David was not ruling as king yet. Instead he endured an extended time of being on the run.
Saul’s obsessive jealousy (after the Holy Spirit had left him) was aimed at David- because the prophet, Samuel, said the kingdom would be torn from Saul’s house (who was from the tribe of Benjamin). In reality, the anointing was poured out on David because of Saul’s disobedience.
David (from the tribes of Judah Isaiah 11:1) was eventually joined by those under the Spirit’s control. You will notice Amasai’s words in the passage below… “for your God is the One who helps you.” What a beautiful picture of David’s rise to power supported by a Levite (BibleHub.com) who served in the tabernacle.
The Holy Spirit always gives glory to God the Father. Those who operate under the Spirit’s control are sure to do the same.
David discerned their intentions (those who came from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah) as friends. They exemplified peace by expressing their loyalty to God first and David second.
Lord, help us discern those whose hearts are willing to honor you above all else. May your Holy Spirit guide us into all truth. -Teresa
Chronicles12:16-18 (NLT)
16 Others from Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold. 17 David went out to meet them and said, “If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you.”
18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said,
“We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you.”
So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops.
John 16:12-15 (ESV) (parenthetical added)
[12] “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. [14] He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [15] All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (Jesus)
Happy 4th of July! This is a special year celebrating the USA’s 250th celebration.
I remember being in the bicentennial year parade, riding on a specially decorated float for CCI (my dad’s workplace). Those who participated were young, but dressed as though living two hundred years before.
Through an article, for Claremont Review of Books by Christopher Flannery, Ph.D. that is titled, “How to Think about the American Revolution,” I considered the subject in George Washington’s inaugural address re: our inalienable right, “the pursuit of happiness.” And I quote, “that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indisoluble union between virtue and happiness.”
Although the Bible passage below does not necessarily illustrate virtue or happiness it does make a point- that people are fallible.
In order to experience God’s blessing there must be truth (virtue) and joy (not necessarily happiness but something better- a relationship with God).
The Jews felt that Paul (a fellow Jew) should not be allowed to live because he was preaching about the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (whom the religious leaders had rejected as Messiah).
Because of Paul’s testimony, that God was sending him to the Gentiles, they were ready to kill him. In other words, they were not willing to accept the fact that any other people group could be considered “chosen by God.”
The good news of the gospel reveals God’s heart for the whole world. It was prophesied in the Old Testament scripture and made clear through the followers of “the way” in the New Testament churches.
We may consider our man-made “right” to the pursuit of happiness in America but in Christ, all believers have something better. We have God’s truth given to the whole world on how to be made “right” with our Heavenly Father.
It was Paul’s joy and affection, to care for the new Gentile believers/churches throughout Asia Minor in his day (modern day Turkey).
Do we also have a heart for the world, like Paul, to bring God’s truth to others? It’s not easy, because no one is perfect (like Jesus). Even Paul, when corrected about the high priest, was humble enough to admit the truth of Scripture.
When Paul was converted, he was reminded how much he would suffer for Christ (as he caused believers to suffer as a former persecutor of the church.)
What has Christ Jesus delivered you from? Are you willing to be a conduit of blessing to others by living this gospel message day in and day out?
It may not be glamorous (as in a TikTok short), but it would look authentic. Ask Him today how you can be a blessing to others. -Teresa
Acts 22:17-30, 23:1-10 (ESV)
17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips,[a] Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.”29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Paul Before the Council
30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
23 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?”5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
Footnotes
Acts 22:25 Or when they had tied him up with leather strips
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
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
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
Psalm 138:2 Or you have exalted your word above all your name
Psalm 138:3 Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength
Beautiful sunrise this morning, then came the heat!
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
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
Getting ready for our 44th wedding anniversary date
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.
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
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.
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
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
Psalm 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
[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.
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
John 8:34 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 35
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
Psalm 112:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
Reconnection 