We were at Folsom Lake yesterday. It was a bit fierce with the gusty wind and a few massive turkey vultures circling but a “God beam” appeared over all of us.

After the guys took a dip, we had a snack huddled under towels. I refrained from swimming but enjoyed watching my grandson revel in the freedom of the water.

The Psalm below is one of my favorites. When I was a student in Dr. Eckman’s Hebrew class, I was determined to memorize the entire chapter in the original language. Although I only made it through verse 4, this passage has stayed with me as part of my daily prayer time.

This morning, I was reading the entire Psalm and a new appreciation for verse 9 touched me. (The Lord is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.)

Every one of us have a deficiency or deficiencies. God does not wait for us to be pretty near perfect before He shows us His goodness or mercy. His goodness and mercy are with us right here, right now.

With David we can say, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised- His greatness is beyond our comprehension.” *

He has plans for us that we may not understand all at once. It may take years before we recognize His goodness and mercy in situations that were uncomfortable. Looking back, I can see it more clearly. “He was really good to me, He was truly showing mercy to me”.

Thank you, Lord, for your goodness and mercy extended to even me. May we sing your praises every day and tell of your mighty works.

When you acknowledge God as King (who is good and merciful), then you too can bless His holy name- along with David. -Teresa

Psalm 145: 1-21 ( ESV) bold added

Great Is the Lord

^[a] A Song of Praise. Of David.

145 I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

⁴ One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
⁵ On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
⁶ They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
⁷ They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

⁸ The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
⁹ The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

¹⁰ All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
¹¹ They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
¹² to make known to the children of man your^[b] mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

[The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.^[c]]
¹⁴ The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
¹⁶ You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
¹⁷ The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
¹⁸ The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
¹⁹ He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them.
²⁰ The Lord preserves all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.

²¹ My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.Read full chapter

Footnotes

a) Psalm 145:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

b) Psalm 145:12 Hebrew his; also next line

c) Psalm 145:13 These two lines are supplied by one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac (compare Dead Sea Scroll)

*John Joseph Owens, Analytical Key To The Old Testament, Vol. 3, 1991. p. 513 (interpretation of verse 3)

This sweet memory near Father’s Day reminds me of the gratefulness King David expressed in the Psalm below.

Just as our marriage requires my whole heart, giving thanks for God’s steadfast love exalts God’s character, strengthening our souls.

Those on high sing of God’s glory and those who are lowly acknowledge His help with thanksgiving. No wonder David was helped, he regarded himself as lowly. #callonHim

God’s greatness will stand. Our purpose will also be fulfilled as we give thanks with our whole heart.

God does not forsake His work. Even more amazing is that we are the work of His hands (Psalm 100:3), fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Lord, help us to be bold, strengthened by the truth of your steadfast love, which endures forever. Thank you for all the faithful fathers who have exemplified this truth in their families. -Teresa #purposeful #strong #bold

Give Thanks to the Lord

Of David.

Psalm 138:1-8 (ESV)*

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
² I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.^[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.^[b]

⁴ All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
⁵ and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
⁶ For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
⁸ The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.Read full chapter*Bible gateway.com

Footnotes

1. Psalm 138:2 Or you have exalted your word above all your name
2. Psalm 138:3 Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength

Saul of Tarsus became “brother Saul” to Ananias, (follower of the Lord Jesus). Receiving his sight, Saul was also given a new perspective about those who followed Jesus as Lord.

Although Saul’s mission was to imprison those same followers, he was instead converted by a personal encounter with Jesus through a blinding light- literally, blinding. Without his sight, Paul was forced to ponder quietly what it meant to persecute Christ Jesus the Lord.

By accepting the assignment God had for him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. The assignment was to receive Jesus as the Lord of his life. Until that time, he saw Jesus as a mere mortal. Now, he believed with all his heart that Jesus was who he claimed to be…the Son of God.

This change in perspective allowed Paul to be in alignment with God’s purpose for him. Even Ananias was given insight as to how much this new identity would “cost” Saul. It was like receiving a new name. #Paultheapostle

When we are “in Christ”, we also become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). The process of being changed for His purpose may cost us something. If it is wealth, reputation or being misunderstood, then you are in good company with many who have gone before.

Lord, help me to have your perspective and like Saul (aka Paul), be made new-seeing your glorious plan.

Did you know that Paul looked heavenward quite often and even visualized the many who would be there with him, bowing before the Savior (I Thessalonians 2:19). -Teresa #joyfulsubmission

Acts 9:10-25 (ESV)*

10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” ¹¹ And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, ¹² and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” ¹³ But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” ¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ¹⁷ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”¹⁸ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; ¹⁹ and taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. ²⁰ And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” ²¹ And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”²² But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

²³ When many days had passed, the Jews^[a]plotted to kill him, ²⁴ but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, ²⁵ but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall,^[b] lowering him in a basket.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Acts 9:23 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed the Christian faith in that time
2. Acts 9:25 Greek through the wall

*Bible gateway.com

It seems that we don’t get dressed up as much anymore, so I bought this dress to improve my personal style. In this passage, however, Peter needed no personal image improvements for the message to be effective.

In contrast, Peter was given supernatural ability (filled with the Holy Spirit), to answer the high priest’s question (prompted by the Sadducees’ concern) about what authority had been used to do this miracle and subsequently teach about resurrection from the dead.

It was by the name of ONE (Jesus Christ of Nazareth) who was given for the salvation of all mankind, meaning for both men and women alike.

The historicity of Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection, authenticates His claim as the Son of God. “…there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” #deliveredfromsin

What a great hope to hear those words. The people were weighed down with religious burdens. In fact, the very leaders who enforced those requirements had rejected the cornerstone of God’s building (the Church).

Lord, help us today to open our hearts to your authority. May we experience salvation and begin life anew in Your name. -Teresa #freetolove

Acts 4:1-14 (ESV)

4 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, ² greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

⁵ On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ⁶ with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹ if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. ¹¹ This Jesus^[a] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.^[b] 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men^[c] by which we must be saved.”

¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

Footnotes

a. Acts 4:11 Greek This one

b. Acts 4:11 Greek the head of the corner

c. Acts 4:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women

d. Acts 4:25 Or child; also verses 27, 30

e. Acts 4:26 Or Christ

The religious leaders of the day decided that Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God was grounds for His death.

Pílate heard their rationale and became even more fearful (since his wife warned him of the troubling dreams she had re: Jesus).

When we hear God’s truth and believe, we have nothing to fear. When our job requires us to lead but the mob wants it their way (not God’s way), great fear ensues.

Does the Christ (or Messiah) represent a stumbling block in your life? Be sure to fall on the cornerstone of God’s building and be healed. Those who stumble because of Him and refuse to believe have a different result.

God’s will was accomplished in spite of the people’s will. He willingly gave all (His only begotten Son) to bring us back to peace with Him.

How we rejoice in your love, dear Father. You have given us not only the way, the truth but new life through Jesus. -Teresa #resurrectionpower

John 18:28-19:16 (ESV)Bible gateway.com (bold added for emphasis)

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters.^[a] It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.²⁹ So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” ³⁰ They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” ³¹ Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” ³² This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

³³ So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” ³⁴ Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” ³⁵ Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?”³⁶ Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” ³⁷ Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” ³⁸ Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.³⁹ But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”⁴⁰ They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.^[b]

Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified

19 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.² And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. ³ They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. ⁴ Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” ⁵ So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” ⁶ When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” ⁷ The Jews^[c] answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” ⁸ When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.⁹ He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” ¹¹ Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

¹² From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” ¹³ So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic^[d]Gabbatha. ¹⁴ Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.^[e] He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” ¹⁵ They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” ¹⁶ So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

Footnotes

1. John 18:28 Greek the praetorium
2. John 18:40 Or an insurrectionist
3. John 19:7 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 12, 14, 31, 38
4. John 19:13 Or Hebrew; also verses 17, 20
5. John 19:14 That is, about noon

Hiding God’s word in our hearts means we will be aware of sin (described as missing the mark of God’s righteousness). My mom taught me early on, the importance of faith in One who truly can save us from sin. #GodsSon

No one who has walked on the earth is without sin (except our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ). Purity is something to strive for, however, on this road called life.

Guarding us on our way, God provides His word. Storing the Bible up in our hearts means spending ample time reading, meditating and even memorizing it.

Only then can we understand the meaning of Christ’s life, death, burial and resurrection. It was foreshadowed in the Old Testament. It was recounted, historically, in all four gospels. It was explained theologically through the letters to the early church written by the Apostle Paul.

To be right (achieving righteousness) with God means we have believed (or put our faith in) His Word to us. Even the Greek description of Christ (the Logos), literally means “the Word”! (John 1)

According to the BibleHub.com “John begins and ends with the λόγος: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1); “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Here the term identifies the pre-existent Son, active in creation, revelation, and redemption. Abiding in His word proves genuine discipleship (John 8:31) and grants cleansing (John 15:3). Rejecting that word brings judgment: “The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48).”

Lord, may we receive your word with great joy, knowing this good news of salvation came for us because of your love for the whole world. (John 3:16) ❤️

There is hope for a sin-tainted world. Hope of purity, hope of light and ultimately hope of being “born again” (with new life), as part of God’s family. -Teresa

Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV)

Beth

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
¹² Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes!
¹³ With my lips I declare
    all the rules^[c] of your mouth.
¹⁴ In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
¹⁵ I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter
2. Psalm 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
3. Psalm 119:13 Or all the just decrees

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

John 1:1-13 (ESV) (bold added for emphasis)

The Word Became Flesh

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

[9] The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. [11] He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

At times the light is not shining from the light fixture up above. Instead, it’s shining from our hearts. Enter…the Holy Spirit.

This previous post hit anew today. Enjoy! And…shine as you run into His glorious presence. -Teresa

https://myreconnection.org/2020/08/29/glory-to-glory/

There was no question that the little ducks believed that we had some bread for them. They came right up to me- loudly quacking, believing I was there just for them.

How much better would our day be if we trusted God for our daily bread?

Unfortunately, misplaced trust in ourselves leads to the fear of mankind. (Or fear of those who have power over fearful people).

What a lesson can be learned through the passages below. First, through David’s example and success. Second, through the words of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Lastly, in the lesson of the Psalmist (fear of God results in a “steady” or faith-filled heart).

Because Jesus entrusted himself to the Father’s will, He was highly exalted. Yes, even Abraham was visited by him (as the angel of the Lord, aka pre-incarnate appearance of Christ). Jesus is God’s Son.

Overall, I’ve been pondering fear vs. faith this week. I know that I tend to be more fearful when my eyes are on the world around me and the chaos that is used at times to cover up the truth.

If I can put it back into perspective, believing the truth of God’s greatness…then, faith will keep me steady.

We may be required to complete difficult tasks as we care for our loved ones (especially those who are vulnerable). Father, help us to be faith-filled and steady and not fearful.

I trust you, Lord. -Teresa

I Samuel 18: 12-16, 26-29; 19:20-24 (ESV)

¹² Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. ¹³ So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. ¹⁴ And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. ¹⁵ And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.¹⁶ But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.

…. ²⁶ And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired,²⁷ David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. ²⁸ But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, ²⁹ Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.

…²⁰ Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. ²¹ When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. ²² Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” ²³ And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. ²⁴ And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

John 8:52-59 (ESV)

Footnotes

⁵² The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” ⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’^[b] 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” ⁵⁷ So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”^[c] 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” ⁵⁹ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.Read full chapter

1. John 8:34 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 35
2. John 8:54 Some manuscripts your God
3. John 8:57 Some manuscripts has Abraham seen you?

Psalm 112:1-10 (ESV)

The Righteous Will Never Be Moved

112 ^[a] Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!
² His offspring will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in his house,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
⁵ It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
    who conducts his affairs with justice.
⁶ For the righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
⁷ He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
⁸ His heart is steady;^[b] he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
⁹ He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.
¹⁰ The wicked man sees it and is angry;
    he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
    the desire of the wicked will perish!Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 112:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
2. Psalm 112:8 Or established (compare 111:8)

There are times when we can’t be sure how the needs around us will be met.

Rest assured, God has a plan even when we don’t!

Philip was being tested but Andrew had the correct answer.

Jesus showed them how to bring about the miracle (everyone’s needs are met) by first ensuring crowd control (everyone sit down). He then gave thanks, knowing His Father in Heaven had blessed them with provision -their daily bread.

By putting others first, the disciples saw firsthand the miracle that occurred and their own needs met (12 baskets of leftovers). #5000+fed

In today’s world, where AI is helping meet the needs, our spiritual hunger may be even more apparent for something heartfelt.

God has a plan and is able to provide. It may be as simple as everyone sitting down together. #community

Authentic community resources appear meager but when offered up willingly, they are ready to be blessed with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6,7). The night watchman of “PEACE” guards all who come to God in faith. #ChristJesus

Lord, may we not squander the lessons you provide daily, meeting our simplest needs. Only then will we look to you for peace as well. -Teresa #gratitude

John 6:1-15 English Standard Version

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. ² And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. ³ Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. ⁴ Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.⁵ Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” ⁶ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.⁷ Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii^[a]worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” ⁸ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,⁹ “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” ¹³ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. ¹⁴ When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

¹⁵ Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In order to have a religious celebration, such as the Passover, the Jews made many preparations. They failed to recognize the prophecy Jesus spoke about himself, their Messiah (quoted from Psalm 69:9).

Matthew Henry’s commentary on this Psalm gives an explanation of the “sign” Jesus spoke about re: His body, being given and raised up for the salvation of the entire world (not only the Jews):

“David complains of great distress. (1-12) And begs for succour. (13-21) He declares the judgments of God. (22-29) He concludes with joy and praise. (30-36) Verses 1-12 We should frequently consider the person of the Sufferer here spoken of, and ask why, as well as what he suffered, that, meditating thereon, we may be more humbled for sin, and more convinced of our danger, so that we may feel more gratitude and love, constraining us to live to His glory who died for our salvation. Hence we learn, when in affliction, to commit the keeping of our souls to God, that we may not be soured with discontent, or sink into despair…”

“If men will sin, the Lord will reckon for it. But those that have multiplied to sin, may yet find mercy, through the righteousness of the Mediator. God shuts not out any from that righteousness; the gospel excludes none who do not, by unbelief, shut themselves out. But those who are proud and self-willed, so that they will not come in to God’s righteousness, shall have their doom accordingly; they themselves decide it. Let those not expect any benefit thereby, who are not glad to be beholden to it. It is better to be poor and sorrowful, with the blessing of the Lord, than rich and jovial, and under his curse. This may be applied to Christ. He was, when on earth, a man of sorrows that had not where to lay his head; but God exalted him. Let us call upon the Lord, and though poor and sorrowful, guilty and defiled, his salvation will set us up on high.”

Thankfully, the disciples recognized Jesus’ prophetic reference and the sign that He gave. They spread the gospel throughout the entire Roman world of that day. No wonder they are seen as those who turned the world “upside down”.

Watching the ascension of Jesus into the heavens, they were more than convinced that He would return someday to bring believers safely home to His Father’s house. -Teresa #trustHim #Hemakesallthingsnew

John 2:13-25 (ESV)

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

¹³ The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. ¹⁵ And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

¹⁸ So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” ¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ²⁰ The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple,^[c] and will you raise it up in three days?”²¹ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. ²² When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Jesus Knows What Is in Man

²³ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. ²⁴ But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people ²⁵ and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. John 2:6 Greek two or three measures(metrētas); a metrētēs was about 10 gallons or 35 liters
2. John 2:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
3. John 2:20 Or This temple was built forty-six years ago

Psalm 69:9 ESV

[9] For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.