There are times in life when everything moves and grows so quickly that we may fail to see how precious it is.

Are we willing to return to and rest in the stronghold of the Lord, who is both rock and refuge for our souls?

I was reading a commentary to the Psalm below, by Derek Kidner. He states (re: v. 13), “Respite is hardly the meaning here; in any case the Hebrew word tends to be used of inward quietness in face of outward troubles.” He then refers to a few passages in Isaiah, including Is. 30:15.*

As we walk on the road of life that is set before us, whether slow or fast-paced. May we always be mindful of those who are in our care and value what God is doing.

His ways of “growing us up” are sometimes the very thing we are helping others to do. By pacing ourselves and noticing the blessings before us, we can exhibit trust in the ONE who holds the universe together.

Just this month, the Artemis II crew spoke eloquently of how fortunate we are to be caretakers of this beautiful planet called earth.

We are given seemingly “insignificant” responsibilities, but how much more will our quiet reliance on God help us to notice His greatness and be grateful for His mercy and grace? -Teresa #willingness #wisdom #nextgeneration

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)[15] For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

Psalm 94:8-23 (ESV)

⁸ Understand, O dullest of the people!
    Fools, when will you be wise?
⁹ He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
He who formed the eye, does he not see?
¹⁰ He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
¹¹     the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,
    that they are but a breath.^[a]

¹² Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
    and whom you teach out of your law,
¹³ to give him rest from days of trouble,
    until a pit is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴ For the Lord will not forsake his people;
    he will not abandon his heritage;
¹⁵ for justice will return to the righteous,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

¹⁶ Who rises up for me against the wicked?
    Who stands up for me against evildoers?
¹⁷ If the Lord had not been my help,
    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
¹⁸ When I thought, “My foot slips,”
    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
¹⁹ When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul.
²⁰ Can wicked rulers be allied with you,
    those who frame^[b] injustice by statute?
²¹ They band together against the life of the righteous
    and condemn the innocent to death.^[c]
22 But the Lord has become my stronghold,
    and my God the rock of my refuge.
²³ He will bring back on them their iniquity
    and wipe them out for their wickedness;
    the Lord our God will wipe them out.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 94:11 Septuagint they are futile
2. Psalm 94:20 Or fashion
3. Psalm 94:21 Hebrew condemn innocent blood

*Kidner, Derek, Psalms 73-150, A Commentary on Books III-IV of the Psalms; IVP, England & Illinois. P.342

myreconnection.org/2015/07/20/repentance-becomes-worship/

The sunshine and wildlife this morning were glorious. We witnessed puddle ducks, geese, and an egret. There were three rabbits chasing each other around a bush like a merry-go-round, around and around!

This passage make me think of the patience and gentleness that our Lord exhibited towards his disciples.

So many times they wanted to take the Roman world by storm, defending the glorious Messiah in Jerusalem. In essence, Jesus was preparing them for a different storm- one of perseverance as they patiently held on to hope, while doing the work of His kingdom in many different lands.

Investing requires patience and trust (that what was sown will reap a bountiful harvest).

The footnotes show in verses 13, 17 and 22 that the word “servant” from the parable is actually “bondservant” in the Greek. Here is one description of the heart of a bondservant according to The Bible Hub, “This heart posture of bondservanthood is closely tied to humility, a willingness to place God’s will above personal ambition.”

The only way that we can persevere with hope for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done here on earth is through understanding that our investment rests secure because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (Faith in God’s Son, who sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven)

The gospel message came with such power on the believers at Pentecost that the Holy Spirit allowed the disciples of Christ to proclaim it in many languages. (read Acts 2 below) Explained by Bible Hub.com, “The apostles spoke in different languages in Acts 2:7 to fulfill prophecy, authenticate the gospel, reverse Babel, signal judgment and invitation to Israel, empower worldwide mission, and inaugurate the Church under the new covenant of the risen Christ. The event is historically credible, theologically rich, and evangelistically strategic, displaying the sovereignty and grace of God who speaks every language yet calls all people to one Lord.”

Lord, help us to persevere in hope that you will pay off richly on every investment made into Your Kingdom. -Teresa #generosity #service #love #multiplication

Luke 19:11-27 (ESV)

The Parable of the Ten Minas

¹¹ As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.¹² He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. ¹³ Calling ten of his servants,^[a] he gave them ten minas,^[b] and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ ¹⁴ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ ¹⁵ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. ¹⁶ The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ ¹⁷ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!^[c] Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ ¹⁸ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ ¹⁹ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ ²⁰ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; ²¹ for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ ²² He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ ²⁴ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’²⁵ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’²⁶ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ²⁷ But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 19:13 Or bondservants; also verse 15
2. Luke 19:13 A mina was about three months’ wages for a laborer
3. Luke 19:17 Or bondservant; also verse 22

Acts 2:1-4 ESV

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Although the Jordan River was overflowing its banks that time of year, God performed a miracle for Joshua.

Because the ark of the covenant was sacred and was carried correctly by the priests, God’s presence passed over an impossible obstacle before them. The ark with its mercy seat brought them safe passage. God’s glory showed up!

Even for us, God shows up in impossible ways. We are given a gift (John 1:12) when we trust Him to go ahead and provide our safe passage into “eternal life.” Not only can we receive His Son as Savior (John 17:3) but we can experience this new life while on earth (being part of His family).

From TheBibleHub, “The Apostle Paul also alludes to this in Romans 3:25 , where he writes, “God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” Here, the term “atoning sacrifice” is often translated as “propitiation,” which directly connects to the concept of the Mercy Seat as the place where God’s wrath is appeased and mercy is granted.”

Someday, we will all cross over the proverbial “Jordan” to our eternal destination. Safe passage will be determined by faith in the ONE whose shoulders can buoy us through the turbulent waters. Those who remain behind will receive comfort from the Holy Spirit of promise. -Teresa #unityinChrist

Joshua 3:11-17 (ESV)

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth^[b] is passing over before you into the Jordan. ¹² Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. ¹³ And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”

¹⁴ So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, ¹⁵ and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), ¹⁶ the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

John 1:12 (ESV)

[12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

John 17:3 (ESV)

3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Philippians 2:1,2 ESV

Christ’s Example of Humility

[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

This pair of ducks made us chuckle as they waddled together this morning. We could relate, as my husband and I celebrated my birthday with our dear family last night.

We like to hover over each other and be sure each family member is heard and cared for.

The Lord was aware of the difference between the siblings, Mary and Martha. He was also faithful to teach His disciples the qualities of being a good Father. Jesus, as God’s dearly loved Son, is part of the Trinity’s plan for the world.

How blessed are those who choose to sit at your feet, LORD. Those who hear your words and believe (aka, act on them).

Lord, please keep us from the temptation to be filled with anxiety. Help us to persistently “ask, seek and knock” so we may be filled with your Holy Spirit. -Teresa #peace

Luke 10:41-11:13 ESV

 ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary.^[b]Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

The Lord’s Prayer

11 Now Jesus^[c] was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” ² And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
³ Give us each day our daily bread,^[d]
4 and forgive us our sins,
    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”

⁵ And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, ⁶ for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷ and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? ⁸ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence^[e] he will rise and give him whatever he needs. ⁹ And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for^[f] a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; ¹² or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Footnotes

1. Luke 10:38 Greek he
2. Luke 10:42 Some manuscripts few things are necessary, or only one
3. Luke 11:1 Greek he
4. Luke 11:3 Or our bread for tomorrow
5. Luke 11:8 Or persistence
6. Luke 11:11 Some manuscripts insert bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for

This wide angle shot makes the Lake appear full, to the point of overflowing.

On this particular day of our trip, we hiked a short trail, encountered 3 elk hopping over the fallen trees, fended off chipmunks who wanted our lunch at the Lake and then basically sprinted the last 100 yards back to the car (pelting rain caught us without the proper gear). Even the cars ahead of us were pulling over to avoid slipping over the cliff edges on the way back down. I was never so thankful for AWD, sports edition!

These passages remind me of the steps toward righteous living (vs. wickedness) and how deep our roots must go in order to establish our thinking, which in turn influences our behaviors.

It’s rather like having AWD in our thoughts. One wheel may keep us turning in circles but all wheels will bring us to the Correct destination (not detoured by a Catastrophic event).

When we are rooted and grounded in the understanding of Christ’s love for us- then, He actually dwells in our hearts through faith. Who do you trust (aka believe)?

Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and a powerful understanding of how God sees you. It may provide you just enough faith (as small as the grain of a mustard seed) to establish you in Him.

Thank you, Father, that you have revealed your fullness to us through your Son and our Savior. He provides a visual aid of how to define “love”.

This Palm Sunday, may we worship anew so that our hearts are full to overflowing. -Teresa

Proverbs 12:2-3English Standard Version (bold added)

² A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
    but a man of evil devices he condemns.
³ No one is established by wickedness,
    but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

Read full chapter

Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV (bold added)

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

We watched an amazing ballet production of the Exodus last week. Our granddaughters both danced and worshiped with the cast of performers (at varied levels of dance expertise).

Every one of the dancers was wonderfully prepared to bring praise to God in a heartfelt display of this powerful reenactment of the first Passover celebration. BibleHub

Our hearts were touched as the entire audience gave a standing ovation. I felt a sob catch in my breath during the opening scene depicting bondage to sin. The melancholy voice of one William Jessup choir student, reverberated with an authentic Hebraic sound as she wailed in the midst of the dancers.

Our youngest granddaughter was chosen as part of the three dancers to bring the hyssop (representing the blood of the lamb), which was applied to the doorposts of each Hebrew slave’s home. This act of faith in YHWH (I AM) set them apart from the Egyptian households, who bowed allegiance to Pharaoh. Pharaoh believed himself to be god of his people and over all others.

In New Testament (Covenant) language: our childlike faith in the Father’s provision through the blood of His Son, Christ Jesus the LORD, delivers us out of bondage to sin and death. #lambofGod

What rejoicing occurred in the final scene depicting their successful crossing of the Red Sea. As they all jumped up and down in jubilation, the smiles on each dancer’s face (both child and young adult) became a unified expression of love for God. They poured out soulfully (especially the young man portraying Moses). #humility

Our hope of beginning anew comes from the One who rose again. -Teresa

Numbers 33:1-4 (ESV)

Recounting Israel’s Journey

33 These are the stages of the people of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their companies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. ² Moses wrote down their starting places, stage by stage, by command of the Lord, and these are their stages according to their starting places. ³ They set out from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month. On the day after the Passover, the people of Israel went out triumphantly in the sight of all the Egyptians, ⁴ while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had struck down among them. On their gods also the Lord executed judgments.

At my 45th class reunion recently, I told a friend about my vision for the generations to come: why can’t we build something to pass down. I mean something as good as, or better than, the “small town” elders built for us when we were kids?

I was referring to the brick building that served as a high school for 7th-12th graders. It was not just the structure that was well built, but the teachers who were hired that had top notch skills- producing capable professionals in many fields. (The Finnish culture excels at math, science, sports, music, practical skills such as sewing and wood shop, loving nature and community events)! #YooP

More important than earning a living, was building a safe community that supported all ages and peoples. #healthandwellness

Somewhere between melting pot vs. cultural mosaic, the small town Midwest culture at that time (and in my mind’s memory) was about perfect.

Today, affluence and mind-numbing scrolling addictions have not served our children well. Something has happened culturally, where appearance and facade has become more important than structural quality (even the ability to use our hands to build something). We have “virtual” buildings and outward appearances but character qualities that are required for healthy communities are rare gems.

Destroying others with words is not hard, it may actually come easily to us when our emotions flare up. But…if we use our emotions to shed light on our spiritual beliefs, then we may gain insights and knowledge. #trustGodatHisword

Not allowing “knowledge” to puff us up (I Corinthians 8:1-3) but to deliver us from wrong thinking means we can also defeat our wicked mouths. #liesoftheheart

We are able to invest and build when we recognize the importance of changed hearts. Without God’s help, our society will be divided and conquered by many different appetites. #nosatisfaction

Father, help me to take a reading on my emotional climate today. I want to walk in your truth and join you in building Your kingdom come and Your will be done. -Teresa

Proverbs 11:9-11English Standard Version

⁹ With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
    and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
    but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 10Proverbs 12

English Standard Version (ESV)

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Food Offered to Idols

[1] Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. [2] If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. [3] But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Do I truly believe that God’s way protects those who live with integrity? #honestlyseekHim

God’s way …for those devoted to wickedness (rejecting His salvation)… means destruction. #freechoice

To remain “in Christ” means abiding as peacefully as a fruitful branch in the vine. For without God’s life we are spiritually dead.

If I give myself over to man’s approval, then I may never experience “true life” (it’s like a branch separated from the vine). #fruitless

Lord, will you show us your glory? For we need You. -Teresa

Proverbs 10:29-30New Living Translation

²⁹ The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,
    but it destroys the wicked.

³⁰ The godly will never be disturbed,
    but the wicked will be removed from the land.

Read full chapter

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

John 12:44-50 ESV) (bold added for emphasis)

Jesus Came to Save the World

[44] And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. [45] And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. [46] I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. [47] If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. [48] The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. [49] For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. [50] And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

We also watched the 2022 film last night, “The Case for Heaven” by Lee Strobel. It was impactful and beautiful. When you want to be challenged in your ideas about an afterlife, see what a former investigative journalist from the Chicago Tribune can reveal. The most impactful was one man’s description of “hell” before he woke up from a near-death experience. What was most beautiful was Strobel’s wife. She says the only person she ever led to Christ was her husband. What a love story of true devotion and sacrifice.

Although this rose is beautiful, it can also have hidden thorns. No doubt, when the Pharisees were questioning Jesus about their religious laws and allowances, they were hoping to look (beautifully) justified.

Jesus came to express love to a greater, more fulfilling degree. He was not just following the law perfectly (as holy) but also establishing a love relationship with mankind (which was not easy, or for His benefit- but painfully thorny).

The joining of husband and wife in matrimony is often referred to as becoming “one flesh”. It represents Christ’s relationship with the Church. (Christ and the church by BibleHub)

No doubt, there are times when one or the other marriage partner forgets to be selfless but is caught up in selfishness. #missingthemark

The good news is that our hearts can be softened again by God’s provision, we too have a way to be transformed by His great love for us. -Teresa

Mark 10:1-12 (ESV)

Teaching About Divorce

10 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.

² And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”³ He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” ⁴ They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” ⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. ⁶ But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’⁷ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,^[g] 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. ⁹ What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

¹⁰ And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. ¹¹ And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, ¹² and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”