On every side of our cracked soul we may face opposition and feel a death sentence pronounced, but in our heart of hearts Jesus Christ is exalted as Lord. This place of worship is the essence of trust. By exercising our faith each day, we are strengthened in His resolve to bring life into a dead world. – Teresa #dyingtoself

2 Cor 4: 7-12 (ESV)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

The Rubicon Point Lighthouse was built in 1919. The lamp it contained was a 70 candle powered flashing light. This navigational light could be seen for 7 miles (the highest fresh water lighthouse in the world, used for navigation). When Job was considering death, he stated a simple truth that helped him navigate the “wisdom” thrown at him from worldly friends. We are naked before God at our birth and at our death. It is only His redemption plan that gives us the courage to draw near to Him. Is it Job’s goodness or God’s mercy that decided his fate? Job saw himself as naked before this merciful redeemer.- Teresa #myRedeemerlives

 Job 19:25-29 (ESV)

For I know that my Redeemer lives,

    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.[e]

26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,

    yet in[f] my flesh I shall see God,

27 whom I shall see for myself,

    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.

    My heart faints within me!

28 If you say, ‘How we will pursue him!’

    and, ‘The root of the matter is found in him,’

29 be afraid of the sword,

    for wrath brings the punishment of the sword,

    that you may know there is a judgment.”

Listening to Dr. Eckman last night, I loved his illustration about what to do when the vortex of moods and negative emotions suck us down… at any time we can push the button for the elevator! As believers in Christ, we no longer have to be in a downward spiral. He provides a way of escape. As the elevator moves back up and we walk off, the Father is there to greet us and to invite us to talk with Him. Honesty is the highest form of compliment you can give a dad (not perfection). – Teresa

 I Cotinthians 10: 13 (ESV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

For a fish, it will strike when it’s hungry. With a soul, we will respond when the Spirit draws us by the power of God. Paul, himself, did not work on polishing his eloquence when he preached-although he had a prestigious academic background. Instead, he recognized the purpose for which the Lord Jesus Christ had prepared him- to share an Olympic crown that will last (1 Cor 9:25). The gospel’s power was captured then and now through the use of every day language.- Teresa #vernacular

 1 Corinthians 1: 17 (ESV)

 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.