Sardis and Philadelphia (Revelation 3:1-13, 1 Thess. 4:15-18, Matthew 24:29-31, Ephesians 5:28-31)

"Our 22nd Anniversary"
I think God created roses for husbands, to make up for all the laundry we wash.
Hope you can smell these, they are so beautiful.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

We had a great anniversary this year.  My husband took me out for a nice dinner, and I felt spoiled.  I'm so grateful for our marriage.  The people at the restaurant were thrilled that we had been married for 22 years.  It's not very common in the USA today.  We even got some extra goodies : )  Here's the Bible marriage verses:

28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
(Ephesians 5:28-31 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You for marriage, love and all that is good.  I lift up those who are facing war, or the prospect of war.  Please grant our world leaders wisdom as to what to do.  I pray You will guide the nations to work together.  Help our president to comprehend what is happening and how quickly it can be stopped.  Grant courage and strength where it is needed most.  Please send the angels to help us out.  

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.

Back to Revelation

Sardis - The Dead Church

This is not what any of us would want to hear about our Church, Dead!  Yikes!
1 “ And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,
“These things says He who has the seven Spirits (Isaiah 11:2 Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord) of God and the seven stars (angels of the Churches):‘I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
(2 Peter 3:10 NKJV)

Don't know about you but I really like hearing about the good Churches : )  Philadelphia is a good Church.  It's not the USA town, it's from a long time before us.  Jesus calls this the Faithful Church.  I think most of us want to be known as faithful people who keep commitments and don't pretend to be things we aren't.  I'm a Christian by choice.  I'm glad even though some don't understand it.

Philadelphia - The Faithful Church
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
“These things says He who is holy, He who is true, ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:8 “ I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
13 “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
(Revelation 3:1-13 NKJV)

There's more detail about all this as we read through Revelation.  Some important things to remember is God loves us and wants us to win the battles we face.  Holding on to our faith is critical and Jesus knows and appreciates how hard it is at times.  He was tested and tempted as we are and has compassion for us.  However, He never sinned. These letters were written so we would know how God sees the Churches.

One thing I forgot to define for folks is the difference between the Rapture and the Great Tribulation.  The rapture is when Jesus will call us to Himself. We'll rise through the air and be with Him.  It's believed the Great Tribulation will come after the rapture.  It is the time when people will need to choose right from wrong.  People will be able to accept Christ as Savior up until the end of the Great Tribulation.  

The Rapture
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NKJV)

End of the Great Tribulation
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
(Matthew 24:29-31 NKJV)

Here's a song from Chris Tomlin, "Indescribable" (link) 

The Promise (Galatians 3:15-29, 1 John 1:9, Psalms 103:11-13, Luke 1:26-38)

"Giraffe" by God
Six Flags Animal Park, NJ
Minolta DiMage Camera

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

One of the struggles in being human is we sometimes don't want to be honest.  So we make things up.  
    
I confess I say, "I promise," meaning if I can.  Most of us are careful not to say exactly what we will do about the promise.  This ensures we will never be guilty of not doing what we promised.  Sometimes we forget that God isn't human.  And that's a really good thing.  He will never break His promise to us.  Never ever.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9)

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities (has compassion for) those who fear Him.
(Psalms 103:11-13 NKJV)

The words, "fear Him" describe a healthy respect for God- His power, love, knowledge, authority and sense of humor.  He did create kangaroos and giraffes, you know.  He could've deleted us (geek speak) when Adam and Eve ate the apple in the Garden of Eden. But He didn't.  

15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men:  Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
God promised Abraham that he would be the Father of Israel, the nation and also the Messiah, "Jesus."  There was only one seed.

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
We usually read Luke 1:26-38 at Christmas (story of Jesus' birth).  It actually describes what is mentioned in verses 19-20.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
The Old Testament law is still good.  It's just that as humans, we couldn't get it right.  As time passed Jewish leaders added more laws to the laws.  The book of laws could fill a room!  So glad Jesus came to set us free with faith, really glad He simplified things.  We still need to follow the 10 Commandments but we can find forgiveness when we mess up. In fact, when the second coming happens, the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel will be on the gates in Heaven.  The Jews are still chosen and loved by God.

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
No matter what race or religion, job title, nationality, male or female all who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, will receive the Promise of forgiveness and eternal life.
(Galatians 3:15-29 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up Ukraine and Israel to You again.  I pray for peace in both nations.  You are God nothing is impossible for You, please let the wrong fail and the right win. 

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.

Independence Day USA 2014 (Ephes. 5:13-14, John 8:31-32, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 6:22, Romans 8:1-4, Romans 8:20-21, 2 Cor. 3:17, Galatians 5:1, 13-14, Ephesians 3:12, Col. 1:21-23, 1 Peter 2:16)

"Through Christ we are set free : )"
USA 4th of July since 1776
National Independence Day

Whenever I think of freedom, the words, "With freedom comes responsibility," always come to mind.  No man is an island that doesn't affect others.  There is only one God and one Savior.  If we accept God's Son as our Savior, we are set free.  The more we study the Bible, the closer we come to God.  Our nation is going through a lot of struggles right now.  We look forward to new elections and have faith that God will supply our needs.  Some of us might just wear out the knees in our blue jeans praying : )  America's not done yet.  And neither is the Lord!  His eye is on the nations.

13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is 
why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
(Ephesians 5:13-14 NIV)

Here's some verses that describe how we can be free.

John 8:31-32
³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Acts 13:38-39
³⁸ "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. ³⁹ Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Romans 3:21-24
²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²² This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:22
²² But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Romans 8:1-4
¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful humanity to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in human flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:20-21
²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

2 Corinthians 3:17
¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:1
¹ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:13-14
¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Ephesians 3:12
¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Colossians 1:21-23
²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- ²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

1 Peter 2:16
¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves.

Dear Heavenly Father I thank You and praise You for all Your great works.  When our world seems impossible You bless and keep us.  It is hard for us to see Your glorious light at work.  Thank You for this most awesome gift of faith and Your constant care.  Father I lift up Israel to You.  I pray You will send encouragement and hope.  They are still Your chosen ones and we will not forget.  I pray You will send them encouragement and safety.  Please grant peace and protection to Jordan and a strong alliance for Israel.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Honoring others (Ephesians 6:1-9)

Fireflies
"Shining light in darkness"
Canon Rebel t1i and Corel Painter

It's firefly season in New Jersey : )  I love these little rascals and it reminds me of our faith.  We too need to reflect the light to shine in our countries.  The fireflies are nearly impossible to capture on film so I painted them in on my photo.

This is the only passage I sincerely wish wasn't in the Bible...   I'd rather just forget my childhood and enjoy today. But God put this here for a reason and it seems He chose today for me to dig in and deal with it.  I had a good talk with my husband about this, his family wasn't perfect either.  In fact, we both agreed no one's is.

I had a talk with God.  I asked Him why I have to be nice about my parents.  The still small voice whispered, "Have you read your testimony?  Haven't I provided all your needs and more?"  
I smiled, swallowed my pride and whispered, "Above and beyond Father, thank You so much."
My testimony is the "About Me" link on the side.  It's time for me to quit judging and just accept what's done is done.  Today is all I really have.

Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19 "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.
(Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB)

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:  3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”


My first question is, "What does the word 'honor' really mean?"
Webster's Dictionary- good name or public esteem :  reputation

b :  a showing of usually merited respect :  recognition <pay honor to our founder>  

It's about how we present our parent's actions to others, what we say about them in public.  Everyone's parent's made mistakes.  Some mistakes are bigger than others.  But most of it wasn't done intentionally.  In my New York Institute of Photography class, we were discussing how to critique other people's photos.  Our leader Chuck Delaney told us a story about receiving a photo in a ripped up, taped together envelope.  Chuck asked the Director what he should do with it.  The director told him he should congratulate the man for being able to attach the stamp.  He had lost most of his fingers.  We really don't know what other people struggle with.  Some people are great parents and some just don't know what to do.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 7:12 NIV)

Verse 1 holds an important key for me.  It says, "Honor your Mother and Father"  and then it says why, "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."  I think I finally figured out what this means.  If we badmouth our parents and constantly talk about how bad we've had it in life, no one wants to be around us.  It's depressing and others look at us differently.   I have some favorite memories: on my birthdays my Mom made the most fantastic birthday cakes for me.  My Dad saw how much I enjoyed riding horses, so he took me to English riding lessons every Saturday, then we'd get doughnuts afterward.  

To be honest, it's the same with marriage.  If I don't honor my husband it reflects poorly on me and visa versa.  Not only that, it gives the in-laws the wrong idea and makes life way more difficult than it should be.  Actually, home is happier when I act nice : )  I even like myself better when I don't complain.

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
To me, this is about taking a belt and hitting a child until they scream.  Using methods on children that a parent wouldn't want to experience.  Parents aren't supposed to gain domination, but rather respect.  Domination brings retaliation not love.  Another way to lose trust and respect is constant verbal threats. 

Webster's Dictionary- A Bondservant  is a person bound to service without wages; also :  slave

5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men- pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
I always tried to honor my bosses.  It wasn't easy.  One of them yelled at me every morning to find out the status of my work.  It was amazing.  Can you think of a better way to demotivate your staff?  Yikes!

9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
(Ephesians 6:1-9 NKJV)
God has no partiality He died for all of us.  I think He loves how different we all are.  I know He loves us all.

This is a great song by Kari Jobe, We Are (link) 

 Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up Ukraine to You.  I pray You will bring peace- Your peace that passes understanding.  I pray also for Jerusalem.  Protect these people Father from all that would seek to destroy.  In all these things let the wrong fail and the right win.  Thank You for good decisions in the Supreme Court this week.  I pray You will grant us wisdom in selecting the next president. Please grant our Congress wisdom to know how to fix things.

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.
 

Do the do's; don't do the don'ts (Ephesians 5:1-21)

"Lilies in our garden"
Canon Rebel T1i
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

First I'd like to thank all who prayed for our boardwalk in Ocean Grove (God's square mile).  The boards came, and it's almost done.  Next week Governor Christie is coming to cut the ribbon.  I don't know who did what and how but thanks!  The Lord has provided : )

This morning my husband and I were walking on a local trail.  I looked at the ground and saw sand.  We're miles from the shore here.  Then I remembered all the seashells  I found on top of mountains in Washington state.  It makes no sense unless there really was a flood that washed over all the mountains.  It could've happened in creation but it just seems like a flood thing to me because the shells were already created.  Perhaps the flood created the Grand Canyon as well.  DNA blew away the big bang.  One thing is for sure, God knows.  I'm hoping He'll show us one day how it really happened err from a safe place : )

I am excited to see Scientists and Christian leaders dig into the Bible to figure this all out.   I can only imagine how delighted God must be : )

Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling aroma.
We are to imitate God, to walk in love.  We know that God loves us or we wouldn't be forgiven.  He would've walked away before the flood receded.   He could've made a new planet with robot people (I would've hahaha).  But He didn't.  Amazing God, amazing grace.  We must remember this so we don't give up:

23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus...
(Romans 3:23-24 NKJV)

I quote Romans 3:23 to myself when I start feeling bad.

God inspired the Apostle Paul to give us some do's and don'ts.  They're so practical.  You want to live in peace?  Don't be unwise (stupid).  You want to be respected?  Don't be drunk all the time... be honest and helpful.  You want to be happy?  Give thanks to God for what you have.  You want to contribute ideas that are accepted?  Listen to the ideas of others, remember God is with you.  Try and use everyone's ideas not just yours.  Reading through these verses showed me some great stuff.
 
Don'ts vs. 3-6, 15-18

• don't even mention fornication
• uncleanness
• covetousness
• filthiness
• foolish talking
• coarse jesting
• idolatry 
• be unwise
• be drunk with wine
• walk as fools
• speak of the things done in darkness

 Do's vs. 8-21

• give thanks
• stay away from people doing the don'ts
• walk as children of light 
• “Awake, you who sleep,
  Arise from the dead,
  And Christ will give you light.”
• goodness, righteousness, truth 
• have no fellowship with people doing the "don'ts"
• understand what the Lord's will is
• be filled with the Spirit
• speak to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs
• sing
• make melody in your heart to God
• give thanks for all things to God
• in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
• walk circumspectly (cautiously)
• submit to one another in the fear of God
• redeem the time, because the days are evil

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
 
Walk in Light
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”
 
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
(Ephesians 5:1-21 NKJV)

Love this song : ) by Hezekiah Walker, Every Praise (link)
Giving Christian Musicians some free publicity : )

Walking worthy (Ephesians 4:1-16)

"Hey ladies how do you like my toupee?"
(just felt the need to see my favorite buffalo again : )
(No, I didn't make the hair it's real)
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

No matter what we look like,  or do, He will never give up on us.  Now that's good news for sure!  They are still sorting out the issue with the children coming into the USA from Central America.  One of the mayors in Arizona plans to go find out what is causing the exodus into our country from the source.  The President is focussed on ideals, and Republicans, no idea if he plans to do anything so the kids can go home or ever actually listen to qualified people.  God won't give up on him either (we'll keep praying).

It was really fun how my friend from one of my jobs contacted me and wanted to meet.  She lives in Vermont and I'm far away in NJ.  So we met in between.  She told me that I led her to Christ at work.  I was shocked, "I did?"

I'd go to work and share verses that I was excited about from my quiet times.  We walked every day at lunch.  She said that she really enjoyed it and she went on to read the Bible for herself.  She joined a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Vermont.  I think we make this stuff a lot harder than it is sometimes : )


Ephesians 4

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Paul calls himself a prisoner of the Lord again.  I feel that way too. I never want to leave Him.  He is asking us to be worthy of our name, "Christian."  

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 
8 Therefore He says:
“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”
9 (Now this, “He ascended” —what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He broke chains that held us captive and gave us gifts.  There are so many He passed out.  Some of us have more than one gift.  My strongest gift is Encouragement.   But I can do Evangelism and teaching as well.  The spritiual gifts He gave us allow us to minister to others.  One of the cool gifts is "Works".  These are people that use hammers, nails, ovens and paintbrushes.  They see a need and jump in.  I remember Pres. Jimmy Carter jumping into Habitat for Hummanity and helping build homes for the homeless.  All of our gifts are very cool and they were given to us to bless others. None are better or lower than anyone elses. And sometimes we want to have a gift but just don't.  No harm, just try other things.


These verses describe formal titles and purposes for the people in these positions:
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 

You'll know I'm not a theologian for sure now : ) Ok an apostle is a person sent as a messenger to share the good news of Jesus. We usually only call people apostles who actually walked with Jesus.  A prophet fortells future events.  John the Baptist knew Jesus is the Son of God.  Jonah prophesied to the Assyrians that they would be destroyed if they didn't repent.  Evangelists are those called to share Jesus with others and lead them to Christ.  Pastors are Church leaders who give sermons at Church and also shepherd people (help them stay on track).  Teachers are those who help us figure out how to apply the Bible to our lives and how to use gifts (just my thoughts here).

• for the equipping of the saints
  
  God designed the Church to be dynamic and strong within.   His vision is that we would be helping each other out with our gifts.  I realize I'm independent : )  I believe our ministry is an individual calling to do what's in our hearts.  I visited a woman in a Nursing Home for an extended amount of time.  No one at Church told me what to do.  I volunteered at the Nursing Home.  I think that's what Jesus had in mind.  We should also be equipped for those who cross our path.  It could be playing hopscotch with a neighbor girl or passing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to homeless people. I've done both always cool!  We also need to work together at times.  Like singing in a choir or passing out food to homeless people.
  
  
• for the work of ministry
  The name, "work of ministry" reminds me of missionaries overseas.  It reminds me of street evangelism, and children's ministries.  Men and women who are able to Pastor lots of people for extended periods of time.  Our Church has an awesome ministry with children teaching them how to give gifts and help others from an early age on.  We desperately need more of this in the USA. Our kids need some old fashioned fun and to learn good from bad.

• for the edifying of the body of Christ
  The cool part is, when we use our gifts and follow the little nudges to help others, we are building up the whole body of Christ.  Of course we all mess up... But God never gives up.  (1 Corinthians 1:9)
  

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 
God must have known that as humans we would break into different denominations.   He made us : )  Of course He would know our nature.  In verse 13 He's telling us we will all be in unity one day.  No more competition or comparing ourselves to others.  I bet there's some amazing singers in Heaven not to mention the Angels : )

• to a perfect man, 
• to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 
• 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
  This is why I make sure to read the Bible for myself.  Then I can recognize the truth.  God has different messages for me each day.

•  15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 

• 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

(Ephesians 4:1-16 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the children who are leaving Central America.  I pray the truth will be revealed as to what is happening to cause this.  Please help these little ones be safe from harm and help the President understand and focus on the real problems of today.  Comfort those in Iraq who are terrified.  Let the right win and wrong fail. 

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 song from Peter Furler, Reach (link)

Prisoner of Christ (Ephesians 3:1-13, Galatians 5:22-23, Phil. 1:21-26)

Ocean Grove, New Jersey
"God's square mile"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Ephesians 3:1-13


1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
Paul is calling himself, "the prisoner of Christ Jesus" for us.  I wondered how Jesus could make him a prisoner when He came to set us free.  Then 2 things came to mind:  

1. When Jesus blinded Paul to get his attention, it was like a prison for 3 days. That's something it would be hard to forget.  He had received holy reverence for Jesus.  This pulling us aside and causing us to do a sacred search of our souls and values isn't common today.  I admit sometimes my prayers are a quick to do list for God rather than soul searching and worship.  I think the monks were really good at this even having times of quiet without speaking.  This would be nearly impossible for me : )
2. The other thing I see here is Paul admitting he is a prisoner of love.  After I first experienced the fruit of His Spirit I was captivated.  Joy is so awesome!  It's just one fruit which Paul describes in Galatians:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self- control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)

In Philippians, The Apostle Paul is enjoying his ministry so much he's content serving the Lord.  Yet longing to be with Jesus.  I can understand that to an extent.  We've never known anything but earth, so some of the descriptions of Heaven are hard to grasp.  So glad He gave us the Holy Spirit so we could get a taste of Heaven on earth. 

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard- pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
(Philippians 1:21-26 NKJV)

The other thing to note is in AD60-62 Paul was literally in a Roman prison.  Even through his suffering, he was able to give us these letters.
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
At one time it was believed the Messiah, "Jesus," would only come for the Jews.  Most of us are Gentiles, those who are not born Jewish.  It was believed that the Messiah would slay all of Israel's enemies and set them free.  Israel has endured so much.  I've heard some Jews say they are only tormented because they are the chosen ones.  satan and his darkness doesn't tolerate light.  Light reveals the truth and extinguishes darkness.

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
(Ephesians 3:1-13 NKJV)

There is a Christian section of the Jersey Shore here.  It is privately owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.  Unfortunately, our tax dollars didn't pay for the restoration of the boardwalk after Hurricane Sandy.  My husband and I were there the other day and noticed it's not up yet.  We don't have a lot of money so I thought I could pray feel free to join me if you like.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up Ocean Grove to You.  I pray You will help them get enough money to restore the whole boardwalk.  I thank You for the wooden cross on the beach, and how You protected the people, hotels and buildings.  We are grateful for a beautiful place to have baptisms and Christian concerts.  Thank You for all the wonderful blessings we have received.  
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Here's the link to the Ocean Grove site.  You can see how beautiful it is : )
Here's a song from Natalie Grant, "Your Great Name" (link)

Open door policy (Ephesians 2:11-22, Revelation 3:20-21)

"Broken doors can be repaired"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

When I worked in business we had managers who were open door guys, and some that didn't want to be disturbed.  We are so blessed to be able to go to God anywhere anytime, 24x7.  He has an open door policy : ) definitely!  The verses above refer to our closed and broken doors (hearts).  This is a photo I took of our hot water heater closet.  It was really cold out and all of the sudden this burst of freezing air came at me!  As a very old girl scout, I knew what to do.  I grabbed a 2x4 and propped it closed.  It worked!  The door is fixed now. Overcoming in life can be hard but with faith, it's possible.  I have so many stories like really laughing for the first time at age 16 after I became a Christian.  

Sometimes our hearts feel like ice, like no one can ever bring us back to who we really are.  Jesus is knocking always.  He never gives up and wants us to sit with Him on His throne.  Looking forward to that. 

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 
We have hope because Jesus bridged the gap with his sacrifice and the covenant between man and God.

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
The promise was for Jews first, they were the circumcised.  Jesus was circumcised as a baby.  We are the Gentiles, those who are saved through Jesus' death (sacrifice), rather than the law and birthright.  However we still strive to live as the ten commandments and Jesus example taught us.  Hope, faith, love and obey. We don't make sacrifices now.  Jesus did that once and for all.

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
I have to stop and realize here that Paul is an example of these verses literally.  He was a devout Jew.  He studied the law under one of the top Jewish teachers.  Then he learned about God's covenant with man, that Jesus is our final sacrifice.  Through Jesus the Holy Spirit gives us access to the Father (God the trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  The wall referred to here is the one in the temple that kept everyone out except on one day of the year, for one person to come near to God.

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:11-22 NKJV)
There was once a temple made by man. At one time it was God's temple.  Animal sacrifices were made to please Him.  But it became corrupt.  Instead of offering their very best to God as atonement.  People offered fake alternatives, sheep that weren't really white.  Doves that could be bought at the temple instead of from personal sacrifice.  We still have the option to offer sacrifices (time, money, talent) to God.  But it's no longer for our forgiveness, it is for His  pleasure and our thanks.  Our hearts are His home now.

I love being God's servant.  I can ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and to let His will be my desire.  I've had some great adventures with the Lord.  This blog has been one of them.  When I see someone who is down I can ask the Holy Spirit to give me words to say.  It's amazing : )

Here's a song by, "Needtobreathe" Multiplied (link)

Paul's letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:1-14)

"NJ White Heron"
Found him in a local pond : )

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
So after reading Acts, I read what Paul wrote, "an apostle of Jesus Christ  by the will of God" I know what he meant.  I just read about Paul's blindness and conversion  : )  It's nice how God laid out the Bible isn't it?  It is the inspired Word of God.  The best explanation for how Paul became an Apostle is God's will.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
The word "predestined" is a hard one for us to grasp.  The best explanation I've heard  is that God puts trials, hardships, blessings, people in need, helpful people, extra money, no money, in our path as a part of His plan for us to grow and believe in Him.  We have the choice to believe or not.  He doesn't force us like robots.  Just like the rain brings flowers, troubles bring hope and a renewed purpose in Him.  

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
As I read this I remember my Greek Professor saying we can always know when Paul is writing, lots of run-on sentences. Verses 7-10 are one sentence : )  Just a fun fact about the Bible.  The writers have their own styles which makes it even more credible. After Paul's conversion, I always smile at the beauty of his words.  He was an angry, controlling, fighter.  Through Christ he is an eloquent, beautiful, Evangelist.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
(Ephesians 1:1-14 NKJV)
 Can you see the difference between a man driven by each letter of the Jewish law to a loving compassionate man?  Actually, I can relate.  I was angry and empty before I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  But Paul's writing is so inspired and beautiful.  You can see why he's a favorite Apostle of many Christians (plus the fact that he messed up big time like we have). It's encouraging to see how God can change a life.  

"you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,"  There's not a lot of mystery here.  We receive the Holy Spirit  when we chose to trust Jesus and believe, and listen to the Word of truth. 

Here's a song by Michael W. Smith Glorious Grace.  

Ephesians must have been Michael's inspiration for writing this song.  It's beautiful!  Michael W. Smith is still singing to the Lord, he's been singing since I became a Christian 38 years ago.  We saw him on the Mike Huckabee show last night.

My prayer-
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift those in the Southern California wild fires to You.  I pray You will bring rain and strength to the firefighters who are working so hard to get things under control.  Please bring peace to this situation and protect those in harms way.  Thank You for Your most awesome compassion : )

In Jesus Name, Amen.