Rumors

Posted on March 16, 2022 by suemariericker

Without a doubt, my favorite book series is the Maisie Dobbs novels by Jacqueline Winspear. Though they aren’t Christian books, they are historical fiction based on actual events set throughout World War I and into WWII. A quote at the end of the last book I read (The American Agent, 2019) has stuck with me because it holds a vital fact:

“You burned the city of London in our houses and we felt the flames that burned it. You laid the dead of London at our doors and we knew that the dead were our dead—were mankind’s dead. Without rhetoric, without dramatics, without more emotion than needed be . . . you have destroyed the superstition that what is done beyond 3000 miles of water is not really done at all.”

—Poet Archibald Macleish, from a tribute to Edward R. Murrow

As I think about the Ukraine, or Afghanistan, or China – or the myriad of other war-torn places on our planet, the suffering of those who are trafficked or of Christians persecuted for their faith, I wonder how many of us have been lulled to sleep by “the superstition that what is done beyond” our homes and our relatively comfortable lifestyles—“beyond 3000 miles of water is not really done at all.”

…or are we affected by what we cannot feel or see? The awareness of others’ battles is often pushed aside by the day-to-day challenges we face; and the enormity of them is often beyond our ability to comprehend.

“…And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, and daily we see the signs of this happening—but I wonder if we have become a bit indifferent or calloused to the conflicts happening throughout the world? Do we amend our lifestyles, grumbling all the while we are putting on masks or staying home from church? Do we alter our lives with the prevailing “science” or mandates demanded by an over-reaching government? – and forget about those suffering for their faith in Pakistan?

The reality is, if there is one primary focus to the news at any given time, I tend to forget about other things going on in the world. And yet, whatever has captured my attention at any given moment, there is so much more going on in this nation and the world—and the unseen realm.

What is happening in Ukraine is brutal and horrific—and so is what is happening to Christians throughout the world. And in this country under the cloak of darkness; decisions are made, and money is spent. Babies are murdered, and children are brainwashed by public “education”—and what is evil is promoted as good. Yet we are warned: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

The Holy Spirit, through scripture, admonishes us to wake up, to be alert…

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep, For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)

“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

“The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7)

I like listening to prophecy updates and Christian perspectives on the news; it is helpful to be apprised of what is going on in the world. But it can be overwhelming! I can’t keep up with it all because everything is moving and changing so fast. I appreciate these words of the Psalmist because it’s the “secret plots” that I find most concerning:

“…Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.” (Psalm 64:1-4)

With all we see happening around us, there is so much more happening in the unseen realm. …and the best way to stay alert is to study God’s Word and pray. Yet, I can’t think of any way the enemy attacks us more than to keep us away from reading the Bible and praying! One problem I’ve noticed about prayer is that I’ve read so many books about it and had so many teachings, that I’ve lost the simplicity of just talking to God. I remember a definition of prayer I once received:  talking to God as to a friend. The difficulty with that description is that God is our friend, so we don’t “talk to God like a friend because He is a friend.

It’s taken a long time to grasp that the simple, “Oh God, protect and preserve the faith of the Christians in Afghanistan” is a good prayer to pray, especially when I am overwhelmed by the situation and don’t know what to pray. …and the simple, one-line prayers when I don’t have the words to say are much more effective than feeling helpless or not acknowledging what is going on in the world.

We have this precious promise: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

I can’t think of anyone more effective than God Himself helping us in our weakness and the Spirit’s interceding for us!

May we continue to be alert and standing strong in the faith as the end of all things is drawing near.

I had a stroke in December, and it has slowed me down a bit. Happily, I’m getting stronger and my fingers are remembering where the keys are! It’s a bit challenging, but it intend to keep writing my blog, hopefully keeping up a little better than I have been for the past several months!

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These Days

Posted on January 27, 2022 by suemariericker

I suppose it was about 15 or more years ago that I started writing prayer journals based on scripture. The first one that I wrote was on the New Testament and it began with very brief prayers on each chapter. Since then, I have redone the book of Revelation, written a number of journals on Old Testament books, and written a journal on Psalms 119. As I have written, the prayers have become longer as my time with Jesus has grown.

I finished up a prayer journal on the minor prophets last fall, and I decided to redo the whole New Testament—and it is going really slowly! I am right there, though, walking with Jesus, listening to him, allowing his words to penetrate my heart. I’m with the disciples and I am willing myself to hear, really hear, hear what Jesus is saying so that my life will be changed.

There is no doubt about my salvation. I know that when I die or when Jesus appears in the clouds, I will be with Him—I’m just finding some broken spots in my life that I know He wants to fix, particularly as we, since we are Bible-believing Christians, face increased opposition and hostility, as His return “is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)

I read these verses the other day and they caused me to pause: “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. …Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his faither, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household….” (Matthew 10:21-22, 34-36)

I’ve read these verses in the past with a sigh of relief and an acknowledgement, “Thank God my children and grandchildren love Jesus!” And I am grateful.

However, I got to thinking about a lifetime of people pleasing—sacrifices to get love or gain approval, because I had experienced early on, the things I thought were special or important, were belittled or scorned. Little (and big) compromises becoming a lifestyle; indecisiveness, a pattern of pleasing other people, acting like a drop of water in a river, indistinguishable from currents around me was my safe place.

The beauty of Christianity, though, is this: Our differentness is special, and our giftedness is unique. “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

 It’s tricky, though. We are called to be servants, to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) Yet the person who is brought up in an authoritarian or an otherwise abusive situation, often gravitates to the “less-than” position, thinking that what they have to offer is not good enough, so they sacrifice their identity and passion to something, or someone (who they think) is acceptable.

It’s subtle, little personal compromises that one doesn’t notice until after the fact—compromises made, sacrifices sustained, not from a sense of joy in service, rather, a sense of duty or obligation—to be accepted or loved. It is also trying to figure out “What Would Jesus Do?” without asking Him what He would have you do in any given situation.

There comes a point in our relationship with Jesus where we have to say, “Though none go with me, still I will follow”; and there is a sense of “what if I really have to go it alone, will I be strong enough?”

We have God’s Word to encourage us:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they follow me. I give them eternal like, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28. 29)

And when I think I am alone:

“Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)

I think it is amazing that God created families and made a place for each one of us in His family. I kind of wish that Jesus had left out that part about persecutions; however, I do not want to be taken by surprise by anything that the world or the enemy would use against us—although, I am continually surprised by the depravity of evil at work in the world, my faith in my Father, who sees the end from the beginning does not waver.

That’s really what it comes down to. Our hope and our future is not on this earth; whatever happens in coming days, our hope isn’t here, it is with Jesus. In the small picture, things may not happen the way we think they should; but in the big picture, things are right on course and happening the way God said they would. I am so grateful for the blessed rest I have in Jesus that He will see me through to the kingdom!

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Looking Out the Window

Posted on December 15, 2021 by suemariericker

I was just looking out the window a bit ago; our apartment sits on top of a hill and the back balcony faces down towards the university’s sports fields.  I was mesmerized as I watched swirling flurries of snow—after living a number of years in central and southern California, I was captivated with this view!

I like snow, especially when I’m tucked up inside of a warm apartment looking out at it. As I’ve gotten older, comfort has become increasingly important to me. I won’t drive anywhere in the snow and ice if I don’t have to, though walking trips to the laundry facilities on site and to the dumpster are necessities. I’ve had a couple of falls in the last few months that have reminded me that I’m not as young as I used to be, and this body can ill afford that kind of treatment!

No matter our age, though, we don’t like to be uncomfortable. Amazon is an amazing resource for accommodating quite speedily (but not immediately) our needs and desires for things that will make our lives more convenient or comfortable.

We are 21st century Christians who are quite used to being comfortable, having many conveniences and great technology to assist and amuse us. The thought of last days prophecies, persecution, and the unknowns associated with “the great reset,” one-world government, and increasing restrictions on personal freedom seem a distant call. However, when we do go out, we either see masks or wear then—and tickling at the back of our mind is the thought that things are not same as they used to be, and we cannot be sure they ever will be.

There are a couple of responses, I’ve noticed, that can work their way into our subconscious perspectives. One is to adjust and adapt just to get along with the direction
where the world and the government are going. Wear the mask, get the vaccine. It’s not much. Allow your children to be exposed to the “sex education” in the public school system, don’t go to church because the governor said not to… It’s not too far, not too much to ask.

So, I wonder, do we have a “line in the sand” that we will not cross? Is it government or society dictated or biblically sound? Are we listening to the Holy Spirit or to the intimidation and manipulations of the enemy? Is fear our response, whatever that response is, to the authoritative demands and mandates being foisted upon our ways of life? In the midst of the onslaught of voices nagging, demanding, and bullying, I believe that it is essential we know the character of God to recognize the voice of God.

Learning that truth was a big deal for me. With the family and religious background that I came from, my self-talk was less than stellar. Though the Bible assures us that “there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), every time I made a mistake (the kind that all us humans tend to make), I would speak words of hatred, condemnation, and bullying to myself, feeling that I deserved them. It’s taken many years and a lot of Bible reading and study to learn to recognize truth and discern the voice of God. Here’s a fact to remember: The Holy Spirit is not a bully, so when you hear voices that sound manipulative and bullying, they do have a spiritual source, but not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convicts, He doesn’t condemn! Oh, how we need to remember that when the enemy sets about to challenge us.  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Ephesians 5:22)

So how do we come to that place where we draw a line in the sand that we will not cross? There’s no “one size fit all” answer to this question—it would be nice if it were all so very clear cut, but I’m suspicious that the enemy (who has been known to use the words of God in devious ways) succeeds in getting us to make small compromises (leading up to bigger compromises) in the place that we normally would have set our boundaries.

Peter and the apostles summed it up quite well in the book of Acts, “We must obey God rather than people.” (Act 5:29) –and sometimes that can make things uncomfortable for us, particularly when people challenge our relationship with God and the Bible. …especially when the culture deems scripture “hate speech.”

We don’t know how difficult things are going to get before Jesus appears in the clouds to take His bride home—we also do not know when that will be: “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels of heaven nor the Son—except the Father alone.…This is why you are also to be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:36, 44)

But we do know that God will never leave us or forsake us.

“Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’ Therefore, we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

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The Wrath of God

Posted on November 24, 2021 by suemariericker

I can’t say that I think about the wrath of God very much—for me, it is not a concern because I have “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10)

And: “…since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

That’s not to say we won’t experience the wrath of man and demonic confrontation—there’s plenty of that going on all over the world right now. We have the words of Jesus to counsel us, though…

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do….” (Luke 12 :4)

We also have this assurance: “…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

It is our responsibility to feed our faith through our relationship with God and an intimacy with His Word so that we can “take up the shield of faith, with which [we] can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one….” (Ephesians 6:16)

My interest in the wrath of God was piqued the other day, though, when I read these words of John the Baptist that were recorded by Matthew:

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he [John] said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:7-8)

My “wait, what?” moment came after reading these verses, when I remembered that these religious leaders were troubling themselves about the “wrath to come” before the Savior came—The Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the only way to escape the wrath to come. The people of Israel did have a history of experiencing of God’s judgment for turning to idolatry, ignoring the scriptures, and persecuting the prophets—they did have a legitimate concern; however, they missed the mark when it came to the path God laid out for them.

What were they looking for? …and why were they concerned about the wrath to come without setting their hearts on the coming promised Messiah? Apparently, they hadn’t found peace with God through their laws and religious traditions; and by John’s description of them as a “brood of vipers” what they did have was poison. What an accurate portrayal of what manmade religion and worldly philosophies looks like! Also, an interesting consideration in John’s reference to these “authorities” as vipers is the implied relationship between them and the serpent “who is called the devil and satan, the one who deceives the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9)

As we witness so much open defiance to the Word of God nowadays, I’m quite sure that many people are neither looking for the coming Messiah nor the wrath to come. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees at the time of Jesus’ first coming, many are making up their own religions that will suit themselves and their fallen nature rather than seeking to serve the Creator of heaven and earth. …which makes it interesting that the theme of the politically elite declares a “green new deal” to save the planet, yet their hearts are far from the One who created all the planets and galaxies!

One of the enemy’s deceptions revolves around the nature of God, who is love, but who also reserves wrath for the disobedient and rebellious. These attributes of God’s nature are not incongruent with each other, though the unredeemed mind cannot grasp scriptural truth—because apart from Holy Spirit ignited understanding and discernment, scripture may appear to be filled with inconsistencies.

I love this description and contrast Paul offers in Ephesians:

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved….” (Ephesian 2:1-5)

Paul wrote to the church in Rome: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth….” (Romans 1:18)

In fact, God’s wrath is present against ungodliness and unrighteousness even now. And as easy as it is to want to call down judgment and wrath, particularly upon corrupt politicians, people who challenge our relationship with God and His Word, and those reject truth and the righteousness of God, that is not what we, as Christians, are called to do. Nor is it our responsibility to decide what are demonstrations of God’s wrath and what is the result of living in a fallen world. Unmitigated hatred (which most of us would deny harboring) towards offensive people—and it is easier to feel that type of hatred when we experience frustration from the political maneuvering and mandates that would rob us of freedom—does not reflect the heart of God towards those who have turned their backs on Him.

It’s easy to overlook “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance;” and focus on the next verse, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:9-10)

This has been a good reminder that I need to keep a check on my attitudes and the words I say, particularly as lawlessness, rioting, and corruption in government abound. Frustration, animosity, and complaining are not fruit of Spirit! We do not want to adopt the self-righteous attitudes of the religious leaders that John confronted so long ago. And we cannot be surprised by the things that are happening now, especially as we study scripture and recognize the signs of Jesus’ imminent return. The thing is, as believers in Jesus, our lives need to mirror the heart of God not the attitudes of fallen human nature. John the Baptist’s words to the Pharisees and Sadducees are good counsel for us now when our hearts and our words reflect the sinful attitudes of this world— “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance!”

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Stir Up!

Posted on October 20, 2021 by suemariericker

One of my favorites, and most often quoted verses is 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

There is so much that can be said about the spiritual presence of fear everywhere you look nowadays—and there are many ways the enemy packages it. For instance, “caution” that ignores scripture, wisdom (from the world’s perspective), manipulation, withdrawal, anger, and self-righteousness to name just a few. If you think through the many responses you’ve seen on social media about the current pandemic, you might recognize some of the disguises fear takes.

Here is what Godly wisdom looks like:

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” (James 3:17)

God’s Spirit is different than the spirits of this world—His presence in our lives is manifested through power, love (as God defines it), and sound judgment, which runs contrary to the prevailing reasoning of this world, political agendas, and government agencies.

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatian church spelled it out for them quite well when he wrote, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). And one of the best ways I know of doing that is to be battle ready: “Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace [people are desperate for peace right now!]. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Such familiar words, but we must not become complacent or indifferent to them because if there ever was a time to take up the shield of faith, it is now! There is a barrage of flaming arrows coming at us from every direction and it is crucial for us to be exceedingly careful about who we trust—the Word of God is our sure foundation.

I couldn’t bypass this verse without saying something. Fear is rampant and we must recognize the demonic forces behind it.

But that wasn’t the verse immediately on my mind when I started writing this. Instead, it is 2 Timothy 1:6:

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

I’ve always shuffled this verse off into the “Timothy” file—relevant to him but not considering that it could be personal for me.

Paul didn’t lay his hands on me, praying that I would receive a gift from God.

But I am a believer in Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit—and it is the Holy Spirt who imparts gifts, not Paul, not an apostle.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware…. Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good…. (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7)

The reason this has become so significant to me is that I moved recently, and my life has become incredibly unsettled—we finally received our household belongings after three weeks; however, we moved from a large house to a small apartment and getting settled is an immense challenge—though we sorted through and got rid of much before we packed up, we are still making trips to donation sites, to dumpsters, and to storage. …and stirring up the gift of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life has ranked pretty low on my “to do” list.

Until I read that verse in 2 Timothy and was reminded that I needed to do some stirring.

For me, it was picking up a pen and writing in a journal. I hadn’t stopped having morning quiet times; I just quit writing. Stirring the pot is no doubt as different for each one of us as our individual gifts; yet the faithful Holy Spirit will let you know how to stir up the gift(s) He placed in your life.

If you don’t know how God wants to use you (and He does, it’s the enemy who insinuates that you have nothing worth doing or giving), ask Him! Wisdom is a good beginning:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Not everyone recognizes the abilities and gifts that grace our lives are useful for God’s kingdom. What others think about you or consider insignificant, or not relevant for “ministry”, are aspects of who you are that can uniquely minister to others in ways that nothing or no one else in their life can. I sensed in my heart as a young child (6 years old) a prompting and a desire to write. But I was told that I was only mediocre and would never be great—and a sense of futility was instilled in me early on. But God’s calling on our lives is never to greatness; instead, we are called to be light in this world, drawing others to Jesus—even if it is only one person. Because the Good Shepherd was not willing to let even one wanderer be lost.

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)

Now is not the time to be complacent or distracted from our relationship with God. There is too much going on in the world, too many people living in fear and darkness to be less than the people God has created us to be! It is time to stir up His gifts within us.

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“…but a Sword!”

Posted on August 23, 2021 by suemariericker

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)

Those are radical words—and Jesus said them!

He went on to say, “…For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:35-39)

These are difficult words to acknowledge because I love my kids dearly and my daughters-in-law are precious to me—and I know they all love Jesus.

However, in the past year and a half, I have seen and heard of (what I consider) crazy divisions in churches, communities, between friends, and within families over health concerns, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people will call it that, and many people will refuse to identify it as such. I’m not jumping in here on either side of the question. Whether to mask or not to mask; to vaccine or not to vaccine…

Radical polarization is becoming obvious—not a little bit south of the equator or a little bit north, but south pole, or north pole. And the chasm in between is as deep as the emotions that are digging it.

Such hatred, such vitriol, such a blatant use of guilt and shame to get others to come into line with our way of thinking. Curses and death threats, wishing or hoping people would die if what they think and believe contradicts or challenges what we think or believe. If you are on social media at all, then you have probably heard or read these types of comments. Even amongst Christians! Especially amongst Christians, a standardized response to how you are supposed to love your neighbor. …and if you don’t? Well, let the shaming begin!

But that isn’t Jesus.

Because “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

And “…as it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion as stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.’” (Romans 9:33)

What has captured my thoughts and consideration is the demonic influence behind many of the words and the threats that are being spoken. It should be obvious, though I cannot comprehend how professing Christians can use threatening, intimidating, and hate filled speech. We might want to think about how we respond to people we disagree with and acknowledge the thoughts and attitudes which fuel the words that come out of our mouths and off our keyboards.

Here are some verses to consider when we are about to voice our opinions:

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

As I’ve considered Jesus’ words in view of the radical divisions that have arisen and are arising in this country and around the world, I struggle to grasp how it can be that the One who gave up everything because of love, so that everyone who believes in Him can have peace with God [“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)], is the same One who said that He came not to bring peace, but a sword.

I love the conundrums of scripture, though, where one of the fruits of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5:22) yet the Holy Spirit also speaking through the apostle Paul instructs us to prepare for battle: “Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God….” (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Peace with God doesn’t necessarily mean peace with people!

Yet, when emotions run high, and when the tensions of disagreement and conflict are palpable, it is at those times that we need to remember where the battle is taking place—in the spiritual realm [“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)]. So, then we take up the shield of faith, resisting fear, and arming ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word, the Bible.

We’re not always going to get the responses from friends or family that we hope for; however, we always can be a testimony of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We must listen through the filters of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God so that our faith doesn’t take hold of any other foundation than the one that stands firm.

“I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.” (Colossians 2:2-4)

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Warrior Prayer

Posted on August 5, 2021 by suemariericker

It’s not the title I gave the book/prayer journal, but it fits!

I’ve been neglecting my blog for the past month as I’ve been working on finishing my latest prayer journal, “12 Fearless Men—Praying through the minor prophets.” What an intense, convicting, eye-opening study that has been! If ever there was a time to read and study the minor prophets, now would be a good one—their writings are dynamically relevant to the current political and cultural times.

This is the introduction to the book (I share this, not because I want you to buy a copy of the book, but because I want to encourage you to get into the Book and study these oft overlooked gems of scripture):

“My Bible study and prayer journey through the minor prophets was amazing! There is nothing minor about their prophesies and messages, though. What impresses me so much is how relevant these books of the prophets are for the time in history where we find ourselves now—these scripture passages speak to the heart condition of people as much now as they ever did. They tell of the character of God and the nature of man. They speak of a coming Messiah, first as a humble servant and then as a King to reign in Jerusalem. What a treasure we miss when we consider them minor or pick out special verses without considering the whole story! I pray that the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart as you embrace God’s Word and read these warrior prayers.”

This prayer was written from Zephaniah 3:

“Gracious Father, I bless your Name and praise you for being a righteous and just God. You bring judgment on the rebellious, the defiled, and the oppressors; yet you show mercy to all who listen to your voice and accept your correction. Hallelujah! Let your Spirit teach me and guide my prayer as I seek you and read your Word today.

Lord, what I am reading here in your Word describes what is going on in cities and states, in this nation, and around the world right now. Officials, politicians, and unjust judges are threatening and destroying lives, perverting justice, and allowing greed for power and wealth to consume them.

There are wolves amongst the sheep in your church, too, Lord—pastors, teachers, charismatic leaders—who are fickle regarding truth and righteousness, who choose compromise with the world, the lusts of the flesh, and with demonic philosophies, finding it easier to surrender to the enemy than resist him.

Protect your sheep, Lord; guard and defend our hearts and lives from lying spirits. Grant us discernment to recognize what has been profaned by the enemy—such as your creation, marriage, and what the world calls “gender identity.” Holy Spirit, help your people determine in their hearts to regard your Word as sacred and your precepts as true.

Lord, you alone are righteous, and you do no injustice; remind your people of that, I pray. You are good, and you do good, though countless who do not know you claim otherwise. Many accuse you of injustice, and the father of lies spreads falsehoods about you; but I pray that your church tenaciously holds on to you in faith and confidence in your holy character.

“The Lord within her is righteous; He does no injustice; every morning He shows forth His justice; each dawn He does not fail; but the unjust knows no shame.” (Zephaniah 3:5).

Father, this verse tells us that each dawn is a reminder that your justice does not fail, but the unjust are shameless.

I see so much dishonesty and perversion of justice in our nation and around the world right now—and I am amazed at the shamelessness many national leaders and some church leaders exhibit when their evil plans, their lies, and their greed are exposed. They defend their iniquity instead of humbling themselves in repentance.

Don’t let me, my children, or their families become shameless or hardened by pride and iniquity. Teach us to fear you and willingly accept your correction. May we wait for you with patience and grace, O Lord.

A day of judgment surely is coming for those who reject you. One day, Jesus, you will clear away your enemies and establish your reign in Jerusalem.

You, Lord, will be with us—you are the mighty One who saves; you will rejoice over your people with gladness and your love will quiet our hearts. You bring salvation to the broken and lost; you restore the discouraged and rejected.

Yes, there is no doubt about it—you are just, righteous, and good—and I will praise your Name forever. In that Name, the precious Name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

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Prophets and Prophecies

Posted on July 7, 2021 by suemariericker

Prophecy is a fascinating topic, not just for Christians, because most people want to know in advance what is coming so that they can prepare for it. Usually. Unless it has to do with the Bible and God’s coming judgment, then many people want nothing to do with it.

The Bible is full of prophecy, and it gives instructions to and about prophets. I bring this up because in some Christian circles there were a lot of “prophesies” centered around the last election (that were not fulfilled as thought) and continuing statements being made by self-proclaimed prophets about reversals, revivals, and such. What’s been a huge pill for me to swallow is that some well-respected Christian authors and teachers have been predicting things that are not necessarily biblically supported. They could happen, but that doesn’t mean they will happen.

I grew up in one of those quasi-Christian religions that had their own personal prophet to shed their own personal “light” on the scriptures. That experience landed me in a place where I am now quite skeptical of anything or anyone calling what they have to say “prophetic” outside of the Bible. That’s not to say there are no prophetic gifts – that contradicts what the Bible teaches, too:

“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy…. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-9, 11)

I think it is interesting that the apostle Paul describes prophecy this way: “…the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.”(1 Corinthians 14:3) A problem occurs when a prophet predicts something with the intention of strengthening, encouraging, or consoling but it’s coming from an emotional, “positive confession”, or a hopeful place in their hearts instead of the Holy Spirit and a “whole counsel of God” scriptural basis.

The phrase “whole counsel of God” is in an interesting context:

“…I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert….” (Acts 20:26-31a)

Jesus warned, “…Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:9-12)

I gather from what Jesus is saying about the future is that things are not going to become more pleasant or easier for Christians. So, the kind of encouragement needed in the view of coming conflict is encouragement to stay focused on Jesus— “…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 CSB)—and not looking for anyone else to make our lives better on this earth (a mistake made by the Jews during Jesus’ time on earth).

The apostle John also warned about false prophets and the focus of their messages: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” (1 John 4:1-3).

The apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, saying, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” But our comfort was not the primary reason he gave for praying for those in positions of authority; instead, he goes on to say, “…This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4) God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth—that is what matters to Him—and our prayers form a partnership between God and ourselves in working towards that end.

The concern is that when comfort and the desire to avoid intimidation, hostility, or persecution for standing up for biblical principles becomes our hope rather than focusing on Jesus, then our attention makes the subtle shift from heavenly things to the earthly. And the enemy wants us to take our hearts and our thoughts away from God’s Word and His kingdom!

Paul’s admonition, “…let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12), comes to mind when I think about some of the statements and prophecies given concerning the last presidential election in the United States. I do not know the people personally who boldly (and mistakenly) declared who the next president would be, yet I think it was a great opportunity to check our own thoughts and emotions concerning what happened—and search the scriptures, becoming intimately acquainted and established in them, so that when other “prophets” come along, our expectations and emotions won’t betray us.

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Everlasting Covenant

Posted on June 23, 2021 by suemariericker

The concept of “replacement theology” escapes me, though there are well-known Bible teachers and theologians who support it. The simplified explanation of the phrase is that since the ascension of Jesus and the infusion of the Holy Spirit into the hearts and lives of all believers in Christ, the church replaced the Israelites in God’s favor and His purposes. This misguided doctrine declares that God completely rejected the Jewish people after the cross—after they rejected Him. Sounds logical but is not scriptural.

The parable of the prodigal son comes immediately to mind—is there a point past which the Father would not come running to welcome His wayward child home? Before the final judgment of all mankind?

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

The beauty of this story is that the Father did not demand that the son prove himself deserving before enveloping His barnyard-filth covered son in His compassionate arms.

I’m not sure how anyone can bypass this passage in Paul’s letter to the church at Rome:

“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

‘The Deliverer will come from Zion,

He will banish ungodliness from Jacob’;

‘and this will be My covenant with them

When I take away their sins.’

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:25-29)

It’s about a covenant God made with a man many centuries ago and the fact that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

“And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God. …God said, ‘No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.’” (Genesis 17:7-8, 19)

“He is the Lord our God;

His judgments are in all the earth.

Remember His covenant forever,

The word that He commanded, for a thousand generations,

The covenant that He made with Abraham,

His sworn promise to Isaac,

Which He confirmed to Jacob as a statute,

To Israel as an everlasting covenant,

 Saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan,

As your portion for an inheritance.’”

 (2 Chronicles 16:14-18)

“Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.” (Jeremiah 32:37-40)

“They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” Ezekiel 37:25-28)

God keeps His promises, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. In fact, how could we love and serve a God whom we could not trust? His faithfulness to the lineage of Jacob and the house of David serves to encourage everyone who, by faith, trusts Him and relies on His goodness and righteousness for salvation. There is much to learn about the character of God and His relationship to the Israelite nation—because it also speaks to His relationship with His church. He calls us, saves us, gifts us, and uses each person and congregation for a unique purpose. He is righteous, holy, and just—and He will not allow evil to prosper.

It has been an amazing journey to read through the minor prophets, recognizing that quite a few of the prophecies concerning the land and the people of Israel have not yet been fulfilled, particularly concerning Jerusalem and the millennial kingdom; however, because of the nature and faithfulness of God, we know they will be. We also read about 144,000 Jewish saints who receive the seal of God in the book of Revelation, confirming that God has more in store for the descendants of Jacob in the future. I find it interesting and sad that much dissention exists amongst Christians, to the point of some condemning those who do not agree with their opinions concerning biblical prophecy and the nation of Israel. It is difficult to deny God’s heart towards the Jewish people when taking a literal view of scripture and looking at the “big picture” of how God has interacted in the affairs of mankind throughout the ages. And we, as Gentiles, are much better off for the faithfulness of God to the descendants of Jacob!

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Not Good Enough

Posted on May 27, 2021 by suemariericker

Sometimes I read verses that just stick with me, in my mind and in my heart. This vision in Zechariah is one of those:

“Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the Angel of the Lord, with satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to satan: ‘The Lord rebuke you, satan! May the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?’ Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. So the Angel of the Lord spoke to those standing before him, “take off his filthy clothes!’ Then he said to him, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with festive robes.’” (Zechariah 3:1-4)

Outstanding to me is that this man is a high priest, a religious leader and expert in the law, yet he was clothed in filthy garments because that is the best he could do—which wasn’t good enough to satisfy the righteous requirements of God’s law. And satan knew it. And he knows it about every one of us. …which is why it is not a good thing to rely on our own works of righteousness, because then the enemy would have grounds for his accusations.

Two things the enemy has always done (and continues to do), and scripture indicates that he is ramping up his attacks in the last days, is deceive people and accuse them of anything he can think to accuse them of; “…many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). And this familiar verse: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, ‘The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.’” (Revelation 12:10)

Happily, we have God’s Word, the Bible, and the indwelling Holy Spirit to instruct us concerning the truth about God, about His righteousness, and justice, and to teach us the truth about ourselves. We can successfully face the enemy’s onslaughts when we are fully equipped and armored up, as the apostle Paul counsels: “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil…. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request; and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-11, 14-18)

Scripture assures us that, “…there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2); and Jesus has given us this promise, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

I’ve been a Christian for quite a while now; my journey to salvation began in a fear-centered, legalistic religion before I was introduced to a faith-based, love-grounded intimacy with Jesus. It’s been a slow journey because God’s love for me personally is so difficult to grasp. Too often my thought processes have mirrored those of a small child seeking to gain her emotionally distant parent’s approval.

I am so grateful for the grace and the patience of the Holy Spirit and His transforming power in my life to enable me to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Savior. I understand, though, that there are places in my heart and my mind where I am vulnerable to deception because of experiences and choices (and sins) from my past—which is why I am so dependent on daily refreshing in the Spirit of God and through the Word of God!

However, it is obvious that the Word of God, the truth, and righteousness of His character are being rejected by many throughout the world; and when He is rejected, the truth about who we are as His unique creation is also distorted.

Isn’t it curious that the people who are so adamantly committed to saving the planet and endangered species are the same ones who advocate for killing unborn children, who refuse to acknowledge God, the Creator of this earth and of the universe? …and deny that the One who created male and female, who assigned our gender identity, knew what He was doing?

Fact is, nothing and no closely held opinion or belief system apart from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God’s Word, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is good enough to see us through into eternity. That is the bottom line, and the master deceiver/accuser wants to distract born-again believers from the truth so that our testimony to the righteousness and justice of God will be tarnished.

The apostle Paul expressed his concern in a letter to the Corinthians:

“But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you had not received, or a different gospel, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

This is my hope and prayer, that, as the days become increasingly evil and lawlessness increases, as holding tenaciously to scripture as the inerrant Word of God becomes ever more dangerous in a God-rejecting world, that we will remain firmly anchored in God, our Creator and Savior, His Word, and who we are as His children.

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