Refreshing rain reminds me of the showers of blessing which quench our thirst during laborious days on the earth. Remembering His love -expressed to us in miraculous and very personal ways-is an important way for us to more easily pass it on to our families (the reason for our hope)! He has a loyal, steadfast love for us that is often masked by the pressures of earthly life. During Christmas, spending time in worship of Our Lord, let’s rediscover the showers of blessing that have satiated our thirsty lives? – Teresa #passiton #itonlytakesaspark #hopeflowsfromHim #takemebacktofirstlove

Psalm 143: 5-10 ((ESV)

5

I remember the days of old;

    I meditate on all that you have done;

    I ponder the work of your hands.

6 

I stretch out my hands to you;

    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 

Answer me quickly, O Lord!

    My spirit fails!

Hide not your face from me,

    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.

8 

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

    for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!

    I have fled to you for refuge.[a]

10 

Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God!

Let your good Spirit lead me

    on level ground!

At Calvary Baptist Church, (where I attended as early as a baby in the nursery), we were blessed by many powerful sermons from pastors and missionaries. One Sunday, Ben Bertell spoke on this passage and promptly sang a song straight from the scripture (v. 17). His deep bass voice resonated joyfully as the teenagers (including myself), self- consciously smiled at each other but willingly sang along. His parents attended our church and when I was just 7 or 8 years old, they made a wooden cradle with a doll plus a handmade mattress, clothing and blankets to present to me. It was totally unexpected and secretly loved. All of us who were brought up to love God in that church had joy because it was the safety of this small community that gave us courage to spread our wings later into the world at large. Reading this passage again today reminded me of that beautiful Sunday. – Teresa #loudjoyfulsinging #Hislove

Zephaniah 1:14-17 (ESV)

Israel’s Joy and Restoration

14 

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;

    shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

    O daughter of Jerusalem!

15 

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;

    he has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

    you shall never again fear evil.

16 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“Fear not, O Zion;

    let not your hands grow weak.

17 

The Lord your God is in your midst,

    a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

    he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

If all the holiday activities have left you weary and worn out, then look at the words of wisdom in Proverbs 30. There is One who ascended to heaven to atone for us by the healing of our sin sickness. He come down to earth to create a new and living way. Jesus Christ the Lord has been named both Savior and Lord. God’s word is true and records the historical significance of this earth-shattering event. – Teresa #hecamefromheaventoearth #mydebtopay

Proverbs 30:1-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Words of Agur

30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.[a]

The man declares, I am weary, O God;

    I am weary, O God, and worn out.[b]

2 

Surely I am too stupid to be a man.

    I have not the understanding of a man.

3 

I have not learned wisdom,

    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

4 

Who has ascended to heaven and come down?

    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?

Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?

    Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and what is his son’s name?

    Surely you know!

5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. – Proverbs 30:1-6

Footnotes:

a Proverbs 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa

b Proverbs 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal

Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:19-23

Listening to “Waymaker” by Leeland, I was amazed to think of all the ways that Jesus’ healing touch has found so many. Not just for those of us celebrating during this season but He touches internationally every tribe, nation, tongue for eternity. Has He done a miracle for you? Then, worship Him. Do you need a miracle? Then, ask Him to help you understand the height, depth and breadth of His love for you. You will surely be touched with joy! – Teresa

John 15:13 (ESV)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

A few things we truly need, such as food and shelter. So many other things (once owned) become anchors, tying us down. Do they really own us and our time? Freedom exists in being content with little or much, realizing that either situation is a gift from God. More importantly, when I love the Father, I will do His will. This means first, loving Him above all else and then loving others as myself! How much time this holiday season will we spend desiring the world system- proud of our possessions? – Teresa #Godislove #IJohn4:16 #eternaltreasure

I John 2:15-17 (ESV)

Do Not Love the World

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[c]—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Footnotes:

a 1 John 2:8 Or that

b 1 John 2:10 Or it

c 1 John 2:16 Or pride in possessions

English Standard Version (ESV)