Falling asleep in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22, Psalms 20:7-9, Luke 10:30-36)

"Lukewarm people"
Corel Painter

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Awww good old apathy also known as, "lukewarm people," as God would say.  I'm from the apathetic generation, I can relate.  In college, the Professor asked what was wrong with us.  We had no emotion.  He said, "You don't dress alike.  You don't have any passion.  What do you care about?"  

We all looked at our watches to figure out when class was over.  He saw that which confirmed his suspicion.  "You just want to go home?"  Then he laughed.  

I was born in 1960, after the hippies, during the Vietnam War.  The first television came out around this time.  I remember seeing the war as a little girl on black & white TV.  Walter Cronkite was the top News caster.  I miss just the facts and not so much opinion.  Something in all of this made us shut down emotionally.  We played games outside like, "Hide and Seek."  Divorces became popular and so did drugs.  I drove my Mom crazy because I saw color on the black and white screen hahaha.  I was born an artist : )  

That was before all the electronic devices we have now. It's easy to just tune out and escape all the drama.  But that's not what Jesus wants us to do.  He wants us to help each other out and pray.  I remember after I first became a Christian, we were singing one of those old hymns.  I thought, "This is so boring why do we do this?"  Then the still small voice whispered, "Who are you singing to?"

I looked up and smiled and have sung to the Lord since then.  It's an amazing experience.

The Lukewarm Church
14 “ And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘ These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 
Part of me reads this and wonders what it would be like to be rich and need nothing.  Then I realize how complicated it would be.  People trying to steal from you, figuring out the stock market... Nah.  Not for me.  Jesus changed my life, I'm sticking with Him.  He's full of surprises.  The way to get this Church back on track is for them to seek out their first love, "Jesus."  Be zealous after Him.  Fall on their knees and repent, confessing sin (in private is just fine). This verse comes to mind:

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.
(Psalms 20:7-9 NKJV)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’”
(Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV)
There is still time to follow Jesus.  I just hope people don't miss out on His blessings and majesty today.  He totally changed my life, attitude, anger, and apathy.  I am set free now.  He gave me this amazing joy and then of all things, I got compassion.  I could feel for others.  I was so dead inside as a kid.  Now I have courage and try new things, good, healthy things.

This is what it's like when we do what God wants:

30 Then Jesus ... said:“ A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you. ’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? (Luke 10:30-36 NKJV)

I'd feel really good after doing something this important : )

Dear Heavenly Father I continue to thank and praise You for drawing the nations to work together in the middle east.  I lift up Israel, Jordan, and Iraq to You.  Please protect Europe from the terrorism and our nation.  Please bless the efforts of those who are fighting the good fight.  Grant courage and strength to the Ukraine Father.  I pray for our country, that You will help us get back on track.  Closing our eyes leads to blindness.  Help us see clearly. And respond appropriately, even if we're just simple servants.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Here's a favorite song from the Newsboys, You are My King (Amazing Love) link

Amazing Grace (Ephesians 2:1-10)

"We are safe because of His grace"
Corel Painter X3
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This section of Ephesians has one of our most favorite verses in the Bible:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
We don't understand the word, "grace" so much today.  It's funny my name, "Karen," means "grace." I am the most ungraceful lady you'll ever meet : )  In Webster's dictionary, "grace" also means unmerited divine assistance given humans, kindness, courtesy, temporary exemption.  I have definitely received some of God's grace, and lots of bruises on my legs and toes hahaha.  The opposite of grace is destruction. We should choose God's grace, definitely!

God didn't have to save us.  He could've just given up.  But He didn't.  That tells me that in spite of our sin, He's still leaving the light on for us to come home.  The only requirement is that we have faith in Him, accept His Son, "Jesus," speak to Him through prayer, and allow Him to help us change our ways.  

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
The prince of the power of the air is the devil. There's a million ways we can go the wrong way.  There's pride that makes us think we're better than other people.  There's drugs and alcohol.  Basically breaking the 10 commandments.  We've all sinned, no one is perfect.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:1-10 NKJV)

Here's a great song from, Citizen Way "How Sweet the Sound" (link)

This is the traditional song by Celtic Woman "Amazing Grace" (link)

Paul & Ananias story 2 (Psalms 146:7-8, Acts 9:7-31)

"Paul waiting in blindness"
thought he should have a Roman nose : )
Adobe Photoshop

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

We've been having lots of storms in the USA lately.  In New Jersey, we're getting sun one day and then more rain.  Then some humidity.  We are tired and worn out from these storms.  I turn on all my lights in my studio to cheer myself up.  But, something extraordinary is also taking place.  After Hurricane Sandy the plants looked bad.  Azaleas quit blooming, trees looked dead.  

I went for a walk the other day.  Our plants are more beautiful than ever before!  It's like that with our life storms.  The bad stuff makes us stronger and more beautiful.  One of the trees that hasn't bloomed in 3 years is now full of buds and leaves!  There's always hope, for us too.

Back to the story of Paul and Ananias...

The Lord sets prisoners free,
8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
(Psalms 146:7-8 NIV)

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
This would be so humbling for the mighty Pharisee, "Saul."  He couldn't do anything but pray.  Not only did Jesus talk to him, the others heard it too.  There were witnesses.  It must've been such a humbling time.  He was wrong; he'd spilled innocent blood.  That would be horrifying in itself.  But to hear the voice of God.  Yikes!  He was a good man following what he thought was the law.  

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
I admire Ananias : )  The Lord speaks and He is listening.  It would take great faith to do what God asked of him.  I hope I would be so willing if something came up with someone like Paul.  Sometimes God asks us to do things that aren't easy or comfortable.

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “ Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.”
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Ananias is a great servant.  He took a huge leap of faith to help Saul.  I hope I would be so faithful if I faced a similar situation.  When I am scared, like when I'm ministering in a dangerous place.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me and then the peace and joy comes. So we should never feel we are on our own in our faith or ministry.


20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Like I said before, Paul is an all or nothing guy.  "Immediately"  he goes out to set things straight.  Jesus IS the Son of God.  He confused the Jews and moved forward to build up the body of Christ.  They no longer had a fighter on their side.  We don't know everything about Paul, but I suspect he was a driver.  He saw the goal and went for it.  Anyone who wasn't going with him could stay behind.  That's that.

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
The Jewish leaders weren't happy.  All their plans had been destroyed.  But the disciples in Damascus must've come to love him because they helped him escape.  Now that's forgiveness isn't it?

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Hellenists were Jews who adopted Greek ways.  Barnabas was a good man according to Luke (whom it is believed wrote the book of Acts).  It's also believed that Saul and Barnabas may have learned under Gamaliel at the same time.  If that is so, then they would've been good friends already.  I'm sure that would've helped Paul out quite a bit.

31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Did God choose the right man or what?  God sees inside our hearts, He forms us in our Mother's womb.  He has plans for all of us.  We just need to pray and listen.
(Acts 9:7-31 NKJV)

Great song from Tanner Clark, "Do not be afraid" (link)

Paul & Stephen story 1 (Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:54-8:3, Acts 9:1-9)

"Stephen saw Jesus before he died"
Faber Castell, Pitt Markers

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I seem to have been lead to read Ephesians : )  Before I jump in, I thought it would be good to read up on the Apostle Paul.  It's been awhile.  Once I remember Paul, the letters he wrote to the Churches make more sense.  His story is amazing.  We can't forget about Stephen too.

Paul is one of God's miracles (and a favorite Apostle).  His Jewish name was Saul; Roman name was Paul.  He had dual citizenship.   He was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin.  Evidently, his family had purchased land in Rome, where he was born, which made him a Roman citizen as well.  In order to earn money, he became a tent maker literally.  Lots of Christians in ministry today talk about their "tent making" jobs to help pay the bills allowing them to be ministers. 

Saul left for Jerusalem earlier in his life to study under Gamaliel a premier teacher of the Law in the first century.  It makes me wonder if Paul was born into a fairly wealthy family.  Pretty cool how God chooses people from all walks of life.  Peter was a fisherman, I'm sure he'd fall fast asleep in no time listening to Gamaliel hahaha.  I would too or start doodling : )

After his teaching with Gamaliel was complete, Paul came back to Jerusalem to an uprising about the crucifixion of Jesus.  He joined into the mix to physically destroy Christians, even traveling to different regions to persecute them.

Stephen was one of the first leaders of the early Church.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 
It sounds to me like they knew Stephen was right but didn't want to admit it.  Pretty sad human nature.  It's like a mob mentality where everyone wants to get the approval of everyone else.

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
(Acts 6:8-15 NKJV)
It's the Holy Spirit glow.  He makes us beautiful at certain times.  Way better than make-up.  It comes from the inside, where His Holy Spirit dwells.  I'd be a little cautious attacking a man who's glowing like an angel.  Hmmm.  

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
I had to look up what "gnashed" meant.  It's some type of grinding and growling  these guys mastered to intimidate their victims.  Real mature right?  

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen must've been an amazing man to be so sensitive to God's Spirit.  We'll meet him in Heaven one day.  I'm sure he'll be delighted to see how many Christians there are now : )  It's interesting that Stephen asked for his attacker's forgiveness as they were ready to kill him.  

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
(Acts 7:54-8:3 NKJV)
As I read this I am reminded how Saul/Paul never did things half-hearted.  As a persecutor or Church leader, he always gave his all.

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Paul was out looking for people to persecute.  He travelled to gather these people.  It must've been horrible for him to remember later on.  Forgiving myself is one of my biggest weaknesses.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
(Acts 9:1-9 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the little girls from Nigeria.  I pray You will protect them and guide them to safety.  Reveal the truth to the captors of what they have become.  I also continue to lift up the Ukraine.  Please bless and keep them from harm.  Thank You so much for Lisa's last chemo.  I pray You will pour out lots of blessings and confidence for the next few years.  Bring peace and humbleness where it is needed in our White House.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Putting on His Armor (Ephesians 6:10-20, John 3:16-18, James 5:16, Romans 4:5-8, Matt 5:9, John 14:27, Hebrews 11:1-3, Hebrews 4:12)

"My first knight : ) (hope it's ok...)"
Tombow Pens and Photoshop

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I was talking to a neighbor the other day.  I told her our plans for vacation later in the year.  Her response was sad.  She said proudly, "Oh you still like your husband."  

I asked if things were ok.  She said,  "We don't see each other much.  We are like 2 ships that pass in the night."  

As I walked inside, I realized love is a choice.  It's not a feeling or a demand.  When Jesus became the sacrifice for us, it was God's choice.  It wasn't done in anger, it was done in love.   It's not so easy to love sometimes is it?  And marriage is never perfect, we just aren't.

I really like the description of the Armor of God.  It helps me understand the battle between good and evil. 


10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
I honestly don't think about the devil much.  It is the serpent who slithered in the garden of Eden tempting Adam and Eve.  It is the thing that tried to tempt Jesus into mocking God and becoming an earthly king. The tormentor that caused Jesus to sweat tears of blood.  We don't know what it said, but we do know the devil is a fallen angel so far deteriorated, it's only purpose is to destroy.  

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The armor of God is such a great description.  Don't know about you but I visualize it in my mind.  The Bible was written for all us, those who are creative and see cartoon people, and those who are rule keepers who quickly distinguish right and wrong.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 
(Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV)
Truth is so important.  I need to remember to be honest about my walk with Christ.  It's not easy, or a sales pitch.  It's a new way of life, where we embrace our Creator instead of lofty ideas.  Humans are competitive by nature, rather than promoters of peace.  It's good to be honest at times (not all the time hahaha).  My husband is a lot more tactful when he talks to me now, after 21 years.  Hopefully I am too.  

It's important to remember our salvation too.  It's our helmet : )  I know my mind goes places and I have to stop and remind myself I'm forgiven.  People and circumstances make us feel unworthy, lost.  The Word of God is our sword.  When people are mean, God is always love.  I have a T-shirt that says, "Pray hard."  The picture is a guy with holes in his blue jeans.  Prayer is an awesome gift from God.  He actually hears us! And helps when it's within His will and character.

Helmet of Salvation (remembering I am God's helps me with my thoughts)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(John 3:16-18 NKJV)

Belt of Truth (keeps me from thinking more of myself or less)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 
(James 5:16 NIV)

Breastplate of Righteousness (guards my heart so I can keep going and not give up)
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
(Romans 4:5-8 NKJV)

Feet prepared for the gospel of Peace (never know when we can be a blessing)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:9)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:27)

Shield of Faith (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
(Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV)

Word of God-Sword of the Spirit (His Word always keeps me on track and I've seen it really touch others either in blessing or conviction)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

Here's my prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father I lift up Europe to You.  I pray that the right will win and wrong will fail.  Please bring repentance to all our leaders.  Grant our President wisdom and the ability to listen and understand others, especially our people.  Bless us all Father as we look forward to Your return and peace at last. Please bring peace and safety to Ukraine and Russia.  Bless them with Your presence Father, shield them with Your holiness.  I pray You'll do some extra blessings for Lisa today as she is almost through her chemo.  

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus Name, Amen.

May God bless us all in putting on His armor!   
Here's a great song by Mercy Me, "Shake" (link)

Great Hall of Faith 1 (Hebrews 11:1-7)

"So many did so much for our faith."

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Hebrews Chapter 11 is, "The Great Hall of Faith."  It describes how some of the heroes of the Bible lived to please God.  Like us, they all had bad days and lacked faith at times.  We've all sinned, that's a given (Romans 3:23).

One of my favorite verses:
6 “...Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts."
(Zechariah 4:6-7 NKJV)

Hebrews 11:1-7

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.  3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
I like this description of faith.  It's believing we will make it through a hurricane even when the house is creaking and the trees are leaning down. Faith is getting in the car,  starting the ignition, and believing the car will work.  Faith is sending your Son to die on a cross, believing and hoping your creation will accept His sacrifice and enter His kingdom.  

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
(John 15:13 NIV)

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Cain and Abel were brothers from Adam and Eve.  Cain was a farmer.  Abel raised sheep and brought God the firstborn of his flock.  (Genesis 4:1-7).  Cain brought God some vegetables from his garden.  God wasn't pleased, it wasn't much of a sacrifice and didn't require faith. So Cain got jealous and angry killing Abel.  The verse above says that Abel still speaks.  He does doesn't he?  Abel reminds us to give our best.  I'm reading this in context of the verses above and realize God provided a sacrifice for us.  His very best without blemish or sin.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death:“He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Enoch lived to be 365 years old!!! Yikes!  Then God took him home he didn't actually die.  God just brought him home.  Sounds like the second coming of Jesus.
(Genesis 5:22-24 NKJV)


7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Noah was the grandson of Enoch's son.  Noah lived to be 500 and then had 3 sons.  Double yikes!  They were Shem, Ham, and Japheth.  He walked with God.  God entered a covenant (agreement) with him that he wouldn't die when He sent the great flood.  This would've been an extremely difficult assignment.  He was stuck in an ark with all the animals and his family...  (Genesis 5-8)  Kind of glad we don't need to do that one today.
(NIV)

10 Commandments still valid (Hebrews 8:1-6)

" Moses came down the mountain with 10 commandments to find a golden calf... Oy!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

You do realize Moses stuttered don't you?  He must've been so frustrated! The Ten Commandments are still good and actually quite wise to follow : ) What changed with Jesus' sacrifice, is that obeying each command (perfection) isn't a requirement for salvation.  We do still need to strive to obey the commandments.  In fact a lot of America's laws are based on them (you shall not murder, for example). 

Many of us will never forget the story of Moses climbing up the mountain to receive the commandments from God.  God used lightening to engrave His laws onto them.  It took a long time, and the rest of the Hebrews got bored.  So when Moses came down from the mountain he found people worshipping a gold calf.  Moses got so mad he threw down the tablets and broke them...  So there ya have it.  They broke the 2nd commandment before it was even published, "2 You shall not make for yourself a carved image."

Remember the commandment, "9 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor?"  What would the world be like if politicians, news reporters and all of us took this to heart and became honest?  Would we want to hear the truth?  Sometimes no and sometimes absolutely!  My Governor is dealing with a crazy situation.  Someone from the Democrats accused him of causing a traffic jam to get even with someone else. Oh the shame! It blocked traffic for 5 days.  Ok from New Jersey through New York City it's a traffic jam everyday, every hour. There's no need to create one. I'm thinking it's been this way since horse and buggy days.  So far no one has topped the president's insurance blunder, sorry guys.  Honestly, I don't want to hear that Gov. Christie is guilty.  I'm proud of him.  He told us we're stronger than the storm after the hurricane, and we are.  It's his turn to remember that now.

While Jesus was ministering, the Pharisees and Saducees kept following Him asking questions.  They were very nervous, believing He came to remove the law.  To both of these groups, the law was their life.  Their whole existance revolved around finding "sinners."  Actually there's still a few rogue churches that do this.  But, God is the judge, the beginning and the end (alpha and omega).  Remember how Jesus healed a man who was sick and the man picked up his mat and danced around?  In the background the pharisees and saducees were plotting against Jesus because He healed on the sabbath. 

Hebrews 8:1-6
1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying:  We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. 4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
(NKJV)

Jesus said, 17 “ Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-20 NKJV)
It's interesting I was talking to a Jewish friend and she told me that they have added so many laws to the original Old Testament, it's hard to recognize the original.  These words of Jesus are still relevant today and we can understand why it was important to Him.  The  Bibles we use have passed many tests for authorship, consistency and truth. 

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV)
Jesus taught that our love is most important, compassion for others, patience (such a challenge)!

8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:8-13 NKJV)
Yup the ten commandments are still important for us.  They are so logical too.  One of the things Jesus did to fulfill the law was to explain how our thoughts that break the 10 commandments are also bad.  Which is why we needed Jesus' sacrifice to save us.

We should remember to pray for peace in Israel.  They are in a precarious position. 

Shepherds and Angels (Christmas Story 5) (Luke 2:8-14, Isaiah 11:10, Micah 5:2-4)

"Such an amazing sight, angels everywhere, singing!"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.


The first time the full impact of this part of the Christmas story really dawned on me, was when I was watching a movie about Jesus.  I'm not one to get real emotional, but I cried.  The shepherds were the lowest of the low socially.  They were humble people who lived in the fields tending sheep.  They told each other stories about the constellations in the night sky; they played instruments.  They didn't have fine robes and big houses. If God had waited 2000 years He could've made an announcement on TV.  But that wasn't His plan.   I'm so grateful.  King David was called by God when he was a shepherd boy.  These were simple, humble, and honorable people- like us.

Luke 2:8-14

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
I think I would be afraid too if I saw an angel.  Just imagine, it's the dead of night.  The shepherds are listening for any disturbance in the bush, a wolf? A lion?  There may have been a soothing song playing in the background to calm the sheep.  They always protected the sheep, their income.  When suddenly a great light appears before them!  An angel speaks.  Sheep?  What sheep?  What is this?  Then the whole sky lights up!  And the angels rejoice right in front of the shepherds!  We will see this in Heaven too.  How awesome is that?  In verse 10 you see "I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." The message is expanding it's no longer just for Jews it's for all people now.  Even those of us who are Gentiles.  There are many prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah about the Gentiles.  Here's one:

Isaiah 11:10
10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
Who shall stand as a banner to the people;
For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious."

The Jews will always be God's chosen ones, always the first-fruits.  God chose to include the Gentiles as well.  For that I am very grateful.  Jesse was David's father, Mary and Joseph are of the lineage of David.  Jesus came through the root of Jesse.  This prophecy sounds like it's referring to the manger in Bethlehem.  The wise men were Gentiles.  

God mentions the shepherd many times in Scripture.  He is God, I'm a sheep...  But, from what I've read a shepherd's job is very taxing.  They need to watch everything their sheep do.  They're not the brightest of animals and will eat poisonous food, get scared to death literally, and fall off of cliffs.  It does sound familiar ...  They are also considered a tasty treat by meat eating animals so they constantly need to be guarded and protected.  It would take a great deal of patience and love to handle a job like this.  

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
3 Therefore He shall give them up,
Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;
Then the remnant of His brethren
Shall return to the children of Israel.
4 And He shall stand and feed His flock
In the strength of the Lord,
In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;
And they shall abide,
For now He shall be great
To the ends of the earth;
(Micah 5:2-4 NKJV)

My favorite Psalm, I memorized this and repeat it before I go to sleep sometimes.  God calls Himself our shepherd.
Psalms 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
NKJV
A great Christian book on God as our shepherd is A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by W. Phillip Keller.

One day we will see the angels in glory, and sing in their choir!  Tonight we'll be heading to the Presbyterian Church up the road to sing to Jesus.


The Little Drummer Boy, Pentatonix (link)
Gifts from the heart are the very best.

Do you hear what I hear? Carrie Underwood (link)

Wise Men from the East (Christmas Story 4) (Matt 2:1-7, Matt 2:12)

"Wise Men still seek Him"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Matthew 2:1-8

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" (Micah 5:2)

From these verses we can see that people believed the prophecies before the birth of Christ.  And even knew them by heart.  Sadly Herod did not know or care. He was the current King of the Jews.  All of Jerusalem was troubled.  You would think the coming of the Christ would be a good thing in the temple- that it wouldn't be a surprise.  It took wise men from the east to point this out, they were the ones who worshiped Jesus.  This shows the deterioration taking place in the Jewish leaders since the time of King David.  David did everything for the glory of God.  When he sinned, he was forgiven, and went on to bring God glory again.

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
NKJV

Herod was a wicked King.  His desire was to destroy the competition, it was all about his glory.  So he lied telling the wise men he wanted to worship Jesus. 

Here's how God worked it out with the wise men:

Matthew 2:12
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
NKJV

One of my hobbies is astronomy.  It is documented that a very rare and unusual incident happened during this time period where the planets Venus and Jupiter were in the constellation Leo.  Leo is the constellation of Kings and the tribe of Judah.  Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah. 

I read in my research that this has never occurred again in over 2000 years.  One of the proofs that God exists is the orderliness of the universe.  There have been many theories, over the years, as to how the universe will end.  However no one can truly explain how it has lasted this long.  The constellations we see in the sky today, are the same as when Jesus walked the earth.  The earth has changed through war, storms, earthquakes etc.  But the constellations have not.  What a grand entry for the Son of God!  A great and glorious light shone in the sky over Jesus.  When we are in Heaven we'll know all of these details.  For now, we know nothing is impossible for God.  The Bible says a star for the King of the Jews.  That's good enough for me.

This is a rap song by This Hope.  It's pretty fun : )

I wonder as I wander, This Hope (Remix)

Born in Bethlehem? (Christmas Story 3) (Micah 5:2, Luke 1:26-27, Luke 2:1-5)

"Messiah would be born in Bethlehem"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

An Old Testament prophecy was written that the Ruler of Israel comes from Bethlehem:

Micah 5:2
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting."

But, Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, about 80 miles from Bethlehem.

Luke 1:26-27
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.

Here's how God worked it out:

Luke 2:1-5
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
NKJV

Census and taxes!  God used the government to bring about His plan.  This proves that nothing is impossible for God and He can use anything to bring about His will.  By this time it may have been a relief for Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth.  I'm sure they both received a lot of advice and who knows what happened in the local gossip mill.  Getting away was a good thing in many ways.  However, the trip was very difficult.  Mary was almost ready to deliver Jesus.  

I remember how it feels when I step out in faith, and go where the Lord leads me- like a Nursing Home.  I am overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit's presence and joy.  Mary wasn't carrying a normal baby.  He is the Son of God, she must have been blessed for her service and His presence within her.  Joseph was also blessed.  I don't know if the road was easier because of her assignment. I hope so.

Usually women are the talkers, but I suspect Joseph finally got his chance to think this all through.  Maybe he said something like, "We're going to have the Son of God!  No, wait.  Mary's going to have the Son of God.  My Mary, God chose my Mary.  I knew she was special.  I knew she would stay faithful.  I'm going to be a Dad!  But I'm not worthy, why would God?  I'll teach Him everything I can!  But what could I possibly teach the Son of God?" 

I imagine Mary giggling and saying something like, "Oh Joseph, you'll be a fine Father.  Just remember this baby is a miracle.  God has a plan for us as parents.  He will guide us."

Or maybe they just travelled rejoicing in their hearts to have this awesome role in God's  plan.  Perhaps they prayed, no doubt the angels were nearby.  The Savior was coming as a baby.  No doubt they were exhausted by the trip.

I can't find the name of the musicians in this song but it's beautiful : )

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem (link)

Joseph's Reaction (Christmas Story 2) (Psalm 19:7, Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 9:7)

"Joseph didn't know what to think"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Over a thousand years before the birth of Christ, David wrote this Psalm.  This verse seems to fit what Joseph and Mary had to deal with.  It would be amazing to be visited by an angel. 

Psalm 19:7
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
NKJV

Matthew 1:18-25
18 After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Joseph seemed to have the same reaction to this as Mary, "What!!?  Wait a minute..."   Joseph, like a lot of men, came up with a plan in his mind and knew how he was going to fix things.  By this time, Mary knew she was carrying a baby.  She trusted God, believed Gabriel, and now she would've felt incredibly alone.  It's important to realize that during this time period women were stoned to death for adultery.  Joseph didn't want this to happen to Mary so he was thinking about hiding her.  He must've loved her.  

This is how God worked it out:  
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." 
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."  (Isaiah 7:14)
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Joseph strikes me as a simple man, a carpenter.  He's honorable and keeps his word.  Obviously he has great strength and faith that God would choose him to take care of Mary and Jesus.  Joseph and Mary were asked to believe and do the unacceptable, the impossible.  But the purpose behind what God had in mind is beyond comprehension. Both Mary and Joseph were from the lineage of David fulfilling this prophecy about Jesus:
Isaiah 9:7
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
NKJV
I'm so glad they took God at His Word and didn't give up.  I can only imagine what Joseph was thinking through all of this :  )

Nicole C. Mullen is one of my favorite Christian Musicians.  This song seems to apply to Joseph's thoughts.
O Come, O Come, Immanuel, Nicole C. Mullen (link)