Book Review - The Lost Woman - By Karen Mulvahill - Publication Date: 2 April 2026

 In many ways this was a difficult book to read, as there is much about the cruelty, greed and evil treatment of the Jews during WWII.  Then too, the lives of the citizens coping with war conditions and those who tried to 'hide' in France.  There is much about high value art paintings and how they were confiscated and divided up, taken from the walls of many Jewish homes.  The Picassos, Monets, and more - gone to Hitler, Goring and others.  Art dealers and collectors - some legit but many not - also get mentioned.  

We see this story through several pairs of eyes.  Of main note are the eyes of Nicole as a hands-on eyewitness and who instigates Robert, years later, to trace lost pieces of her family's paintings.  The reader will also find story twists through Kenneth, Alexi, and Sam.

A caution I would remark on is that since this is also a story seasoned with romance, some potential readers many not appreciate some of the more intimate bedroom descriptions.  So saying, most of the story's focus is on the stolen art work and the difficult process of recapturing them and getting them back to the rightful owners.  I found this interesting and learned a thing or two in this regard.

Tears may be shed and at times, breaks from reading may be needed; at least this happened to me.  However, over all, The Lost Woman was well defined, giving what I feel this work of historical fiction deserves, that is, a satisfactory "well done!"

                                              ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                             March 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Life Support (Acts 17:28 & 31 ESV)

 

More and more we see AED's placed in strategic places, often near coffeee shops where folks like to hang out or even in sports centers where people like to "keep fit," playing rigorous matches of pickle ball , badminton and the like.  I've heard they've been effectively used.

Being jolted back to life with an Automated Exernal Defibrallator (AED) would be a mercy to many heart attack survivors.  This machine may not necessarily be termed 'life support' but it does help restart the heart and bring life back to the person.

At hospitals, other machines can 'take over' to help sustain organ functions during critical illness until, hopefully ... prayerfully, the body will be able to kick back in and do the work for itself.

These life support measures are generally understood to be for temporary usage.  A stop gap until health returns, or that most traumatic and complex decision has to be made to halt these interventions.

In Paul's address to the Areopagus men of Athens, he speaks of the one true God.  He tells them that,

"In Him we live and move and have our being; for we are indeed His offspring" (vs 28).

God provided life support for us; that is, the everlasting life we have through Jesus (see John 3:16).  Note the word 'everlasting'.  This is not a temporary measure, but a life long and eternal one.

Jesus has provided us life support by bringing us the gift of salvation.  God has given us all assurance of this

 "by raising [Jesus] from the dead."

Jesus' death brought us life and His resurrection from the dead brought us assurance of this everlasting life.

Some of those thinkers of Athens believed Paul's words - that message of Jesus and the one true God.  I hope and pray more will find this 'jolt to life eternal' today too.

And for those of us who already have this "Life Support" that we will treasure it and live to please the Lord and so show our gratitude and thankfulness to Him.

                                               ~ ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 17:28 & 31 ESV.

Sing, How Deep the Father's Love For Us, along with Stuart Townend.

Paul's Pause (Acts 16)

 Distractions are everywhere, especially when you want to start to read your Bible.  At least it happens to me.  My thoughts get all scattered and flayed and disarrayed.  It's so easy to be led astray.

A verse comes to mind as an antidote of sorts.

"Take captive every thought ...." (2 Corinthians 10:5).

I know it is taken a bit out of context but it is a thought that just scurried through my mind.  Had to look it up.  If you take your thoughts captive, what is the purpose?  The verse continues,

" ... to obey Christ."

Self-control needs to come in to play here too, I think.  The self-control that is generated by the Holy Spirit within us, a governing  of our own will empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Otherwise, we won't have a lot of success.

It does help I've found, to put the harness of prayer on to help corral my thoughts and to seek the Lord's message for me for that day, before I start to read.  It is so often a battle to do even that.

There are so many things to distract and lure our minds away.

  "Resist the devil" (James 4:7)

 and our own wayward minds.

"Submit to the Lord and then resist the devil."

In all their busyness of missionary work, Paul, Silas and Timothy don't get distracted.  They pause, especially Paul, to listen to the Holy Spirit.  That would take focus and a trained mind and vow for our ears to hear, listen for and to obey Holy Spirit guidance.

They had planned to go to one city but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.  Paul had the vision in the night of the Macedonian man beckoning them to come to help them.  So they went.

These are important moments in time where we get "the call" from the Lord to 'go here or there' and to "do this or that."  We need a "Paul Pause," training and attuning ourselves to have ears that hear and are not distracted by whatever it is we allow to otherwise distract us from God's Word, building relationship with Him and earnestly learning to obey Christ.

                                                 ~ ERC March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 16 ESV.

Sing, Wasted Years (Rex Allen).

HAIKU - Riding Hosanna (Palm Sunday 2026)

 

Here comes the donkey,

Jesus on its back, riding.

"Hosanna," crowds shout!

Jesus, humble, came

in peace.  Came to serve mankind.

His death on the cross.

Blessed is He who

came.  All glory and honor

Be upon His name.

He came in the name 

of the Lord.  "Peace, be to you!"

Rejoice.  Jesus came.

Everlasting life

He gave.  Shame and blame upon

His back, riding now.

Atonement for our souls.  

Perfect sacrifice for

us.  Forgiveness rides.

"Praise the Lord," we shout.

From donkey, to cross, for us,

"Hosanna!" again.

"Amen.  Thank You, Lord."

We are blessed because You came

Meekly, and with love."

We give You our thanks Lord Jesus and so remember what you have done for us.  Thank You.  Amen.

                                                     ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Luke 19:28-44 and Matthew 21:1-11 ESV.

Sing, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, along with Sovereign Grace Music.

Lord's Day Devotion - The Salvation Story - (Palm Sunday 2026)

 

Riding on a donkey in Bible times signified a person was arriving in peace, to serve and was coming in humility.  Jesus embodied all of these.

As Jesus rode,

 "already on the way down from the Mount of Olives,"

 and entering the city of Jerusalem, a multitude declared in a loud voice,

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (vs38).

Jesus came in peace, bringing the peace and glory of heaven with Him.  The people were praising and rejoicing this day.  Little did they also know that Jesus' coming in the capacity to serve as their Savior, meant His cruel death upon the cross by week's end.  The loud voices then would be stark and ugly, shouting,

"Crucify Him!"

Triumph and tragedy rolled into that donkey ride.  Yet in His humility, Jesus took all of this upon Himself in quiet submission to His Father, on mankind's behalf.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not persih but have everlasting life" (John 3:16 KJV).

One of the most familiar verses of the whole Bible and in a nutshell, tells the whole scope of the salvation story.  God's love being the motivating force behind His giving the most precious and perfect gift of all time and eternity.

Dwell on that a while.

In the stillness, in the quiet, out of the depths of our souls, does gratitude begin to trickle?  Is it beginning to run, bubbling like a cheerful, rockbed stream?  Is it pouring into a river wide?

Let us be glad and rejoice, even in a loud voice, sincerely praising our Savior, all the day long, surely, but all week too.

Those who believe, those who have believed, won't perish eternally in unrepentant sinners' Hell but have everlasting life.  

All glory be to God!

Sing your Savior's praises Christians, as you reach for the broken bread and drink from the wine cup this Lord's Day.  In Him is our salvation because God loved us.

                                               ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Luke 19:28-44 ESV.

Sing, Praise him, All Ye Little Children, along with Divine Hymns.

The Slow Lane Account (Acts 15)

 

When we read the book of Acts 'in the slow lane' rather than breeze through the interesting account, one can appreciate Luke's writing style more, for sure, but other details and connections can be observed as well.  The flow of how one thing leads to another, the respect shown for leading brothers who stop what they are doing and truly listen.  They take the query seriously.  They allow time to hear and to think and to get God's view, together.  All this before giving answer and sending trusted brothers to go and bring their answer, not just in written form but by word of mouth.

You can read Acts 15 to see this 'in action'.  It's beautiful.

It's a bit amusing but also encouraging to see Peter's maturity of character.  He'd learned a thing or two since his earlier days of following Jesus.

Note in v. 7 that only

 "after there had been much debate ...," 

... did Peter open his mouth to speak.  What's more, when he spoke he did not put his foot in his mouth as he was wont to do before this, but gave very sensible and well thought out answer.

This answer could be verified too.  All knew that he had been 'chosen' by God to initiate the bringing the message to the Gentiles to

 "hear the Word of the gospel and believe" (v. 7). 

 You can double check this as well from Acts 10 & 11.

As you read through chapter 15, you can see that besides Peter, the floor was given to Barnabas and Paul.  After them, came James who seemed to be the leading apostle in Jerusalem, and given the deciding decision based on the logical, thought out information and answers given by the others. 

He and the leading brothers did not have a preconceived action in their minds, an already made up decision. They weren't just going through the motions to make it look like they were legitimately listening, NO, they were sincerely invested in a good outcome for this pivotal discussion.

The peace and harmony and the keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace can be greatly noted (see Ephesians 4:3).  They seemed very eager to do this, grounded on the facts explained.

By God's grace and Holy Spirit guidance, those early believers and leaders handled the delicate situation without putting a binding "yoke" upon the neck of the disciples (see Acts 15:10 ESV).  A major division was averted!

In humility they had governed and led.  The unsettled minds became settled and resulted in the believers

 "[rejoicing] because of [the] encouragement" (v 31)

 of the reply sent.

Once this matter had been settled, Luke tucks in and introduces the next character on stage.  We meet Judas Barsabas and Silas, who were

 "chief men among the brethren" (v 22 KJV).

And this stage set the next stage where Paul chooses Silas to go on a missionary journey.  Note again, it was not an arbitrary decison but Silas came

 "commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord" (v. 40).

Would that we would also experience this in the chuches in which we meet.  By God's grace and our willing, humble hearts, and with much prayer, the unity of the Spirit can be kept in the bond of peace.

So be it, Father God.

                                                 ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 15 ESV.

Sing, Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Inequality and Fairness

 

What do you think?  Are there issues of inequality and fairness in God's Kingdom?

Take the parable of the talents as an example.  The master gave three different servants three differing amounts of talents.  Servant #1 got 5, Servant #2 got 2, and Servant #3 got 1 talent.

Each talent would be equivalent, we're told, of roughly 600,000 to over one million dollars by today's standards.  Back then, it would have been worth 15-20 years' worth of a laborer's wages (AI Overview).

So was this division among the master's servants fair?  Why the seeming discrimination?  What would you say?  Was it favoritism?

The master went far away for an undisclosed length of time.  The servants had no idea when he would return.  Even the servant with the one talent was extremely wealthy.  They could have taken off and disappeared into the world and lived quite comfortably.  They could have become their own master.

But Servant #1 and 2, 

"went at once" 

to the traders.  They didn't waste time and used what they were given to the best of their abilities -

 "according to their abilities" (vs 15).

This is key to note.

Supposed inequality and unfairness needs to be judged in light of this statement ... 

"according to their abilities".

Servant #1 and #2, as it turned out, had no quarrel with the amount of talents they received.  They knew what their master wanted and they went at once, to their responsibilities.  They traded despite any risk there may have been.  They earned and not just earned, but each doubled their talents respectively.

They each got commendation when Master returned.

  "Well done, good and faithful servant" 

he said to them.  They were then rewarded. with greater responsibility.

Servant #3 showed his total lack of regard and that he truly did not know his master's heart.  He didn't even bother to put his amount in the bank to gain interest.

In his fear of the master he neglected his duty.  There were no legitimate excuses.  He failed to earn, failed to gain profit, failed to be fruitful and to multiply.

The harsh judgement from the master's lips in consequence, 

"lazy and wicked" 

servant being cast into that 

"place [of] weeping and gnashing of teeth" (vs 30) 

seems unjustified.

Too harsh for us?

"Lazy," we can understand, but was he really "wicked"?  What was so wicked about hiding the talent in the ground?

Some have reflected that he'd schemed.  If the master never returned, then he would keep the talent for himself.  He'd be rich.  If he'd had put the sum in the bank and the master never returned, he'd not be able to claim the talent and interest for himself.  They'd know it did not belong to him.

This dereliction of his responsibiltiy, seen in this light could then truly be labeled "wicked," I believe.

Spiritual lessons in regards to learning the Kingdom of God's values and standards are faithfulness, multiplying, using our talents for God's purposes.  It's not the amount given but that what we are given, we put to use.

Building a relationship with our Master Jesus, to truly know His heart, to develop an attitude of humility, to imitate Him in all things will help us to know when, where and how to use our talents whether it's our time, energy, resources spiritual gifts, education and more.

Serving the Lord to build up those in the Kingdom and to bring others in, are what will earn our own

 "well done, good and faithful servant," 

I believe. 

When we realize the seeming inequalities and unfairness are actually more to do with our capabilities, level of competence, responsibilities, attitude being more Christlike and our relationship with the Lord, I'll say it again, the supposed unfairness will recede in our minds and hearts and we'll be more able to use our talents for the Lord's glory and not for our own.

We are all equal in value as a person in God's sight but have different roles, abilities and capabilities.  How faithfully we engage them is our choice.  However, of most importance is the focus on using our talents, NOT on how many we have.

Using them to serve the Lord, building up the believers in their most holy faith and furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ and to live in the readyness of His imminent return will help keep us faithful.  May all glory be to God as we live by His grace.

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 25:14-30; Philippians 2:3-8 ESV.  Also Bible Study, Parables - The Greatest Stories Ever Told by John White, Lesson 9 - Parable of the Talents.

Sing, Let the Beauty of Jesus, along with divine love and Wasted Years, along with Rex Allen, and Must I Go Empty Handed, along with Risen Lord.

Strengthened and Encouraged

 

At first, the townsfolk thought they were gods come down from wherever their gods came down from, and wanted to worship and make offerings to Barnabas and Paul.  Then they completely flipped and targeted Paul for stoning.  They dragged him out of the city and left him for dead.

That had to have taken a toll on Paul's body but he got up, and went back into the city, perhaps to recuperate and have a night's rest.  But the next day he was off to Derbe, preaching.

I try to imagine the pain he must have been in unless there had been divine healing.  But he did not dwell on it.  He and Barnabas are seen to be ...

 " ... strengthening and encouaraging the disciples in that city."

There does seem to be a hint of his discomfort though as they remark to these believers, 

"that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God" (v 22).

Barnabas and Paul were able to stay on point through it all.  It reminds me of Jesus who set His face - always with the purpose of His mission in view.  No matter what He encountered from the crowds or the religious leaders, His compass was set and He continued towards His mark; that is, the cross and the plan of salvation.

Many churches have their set visions and missions and purpose statements.  It's good to take note, not only of our own individual work the Lord sets before us but to also be a part of what's happening in the body of Christ in our local church.

May we too be,

"[strengthened] in our souls, [encouraged] to continue in the faith ..." (v.  22) and by these, endure persecution and tribulations."

Then with 

"prayer and fasting, commit ourselves to the Lord in whom [we] have believed" (v. 23).

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 14:22-23 ESV.

Sing, My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (On Christ the Solid Rock), along with Reawaken.

Book Review - Collateral Damage - Sam Cogley - Publication Date: 24 March 2026

 Despite the brute force intensity of the narrative not being my cup of tea, I'd say the story is well written and the curated suspense did carry me through to the story's end.  The small town setting and townspeople take the brunt of all the drama.  There was some relief when some good people were identified among all the bad guys.

Whichever potential reader likes to read about lots of violence, high-speed chases, murder, gunslinging and mystery, I believe this book will very likely appeal to them.  In spite of this there was a spot or two of humor that had me laughing right out loud.  This helped to temper some of the evil and more graphic descriptions.

This is the second book in the Dane Winter series.  It could be read as a stand alone but curiosity may nudge a reader to seek out the first.

                                               ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                              March 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Filled With Joy

 I think a person will never know how they'll stand up under persecution until it happens to them.  We hope and pray we'll have the courage to endure and persevere, we don't necessarily think we will be filled with joy even despite it.

That's why the verse in Acts 13 gets to me. After Paul and Barnabas were persecuted and driven out of the district they had been preaching in, 

" ... the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (vs 52 ESV).

That doesn't mean they were happy Paul and Barnabas had had to leave the area, rather that they had the joy of the Lord through the Holy Spirit and perhaps lived well enough in that knowledge and understanding to have gotten folks riled up enough to be persecuted.  They had been sincere.

Earlier, before the persecution started, these new Gentile believers had ...

 " ... began rejoicing and glorifying the Word of the Lord, ..." (vs 48).

They'd heard the Word of the Lord and it brought them joy.  After the persecution began, they were still "filled with joy."

The joy of the Lord must have been their strength (see Nehemiah 8:10).  I feel that that second part of vs 53 is also a key to their joy and strength despite the tribulation that almost immediately descended upon them when they believed the Lord's word.

That key being the Holy Spirit.  They were filled with Him.  This brought joy and courage.  We believers today are too and can have similiar joy and strength.

It's good to hold these thoughts in our hearts and minds.  Pray that we too, will be able to endure and persevere despite any persecution that may descend upon us.  May the Lord and His Word and His presence with us be our strength.

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                                ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 13 ESV.

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

Meeting Barnabas Again

 

We first meet Barnabas when he gets his name changed from Joseph to Barnabas.  As is likely recalled, this name means, 'son of encouragement.'  As we trace some of his further ministries among early Christians, we can see he is true to his name, plus other facets of his character and godly Christian living.

The apostles could trust Barnabas.  When they heard a great number of people had come to Christ in Antioch, they sent him to Antioch.  Here he taught the new believers to

 "remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose" (vs 23).

He could exhort them like this because he practiced it himself.  He is described as being

 "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (vs24).

In the back of his mind, was Saul of Tarsus.  True to his character, he went in search of him, bringing him back to Antioch.  They stayed a

 "whole year" and "met with the church and taught a great many people" (vs 26).

In many ways Barnabas was Saul's mentor.  Together they taught.  Together they built up trust among the people of God and in the minds of the elders.  When "relief," which I take to mean "monetary funds," was needed to be sent, these two brothers were entrusted to bring the sum to the Judean believers who were in need.

I really like to see these qualities in a brother.  He didn't flaunt himself either. He went quietly, obediently and humbly where he was sent and most needed.  He left many good things in his wake.  As he walked humbly in the fear of the Lord, he accomplished much for Christ.  He did not waste his years.

May we each have the same effect on our own sphere of people we meet; on the saved as well as the yet to be saved.

So be it, Father God.

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on Acts 11:18-30 ESV.

Sing, Worthy of the Calling, along with Pete Carlson and Pete Akers.

Link:  God's Sons and Daughter of Encouragement.

Moved With Compassion

 "Jesus was indignant" NIV.  "And Jesus, moved with compassion (KJV), stretched out His hand (ESV) and touched him, and said to him, "I will' be clean"  (ESV).  Mark 1:41 NIV, KJV, ESV.

The main motivating force here appears to be Jesus' indignation and His compassion.  He had lookd at the desperate leper, imploring and kneeling, asking for himself to be made clean.  Secondly, Jesus' willingness to do just that.  Thirdly, His capability and abilty to heal and make another clean.  This is what Jesus does.

Not everyone with ability and capability is willing to be motivated towards certain action. Jesus' pity and compassion, and no doubt love for all, gave that willingness 'to do something'.  In this case, to cleanse the leper.

Incidently, no one was supposed to touch a leper.  What's more, lepers were supposed to keep their distance from others and even broadcast that they were lepers and unclean if someone tried to approach them.  We can 'get this' because most of us went through the Covid-19 years having to do very similarly (see Leviticus 13 and 14).

They were likely miserable with their condition and because of the distance from others they had to maintain, would be lonely.  They wouldn't have felt another's touch in years.  Not to mention the additional fact that even if someone did touch them, they wouldn't be able to feel the touch anyway.

In light of this, it is so significant that Jesus reached out AND TOUCHED the man in order to heal him and make him clean.  I believe that the faith the leper man had in Jesus' being able to heal him was another huge motivating and contributing force in Jesus' willingness to heal.

This man's faith, combined with Jesus' compassion, brought healing.  If the man had never asked, he may not have received either.  So there are some combining factors, all in all.  Yet the verse,

"Ask, and it will be given you ..." (Matthew 7:7 & 8 ESV)

gives a word of caution to not treat Jesus as a genie or charm. The asking is not for getting materially or even necessarily physically.  Of greater import is to learn dependance on Jesus and to see and know His compassion.

When we ask, seek and knock, in faith, the Lord knows we mean business.  There may not always be the miracle cure we expect, but there will be something to receive, find, and that will be opened.  Jesus is our compassionate friend and Savior.  We can trust Him to ...

" ... stretch out His hand ..."

and give us what's needed in His perfect timing and according to His perfect purposes for our lives.

This is the emphasis I actually want to pinpoint here.  It is the fact of Jesus' compassion, which moved Him to "stretch out His hand."  It touches my heart and I feel gratitude towards Jesus.  It reminds me, that each of us can in faith, implore Him, even on our knees,  for what we so desparately need.  Then wait and see what He'll do.

Jesus, Friend unfailing, how dear you are to us.  What can we even say?  Your love never fails and neither does Your compassion.  Your mercies are new every morning.  We cannot say thank You enough.  But in gratitude from the inner sanctum core of our hearts we give You as heartfelt thanks as possible that You do reach out and touch us with Your everlasting hand.  Thank You, Jesus.  Your name is above all names.

                                                   ~  ERC  march 2026  ~

Basedon on Mark 1:41 KJV/ESV/NIV.

Sing, Compassion, along with Stuart Townend and Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Lord's Day Devotion - Praying & Singing

 "Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing praise" (James 5:!13 ESV).

Two very direct cause and effect actions can be observed from this verse.  If there's suffering, then pray.  If there's cheerfulness, then sing praise.

These are good reminders.  But I think, as followers of Jesus Christ, when we suffer sicknesses, or a sudden death of a beloved one or shocks of other impact, we do pray.  With a major happening occuring, our reflex is to pray.  At least I hope so.

Then there's the shower singers.  It's almost automatic.  Taking a shower seems to make many happy and cheerful and so they sing in the shower, as if the good cheer pours out of the shower head along with the cleansing water, and so one cannot avoid singing.  Ha, ha.

Apart from this, do any of you belong to a whatsApp chat group that prays and sings?  I do.  I'm very happy with this group.  I dare to say there are no spam messages.

When one of the group is hurting in some way, we pray.  When there is cause for joy, - well we may not sing together, but there is good cheer all around.  Some of the chat group members do share songs we can listen to on our own timing.  This is a very encouraging group that also knows how to build each other up in our Lord and faith.

As this article is meant for a Lord's Day devotion, we can bring our thoughts to Jesus' suffering.  He suffered, bled and died for us.  He bought our pardon and offered the gift of salvation to all who believe.

Jesus suffered but the disciples didn't seem to pray.  They were so bewildered, perplexed and scattered.  Some of the disciples went back to fishing.   Others walked dejectedly to Emmaus.  Some of the women were thinking a bit straighter and in their deep sorrow, went to Jesus' tomb.

But what could have shocked and befuddled them further then to see the stone rolled away and Jesus' body missing.  Then hope and joy arose despite the further wonderment, Jesus is alive,  He spoke and gave directions.

Alas, the women were not well believed, although hope was springing up.  Graciously, Jesus appears on the seashore for the fishermen, aong the road to the two Emmaus walkers and then to the gathering in the upper room.

Belief and unbelief commingle yet hope and joy spring up more.  We don't read that they began to sing but we can imagine the joy.

And when they watch Jesus ascend back into heaven, they don't crash again.  They worship.  This is a type of singing praise and praying.

When suffering comes there could be joy in the morning.  Prayers and praise singing can intertwine and lighten our hearts and strengthen our bonds with the Lord and each other.

As we partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of Jesus' death and resurrection and of His securing our salvation; let's cheerfully sing praise and even if we are also praying through our tears and suffering.

Let's remember to pray and sing and give our thanks to Jesus.

Lord Jesus, we remember Your agonies that You suffered upon the cross on our behalf.  You gave Yourself, totally, for us, because You loved us.  You suffered and You prayed to Your Father in Heaven.  You did this for us.  Now we can sing praise, cheerfully, despite our feeling of sadness at what You had to endure for us.  Your suffering and pain brought us freedom from eternal suffering in Hell - the punishment that should have been ours.  You took it.  You bore it all, for us.  "Thank You" doesn't seem near adequate but it does come from our inner heart sanctums.  And now we sing praise in Your Name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                 ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on James 5:13 ESV. 

Sing, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, along with Lydia Walker and Be Thou My Vision, along with Josh Groban.

Ascribe Greatness

 "Ascribe ye greatness unto our God.  He is the Rock, His work is perfect.  For all His ways are judgment.  A God of truth and without iniquity ... Just and right is He" (Deuteronomy 32:3-4 KJV).

All God's ways are judgment, or "justice" as the ESV puts it.  God and His ways are noted here for their perfection, for His faithfulness and for being without iniquity.  He is perfect, therefore there is no iniquity.  So it follows that He is also "The Rock".

He is the Rock on which we can stand.  In all our life's storms when the breakers roar and smash upon us, our God is our Rock, Who helps us endure the buffeting.  We can trust Him because He is forever faithful.

This gives me the feeling of peacefulness as I can 'rest' and trust in Him.  That's so much reassurance.  We can repeat the verses to ourselves and even sing them as they have been set to a tune.

Abba Father, You are so good to us.  So good, kind, and faithful in all Your ways.  Your justice also envelops us and in You we can trust.  Thank You for Your immovable 'rock -ness' and Your immeasurable perfection.  You are great.  In Jesus' name we give You our praise.  Amen.

                                               ~  ERC  march 2026 ~

Based on Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (KJV).

Sing, Ascribe Greatness To Our God the Rock, along with Divine Hymns.

Called In To Question

 

Just because Peter was in a leadership role and especially one of the apostles, it didn't give him "diplomatic immunity".  He was still accountable to the leadership and congregation of believers.

The curve ball God had thrown at him of going to Cornelious the Gentile, explaining the message of Jesus to them was seen as a serious situation.  Yet good leadership allowed Peter to speak, explain and defend himself.  He spoke truth, as it had happened and how God had directed the appointment and rather had taken it out of his hands when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the new believers automatically, despite their ethnic backgrounds.

It was astonishing times for these Jewish brethren.  In the end, the 'tribunal'

 "fell silent".  

They also 

"glorified God." 

 They said,

"Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life"                     (Acts 11:18 ESV).

As one hymn puts it,

" ... to God be the glory, great things He has done ..."!

The humility exhibited by both Peter and the other apostles at this time can be noted.  The submission, not just to each other, but more importantly to what God had showed them through Peter's encounter with Cornelius.

So when "curve balls" come at us, let's not duck, rather deduce direction from God.  If it is legit, as directed by His Word and the Holy spirit, we need to pay attention and get into action.

When it is an individual in leadership being called into question, it's good to hear both sides of the story and not be too proud to speak nor to listen.

"Pride lurks behind all discord" (Alistair Begg).

Peter and the other apostles averted dissession and discord because they humbly listened to each other.  And it wasn't only because it was Peter speaking.  Rather, it had been God's hand of direction.  It's important to discern the difference.

May there be peace, harmony, humility and unity among God's people ... until He comes.

                                                  ~ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 11:1-18 ESV.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Reawaken Hymns.

Book Review - The Bitter Chalice - By Sean J. Fitzgerald - Publication Date: 18 March 2026

 War is always bitter.  This book of the 1100's anals of the life and times in Ireland, Wales and with hints of England, have been well described.  Disputing over territory,  factions and loyalites easily made and easily broken seem to be the norm. Power plays and more, garner the pages often with coercion propelling heinious, graphic actions are enough to curdle the innerds of any potential reader who loves bloodletting and gore. At least, this is my opinion.

I was not expecting this and it left me cold.  I also found it somewhat difficult to follow the threads of who's who.  Part of this may be the point with all the switching and shifting allegieances.  I gave up keeping tract of it all.  I did feel sympathy for Aoife though.

All in all, this book 2 in the Hiboerno-Norman Chronicles has been well named - The Bitter Chalice.  It surely lives up to its name, I believe.

                                            ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                    March 2026

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

Read review on Goodreads. 

Book Review - The Shopkeeper's Heartbreak - By Evelyn Hood - Publication Date: 16 March 2026

 Another hard-to-put-down work of historical fiction by Evelyn Hood; it's great.  Her story is very down-to-earth, a very plausible small town living scenario.  Her characters resonated with me:  their emotions and actions and reactions.  In my opinion, Hood keeps her characters true to form throughout, creating a cohesive whole.

The time frame is prior to, and the early days of, WWI.  There is the rich vs poor scene of sugar factory and wool factories owners and employees.  There are surging suffragettes, conscientious objectors; scoundrels; physical abuse; unfaithful husbands and more.  There are those who care and help too, Lessie being a typical example.

The Shopkeeper's Heartbreak breaks your heart when the story ends.  You will want more, I believe; at least, I did.  This is actually Book 1 in a series, so potetntial readers can take heart, I'd say.

                                           ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                             March 2026

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

Read reveiw on Goodreads.

The Full Injunction

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

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

 "rise, kill and eat."

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

But the voice told him,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 "tarry certain days" (vs 48).

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Acts 10 KJV/ESV.

Sing, In Christ Alone, alone with Hadleigh Church.

Turned to the Lord

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

 "Rise and go ..." 

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

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

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

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

What's more, they were seen to be 

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

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

"multiplied."

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

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

Pay attention to what they did ...

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

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

Tabitha Dorcas was a woman

 "full of good works and acts of charity."  

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

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

 "Tabitha, arise." 

 He 

"presented her alive" 

to her people.

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

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

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

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

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                             ~ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Acts 9 ESV.

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

Lord's Day Devotion - Participation & Suffering

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We need to be strong and courageous in Him.

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

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

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

                                                   ~  ERC  March 2026  ~

Based on 2 Timothy 1:8-10 ESV.

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