Book Review - Horses - By Alex Hall - Publication Date: 1 August 2025

 Reading levels for this children's non-fiction book are aimed at Grades 2-3.  The interest levels are at Grades 1-3.  However, as an adult, I found this of interest and have learned a thing or two myself.

I like how the book is divided into short sections dealing with the various body parts of a horse such as the hooves, tails, faces and so on.  Then a young reader can learn about the different breeds and colors of horses, the care of horses, their body language and even what a male and female horse is called when its born, as it grows and as an adult horse.

There are mini side bars of extra tidbits of information a curious reader may graze at to learn more.  At book's end one will find a mini test and a glossary.  In my opinion, this is a short but sweet learning experience not too heavily laden with facts but a nice basic introduction to the equine family of the animal kingdom, at least of those that are still in existence today. It all makes for good horse sense.

                                           ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                             July 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Prayer - Mt. Hurt (Mark 11)

 Lord, this marital strife is a mountain that needs to

 "be taken up and thrown into the sea."  

This false accusation and framing needs to

 "be taken up and thrown into the sea" 

as does this fear of a whole pletheora of such mountains.  We are desparate for it.  We believe and have faith in God Your Father that He can do it for us.  We have no doubt.  But will it please Him to so do?!

You say in Your Word that if we don't ...

 " ... doubt in [our] heart, but [believe] that what [we] say will come to pass, it will be done for [us]." (Mark 11:23).

Lord Jesus, make it come to pass, we plead and implore it to be so.

We stand praying therefore, and forgive all those things against all those people who perpetrate and perpetuate all that on-going strife and trouble.  All those things we have against them, we forgive because You command it.  But help our hearts to catch up so that we truly, fully forgive.

May that mountain of anger and bitterness accumulated over years, be moved and cast into the sea.  May all the negative thoughts be cleared out and the words we would so love to say to hurt those people back, may this Mt. Hurt be moved and cast into the sea.

Forgive us Lord for such tresspasses.  We know You will when we are truly repentant and You will level the ground for us and help us find a way through it all (see 1 John 1:9; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28; and 1 Corinthians 10:13).

May Your Holy Spirit come and comfort us now as He has in the past.  If all this pleases You, Lord, move these moutains we cannot scale alone.  We need You every hour of every day.  Bless us, our Savior.

We, Your people, Your Church, Your Bride and Your children beseech You in Your most precious name Lord Jesus, amen.

                                                        ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 11:22-25 ESV.

Sing, I Need Thee Every Hour, along with Peacemaker Hymns.

Being and Keeping Salty (Mark 9)

Salt was a pretty hot commodity back in Jesus' day on earth.  Even before that time the more ancient ancients liberally used it.  Today, salt is still valued goods used in some similar ways as in eons past, but perhaps more as a seasoning in our times.

To get some greater understanding, surf through the internet about salt, specifically to help make greater sense of Mark 9:42 to 50, focusing mostly on the last two verses.  Research the context of Jesus' words to make them more comprehensive to yourself.

When we go way back to Lot's wife and her having been turned into a pillar of salt, we see this as a judgement and punishment upon her.  She hadn't symbolically used salt to purify herself from the impurtities in the society in which she lived.  In fact, she yearned for that life and was loathe to leave it.  She "looked back" when the angels had commanded Lot's family to NOT look back when tthey were fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (see Genesis 19:1-29 especially vs 17 & 26).

Abimelech, the violent son of Judge Gideon became king of Shechem by murdering his 70 half brothers and then  eventually became king of Israel, as well.  He ruled for about 3 years, dying when a woman dropped a millstone on his head.  He was severely injured and asked his armor-bearer to finish him off, saying he didn't want it said a woman had killed him.  

Before that incident though, Abimelech 

"razed the city of Shechem and sowed it with salt" (Judges 9:45 ESV).

If you read that chapter 9 of Judges, you will see just how wicked and treacherous Abimelech had been.  However, I want to point to what he did with the salt after razing the city.  He scattered salt over it.  This was a way of showing victory.  So salt was used symbolically, showing who had "overcome" Shechem.

Does this ring any bells with you?  Let's couple this unusual verse in Judges with John 16:32.  Jesus said,

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Note that last sentence, "I have overcome the world;" said Jesus.  And then He spread salt, as it were.  Connect this with Mark 9:49-50.

"Everyone will be salted with fire.  Salt is good but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?  Have salt in yourselves ..."

More directly we can see this salt from the passage in Matthew 5:13 where he writes,

"You are the salt of the earth ..."

As believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, we are the 'salt' He has sown over the whole earth.  By His death and resurrection, He conquered sin, suffering and death.  He won the victory for our souls.  And when we acccept Jesus as Savior, His gift of salvation - we become the "salt of the earth."

There is further explanation on the internet that explains that at the Dead Sea there were salt pools.  When the sun scorched them dry, mineral residue was left behind so the salt had lost its saltiness (sorry this is my layman's understanding and terms).

When we relate this to our being salt of the earth and losing our saltiness, we will see that when we do not live in progressive sanctification, we too will not be very salty.

We need the refreshing and reviving washing of the Word of God on a daily basis.  What's more,  we need to live it out, and stand for truth such as going against those who advocate abortion, speaking out against racism and the like.  I'm not necessarily meaning picketing and campaigning but when we are accosted by such issues in the run of a day, what will we say?

Of course, speak in gracious manner.  We may still be persecuted, harassed and slandered as backlash, but we will know and understand that we have been salty enough.  This is why we can "take heart".

This is also part of the fire that refines us and explains being "salted by fire".  Thank God, that if and when we Christians have repented of loss of salitness, and have gone through 'fire' to remove impurities in our lives, that help us to be more like Jesus, and by Jesus' forgiveness, mercy and greace, we can continue to live for Him, in 'salty' manner, that is ever more, Christlike (see 1 John 1:9).

In this way, we can 'season' the environment we live in as individuals, to bring out the 'flavor of Christ,' and collectively, as the church and kingdom of God, we 'season' the whole earth, the world over.

There is one more analogy I'd like to share.  I found this idea from my mini-research about being salt of the earth.  This is in regards to firemen.

Apparently, in some places fireman are said to become salty.  You can ask them, "How salty are you?"  This would refer to the number of fires they've fought and overcome.

Conjointly, 'salty' refers to the fire-fighter's gear.  Stained with soot and other residuals from their work, they get 'salty'.

Naturally, over time this soot stain can compromise the integrity of their equipment to nto being as heat or flame resistant and so on.  They are literally salted by fire.  I think you can see the implications and parallels to our Christian walk and living.

Let us always be on guard, fighting the good fight but remembering to continue to be progressively and pro-actively sanctified.  Let's keep our saltiness at good salty levels (see 2 Timothy 4:7).

Lord Jesus, now I get it, as to what you mean about being the salt of the earth.  You fought the good fight upon the cross earning our salvaation for us.  You won the victory over Satan, sin, death and hell!  You offered mankind this wonderful gift.  I thank You and praise You along with all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ.  Now you call us your "salt of the earth" which You have scattered and sown worldwide.  You are so, so amazing!  Help us though, through Your Holy Spirit's intervention, convictions, and guidance, along with the reading of Your word and our obeying You so that we will not lose our salitness but will always be evermore Christlike, to flavor and season this world with Yourself.  Then we can be at peace with each other. 

I give thanks, praise and ask in Your name, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                              ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 9:42-50 ESV.

Sing, You Are Salt For the Earth Song, along with Chrisitan Hymnal Songs/Divine Hymns.

  

What Do You Think of Jesus?

 After having listened to four talks in two days about Jesus and Christain living, a sister who had been conversing with a lady and her brother, who was yet to accept Christ, asked the man, "So, what do you think of Jesus after all that listening about Him?"

The man was not quite sure yet but the lady prays God's word won't return to Him void (see Isaiah 55:11).

When I read Mark 8:27-30, it reminded me of that question posed to that man. Jesus had asked the disciples what the gossip was about Him.  They said, 

"Some say John the Baptizer and others say Elijah or one of the prophets" (v 28).

Jesus then asked a further question,

"Who do you say I am?"

This is the crux of the matter isn't it!  Peter, bless his dear soul, answered,

"You are the Christ."

This is totally amazing if you think about it.  Peter was acknowledging that Jesus was the Messiah, the one the Jews had been waiting for, for centuries!

So the question I pose to myself and everyone else who reads this,

"What do you think about Jesus?"

Is He Your Savior and Lord?  Is He your best, best friend?  Let's acknowledge Him for who He is.  Then we can live our lives accordingly to please, honor, and worship Him, the one true God.

May we each then read God's Word and obey it so we can accomplish God's purposes in our own lives and reach out to others so that they may know and acknowledge who Jesus is.

So be it, heavenly Father.

                                                 ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 8:27-30 (NIV) and Isaiah 55:11 (ESV).

Sing, I Know a Name, along with Elevation, and What A Beautiful Name (Hadliegh Baptist Church).

Good Book - 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue - By Deborah Smith Pegues - Reviewed by E. R. Chin

 The sentiments in 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues will surely get your neurons sizzling, popping and dancing jigs!

This book was handed to me by a very good friend but I was very much offended by it.  My quick spark thinking was that she thinks I need this!  It made me angry.

So I said, "Oh I have a stack of books to read before I can ever get to this one."  Well it was almost a year later before I began to tentatively open the cover and read the table of contents and then the first day.

My anger was still kindled but as I read, I found that the Holy Spirit knew exactly what I needed.  Eventually, I became grateful to my friend who always gives good "grow books," as she calls them.

Really, in almost each of the 30 days of various types of tongues, ranging from "The Lying Tongue," "The Self-Deprecating Tongue," "The Slandering and Gossiping Tongues," and so many more, I found Holy Spirit conviction.  Obviously, the book was needed.

I found it so very surprizing.  So humbly now, I'll indeed need to thank my far-seeing friend.

As noted, the book is divided into 30 days, each day addresses one particular type of tongue; an area that needs taming.

Pegues uses a relevant verse per day as her main text, gives examples, the way in which the Lord led her, her own spiritual growth and tongue taming.  At the day's devotional end, she has a "Today's Affirmation" box that one could turn into a prayer or vow choice of action towards tongue taming.

Overall this has been a most helpful book that effects an ongoing process towards a more desirable maturity in Christ in guarding our mind, heart and tongues and keeping them from evil.  May all who decide to read this book learn to speak blessings and be a blessing to others as your days pass into years until Jesus comes.

                                                        ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

See the associated links to this book above and one last one here.

Silver and Gold Are Golden.

Prayer - Ephphatha! (Mark 7)

 Heavenly Father, Jesus made

 "the deaf to hear and the mute to speak," and the people said in astonishment, "He has done all things well" (Mark 7:37 ESV).

This was literal.  I ask now for it in spiritual terms, and for the blind to see as well.  This is because of relatives and friends who need their minds, ears, and eyes and hearts opened spiritually, to the salvation they need through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.

Once again, Father, I ask before it is forever too late for them. May they be able to declare that Jesus has done all things well for them too.

"Ephphatha!" ... "Be opened."

Illumine them all, Father, with the Light of Jesus.

I ask in Jesus' most precious name, Amen.

                                                             ~ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 7:34-37 ESV.

Sing, Open My Eyes That I May See, along with Joslin Grove Choral Society.

Freedom In Christ (Mark 7)

 

She gave her Christian landlady a gift of fruit in all good faith.  The landlady hit back, "was this offered to idols first?"  The tenant is also a devout Christian.  She was offended by the landlady's caustic behavior. Why would she have given her such fruit!

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 we see Paul mentions 

"abtinence from foods that God created to be recieved with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth"

comes from so called believers who 

"depart from the faith" (vs 1-3).

But in verses 4-5 we learn that

"everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."

We can rest assured that, no matter who gives us food or drink that God created, that we can pray with thanksgiving and eat and drink in all good conscience.  

What's more, when we read Mark 7:14-23 we see another aspect of this topic.  Jesus 

"declared all foods clean" (vs 19). 

 The things that actually defile the follower of Jesus Christ are what comes out of the heart, not the stomach. 

 "Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness,"

 to name a few (vs 21-22).  

Mark goes on to write, 

"All these evil things come from within and they defile a person" (vs 23).

Sometimes, we believers in Jesus Christ can be so picky and petty about "is this ok, or that ok" in legalistic confines.  We need to read the whole scope and see from God's point of view.

Of course, someone will direct our attention to "not being a stumbling block" to others, especially to a new believer in Jesus Christ (see Romans 14:13-23).

We have freeedom in Christ to eat or not to eat.  But I feel that the newbie-in-Christ, as well as us old timers need to review and, again seek the Lord's view.

I've told this story before of the Hindu guru who came to Christ.  As most of us know, Hindu's don't eat beef as they believe cows to be sacred.  When this guru came to Christ he knew he had freedom to eat whatever, including beef.

However, he continued to abstain from eating beef in order to gain his family and friends to Christ.  He believed that if he went and ate beef - even if they didn't know - that they would not have even bothered to listen to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ from him.

In another instance, an older lady who was not very educated academically, would not eat food she knew or suspected had been offered to idols.  When another of her relatives came to Christ but would eat anything his mother put on the table, it kind of confused the family.  But both had the freedom in Christ to eat or not to eat.  

If you look the Romans 14:22-23 verses, you'll see one would condemn themself, the other would not if they ate.  But this faith was between God and the individual.

Later the younger relative explained to the older relative so some understanding had been gained. Interestingly enough, the rest of the family who prepared the meals, would segregate the food accordingly.

As we seek the Lord about this situation, let's use grace when we see a brother or sister eat, or not eat, according to their conscience between them and God.

But let's also remember we do have freedom in Christ, to eat with thanksgiving.

Father God, thank You so much for the freedom we have in Christ.  You have set us free to live in liberty as it pleases You.  May your children always reject that which defiles from the heart and so abstain.  Help us see the whole picture and to be balanced in tour thinking and according to situations that require us to abstain or not too.  May Your will be done in our hearts and lives.  I ask in Jesus' name amen.

                                               ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 7:14-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

Sing, Trust in You, along with Lauren Daigle.