.  The first is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 while the second is from Philippians 2:1 ESV.

The first is blessing the

 "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (ESV). 

 In the second instance, if there is

 "encouragment in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1).

Who or what comforts you?  Is it your spouse, a friend, or a cat?

Cats can, surprisingly, be comforting creatures.  I've experienced this myself even though I once did not like cats.  They are too aloof, I thought.

That was, until God brought a litter of kittens to my doorstep.  The mother cat had meowed for about three days until I finally gave in and gave her some milk.  She lapped it up in jig time and then disappeared.  And she got the last laugh at me because about 10 minutes later, suddenly there were five little kittens bequeathed to me and she was no where in sight.  Nor did she reappear again in the following days.  The nerve of her!

But those little kittens comforted my exceedingly lonely, homesick heart.  The Lord knew what I needed in a place that was foreign and isolated from acquaintences.  There was definitely comfort from God's love in stirring my heart with His care in this most unexpected manner.

And in this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is reminding those in Corinth of Christ's love and God's comfort and their particiaption in the Spirit.  But exactly, what is the meaning of that last phrase?

'Participation' in the ESV is translated as 'fellowship' in the KJV.  The two work together.  The taking part together in the Spirit gives us fellowship with one another.  Sharing together in any particular activity, event or process creates that participation.

In this case, because of being 'in Christ' (Christians), each believer had the Holy Spirit indwelling them.  Therefore, each one could participate in the Holy Spirit.  Paul was asking them to help him and Timothy to comfort them by helping them in prayer together to fulful their mission and ministry.

"You also," Paul requested, "must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through prayers of many"                                       (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV).

They were their #1 prayer support group.  This is essential for any missionary, pastor and any person in the Lord's work.  We may not be that 'go-er' but we can be the 'send-er' in prayer (and financial support too if so desired and needed).  We too, would participate in spreading the gospel of Jesus to the world in this way.

All praying together is participation in the Holy Spirit showing fellowship and collective dependance and humility before God.  The follower of Jesus Christ can participate in the Holy Spirit in this manner and so be a blessing to all, especially those who need the prayer support.  This brings much comfort, not from a litter of kittens, but from our great and almighty God and Father and His mercies that are new every moring (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Let's share in God's work by blessing those we know involved in His work through prayer and participation in the Holy Spirit and bring comfort to the hearts that need it most.

Let's do all for His glory and honor.  To God be the glory!  Amen.

                                             ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, especially vs 3, 4, 7 and Philippians 2:1 & 2 ESV/KJV.

Sing, God of Comfort, along with Ellie Holcomb.

Lord's Day Devotion - Phenomenon of Change (1 Corinthians 15:36-38, 42, 49, 51-58 ESV)

 "So is it with the resurrection of the dead.  What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable" (1 Corinthians 15:42 ESV).

The verse reveals a phenomenon of change that a 'dead' body (or what's left of it) undergoes when it is resurrected.  The before picture is a perishable one while the after is imperishable.

That is mind-blowing!  Our human brain limitations think it impossible.  Resurrection to be impossible in the first place and then changed flesh elements, in the second!?  (If that's the correct terminology.  I'm no scientist.)  It is totally astounding.

But how the apostle Paul explains it all sounds sensible and logical.  What's more, when you think of why the body composition would need to change, you'll realize and undersatnd the necessity.

A saved-by-grace person receives everlasing life.  If we are going to be everlasting, we will need bodies that are imperishable.  Anyone who is aging will definitely realize this, as we accrue and endure more and more pain and discomfort in our bodies.  God would definitely need to do something about this wear and tear.  And He promises it.

Paul shares the secret and mystery of it all and even gives the analogy of a seed being planted in the ground.  The seed needs to die before it can live.  

As it sprouts up, the seedlings brave the winds and rain but eventually grow into the plant, flower, or tree, etc. they will mature into.  The mature growth then looks totally different from that small seed.

The change in our body's composition, we're told, will happen in

 "the twinkling of an eye."  

This too, either if we have been dead and buried, or if we are still living on earth at the time we hear the trumpet sound.  That trumpet signal to go up to meet our Savior and to be with Him forever we await expectantly for.

Victory over death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whom God Himself had 'planted' in the ground, but His body sprang back to life at His resurrection.

"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"                   (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV).

In such victory, we have hope and joy and thanksgiving.  But we don't just "hurrah, hurrah" the rest of our earthly lives.  No, with joy and gladness we give Him praise, we remember Him in His death and resurrection through the breaking of bread, and drinking of the cup as often as possible, until he comes.  This was Jesus' request.

Furthermore, we become and maintain, being ...

 " ... steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

And so we go on day by day, living each moment for God's glory and the extension of His kingdom, until He comes or until our body perishes.  Then we look forward to those imperishable ones and being with Him forever.  

Praise His glorious name!

Remember Him now, this Lord's Day, pass the broken bread and the cup of wine in the gladness of heart and resurrection power we will someday experience and that coveted change of body.  (Not someone else's body, but our own new imperishable one.)

Lord Jesus, we adore You.  We give You our praise and thanks for enduring the cross, despising the shame, the dying that we may live.  That we may have life eternal and imperishable bodies and go to be withYou at Your appointed time and be with You forever.  In Your name we give You our thanks.  Amen.

                                        ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 15:36-38, 42, 49, 51-58 ESV.

Sing, Glorious Day, along with Hadleigh Baptist Church and Hidup Ini Adalah Kesempatan, along with Harmony Voice.

Lyrics and translation:

HIDUP INI ADALAH KESEMPATAN 

Hidup ini adalah kesempatan

Hidup ini untuk melayani Tuhan

Jangan sia sia kan waktu yang Tuhan b'ri

Hidup ini hanya sementara

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Hidup ini adalah kesempatan

Hidup ini untuk melayani Tuhan

Jangan sia sia kan waktu yang Tuhan b'ri

Hidup ini hanya sementara

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Oh Tuhan pakailah hidupku

Selagi aku masih kuat

Bila saatnya nanti ku tak berdaya lagi

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

Hidup ini sudah jadi berkat

This life is an opportunity

This life is to serve God

Don't waste the time God has given

This life is only temporary

Oh God, use my life

While I still have the strength

One day I will be helpless

This life has become a blessing

This life is an opportunity

This life is to serve God (don't waste it)

Don't waste the time God has given

This life is only temporary

Oh God, use my life

While I still have the strength

One day I will be helpless

This life has become a blessing

Pockets and Purses (1 Corinthians 16 KJV & ESV)

 

In our Bible Study lesson the other week, the study writer John White directed our attention to the following.  He wrote,

"The last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses."

Rather humorous, I think. But then again ...

I think he's right in saying this.  When it comes to money matters, it really does create a tug-of-war with our pockets and purses.

When the apostle Paul was writing his farewell lines of his first letter to the Corinthians, he talked about money.  But he seemed to speak with the confidence that they'd give somewhat freely.

He spoke the

 "collection for the saints." 

 They were to give of their "store" as the Lord

 "had prospered them" (vs 2).

Paul made his appeal to them to ...

"... bring your liberality unto Jerusalem" (1 Corinthians 161-3 KJV).

The ESV calls it their "gift" (vs 3).

'Liberality' says more to me and makes me feel the pinch more.  'Gift' may cause a twinge too, though.  Why should they give of their hard-earned cash for others?

But a believer, whether in yesteryears or nowadays, can show God's love to our brothers and sisters-in-Christ even in freely and gladly giving when and where the necessity arises.  Paul encouraged,

"Let all be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV).

We can recall Jesus' parable of the foolish rich man who built bigger barns to store all his excess grain.  He did so without regard to others in need.  He was ready just to eat, drink and be merry without regard for his soul (see Luke 12:13-21).

He had a self-centered attitude that generated self-centered actions.  He would keep all for himself seems to be implied.

Financial security.

One never knows when one will need what they have.  So one hoards what one has.

But we need to be rich towards God whether we are rich or poor.  We need to build up treasure in heaven.  When the Lord prospers us with money and/or possessions we can use them for His glory and furtherance of His kingdom and to help those in need already in the kingdom.  All by the grace of God working in and through us on His behalf and on behalf of His people.

May the liberality of our pockets and purses be generous, until He comes.

                                               ~  ERC  June  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 16 KJV & ESV.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Master, along with The N Crew and Hidup Ini Adalah Kesempatan, along with Harmony Voice.

No Quacking or Clucking (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12, 15, 17 ESV)

 Ha, ha!  Have you ever seen or heard of a duck communicating with a chicken?  It'll 'quack' you up if you do, I think.  They do not speak the same language.

Reading 1 Corinthians 14 has been very timely for me.  I've been asked to share something about motherhood with some ladies - some mothers and grandmothers, who do not speak the same language as I.  I certainly am not competent to speak theirs. 

So it's a dilemma.

To further the complication, the translator is not feeling competent to translate from English into her language.  But she could from her language to the language of the ladies we would visit.  In this way, even though convoluted, there would be real communication happening.  Thank the Lord for ChatGPT that can translate the basics.

The apostle Paul knew something about this.  Well, not about ChaGPT, of course, but he wrote there's no point in speaking, even a Bible message if the hearers don't understand.  You need someone to translate, and that accurately (vs 5).

You don't want to be a noisy gong or a clanging symbol either.  You need to show love, care and respect to the hearers by ...

" ... pursuing love (God's kind) and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (chapter 14:1).

Oh how I'd love to have the tongue of this locale in which to prophesy.  Alas, try as I might, I seem to be a monolingual person that stumbles and falls over another language.

So I really thank the Lord for the sister-in-Christ willing to go even though it's the convoluted route, to convey something for me that hopefully and prayerfully the Lord sanctions and sanctifies me to share.  

The focus purpose being to build each other up in our faith, and to encourage each other in motherhood  and the Lord.  What's more, so that even ...

" ... the church may be built up" (vs 5).

May we all strive in building up the church.  May we also be eager for manifestations of the Spirit to aid in this process. May we all pray and sing and praise in our spirits as well as our minds, and not "cluck, cluck" annoyingly to give God glory.  So as much as in us lies, let's give thanks with cheerful sincere hearts, transmitting the love of God as best we can through whatever language possible, even if its convoluted.

                                                  ~ ERC  June  2026  ~                                                             

Based on 1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12, 15 and 17 ESV.

Sing, Oh For a Thousand Tongues, along with Reawaken Hymns.

P.S.  I'm back from that sharing and in the end another sister did the translating work.  Either way, may the Lord be praised and get the glory.  It's only by His grace we can doing any of this.

HAIKU - Clanging Gong (1 Corinthians 12 ESV)

 Puffed Up Knowledge, and

spiritual gifts, used to

dominate others.

No love.  No care.  No

prioritizing God's love

for all.  What's it for?

To strike your own gong?

To crash your own symbol?  Bong!

Crash!  Clang!  Ear attack!

Noisy!  Not the way

to love.  Not the way to show

loving care to all.

The more excellent 

way is LOVE.  Patient, kind, not

arrogant or rude.

Doesn't envy or

boast, NOR insist on its way.

Love is so much more.

No jarring, ear bash.

Sweet chimes of excellence, God's 

way, for God's glory.

Let's ring the sweet chimes 

of Heaven with His never

ending love and care.

          ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 13 ESV.

Sing, Love - Worship Song, along with Jason Silver Music.

Lord's Day Devotion - As Though They Had None (1 Corinthians 7: especially vs 23-31 and 35 ESV)

 

You can experience the two emotions from each end of a full swing of the pedulum.  You can be in gut-wrenching grief and then have all-encompassing happiness.  But we are wise if we are not consumed by them.  Each state is temporary.

We do well when we are not obsessed with our possessions or our spouse.  We do not make them idols although we are responsible for both, especially our spouse.

Of course, a marriage should be a more permanent state that this institution requires; at least

 "until Jesus comes or death do us part".

So whatever did Paul mean then with verse 29 when he tells the Corinthian assembly that those who have wives,

"be as though they had none"!?

Well we need to watch it that we don't twist Paul's words and take his intended meaning out of context.  Read the whole 7th chapter of 1 Corinthians, especially verses 23-31 and 35.

Our relationship with our heavenly Father and with Jesus our Savior and Best Friend should take priority above our earthly relationships (although a husband or a wife is an exceedingly important person with whom to establish strong, lasting bonds) and material goods.  But DON'T abandon your wife.

Life, at best, is very brief but eternity, well, that lasts forever.  Keep a looser grip on the earthly, temporary things and a firmer grasp on that which is permanent and eternal.  Rather, we should 

" ... promote good order and ... secure [our] undivided devotion to the Lord" (vs 35).

Jesus is coming soon and then we will be with Him forever.  Praise the One who died for you.

Think on these things as you partake of the bread and drink of the cup of wine this Lord's Day in remembrance of Him.  It will gladden our hearts until we see His face in person.

Lord, help us to loosen our grip on earthly things and make You and what matters to You, our priority.  Thank You for making us yours.  In Your precious name we give You our thanks and praise.  Amen.

                                                ~ ERC  May  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 7: especially verse 23-31 and 35 ESV.

Sing, Life At Best Is Very Brief, along with Squirrel.

What's Your Variety? (1 Corinthians 12: especially vs 11 ESV)

 

When you read the Bible, there is a decision that has to be made.  Do I act upon what God's Word convicts me of or do I ignore it and go on my way for the day, unchanged?

That is the question.

The apostle Paul did not want the Corinthians to be ignorant of or uninformed about spiritual gifts.  There are varieties of gifts he told them.  But there's the same Spirit.

The varietites of gifts create varieties of service, which in turn create varieties of activities in a variety of people possessing the respective gifts.  What has the potential to pull them all togethjer is that,

" ... the same God ... empowers them all in everyone ..." ( vs 4-6).

The purpose is for the "common good" of all.  And if you've got it, use it!

Dont' sit your butt down on the pew and watch everyone else using their particular kind of variety.  And if you don't think you've got any gift, listen up to this ...

"All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11 ESV).

There are therefore, no exemptions.  All members are needed.  And when all work together in unity, ... sigh ... that must be a wonder.

The body of Christ working at its full potential in any given church setting must be so amazing.  We do sometimes catch glimpses of it.  And when no on gets proud of their particular gift over someone else's variety, that is a humble, healthy interaction.

Furthermore, if you thing of a bicycle's mechanisms and how they become powered into action by the user pushing and pumping the pedals, you get somewhere.  The bicycle chain needs regular oiling, for smoother transitioning.  So, too, humility in a believer and God's more excellent way of love - God's kind of love - will help the gears of interaction within a church run more smoothly and aid the keeping of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, peaceful as it goes.  In this the kingdom of God can be advanced and changed more into the image of God's Son.

Let's all be convicted and moved into our respective variety of gift ... action for Him.  Read the Bible everyday, for more convicted action, according to your gifted variety.  Let's further His kingdom together, in one and the same Spirit.

So be it, Father God. 

Amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 12 ESV.

Sing, One Spirit, One Church, along with Honor and Glory to God.

The Angels are Watching (1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV)

 "That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV).

"A symbol of authority," meaning a head covering of some sort - if you read this verse in context.  Why?  Because of the angels.  And who needs to wear this symbol or sign?  

"A wife."

This verse has been hashed and rehashed over again and again at infinitum.  So what more can be said about it?  Who wants to stir up trouble and push a wife's angry nerve button?

When you read this verse in the NIV or KJV, they use the word 'woman' rather than 'wife'.  So this could include any sister-in-Christ, not just wives. 

The KJV uses the word 'power' instead of' 'authority'.  

'Authority' makes it more understandable to me, however.  Who's authority though?  The husband's or a man or brother in particular?

I'd say a big, "N-O!  NO!"

If you look back to the opening greetings of this letter to the Corinthians, the authority under whom Paul writes is

 "Jesus Christ's through the will of God." 

Our female mindset and feelings of rebelliousness against what feels like prejudice against women, may decimate.  It does for me.  I am under God's authority.  I will gladly wear His symbol.

And when He puts a father, brother-in-Christ (in a church setting), or a husband in a postion of authority over me, I will operate under it.  It is God who puts people in charge.

However, I do not go around with a head covering 24/7.  It's when I pray or prophesy (vs 5), that I ought to have this symbol or sign of God's power and authority covering my head.

This is not a cultural thing at all.  And as we once again review the opening greeting of this first letter to the Corinthians, you'll see clearly to whom this letter was written.

"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours" (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV).

Can you see that?  As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been sanctified.  We are called saints.  Not just the Corinthians believers but to

"all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours." [emphasis mine]

So Paul wasn't only addressing those believers back then.  The meaning is all inclusive; those of us who also

 "call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"

 today.

What further dispute ought we to have against God and His word?

There are no loopholes of escape.  These are not popular words but will we bow to God's authority?  Will we sisters don a sign or symbol of it?

Even if I'm not the one praying or prophesying, I wear a 'symbol' head covering as believers gather together to praise and worship the One in authority - our Lord Jesus Christ, and as we listen to the preaching by another.  We all need to obediently remember God's authority over us.  Will you surrender to His and find peace under His power and authority, even when He asks us to wear a symbol of it?

And don't forget, the angels are watching.

Abba Father, we do adore you and know You are the One over all.  Teach us to be obedient to You.  may we bow to Your authority in the way that pleases you all the days of our lives.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                     ~  ERC  June  2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 11:10 ESV.

Sing, Authority, along with Elevation.

Walk and Talk With Jesus

 Recently, I read a short blurb on what psychologists at the University of California Riverside have been attributed for discovering.  They say,

"About 85 % of the things we worry about never happen."

And I say, not flippantly, "Why worry when we can pray?"  That's actually lyrics of a song.

It talks about trusting Jesus because He'll uphold us and give us strength.  Bible verses bear this out.  One often quoted one is from 1 Peter 5:7.  It instructs,

" ... casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."

This is up close and personal.  These words are from God.  His love for each individual is personal.  He does not want us to be bound up in worry.

There's one amusing saying that is credited to Glenn Turner, the American.  With a tongue-in-cheek vibe, he said,

"Worry is like a rocking chair.  It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."

True enough.

So what is one thing that is going back and forth in your mind right now, or that has been going back and forth for a few days or weeks?  

God sees that chair and invites you to get off it.  Cast those cares and worries and anxieties on Him.  When you cast something, there is some force behind it.  Get rid of it, throw it determinedly away, upon Him.

Did you know that worry is a sin?  That shows we are not fully trusting our Lord.  So do be encouraged to cast those anxieties upon the Lord.

You can trade them, so don't carry them.  Look at Philippians 4:6.

" ... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

In each and every fear and worry producing situation, we can, by prayer, petition, praise and thanksgiving, trade it in by giving it to God and letting Him know about it.  The worry is like the rocking back and forth on a rocking chair.  But prayer and relief come by handing it all over to Him.

Do you want to get out of that rocking chair in your mind?  When you catch yourself wavering back and forth, step out of that chair by pausing and praying and simply giving it to the Lord.  Pray and say something like:

"O Lord Jesus, I give you _________ ..."

Be encouraged to try it.  Go for a walk somewhere, by yourself, and tell Him about it.  Call it "a walk and talk with Jesus".

In parks, one often sees men  or women walking and talking a mile a miute with each other.  Walk with the One who is ever beside you.  Talk a mile a minute with Him as you walk.

One sister told me she sings.  She will go for a walk along a beach where there is no one around.  She sings to the Lord and that helps lift her heart.

He loves you and cares about you.  Sing or whisper to Him softly or in your heart of hearts as you walk along, taking in the ambiance of the park's trees and gardens, or of the tranquil beach.

Get out of the rocking chair, look up through the foliage.  Cast all your cares, worries and anxieties upon Him.

"He will strengthen you, ... will help you, ... will uphold you with [His] righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

Don't worry.  Trust Him.  Fear not.  Do not be dismayed.  He's there for you.  Let Him help you guard your heart and mind.  

O Jesus, friend unfailing, we've all got rocking chairs in our heads.  Strengthen us.  Help us trade all that worry for prayer today, because You care for us.  Thank You, Jesus.

                                                 ~  ERC  June 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 4:6-7 ESV.

Sing, Why Worry When You Can Pray, along with Al Smith and Helen McAlerney Barth.

Some helpful suggestions from Meta AI.

For God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10: especially vs 29-33 ESV)

 

Well, this opening bit is gonna be a bit out of context.  Look at this verse 31 ...

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"                      (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV).

'Whatever' ... do all to the glory of God.

As believers in Jesus Christ and having become children of God (see John 1:12), we must

 "do all for God's glory."

So if you give thanks for your food and drink at the beginning of a meal, before taking any of it, thanking the Lord for the sustenance, but then after two or three mouthfuls, begin to criticize the food, how does that sit with you?

Does it give God glory?  Or, does it throw the food back into God's face?  Those who make a habit of giving thanks in one breath and then criticizing in the next, need to examine their hearts and minds for this inconsistancy.  Repentance and transformation are crucially needed.

In the country of Malawi, one missionary to the region has told me that some of the rural people don't have enough food.  They only eat once in three days, on average.  Some use a belt to cinch in their waists.  Why?  Because, they say, that it makes their stomachs smaller and therefore it won't need so much food.  They won't feel so hungry.

Let's partake of our food with thankfulness and gratitude to God our Provider and Sustainer, unless or course, we want to learn it the hard way.  In context of the chapter, refraining from certain foods and drinks would come under the heading of not causing another to stumble.  

Although the question was asked,

 "why should my liberty be determined by someone elses' conscience?" (vs 29). 

 Paul clarifies that he would not wish to cause offense to anyone.  He was not

 "seeking [his] own advantage, but that of many ..." (v 33).

Why?

So,

 " ... that they may be saved."

We may well need to cinch in belts on our minds and hearts so that we will not feel the criticizing trying to come out.  We need to realize that Paul was saying all this for the benefit of those not yet believers in Jesus Christ.  He did not want any to be stumbled or turned aside.  He also did not want new believers or those weak in their faith to be stumbled either.  

This too, gives God glory.

                                                ~  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 10: expecially vs 29-33 ESV.

Sing, Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart, along with Hymns of Faith and Hope.

An Athlete For Christ (1 Corinthians 9: especailly vs 11, 14, 18, 25 and 27 ESV)

 An athlete for Christ is not necessarily a sports person who's into floorball, basketball, badminton, football, gymnastics or the like.  This is not necessarily the group I'm referring to.

I'm talking about 'spiritual' athletes that run the race for Christ.  Those whose feet are beautiful because they bring the gospel of Jesus Christ and peace to the world (see Hebrews 12:1-2 & Romans 10:15 ESV).

People like Billy Graham, Priscilla Shirer, the Apostle Paul and even like my Dad had been, among others, who run and go all out for the Lord.  Those also who preach in our pulpits on a regular basis, faithfully, Lord's Day after Lord's Day.

Have you ever looked at their faces?  I mean, really looked?  Are they tired?  Or beyond tired to the point of exhaustion?  Are they suddenly gaunt looking, or overweight, and just plod to their place in the pulpit?

Are they overweight because they have hypothyroid problems or just because they overeat due to the stress of constant 'on guard' alertness to other peoples' needs and concerns; or because of slander and false accusations against them and they eat 'comfort food'?

Or, conversely, they're gaunt because of those same things but then have loss of appetite, and begin to wither away?  They are actually becoming physically sick as well as spiritually sick.

Due to neglect by the congregation in general and individual carers in particular, our pastors and preachers and teachers of God's Word, can experience all the same emotions and defeat that the rest of us can.

No doubt we are all entreated to

"exercise self-control in all things" (vs 25) 

and as the Apostle Paul said of himself,

"but I discipline my body and keep it under control ..."

Human beings - even those who feed us spiritually - have breaking points.

And just a word of clarification here, I do not insinuate that Paul whipped or harmed himself in any way except to have that self-control and sacrifice of his own wants and needs for the good and benefit of others.

May we all be encouraged to encourage not only ourselves to keep fit in these exercises of self-control, but to encourage our spiritual leaders to the same.

Be a caring support system for them so that as they preach, they do not disqualify themselves, nor we them (vs 27).

"It's time for us to do something" (Matthew West).

Let's all be very fit athletes for Christ until He comes.  Perhaps today ...

                                         ~ ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 9: especially vs 11, 14, 18, 25 & 27 ESV.

Sing, Do Something, along with Matthew West.  This may be a bit noisy for some peole but the lyrics are poignant.