Troubling…

Posted on October 24, 2020 by suemariericker

I’ve read a smattering of comments on some social media posts of well-known Christians or organizations that surprise me, though I am not altogether shocked. I’ve read a few recently condemning Sean Feucht, worship leader of the #Let Us Worship movement being held in cities across the United States.

And I’ve read condemnations of other Christian leaders, leaders who I whole-heartedly support and others whose teaching I take exception to—so I’ve wondered for myself, how do we as Christians approach or respond to the differences and divisiveness that are abounding amongst believers, yet honor Christ and obey His Word.

I believe we have to begin by having a relationship with our Father in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ as well as having an intimate knowledge of His Word. We also need to recognize the difference between attacking or condemning a person in contrast to exposing a false teaching or a lifestyle that doesn’t align with God’s righteousness.

There is a biblical process for confronting people we take issue with (and it doesn’t include personal attacks on social media!):

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

We have an example in the book of Acts regarding a situation where someone who was teaching needed a little more information:

“Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26)

In another situation, rather than calling out some for their less than noble motivations in preaching the gospel, Paul’s response was this:

“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:15-18)

The tone of some comments often reveal the spirit (or Spirit) behind them. For instance, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23)

…and “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)

As familiar as we are with scriptures that tell us not to judge others, such as, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven…,” (Luke 6:37), and, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand,” (Romans 14:4), it is still easy to fall into the trap of condemning others. It is easy to hear a report, whether true or not, whether complete or edited to bias opinion, or see an action, or hear a comment and let those words and actions feed our own prejudices.

Remember, “…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Here is a precious truth that we as Christians get to embrace, and a grace we must extend to others:

“…For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17)

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

My heart aches when I hear the words and see the comments of people professing to be Christians yet echoing the anger, hatred, and vitriol of the world. We’re not supposed to be like them, right? I recognize attitudes of self-righteousness and pride in so many interactions (and I’ve seen them in myself), but those are not characteristics Jesus used to identify His disciples. Instead, this is what He said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

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You Must…!

Posted on September 25, 2020 by suemariericker

I frequently see articles or videos captioned, “Must Read!” or “Must See!” and there is this little sense of guilt when I don’t have time or am not inclined to read or watch. Sometimes I will, but not always; either way, I know that, whether I read, or I watch, God’s relationship with me and the work He is doing in my life will not be affected.

I understand the passion behind sending or posting such messages; I’m just not convinced the Holy Spirit is telling every person who sees or is sent the “Must Read” or “Must See” messages truly must do that. Sometimes I allow, or put a burden on myself to read or watch something that I think I “should;” yet that’s a heavier burden than the one Jesus promised—He said that His burden is light!

I do believe that the Bible is a “Must Read.”

And I recognize that there are some “Must dos” in the Bible—the most recognizable one is, “You must be born again!” (John 3:7)

Paul and Silas answered the cry of the Philippian jailor who asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved,” by saying, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved….” (Acts 16:30, 31)

Here are some of the other “Must dos” in the New Testament:

  • As forgiven people, we must forgive:

“…if he (your brother) sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:4)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

  • I think that it is interesting that the apostle Paul considered intercession on his behalf, and for the work of the ministry, necessary. I hear in the tone of this verse, not so much an authoritative command to pray, as the heart’s cry of a pastor longing for support—the context of this verse is affliction and deadly peril. Prayer continues to be an essential resource for Christians, and I love the validation and effectiveness this statement gives our prayers.

“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:11)

  • There are some admonitions concerning our thought patterns and our lifestyles:

“So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:8-10)

I don’t think I can move on with this post without saying that, with the angry, hate-filled, violent social and political climate in the United States right now, there is much anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk surrounding and bombarding us from every angle. But that is not coming from Christians. At least it is not supposed to be, because we are being renewed in knowledge, and that through the Word of God. Yet I have heard and read things from people who say they are Christians, but the fruit of the Spirit is not evident in their words. Let us not get caught up in the emotions and the spiritual (demonic) influences that are rocking this nation! May we, as children of our Father in heaven, reflect His light, His life, and His heart in our homes, jobs, communities, and on social media!

  • Scripture also gives us some things we must NOT do:

Jesus taught that it isn’t our words so much as our heart attitudes that affect heaven’s response to our prayers:

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

Scripture gives us sound advice for the inner workings of our minds, because our lives tend to follow the direction of our thoughts…

“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” (Ephesians 4:17-18)

Instead, this is the truth we’ve learned in Jesus: “…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 22-24)

Concerning our lifestyle:

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Ephesians 5:3) Did you catch “covetousness?”

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone….” (2 Timothy 2:24)

  • There are some precautionary “musts” regarding Jesus’ second coming. I realize that what is happening in the U.S. and around the world is exactly what we would expect to see leading up to the fulfillment of last days prophecies. As important as it is to stay informed concerning the news, I have certainly experienced information overload, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many others have, also. One of the things I’ve experience as I’ve listened to or read news reports (which, in many cases, are not reports, merely opinions), is that they very rapidly open doors for spirits of fear. However, “…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Here are a couple of verses that give counsel on what we must do concerning the times in which we are living:

“Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

And…

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 17-21)

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They Don’t Know How!

Posted on September 2, 2020 by suemariericker

One of my favorite, and at the same time most difficult things to do is to spend time pondering and mulling over a chapter or section of scripture. Difficult because letting go the myriad of things—like dishes, sweeping and mopping, laundry, and other chores that need to get done—so that I can focus on God’s Word is so challenging, particularly since I have a somewhat challenged attention span, a sense of guilt about relaxing, and an enemy dead set against my spending time meditating on Scripture.

That being said, I have started a rich time of reading and praying through the minor prophets—something I would recommend to everyone! I read these verses in Amos 3 this morning:

“Proclaim to the strongholds of Ashdod and to the strongholds in the land of Egypt, and say ‘Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see the great tumults within her, and the oppressed in her midst.’ ‘They do not know how to do right,’ declares the Lord, ‘those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds.’” (vss. 9-10)

The Holy Spirit through the prophet is inviting nations who are not God’s chosen people to observe what was going on in Samaria, the principle city in the northern kingdom of Israel. And what they saw was rioting and looting, oppression, and violence.

“‘They do not know how to do right,’ declares the Lord.” (vs. 10)

This word from the Lord came before the invasion and captivity of Samaria and Israel by Assyria.

I couldn’t help but think about the cities in our nation that are currently being rocked by rioting, looting, oppression, and violence, resulting in destruction—we’ve seen some of the pictures. As Christians, we recognize that satan is the initiator of the evil happening in our nation and around the world, because Jesus clearly defined the enemy’s mission statement: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10)

We cannot expect anything good to come from demonic activities. Also, those who do not know God and do not have an intimate, faith relationship with Jesus do not know what is right, they are not capable of rightly assessing the situation, or of doing right.

One of the reasons for me in reading the Bible (and now the minor prophets) is to have a biblically informed prayer strategy–so my meditations have lead me here:

Father, your Word reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), so I shouldn’t be surprised by the insurrection and violence I see rocking our nation. But I am. I didn’t think it would happen here, not in my lifetime, but it is, and your Word has given us plenty of warning.

It is a fact that any person who does not know you does not know how to do right—the best that they can do is what is right in their own eyes, and that is tainted by sin and the effects of fallen humanity.

So, I praise you, Lord for being truly righteous and just. Thank you for Jesus, who, by His shed blood offers mercy and grace to all who receive Him and accept His righteousness as their own. Thank you for your Word of truth and the indwelling Holy Spirit who transforms our minds and our lives so that we can know what is right.

Lord, your description of Samaria sounds like so many cities in our nation right now. Along with idolatry and rebellion, these despicable comportments brought on the judgment and captivity of Israel—thank you for your Word promising a much better end of the story for them!

But the end of the story for this world is approaching, and just as there have been judgments on nations throughout history, they are precursors of the “Day of the Lord.” I pray that your people will awaken and remain faithful to you as that day approaches.

For now, Lord, I pray in the Name of Jesus against the strongholds of tumult (rioting), robbery (looting), oppression, and violence. Bring an end to the actions of the destroyers, O God! Send forth your warriors, your heavenly host, and your prayer warriors, to stand up against the forces of evil. Undermine the strategies of the enemy to invade, destroy, and take captive those for whom you died. Set the captives free, O God! Let the blood of Jesus cover and protect all those who call out to you.

In your precious Name, Jesus, I pray.

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Pointing Fingers

Posted on August 31, 2020 by suemariericker

I read a statement by Anne Graham Lotz recently, and it struck a chord in my heart:

“We may never have another Great Awakening in our nation until you and I stop pointing our finger at ‘them’ and deal with the sin in our own hearts and lives.”

There are so many ways that we point fingers at others—by the little assessments and judgments we make just by watching people, or when we read news reports and the commentaries on Facebook posts; by the frustrations we feel when people don’t “get it” like we get it, and the “if onlys” that lurk hidden behind our eyes.

Just thinking about myself over the years and the grace of God that has caused me to grow in His love, I have experienced a progression of looking inward and seeing a victim to looking inward and recognizing a sinner. From being bound with condemnation and denial to being set free in His mercy and love. And it is only God’s grace that sustains me. Nothing in me qualifies me to be a judge of others.

I’m still not fond of admitting to pride or self-righteousness, though. I still try to find ways to justify judging others. Fact is, all are sinners needing God’s mercy and grace; and everyone needs to humble themselves before God. Yet humility is very difficult to achieve when being right is more important than being kind.

Coarse language, vitriol, and name-calling characterize many of the attitudes and responses to political and religious disagreement nowadays. Sadly, I see many Christians caught up in the angst, also participating in word-bullying and name calling. This isn’t just disagreeing, this is judging!

Scripture provides the best advice for us as we navigate these turbulent times:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

Our words and our actions are good barometers indicating the atmosphere of our souls. If we don’t like feeling frustrated or the Holy Spirit highlights a thread of self-righteousness running through our thoughts, the best thing we can do is regularly transform our thoughts and attitudes with scripture.

Comparing ourselves to others is a dangerous game the enemy plays with our minds—it is judging with a twist, usually as an attempt to justify ourselves and condemn others. And when we compare ourselves with other people, whether consciously or unconsciously, we are behaving (whether in our words or our attitudes) like the Pharisee in this story Jesus told:

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt. Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God I thank you like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other….”  (Luke 18:9-14)

I think many Christians would like to see another Great Awakening in our nation; I also recognize hinderances to that happening—primarily an enemy dead set against believers shaking themselves out of indifference, complacency, and compromise with the standards and philosophies of this world.

I can identify with the angst of many who are saying that if Christians are “sleeping” or indifferent about this upcoming election, we are going to lose this country.

I can relate to the frustration expressed about the compromised and the lukewarm church, which is not “the” church of Jesus Christ.

But if I am not taking my angst, my frustration, as well as my propensity for comparing and judgment to the cross of Christ in repentance, then I am a part of the problem, not the solution.

Only the Holy Spirit can do the work of the Holy Spirit, so it is pointless to think that we can convict people or change their minds. The best we can do is to, without hesitation, share the truth in love—and pray in faith for the Holy Spirit to work in lives and in churches throughout this nation and around the world. It is on us to be repenting and praying instead of “tut-tutting” and wringing our hands in frustration about all those other sleeping or compromising saints!

Again, I’m struggling to figure out how to finish this post; writing it hasn’t been easy, finishing it is even more difficult. I think because of the sleepiness in my own soul, my less than avid devotion to the Word and prayer, the propensity in my own life to spend hours in front of the T.V., constantly checking social media or news, and the conviction that I am not actually responding with like intensity to the horror of child trafficking, deranged hatred, and demonic violence that is rocking our nation right now.  The Holy Spirit is working in me the desire to daily fall on my knees before God—still praying at times when I am sitting, standing, or walking, but also bowing before him in repentance and surrender.

I think the problem with the different diversions, distractions, and media outlets is that they hinder the communication God wants to have with us. Praying, talking to God is one thing; however, stilling our souls to hear His side of the conversation is essential!

The thing is, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God and prayer are necessary elements of our battle armor and our spiritual battle strategies—and the enemy knows this—so satan and his minions are going to want us to neglect them. To be too busy, too distracted, too tired (that’s a big one for me), too complacent, or too indifferent to engage, through speaking the Word in faith and intercession and prayer, in the battles being fought all around us.

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Wise As Serpents

Posted on July 27, 2020 by suemariericker

Jesus had a way of saying some pretty edgy things. For instance, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25); telling His disciples to feed a crowd of 5000+ people when there was only five little loaves and two fish available (Matthew 14:16); or, “…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) And, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

In the midst of global pandemic and unrest, we are inundated with “educated opinions”, decisive “points-of-view”, and many conflicting interpretations of scientific data (or scientific opinions). I think that self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes are at an all-time high—amongst Christians and non-Christians alike. So, I’ve been considering Godly wisdom a lot lately, which has nothing to do with opinions, viewpoints, or even what the culture of this world deems as wisdom.

It is easy to relate to the innocence of a dove, but why serpents? I can imagine it has something to do with his reference being a colloquialism that people could recognize. However, I also acknowledge that Jesus was very intentional in the words He spoke—they often had a spiritual depth that went beyond the obvious.

When I hear the word “serpents”, I immediately think of the serpent, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:9)

And we are to be as wise as serpents?

As I was mulling over these verses, I thought about “the serpent” and thinking that his (fallen) angels certainly could be considered “serpents”. I am not fond at all of stretching scripture to make a point, but at the same time, I want to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me in a way that gives insight. In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, he warns them (and us) that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. He identifies satan’s organizational structure: “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 [unseen] places.” (Ephesians 6::12) The Holy Spirit counsels us to, “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. [To] put on the whole armor of God [so that we] may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (verses 10-11)

In these verses, we are given two of the enemy’s tactics: he seeks to deceive, and he devises schemes. The apostle Peter wrote, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) We also know that he is a murderer and liar: “…he was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

I think one aspect of being as wise as serpents is being wise to the strategies of the serpent, our enemy. We have a formidable foe, but our God is greater. The enemy is cunning; yet we can counter his onslaughts and subterfuges with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

We are living in turbulent times; and, not only in the United States, but all over the world, the forces of hell are raging. Between the cool, calm, collectedness of the highly educated and the highly opinionated ranks of the “media-educated” masses, there is a proud, self-righteous attitude of “I am right, my opinion is right, and you are wrong, sorely wrong, and you are deluded.” And even among Christians, self-righteous, proud, “I am right, and you are wrong” attitudes surface.

However, Scripture counsels us:

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:16)

And…

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord know the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

I am praying God will catch the wise, the influencers of this age in their craftiness and expose them, that many will recognize the intrigues of the enemy, reject the lies, and turn to the Lord.

The Psalmist gives us this wise counsel: “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your Word.” (Psalm 119:98-101)

But Jesus didn’t stop with “wise as serpents”; He went on to say, “and innocent [harmless, NKJV] [have no self-serving agenda, AMP] as doves” (ESV)—impossible to do without an intimate knowledge of God and His Word, and the in-dwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve struggled to know how to finish this post. We absolutely need divine wisdom to navigate through the times we are living; and Godly wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Psalm 111:10). Almost every day I read something in the news that elicits an “wow!” response from me. If I ask myself whether I am surprised, though, I have to admit that I am not. Lawlessness, riots, suggestions of a cashless society, church attendance restricted, worship redefined or legislated against, small home group gatherings restricted—and it all sounds so reasonable in order to protect people!—gender confusion and anti-biblical standards of morality being promoted to school children. …and sadly, there is so much more.

With everything going on nowadays, of all the things that will drop me to my knees in a heartbeat is the assault that the enemy has launched against children. Abuse—physical, emotional, sexual—the appalling disregard for their lives, whether pre-birth or post birth, the early indoctrination of immorality and gender choice instead of biological determination, human trafficking… My heart’s cry is that God will send his warriors, both human and angelic, to fight for the children and deliver them from the schemes of the evil ones.

We need to heed Paul’s admonition to the church at Rome:

“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.” (Romans 13:11)

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What Can I Say?

Posted on June 10, 2020 by suemariericker

I can’t think of anything to write that hasn’t been said or written about the Corona Virus and the tragedy of evil and violence encompassing the United States right now. Of course, not isolated to the U.S….

God help us if we are indifferent or complacent, if we think the things that are happening now don’t personally affect us (though whether directly or indirectly, we are all affected)! God help us if we do not acknowledge that racism is an active, evil presence in this world! God help us if we do not recognize that the abuse of power can be the undoing of us all!

Even though racism is incomprehensible to me, every once in awhile I will read the comments on an article posted by the mainstream media, and the bias, hatred, and vitriol is appalling. I thought that we, as a nation, had made progress through the 60s, and the amazing life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr.; but instead, I think hatred has gone underground and festered in the hearts and minds of people given over to the evil purposes of the one whose mission in life is to steal, kill, and destroy.

I want to be angry, usefully angry that is, not sinfully so (Be angry and do not sin…. Ephesians 4:26). I do not want to be self-approving, self-righteous, or deceived to think that I am sinless, particularly in regard to any (not just racial) hidden attitude of bias or prejudice that may have become a part of me through the generations of my family. It is so essential to come before God’s throne of grace with this prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)

It is difficult to know what to write here without being cliché. Although the violence, hatred, and destruction we are witnessing can cause frustration; we know that Jesus is the only solution to society’s ills, as well as the brokenness and sin of each individual—yet many do not want Him.

Jesus is also the answer to the questions in our own hearts about pandemic and the turmoil engulfing this nation—and we have a limitless resource of peace available to us through Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives:

“You [God] will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Fear is rampant; yet we have this assurance that, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Fact is, our emotions can be all over the map right now, and that is ok—as long as we take the advice of the apostle Peter, “…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

And Paul gave this counsel in a letter to the church at Corinth: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

When pandemic spreads throughout the earth, when fires blaze, and hatred and violence fall like a curtain, we must recognize the forces of evil at work, and respond accordingly: armored up (Ephesians 6:10-18) and praying.

This is my prayer response:

I pray that God would release heaven’s angel armies to fight against the powers of darkness for truth, righteousness, and justice, just as they fought for Israel against the Syrian army during the days of Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17)

I pray for wisdom so that I will know specifically how He wants me to respond; and I pray that God will grant the leaders of this country wisdom and courage in their responses, putting aside political agendas and personal interests, so that the needs of this nation can come first. “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)

And I pray that God would send forth laborers into the harvest. “And He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Now, more than ever, this verse resonates in my heart: “…straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (Luke 21:28)

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Under the Sun

Posted on May 21, 2020 by suemariericker

“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.”  (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

I’ve been reading the book of Hosea recently, thinking that my next prayer journal project would be on the minor prophets. The thing about it is that I keep having, “Wait, What…?” moments as I read through the chapters of this book because they seem to be so descriptive of the political and social climate in the United States, and probably many other nations, right now.

My study came to a screeching halt on chapter 7. I recognize that the Northern kingdom of Israel is being addressed in this book; however, the immutable nature of God applies the principles of the Book, the Bible, throughout the stream of time.

Hosea 7:1  “When I restore the fortunes of my people, when I would heal Israel, the iniquity of Ephraim is revealed, and the evil deeds of Samaria for they deal falsely, the thief breaks in, and the bandits raid outside.”

God’s intention is always to heal and restore people and nations; yet there are things that get in the way of that happening – sin and evil deeds such as dealing falsely, deceptively, fraudulently, and thieving. Those familiar with scripture and Israel’s history recognize that iniquity and evil deeds arose from their turning away from God to idolatry.

Turning away from God always opens the door for evil to enter!

v. 2  “But they do not consider that I remember all their evil. Now their deeds surround them; they are before my face.”

It is comforting to know that evil plots and deeds are visible to God – nothing is hidden from Him. We’ve read the end of the book and we know that the malevolent acts of wicked men and women will be punished, especially those people who do not repent of their wickedness and intrigues. My concern is for the many innocent victims who suffer for the unrighteous, unjust deeds of powerful people.

So, I pray. It is pointless to wring my hands in frustration and anxiety when my fingers are trained for battle! …and we are in a battle that God has equipped and is equipping us for.

“Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” (Psalm 144:1-2)

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

I’m not a mathematical genius, but there seems to be an equation implicit in scripture: Our faith overcomes the world, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God (“…faith comes by hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17), then having God’s Word deeply planted in our souls will grow our faith and ensure our victory. And it is with that confidence we pray.

That is foundational to my response as I read Hosea’s prophecies, a response of faith and hope in the sovereignty of God, His steadfast love, and His protection.

“For with hearts like an oven they approach their intrigue; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. All of them are hot as an oven, and they devour their rulers. All their kings have fallen, and none of them calls upon me.” (Hosea 7:6, 7)

The picture of an oven is an apt descriptor of those cooking up schemes, devising intrigue, with smoldering anger. There seems to be so much of that going on in our nation, and it is nothing new. Sadly, much of the media fans the flames of false and biased reporting, divisiveness, and hatred. Clearly, the intent is to devour and destroy the current leaders of our country.

There are more similarities between the political climate described in the book of Hosea, the ancient kingdom of Israel and other kingdoms and nations throughout history. God’s intention is always to heal, yet man’s pride, rebellion, idolatry, and treachery separate people from His good purposes. What makes it so sad is that many do not recognize or care that they are willfully rejecting God.

I want to be careful, though, not to adopt attitudes of spiritual pride or self-righteousness, because it is only the grace of God that separates the saved from the lost—not by our works of righteousness, “social awareness”, or theology … only the grace of God. Not because we deserve salvation, but because of His gift and His love for all mankind.

As tempting as it is to pray down judgment on those who are not receptive to Jesus or the gospel, and who stand in defiance towards the followers of Christ and biblical morality, the Holy Spirit would be quick to remind us (and by God’s grace, we would be quick to listen) of Jesus’ words of rebuke spoken to James and John when they wanted fire to come down and consume those who opposed them (Luke 9:51-55).

Though the divisions and intrigues are nothing new to our planet, if you are familiar with Bible prophecy and the “end of the Book”, you will recognize that we are rapidly approaching the day when we realize “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ….” (Titus 2:13)

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It’s Personal… He’s Personal!!

Posted on April 29, 2020 by suemariericker

There is something that I have struggled with; I guess it could be classified as a faith thing, yet it is something I want to give voice to—just in case anyone else has had similar thoughts. It is this…

I follow some well-known teachers, gifted pastors, and other public figures who have large followings. Occasionally, something will happen in their lives or families, such as illnesses, accidents, or other tragedies, and they will extend a call for prayer. Many will respond with compassion and heartfelt prayers—and frequently (but not always) God will answer in powerful ways.

For most of us, however, we do not have hundreds or thousands of followers. We don’t have the prayer backing and support that most public figures enjoy. So, when I read their calls for prayer, I have this niggling little thought skipping around in my subconscious that God will hear and answer those prayers, but my single, quiet cry is hidden far back behind the throngs of voices joined together in single purpose.

However, I do not believe that most the Psalmist’s earnest prayers were more than his own, single voice calling out to the throne of God:

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill.” (Psalm 3:3-4)

“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.” (Psalm 18:6)

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” (Psalm 30:2)

“Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. I had said in my alarm, ‘I am cut off from your sight.’ But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. Love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful…. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 31:21-24)

I recall the story of a woman, broken physically and financially, beyond her resources, beyond what the doctors could do for her, beyond hope—yet she reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. He was on the way to the home of an important person, a ruler of the synagogue, and people pressed Jesus all about as He walked. It was in the clamor of the multitude that He felt her tentative touch. It was, no doubt, scary and intimidating for her when the Master was on the way to the dignitary’s house. Yet in the midst of the many, He sensed the touch of one. And He stopped.

“And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’” (Luke 8:47-48)

…and He addresses each one of us as son or daughter.

I will continue to pray when calls to prayer are extended. And with those requests I will remember the silent ones, the ones who don’t have the support of families or large followings to come alongside them in prayer. It is a good time, also, to remember the persecuted church around the world, as well as those in this country who are facing opposition for their faith and their stands for righteousness.

And something else. Let’s confront the lies and the liar who sought from the beginning of time to undermine the relationship between God and man, and who continues to do so! God’s relationship with every individual is unique and personal (“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb…. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” – Psalm 139:13, 18), and He personally invites each one of His children to, “with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

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Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Posted on April 6, 2020 by suemariericker

I was born in 1950, a part of a generation considered baby boomers—children born after WWII, between 1946 to 1964. 

I remember the shock and grief that assailed the nation when President Kennedy was assassinated, when people who were concerned about a Catholic president, or those who considered themselves Republicans and did not vote for him, yet shared the anguish of a nation in mourning.

I remember the Cuban missile crisis when two bomb shelters showed up behind our church and the students in our little 3-room schoolhouse had canisters of provisions “just in case”.

The 1960s and ‘70s were turbulent times—our nation began coming to grips with and taking action against the insidiousness of prejudice and discrimination.  The Jesus movement brought many young people to the foot of the cross while many others rebelled against all authority and against Christianity—and the roots of anarchy pushed their way through the souls of those who rejected the discipline and values of generations gone by.

Under the guise of “Peace” and “Love” and “Flower Power” the occult began to thrive, sex became “free”, and the murder of innocent children became a way to handle the consequences of the mass departure from Biblical morality.  What once fostered a sense of community became, in the minds of many, archaic, ineffective, and belittled.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, we united as a nation in shock against an enemy that was not so easy to identify.  Many turned to God.  Many prayed.  A strong sense of national community began to rise.  Temporarily.

2020, and we are faced with a global pandemic.  Finger pointing and assigning blame, political posturing, and rampant vitriol; media bias and obvious hatred assault us from many directions.  People are fighting in stores over food and commodities.  Fear consuming some people, others parading carelessness. 

After 2001, the United States has become increasingly divided, particularly since the 2016 election.  It is very difficult to write this without offering my own opinions; however, that really isn’t the goal of this post.  My point is to notice.  Notice where we’ve come from and where this path is leading.  Notice our words, our thoughts, our attitudes, our posts, and figure out whether we are contributing to the growing divisions amongst people or allowing the Holy Spirit to work His fruit into our lives.

We can readily identify these “works of the flesh”: “…sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery…drunkenness, orgies, and things like these”, without recognizing our very own human inclination towards “…enmity [hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism], jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions…”

These verses in the book of Galatians are introduced this way: “For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.  But I say, ‘walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other…. Now the works of the flesh are evident: …” (Galatians 5:13-21)

And this is how the chapter concludes: “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such thing there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-25)

We are navigating unfamiliar waters nowadays with the coronavirus and the political tensions and contentions.  Fear and hatred appear to be spreading faster than the virus.  As Christians, we need to consciously decide which voices we will listen to, whether it be our flesh or the sinister whispers of the enemy, whether the spirits of this world or the Spirit of God; will fear consume us or faith define us?  Resting securely on the Word of God, His matchless promises, and the steadfast love of our Savior, we are in a secure place to be good neighbors.

While the pundits rage, I’ve seen communities come together to support each other, offering toilet paper and supplies, home cooked meals, offering rides and running errands, a church giving out toilet paper.  People being neighbors…

Let’s consciously make the choice to NOT be finger-pointers and blame-assigners (like so many in the world who have no hope); instead, let’s recognize where the battle lies:  “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) 

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When Fear Assails Us

Posted on March 9, 2020 by suemariericker

Father, fear seems to be gripping our nation, not just because of the political turmoil and violence, but also because of a virus that appears to be spreading exponentially.  Scripture identifies the source of fear as spiritual (2 Timothy 1:7), and that very well could be the source of this virus.  I don’t know.  I do know that your Word reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

In writing to Timothy, Paul counseled him, “…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  Those who have not received the indwelling Holy Spirit through accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and anyone not living in the fullness of the Spirit and walking “in step” (Galatians 5:25) with Him are susceptible to the lies of the enemy and crippling fear. 

Jesus, fear is a characteristic of time’s last days—the Bible records a number of events that will happen before you return for your bride, and this: “…people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world” (Luke 21:26).  My prayer is, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”  Yet, the love in your heart longs to set free the captives of fear.  And this is my prayer.  Let your Spirit come in the same power—even stronger! —than He did on the day of Pentecost when a rag-tag group of believers gathered together in an upper room.  Let courage bubble up like an overflowing fountain in the hearts and minds of believers so that we will be living testimonies of the hope that dwells within us.

Remind us that we are in a fierce battle, Lord.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.  Let your people be light, exhibiting your power, your love, and the wisdom of God to others.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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