The Lamb's List (Luke 10 esp vs 20 ESV)

 It's fun to write our name in the sand or carve it on a tree, "so and so was here".  It's exciting even to see ones name in print in a magazine, news article or on a book cover.  What's more, perhaps, a scholar has made the dean's list at some university.  All these can be pretty thrilling.

The ultimate best place, however, is to have ones' name 

"written in Heaven" (Luke 10:20 ESV).

If you've made the Lamb's List, you've found the most important place to see it written.

There are lots of great and wonderful places to have ones name inscribed, there are lots of wonderful testimonies to God's intervention and blessings in our lives.  But the greatest is to have salvation through Jesus Christ and then to carry His name into all the world, adding more names to the Lamb's List.

In this we can truly rejoice (see Revelation 5:8-14; 7:9-10; Revelation 20:12, 15 and 21:27 ESV).

                                                       ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 10: especially verse 20 ESV.

Sing, The Lamb's Book of Life/Passion (Worship Lyric Video, along with Vectored media.

A Fit Follower (Luke 9 esp vs 62 ESV)

 It wasn't easy to follow Jesus.  His disciples were often perplexed and bewildered and left to wonder, being either rendered speechless or putting their foot in their mouth - a least Peter did.

When they got sent out to preach and heal they couldn't take extra baggage.  They had to be minimalists.  When Jesus asks them to feed the crowd of 5000 men - wherever were they to get all that food!?  They must have been astonished at the 12 baskets of left overs...

When Jesus foretells His death they were commanded not to tell this to anyone.  And they were afraid to ask more.  They just couldn't understand!

The picture Jesus painted for them of taking up the cross and following Him required sacrifice - the giving up of comforts and such.  They were to

 "lose their life for [His] sake" (vs 24).

  It was a lot to take in.

Peter puts his foot in his mouth on the Mount of Transfiguration and a voice said,

 "This is my Son, my Chosen One, listen to Him!"

That must have been a bit creepy especially after the appearance of Moses and Elijah.  Thrilling at first but they disappear and there's Jesus standing alone and then the voice.  Again Peter, James and John must keep this secret until much later.

The disciples had been going town to town and village to village preaching and healing, and casting out demons.  Yet, here was a 'stubborn case'.  The unclean spirit just would not come out of the lad.

Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration and Jesus with one commanding rebuke, makes the demon leave the boy.  Astonishment for all present ensued.

In another instance, to John, it felt like someone was casting out demons without being authorized by Jesus to do so.  Maybe he was jealous for Jesus (or himself).  They must have been scratching their heads when Jesus told him not to stop the person.  Jessus' name was still getting the credit.

They get rebuked again when they want to call down fire from heaven to consume the people who did not welcome Jesus.  Sometimes we want to 'defend and protect' Jesus but there seems to be a time and place for this.  He is the one to avenge.  Not us.  I think Jesus was teaching them it was the dawn of the day of grace and no longer the "eye for an eye" era.

Mission was just plain out of the comfort zone.  Jesus had nowhere to lay His head.  He'd said farewell to those at home.  He was purposeful and commited to the task His Father had sent Him to accomplish.

There could be no wishy-washyness for the life of a Jesus follower.  Jesus told a potential follower,

 "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 ESV).

Yet the blessings of storing up treasure in Heaven, of being with Jesus in close friendship must have created a new life for all those early disciples.  Their life was never the same and they eventually took on that same deep dedication to their calling.  They definitely became 'fit'.

We can too.  Our life is in the Lord and we can follow Him and have that same friendship with Him.  Just expect the unexpected.  There will be surprize, astonishment, perplexity and bewilderment at all the wonderful works and goodness of the Lord as He leads us all the way Home.

Let's follow Jesus.

                                                  ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 9, especially vs 62 ESV.

Sing, Jesus I My Cross Have Taken, along with Thankful Barabbas.

Women of Today (Luke 8:1-3 ESV)

 

Here we have some women again.  

"Women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities:  Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means" (vs 2 & 3).

I read into this that these women were so grateful and thankful that they'd follow Jesus (& the disciples) wherever they went.  They provided for them, not with what donations people along the way had given but 

"out of their own means" (emphasis mine).

Perhaps they were something like the bustling woman of Proverbs 31 who earned out of her own right.  Or, they could've been given from their husband's earnings, which he generously shared with them.

This is not stated in the passage.  The willingness to spend out of their own pockets to provide for Jesus and His disciples would not have been a simple task.

Men with bigger appetites - 12 of them, plus Jesus - would cost a small fortune.  They'd be extra hungry due to their travels by shank's pony.  On top of that, other necessities, although Jesus seemed to not need much and travelled light.  But add in these ladies and the "many others" in the group, just keeping all 'in food' would indeed cost a pretty penny.

But these women were still willing to give to the cause of

 "proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God"

 to the peoples of the cities and villages they trekked to.  So not only did they give monetary means, they gave their own strength and time to the furthering of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God - storing up treasure in Heaven, for Jesus.

What wonderful examples these women of worth were for us women of today.  May we be found as worthy and willing for Jesus too!  We may not 'go out on the road,' so to speak, but we can provide for those who do in whatever way we can.

John Wesley once put it,

"Do all the good you can,

by all the means you can,

in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can,

to all the people you can,

as long as ever you can".

Lord Jesus, may we women of today and many others be touched by the example of the worthy women of Your days on earth.  Out of hearts of gratitude, thanksgiving and love for all you had done for them, gave of their means, time and effort to help spread Your good news.  May we too, be so motivated and cheerfully give what we can, where, and when we can, as long as ever we can.  In Your precious name we ask and give our heartfelt thanks.  Amen.

                                                        ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 8:1-3 ESV.

Sing, Grateful, along with Elevation.

Pilgrimage Highways

The three of us were in the car.  We were driving on a rural dirt road headed for the main and paved road.   A few paces back from that road, the car spluttered and died.  Try as she might, the driver could not re-start the car.  The verdict she sheepishly said softly, "We're out of petrol!"

"Never mind," said a voice from the back seat, "We're almost to the intersection and there's a petrol station just 'round the corner.  I'll push the car."

The driver chuckled.  You see, she and the other passenger were in their early 70's and the voice belonged to the 'youngster' of about 60 plus years.

The 'younster' insisted, "Never mind, I'll try ..."

And then the 'youngster' woke up from her dream.  Ah-h-h, saved by the awakening!

But I'm thinking of today's verse-of-the-day by YouVersion phone app.  It reads,

 "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion" (Psalm 84:5 ESV).

Or, as the NIV puts it, "who have set their hearts on pilgrimage ...."

The strength of the 60 plus year old's muscles and heart, may or may not have been able to push that smallish-sized car around the corner, onto the highway of the petrol station but her determination to try was set.  She would have used her own strength and willingness even if not the actual capability and capacity of heart strength to do so.  Maybe there would have been some chivalrous man come to the ladies' aid, which would have been a godsend.

So too, along our spiritual Christian journey, we need to put our strength in the Lord, and in the power of His might (see Ephesians 6:10).  We need to set our hearts to it.  More so, our hearts should actually be the highway on this earthly pilgrimage.  Do we crave the presence of the Lord?

The reference to "the highways to Zion" denotes symbolically, Jerusalem, where the temple with God's presence resided.  The people of Israel faced and focused and abided on a commitment to God.

At least, the singer/songwriter of the sons of Korah, did.  Their songs were to be sung by these people, turning their hearts to the highways to Zion and dependance on their Heavenly Father.  It was in Him they'd get their strength and have their strength renewed (see Isaiah 40:31).

May each of us children of God focus on Him spending time in His presence and thereby gain our strength and refreshing and renewal of spirit from Him.

Please, Jesus, I ask in Your name.  Amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 84:5 ESV.

Sing, My Life is in You Lord, My Strength is in You, Lord along with Divine Hymns.

P.S. The photo of the car was not what the one in the dream looked like but I do like the look of this one.

A Tough Call (Luke 6:32-36, esp vs 32 and 35-36)

 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them ... But love your enemies, and do good ... expecting nothing in return ... be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV).

These verses direct the follower of Jesus Christ to doing good even to those one would not be naturally inclined to help.  Helping an enemy in distress is generally not on a person's agenda but we followers are commanded to be merciful as our Father is.

Like Father, like son (or daughter), but it's a tough call for sure!  Who wants to be of service to "thorns in our flesh"?  I don't know about you but it takes effort in my heart, like a wrestling match, as to which attitude will come to the fore.

Will it be a turning away, will it be a reluctant giving of help, or will with the grace of God and the bestowing of mercy, giving with a willing, cheerful helping hand?  Pray that the Christ like attitude and action will win out.

Why?

Because God loves those enemies even as much as He loves me.  The downtrodden, infirm, and poor also need our love and care.  God's people are the ones to fulfill such needs.

Abba Father, thank You for Your love and care.  Your mercy is even upon us as is Your gracious hand.  As Your children, help us to do as Jesus would.  After all we too were once Your 'enemies' but You gave Your all, for us.  May Your Holy Spirit mold and shape us to be more like Your son Jesus.  May our natural bent be to love our enemies and do good to them because our life is in You.  This is a tall order, I think, but with Your Holy Spirit's help, we can.  In Jesus' name I ask, Amen.

                                            ERC  August 2025.

Based on Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV.

Sing, All Because of Mercy, along with Casting Crowns.

Fishing Boat Pulpit (Luke 5:1-11 ESV)

 Jesus met Simon Peter right where he was at; his fishing boat and his nets.  Simon and his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were likely disheartened after an all nighter out on the sea with nothing to show for it.

But Jesus was after a different kind of 'fish' and asked to use Simon's boat as a pulpit, of all things!  Actually, Jesus didn't ask, He just stepped into Simon's boat and told him

 "to put out a little from the land" (vs 3). 

This was kinda right in Simon's face.  But of course, Simon had the option to put out or not.   However, he seemed willing enough to oblige and then Jesus could more easily preach to the crowd upon the seashore.

I think we sometimes need such awakenings.  I picture Simon continuing to wash his nets but with his ear cocked, listening to Jesus' words.

Subtle, but effective method of teaching, don't you think?  There are times I'd like to take a believer-in-Jesus friend to say, a coffee shop, and talk about Jesus.  I speak a little louder than necessary, just enough to be heard at the next tables and I'd ask something like, "OK, you say Jesus is your best friend,  how did that happen?  Why is He so good to you?" Or some such questions that as my friend answers, others may overhear and even while they sip and sup their tea or coffee and their food, they could hear the message of Jesus explained.  That would be a coffee shop pulpit.

Anyway, Jesus paid His pulpit renting dues, again right where Simon Peter would be most impacted.  Skeptically, he moves out to the deeper waters and

 "let down [his] nets for a catch" (vs 4).

Lo and behold, they ...

"... enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking" (vs 5)!

He had to call his partners James and John to the rescue.  They could hear, I imagine, Jesus chuckling.  Simon Peter though, was struck as if by lightning.  He falls on his knees before Jesus and admits he's a sinful man.

Jesus then tells Simon,

"Do not be afraid:  from now on you will be catcing men" (vs 10).

Jesus commissioned Simon Peter for his life's purposeful work.  When we read the rest of the story and into the book of Acts and even Peter's writings we see he fulfilled that purpose.

It would be good to stop and reflect.  Have we been impacted and/or struck in  a highly significant manner similar to Peter's experience?  Or maybe it was the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit nudging, convicting and challenging us.  How will we respond?

Let's have our ears cocked for the Holy Spirit's guidance, ready to listen and take obedient action despite any misgivings we may have.  Don't be afraid.

                                                  ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 5:1-11 ESV.

Sing, Fishers of Men, along with Believe.

Acceptable Offerings

 

What is it that makes an offering acceptable to God?  Here's what God commanded Moses to speak to the people of Israel on the topic,

"When you offer a sacrifice of peace [or fellowship] offering to the LORD, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted" (vs 5).

Peace, or otherwise called, fellowship, offerings were voluntary.  However, there were still criteria and boundaries - terms and conditions - for what and how one was to offer these.

When they made these fellowship offerings to God, the priests and the offerer could share the meat or other food offered.   They could still eat it on the second day but not on the third day after having offered the offering.  It was considered 'tainted' on the third day.  It would therefore be unacceptable to God.

All sacrifices and offerings had to be "without blemish".  If the food was tainted then it would have 'blemish'.  It was then a serious offense to God to keep and eat it.  These leftovers were supposed to be burned up.

Acceptable offerings would be characterized by the willingness of the offerers.  How joyfully and generously they'd offer.  Also these would need to have been funded from legitimate sources, one sister pointed out to us at a Bible study.

Making it somewhat relatable to our day and age, one could offer hospitablity to a brother or sister-in-Christ for instance.  They may stay a day or two and you'd be happy and gladly have them in your home.  But what if the stay was extended to the third or more days?  Would the willingness, joy and generosity still be there?

This could be a test of acceptability before God.  Patience and perseverence to continue until the need was no longer needed.  If one flinches and falters in giving of the hospitality offering, I think one could consider this offering 'blemished' and therefore unacceptable to the Lord.

The song, "Freely, freely  You have received, Freely, freely give" is ringing through my mind.  We may need to check our initial motives in making our offerings.

When we give without reluctance or under compulsion, but rather freely, joyfully and generously, these are acceptable to God.  Let's support needy believers as the need arises and according to what we can give.

If one hasn't yet found a need to offer to, one can still set aside an amount as 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs,

" ... save it to the extent that God has blessed you ..." (unknown version but could be a paraphrase).

Or, as the ESV reads,

" ... store it up, as He may prosper ..."

Then, as needed, one is ready.  There's that "posture of readiness' to do good works in the service of our Lord and for His peoples' benefit.

We might add,

" ... and for the furtherance of the gospel."

A favorite marriage motto verse of my husband and I is found in Galations.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galations 6:9 & 10 ESV).

These are acceptable offerings that please the Lord as we cheerfully offer these fellowship offerings in praise and heartfelt gratitude to Him.  The best such offering however, would be ourselves.  By God's grace let us continue to offer our acceptable offerings to Him.

Amen.

                                                      ~ ERC  August 2025  ~

Based on Leviticus 19:5-8 ESV.  Also see, 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Chronicles 29:17B; 2 Corinthians 9:5-6; and 1 Corinthians 16:2.  Secondly, based on B. Study about offerings, How to Give to God - The Bible Unpacked by Paul Mallison.

Sing, We Are An Offering, along with Christ Christian and Living Sacrifice, also along with Chris Christian.