Consuming Fire

 We cannot comprehend it until we experience it.  God's almighty power is unfathomable even when we experience some of it.  We only scratch the surface, not plumb the vast depths but we can try.

We can get an inkling by gazing at a starry sky at night or having a glimpse through a telescope or go scuba diving off some exotic Borneo reef.  Even then it's only like the tip of an iceburg or a drop of water in a bucket.

Canada has experienced some of God's almighty power recently.  Not many months ago, Nova Scotia had wild fires causing affected residents to evacuate the burning areas.  Then even more recently, Yellowknife, a territory of Canada, was incincerating and the whole of Yellowknife had had to be evacuated, at least according to some news accounts.  Nearby regions were on high escape alert.  The red glow could be seen for terrifying kilometers and smoke assaulted for thousands downwind.

We prayed for rain and God's mercy for the residents to escape safely and to safety and run to God.  May they all realize, even in this aftermath time, God's almighty, yet loving power.

Psalm 97:3-4 says,

"Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.  His lightening lights up the world the earth sees and trembles."

I'm not suggesting that the fleeing residents were God's foes.  NO!  But may they and all who are yet without Christ, 

"see and tremble" 

their way to God through Jesus.  May they escape the coming wrath and fires of Hell!

"The mountains melt like wax," (Psalm 57:5)

under these earth fires.  What of the scorching hell fires?!

May all peoples of the earth look up to the heavens and

"proclaim [God's] righeousness" 

and 

"see His glory" (v. 6).

May they know God's almighty power of salvation through Jesus Christ and some day soon go to be with Christ in Heaven and to be forever with Almighty God.  Then they and we will know His power more fully through full unblemished experience.  

"For our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29).

Children of God, let God's consuming fire of love for us, ignite us to proclaim His righteousness, salvation and glory.  As a familiar song line sings,

"To God be the glory great things He has done!"

May His presence go with us touching us with His almighty power throughout our daily lives.

                                                ~ERC  August 2023~

Based on Psalm 97:3-6.

Sing, To God Be the Glory, along with Nothern Baptist Association.

Photo credits to a nephew.

Book Review - Wildflower Falls - By Denise Hunter - Publication Date: 12 September 2023

 

In my opinion, horses, a ranch, country side, and romance combine in this clean easy-read novel to lend a reader a pleasant extended evening of relaxation.  Charlotte Simpson, Gunner Dawson, The Robinsons, and Emmerson plus a small cache of other characters create the feeling of support and community that exude a welcome aura and back drop to the storyline.

                                              ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                              August 2023

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Davy In the Snow - By Brigitte Weningo - Publication Date: 12 September 2023

 

This is a cute little bunny story.  Davy is the bunny with survival skills he uses in the snow.  Great pictures illustrate the narrative.  This will be of interest to young readers, I believe.  I think it would make a great gift for any child especially during winter days of snow.

                                               ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                 July 2023

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Grief of Dads - Patrick O'Hearn & Bryan Feger with Kelly & Ryan Breaux of Red Bird Ministries - Publication Date: 1 September 2023

 Those who have lost a child whether by miscarriage, stillbirth, delivered live baby but dies in infancy, young child or as an adult child, will be able to enmesh themselves in this healing book.  I wept and wept healing tears as I too know this grief and range of feelings.  So much of what the authors have to say is exactly my own echoing sentiments and I found myself being ever so grateful for these printed words of struggle and testimony to the Lord's intervention especially on behalf of the Dads' agonizing experiences.

Truly, it is an excellent book and although I'm a Mom and not a Dad to whom this book is mostly addressed, I fully agree that the father's desparately need these words of hope and healing every bit as much as a mom does.  I hope many, many grieving Dads (due to child loss) will be able to read this book.

This book is very much out of the Roman Catholic belief but any Protestants and/or non-religious readers could still be greatly benefited, I believe.  Child loss can hit anyone.  Any such person will be greatly benefited and find healing in having their respective hearts touched by this tender offering from Dads who know.  This is my opinion, which I firmly hold.

I give this book a definite 5 Star rating.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                        September 2023

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Victorious Overcomers - Laodicea

 

Ever hear someone say, "I can take it or I can leave it - it's neither here nor there for me"?  Or, when asked, "Would you like tea or coffee?" and the answer is non-commital, "Either one will do."  This kind of answer is irksome to me.  I find it unhelpful even if the person is trying to not be difficult.  I want the person to be specific so I do not have to be the one to decide for him or her.  "Be specific!"  I want to say - loudly.  "Be decisive!"

This kind of milk and water answer shows no commital or passion.  It is like what the church at Laodicea had become and I can understand what Jesus wanted to do about it.  They were... 

"...neither hot nor cold."

  This lukewarmness caused Jesus to say He'd... 

"...spit [them] out of [His] mouth" (see Revelation 3:16).

They didn't realize how wretched they were; how far they'd declined.  Aren't we often like this in our own spirits?  Collectively too, within a church setting.  I don't like to keep honing in about it as to what happened during and post Covid-19 era but it so illustrates the wishy-washy attitudes and behavior.

  When we came out of that dark underground bunker of lockdowns into the light of day, it showed up our lethargy, which I suspect was there all along, to some degree, pre-covid days.  Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, fellow travelers and followers of Jesus, we all need to wake up.

Instead of allowing the covid era years, or other 'reasons,' to have turned us comatose, let's let those days to have refined us like...

 "...gold in the fire" (Revelation 3:18). 

 Allow God's rebukes and discipline to bring us sincere repentance, so when Jesus comes knocking at your door wanting to commune and sup with you, you open that door straight away and let Him in.  

Revival.

May we each experience that passion of revival in our individual souls and then together with those in your local church, be victorious overcomers!

You know the words Jesus used when He was at the prominent Pharisee's house and saw those guests vying to sit the closest to the host?  Well, here's your chance to be eager to sit closest to Jesus when He's on His throne!  Overcomers the other side of no passion get the right to sit with Him on His throne, just like Jesus did with His Father in Heaven.

Overcomers take heed of John's parting admonition,

 "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:22).

                                                         ~ERC  July 2023~

Based on Revelation 2 & 3, especially Revelation 3:14-22.

Sing, Victory Crown, along with Darlene Zschech, Integrity Music.

See also the following related links:

Ephesus

Smyrna

Peragmum

Thyatira

Sardis

Philidelphia

                      

Book Review - Educating Elizabeth - By Jennifer Moore - Publication Date: 12 September 2023

 

This story is exciting and garnished with bursts of good humor, which are always a hit with me.  I like that it touches on social issues such as the disparity between the rich and poor but with some caring persons in the form of the main character Miss Elizabeth Miller, a most warm-hearted teacher.  Throw in the polarity between her and Lord Charles Chatsworth and you'll be kept well entertained; at least in my opinion.  There are also tender moments so that you may be laughting at one moment and weeping tears the next.  

I like that this book has spine.  It is no airy romance but one with grit and fortitude especially in promoting girls and women and their abilities, keeping in mind the late-ish 1800's time frame setting.  All in all, a very clean and satisfying read!

I give this book a 4-Star rating.

                                             ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             June 2023

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Girl From the Papers - By Jennifer L. Wright - Publication Date: 8 August 2023

 

If there's such a thing as loveable, freelance criminals, you'll find some in this book.  Beatrice and Jack were the stars, very much akin to the 1930's Bonnie and Clyde-like notoriety and calaber, who took the newspapers limelight by storm.  

Although this is a work of fiction, one will be able to see the reality of how a person's early childhood years of abuse, whether from physical or spiritual attacks, will have great impact on the adult that child becomes.  A saving grace to be found in this book, which I was really happy to come across, were the seeds of faith in Jesus that were planted along the way and that sprang up in helpful ways.

There was much action to keep the kettle boiling with never a dull moment, describing action 'then' and 'now'.  This is the second book of Jennifer L. Wright's I've read and once again, I have not been disappointed.

5 star rating from me.

                                          ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                            April 2023

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

Read review on Goodreads.